CH 170

Episode 170 – Dungeon Discussion

Pulling me along just like that, the reporter took me to a cafe near the Dungeon branch of the Adventurer’s Guild.

I’m still not really sure what’s going on here, but I guess he did save me from those swarming reporters, right?

The waitress led us to a private room, and I took a seat across from the reporter from the Laudungeon Company. After the reporter guy ordered something from the waitress, he folded his hands on the table and looked at me.

“Hehe. Sorry for bringing you out here so suddenly like this. You looked like you were in a pinch, so I took you here.” (Reporter)

“No, no. I really was in a bit of a bind, so it was nice of you to get me out of there. So… what was the reason that I was surrounded like that?” (Lewin)

“Well, before that, let me introduce myself. I’m Tobias, and, as you know from our conversation yesterday, I’m a reporter at the Laudungeon Company. What’s your name, boy?”

After taking a sip of the water the waitress brought, Tobias began to respond to the question I asked.

“The reason you were surrounded was simply because you were deemed to be eye-catching, Lewin. Are you aware that the inside of the Dungeon is being projected to the outside in real time?” (Tobias)

“Yes, of course I know that. Yesterday, I spent half of the entire day watching it, after all.” (Lewin)

“So you do know. We reporters are basically glued to those Dungeon monitors 24 hours a day, always gathering information about the Dungeon. And so, the reporters who saw your fights came up to you for an interview.” (Tobias)

…..I see. I could understand why I was surrounded by the reporters, but I still kind of doubted whether what I did was something worth interviewing me for. I could certainly take pride in the fact that I was stronger than many adventurers around here, but in the projections, I saw many people clearing the Dungeon who were even stronger than I was. After all, even though I was solo-clearing, I was still having a hard time on the shallow layers of the Dungeon. I was well aware that there were many people who were better than me when it came to Dungeon-clearing strategies.

“…But I was only able to clear up to the 2nd layer, right? Among the adventurers who are clearing the Dungeon, there are definitely plenty of people who are better than me, aren’t there?” (Lewin)

“That’s the way it is. If we were able to sell a news story about you, all the Dungeon enthusiasts would go crazy for it. That’s why all the reporters were lying in wait for you at the entrance of the Dungeon.” (Tobias)

“I see. Thanks for the simple explanation. At any rate, I get why I was surrounded now. I guess I have to keep in mind that every time I go down to the Dungeon, someone is always watching me.” (Lewin)

“That’s right. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that the content related to the Dungeon of Landaust is one of the few things that really drives the economy of this city, which is said to be among the top five largest cities in the whole world. As you can see from the huge crowd in front of the monitors, there are a lot of people watching, not just reporters like me. You’d better be mindful of every action you make.” (Tobias)

Tobias’s pleasant expression became serious as he cautioned me at the end. As was the case in the dining hall yesterday, the information that Tobias provided me had helped me out in many ways.

“Thank you for your advice. I appreciate the information you gave me yesterday, as well as the book you recommended to me, ‘The Dungeon of Landaust in One Book’, which was very helpful.” (Lewin)

Over the cup of tea that was brought to our table, Tobias and I began an engaging discussion about the Dungeon. It was a complete change from yesterday, since he was generously providing me information without holding anything back. I was so engrossed in the conversation that I felt like I could keep talking to him for two days straight.

Eventually, it seemed that our time ran out, as Tobias lightly tapped on the desk after checking the time.

“It’s already this late? I’m sorry to have taken up so much of your time with my blabbering.” (Tobias)

“Not at all! I’ve heard a lot of valuable and informative things from you, so thank you for taking the time to talk to me.” (Lewin)

“I’m glad you think so. Well, that’s it for today, so let’s get going.” (Tobias)

Tobias kindly offered to pay for my tea, and we left the coffee shop.

After leaving the Dungeon, I had gotten so absorbed in the Dungeon discussion with Tobias, and it was already getting dark outside.

A fulfilling day really seems to fly by, doesn’t it?

“Alright, I’m heading out now. Next time, I’ll come see you as a reporter. At that time, please let me write an article about you for the Laudungeon Newspaper.” (Tobias)

“Yes, of course. If you really don’t mind writing an article about someone like me, I’ll allow it… As long as you promise not to write anything weird, that is!” (Lewin)

“I can promise you that. Good luck on your Dungeon-clearing attempts, and don’t die, Lewin. See ya later.” (Tobias)

“Thanks. I’ll be continuing my clearing attempts in a way so that I don’t die… and in as inconspicuous of a manner as possible for one individual to manage.” (Lewin)

“Hehe. That’s the way.” (Tobias)

In front of the cafe, I parted ways with Tobias, who had helped save me from the swarm of reporters. I wasn’t sure why Tobias was being so good to me, but one day I wanted to repay him for all the help he’d given me so far.