Published: January 22, 2026
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“Orun, sorry to bother you all of a sudden. Are you okay right now?”
On the way back from Grandpa’s shop to the clan headquarters, I was suddenly contacted telepathically by Ms. Selma.
I couldn’t help but smile wryly at the unfamiliar sensation of a voice suddenly echoing inside my head outside of the dungeon, and I responded to Ms. Selma.
“Yeah, I’m fine. Did something happen?”
“Thank you. Are you outside the headquarters right now?”
“I went out because there was somewhere I wanted to go. I’m heading back now, so I’ll be at the headquarters in time for the evening meeting.”
“I see. The leader is calling for you and me. When you get back, I want you to come to the leader’s office with me. Is that okay?”
Ms. Selma’s message was a summons from the leader.
There shouldn’t have been any reason to talk to the leader soon, but judging from the fact that Ms. Selma was the one asking me, it must be something quite urgent.
“Understood. Have you heard what it’s about?”
“No, I haven’t been told the details yet. This is just my guess, but I heard earlier that the leader had a visitor, so I think it’s related to that.”
A visitor for the leader?
If the leader was personally attending to the visitor, it’s highly likely this person is a high-ranking noble or someone of comparable importance. But what business would such a person have with me?
Ms. Selma is the daughter of a high-ranking noble, so it makes sense for her, but I’m just a commoner.
So, if it’s us explorers they want, then...
“I have a bad feeling about this...”
“I agree. Even the members aren’t told who the leader’s visitor is. It’s almost certainly someone very influential.”
“Got it for now. I’ll hurry back. If we keep them waiting too long, it might leave a bad impression.”
“Please do. I’m in the lobby lounge. Let’s meet there.”
“Roger that.”
â—‡
After finishing the telepathic conversation with Ms. Selma, I hurried toward the headquarters, met up with her, and we headed to the leader’s office together.
When we arrived at the leader’s office, Ms. Selma knocked on the door and informed the leader inside that we had arrived.
We were told to come in, so I opened the door and followed Ms. Selma inside.
Upon entering, I saw the leader and a tall, muscular man.
The clothes the man wore were clearly high quality but designed to allow for easy movement.
He looked to be in his mid-forties.
Not exactly young.
But his presence and aura clearly spoke of someone exceptional.
(This guy is seriously strong. He’s on par with the armored explorer I met earlier... Who could he be?)
As I thought this, Ms. Selma next to me also took a deep breath after seeing the middle-aged man.
But her surprise wasn’t just due to his imposing presence—it was more like she was stunned by something unbelievable.
From her reaction, it’s certain that he’s a high-ranking noble.
I know noble names, but I don’t know many personally, so I couldn’t identify him just from his face. Ms. Selma, however, probably knows many nobles by sight.
If I heard his name, I’d likely recognize it, but from his aura, I’m sure he’s military.
Could he be a commander of the Central Army’s 1st to 3rd divisions?
I know the commander of the 4th division, Captain Lester, so it’s not him.
“Selma-chan, it’s been a while! You’ve gotten even more beautiful since we last met!”
The middle-aged man greeted Ms. Selma with a friendly smile.
As expected, these two knew each other.
“I’m honored, Lord Warren.”
Ms. Selma answered nervously, but there was a hint of happiness in her voice.
(I rarely see Ms. Selma like this... Wait, Warren?!)
I was surprised at her nervousness, but the moment I learned the man’s name, a shock ran through me.
There’s only one Warren I know.
Warren Hayes.
About twenty years ago, when he was an explorer, his party reached the 93rd layer, which no one had ever reached before. Because of this, he was called a "hero."
His party—“Golden Resonance”—was said to be on a completely different level from others, and they were even expected to conquer the Great Labyrinth, which was thought impossible.