CH 185

Episode 185 – An Unexpected Visitor

Author’s Note: This chapter is from Ahmed’s POV.

“Phew. We finally made it back to the 1st layer.” (Smash)

“Man… this time felt really long. We were cutting it so close on food provisions that I was scared that we’d run out!” (Dion)

“For real! Eliza said we were gonna turn back at the 25th layer, but we ended up forcing our way down to the 33rd level. Give us a break! We almost died last time due to a lack of food as well.” (Smash)

…..Tch. They just keep rambling on and on! So annoying.

On the deepest level we reached this time, we found a silver treasure chest. Our food supplies lasted until the end, so who even cares? For a guy, he sure sweats over the small details a lot.

“Everything worked out in the end, so it’s fine! I was in such a good mood too, and you’ve just been raining all over my parade. And Smash… You bastard, how many times do I have to tell you not to call me by that name for you to get it through your thick skull? You piece of sh*t!” (Ahmed)

The two of them had put a damper on my mood, but it didn’t change the fact that I felt good. Unlike the outside, the inside of the Dungeon didn’t have any sh*tty restrictions. It was a world where only strength prevailed.

I came to Landaust as a way of escaping from the royal capital, which somehow had even more restrictions than Grezesta, but the environment ended up being more suited for me than I expected.

―Now if only these two wet blanket dudes weren’t here… No, that’s going too far.

Lost in my unnecessary thoughts as I distractedly caressed the hair tie that was binding my hair, I regained my composure and headed out of the Dungeon.

While inside the Dungeon, I hadn’t been sure as to exactly how much time had passed, but I was guessing it had probably been several weeks since I had last been outside. Even though the Dungeon was comfortable to me, the light of the sun was still something special. And since we had been rationing our food supplies, all I wanted was to stuff my stomach to the brim right this moment.

Excited to satisfy my desires, I reached the exit of the Dungeon with Smash and Dion in tow.

“We finally made it out. I’m sick and tired of the Dungeon.” (Smash)

…Still complaining? These guys complained every time we went down a layer, but to think they would keep complaining even after they left the Dungeon…

“Tch, you guys are a sloppy mess! You can’t give up in the face of hardship!” (Ahmed)

“We’ve been in the Dungeon for a week. It’d be strange to not want to throw in the towel at this point.” (Smash)

“I agree with Smash. I’m so exhausted. I don’t get how you’ve still got so much energy, Ahmed-san.” (Dion)

“That’s because you guys are just a bunch of good-for-nothings!” (Ahmed)

As I was complaining about the two complainers, someone suddenly approached from the side and stood directly in my path.

It’s probably one of those reporters or one of those annoying people who declare themselves our fans.

I huffily turned my gaze to the person barring our path and began to glare at them. The person that stood there was someone that I recognized.

“….It’s been a while, Ahmed-san. Also, long time no see, Dion-san and Smash-san.”

As if to confirm my memories, the person greeted us. The way he looked, the way he sounded, the way he talked, all of it― I knew it was Lewin.

I was so stunned by the appearance of the unexpected person that my thoughts froze up and my jaw dropped. I quickly tried to conduct myself, forcing myself to act normally so that Lewin wouldn’t notice my thoughts, but… my body wouldn’t move at all, as if it no longer belonged to me.

“……Eh? Are you Lewin? Ooohh! Dion, it’s the real Lewin!” (Smash)

“….What a surprise. It’s really Lewin-kun! It’s been a while. Have you been well?” (Dion)

“It’s been so long! Yes, I’ve been great!” (Lewin)

As I was frozen, unable to utter even a single word, Smash and Dion, who were behind me, responded to Lewin. In front of me, Lewin broke out into a wide smile upon hearing their reply. I wanted to say something to him, but… I couldn’t. No words were coming to mind at all.

If I stayed here any longer, his entire impression of me would collapse. I was suddenly assailed with such an inexplicable sense of dread that I almost unconsciously ran away from Lewin on sight. I didn’t know if he had perceived what had been going on in my mind or something, but he suddenly came closer to me with an innocent expression on his face.

“U-um… Ahmed-san―” (Lewin)

“M-my bad, I just r-remembered I had something to do! See ya!” I blurted out the moment Lewin stepped closer to me. I strongly felt that I shouldn’t be here, so I managed to put together some words before trying to flee the scene.

There was a chance that Lewin’s impression of me might change due to my sudden, unnatural escape, but if I continued to stay here, I think it would have gotten even worse. While trying to justify myself, I fled to the inn where I was staying in Landaust before finally being able to calm down.

I was happy to see Lewin again after so long, but I felt intensely embarrassed about the way I had conducted myself in front of him. But there was no point in dwelling on the past, I guess.

How did he get to Landaust? More importantly, why is he in Landaust? Also, what has he been doing in the past year? And how does he feel about me not going back to see him?

I had a lot of questions I wanted to ask Lewin, but I didn’t want to talk to him for now. Rather… I couldn’t talk to him because I didn’t want my head to go blank again…

Back in the inn, I collapsed onto the futon, letting out a deep sigh as I closed my eyes. For now, I should make my preparations, and tomorrow, I’ll escape to the Dungeon so that Lewin can’t follow me.

Making up my course of action, my eyes stayed shut as I recollected my composure. Eventually, the fatigue began to take its toll, and I drifted off to sleep.