Chapter 41: The Forgotten Dungeon [1]

Max's POV:

"Why are you here?"

Kamian's voice carried a wary edge, his eyes narrowed in suspicion.

His expression was off-putting to anyone who saw it. It seemed clear that he really hated me.

I figured it would be like that since it was something I already knew.

"Why? On the contrary, I want to ask you something. I'm a person who climbs this mountain almost every day."

It was true.

This was a place I commuted to and from every day to learn archery from Hiresia. But he won't believe that.

It honestly didn't make sense that I, known as a problem child, would climb a mountain every day instead of going to the entertainment district.

"Speak with sense."

Kamian's frown deepened. My words probably sounded like mockery.

Whatever.

That was how I felt, but I couldn't end the conversation here. It wasn't time yet.

I took out Marcus Bow as if it were nothing. To others, it might just look like a shabby bone bow.

But it was undoubtedly a weapon.

"Eek."

Annette took a few steps back with a frightened groan. Even though he was the protagonist's strong supporter and childhood friend, he was still just a first-year student with little practical experience.

The main character, Kamian, was also still immature. He seemed to be standing firm and glaring at me, but I could feel the tension behind his expression.

...Hey, hey. They shouldn't be so nervous around someone like Max. Even though he's a first-year student, you're still the main character.

"Was that your goal after all?"

Kamian's speech had become shorter. I understood. If there was a misunderstanding, it was possible.

"What is the purpose?"

I shrugged my shoulders, took out an arrow, and aimed it at the target.

"Se-Senior. What are you doing? You can't do that!"

Annette tried to stop me urgently.

"Come at me as much as you want!"

Sling—!

Kamian drew his sword and entered a fighting stance.

I ignored them and turned the bowstring to the side.

And then.

The bowstring was laid down.

Wedge!

An arrow flew through the air.

The arrow soon hit somewhere.

Phew!

"Agghhhh!"

The scream of a little boar.

Everyone's eyes turned towards it.

Why me?

Because it was amazing.

"Gyaaaaaaah!"

Eventually, they disappeared completely, screaming and vanishing from sight.

Almost at the same time, a message appeared before my eyes.

[A hidden quest has occurred.]

[—You have discovered that the dungeon of Mount Harkin, forgotten over time, has been resurfaced by an earthquake. This dungeon was created by monsters drawn to the energy of the artifacts left behind by the ancients. Those monsters still roam the dungeon, thirsting for blood and flesh. Of course, the artifacts left behind by the ancients are still there.

Will you risk your life and dive into the dungeon to get the artifact, or will you prioritize safety and just leave? It's your choice.]

"Isn't that obvious?"

I chuckled and leapt into the dungeon without hesitation.

* * *

"Ugh."

Kamian raised his aching body.

He had desperately tried to throw himself down before he hit the ground, but he couldn't completely cushion the impact, causing his bones and muscles to scream in pain.

The only good thing was that it wasn't high enough for a fall to kill instantly.

But...

"Annette!"

He looked around with anxious eyes, worried about the safety of his friend who was with him.

"... Over here."

Kamian felt a weak wave of energy from the other side and ran towards it without hesitation. He found Annette buried under a pile of fallen dirt and trees. Kamian quickly pulled her out.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I think I'm okay."

It was a weak but normal voice, which was fortunate. It seemed that the piles of dirt and trees had acted as cushions to absorb the shock, allowing her to escape without any major problems.

"By the way, where is this...?"

Annette looked around with a confused expression.

"I don't know. One thing is for sure—it's underground." Kamian answered, looking up at the empty space above them.

"Did an earthquake suddenly occur?"

"Maybe not."

If it wasn't an earthquake, there would be no reason for the ground to collapse so suddenly.

"I have to go back..." Annette said, looking up with worried eyes.

Kamian looked thoughtful for a moment, then spoke.

"It seems impossible to go up."

The surface seemed so far away. No matter how he looked at it, climbing up without any tools was impossible.

"Well, then..." Annette's eyes shook uneasily. Kamian, sensing her fear, tried to stay calm.

"Don't worry too much. That human must have seen us fall. If he had the presence of mind, he would have called someone."

"Oh, right. That senior was there, right?"

Annette's expression brightened slightly as she remembered Max's presence.

Although he was a senior she was reluctant to meet, he was the most reliable person they could think of at the moment.

"Then if we wait here..."

"Hey, are you okay?"

Annette's words were interrupted by a voice from behind them. Not only did it cut off her words, but it also cut off the small spark of hope they had.

Now what are they going to do?