Published: January 22, 2026
The headache had persisted for a while, but by trying not to dwell on what Gary had told me, I finally recovered enough to move around.
I retrieved the Schwarzhase and, after breaking off a single branch from the only remaining shrub here, I returned to the entrance of the dungeon.
If the dungeon's functions were still active, I could have used the crystals at each floor’s entrance to move around, but this dungeon could only be ascended on foot to the entrance.
When I got back to the entrance, the Guild Master emerged from the building where the Seeker's Guild staff wait.
"Good work, Orun-kun. Did you manage to capture the mastermind?"
"No, sorry. I wasn’t able to catch him."
"...I see. If even you couldn't capture him, then something serious must have happened. The result is unfortunate, but let’s just accept it for now."
I couldn’t tell what the Guild Master was thinking, but he didn’t blame me for failing to capture the mastermind — Gary.
"Guild Master, may I ask—has anyone else entered or exited this dungeon since I went in?"
"No, no one but you has entered or exited this dungeon."
"I see."
"So, Orun-kun, will you return to Tsutolairu as is?"
"Yes. I’ll make a slight detour, but I plan to be back in Tsutolairu by evening."
"Good. I’ll send an official notice later, but let me tell you now: all members of the S-rank party ‘silver rabbits of the night sky’ are to come to the Seeker’s Guild at 8 PM today."
"All members, you say?"
"Yes, someone has an important matter to discuss. Sorry, but this is an order. So make sure you’re back by tonight."
Since the entire first squad was summoned, the person wanting to talk is probably her.
In that case, the content is likely—
"...Understood."
"Then I’ll head back to Tsutolairu ahead of you. I believe you understand, but regarding this incident, you cleared the dungeon where the flood occurred purely on my request. Nothing more and nothing less. Got it?"
"Yes, I understand."
◇
After parting from the Guild Master, I headed to where the giant skeleton had appeared to meet up with Oliver.
There was something I needed to ask him.
As I approached, a huge pile of bones had formed just like when we had defeated the skeleton earlier.
Then I saw Oliver in my line of sight, and facing him were Selma and the other members of the first squad.
The atmosphere was tense, with Selma shouting angrily at Oliver:
"Where is Orun, armored explorer!? Depending on your answer, you won’t get off lightly!"
Now that I think about it, when I asked the people of ‘jade gale’ to go to Tsutolairu, I had requested Selma to deliver a message.
They must have rushed here immediately after hearing that message.
"Ms. Selma, I’m here."
I called out to her as I quickly ran over to them.
"Orun!? Thank goodness, you’re safe!"
"Where did you go? Geez!"
"Damn, you really made us worry."
"But really, I’m glad you’re okay."
Selma and the others let out sighs of relief upon seeing me.
"Sorry. I left the armored explorers here and headed to the dungeon where the flood happened."
"I see. We couldn’t locate you even with telepathy, so we were worried. —Armored explorer, sorry for doubting you earlier."
Selma, now understanding why I wasn’t here, bowed to Oliver, and Will and the others followed suit.
Oliver shook his head as if to say he wasn’t bothered.
Then, whispering sadly, "You have good comrades," he turned his back and headed somewhere.
Judging by the direction, not back to Tsutolairu, but perhaps to Falira Village?
I actually had a lot of questions for Oliver, but I hesitated to reveal the armored explorer’s true identity to Selma and the others, and the Guild Master had told me to be back in Tsutolairu by night.
Well, I guess I’ll visit Oliver soon enough.
"Sorry for making you worry. I’m really happy you came so quickly."
"Of course! Still, it’s surprising that a demonic beast comparable to the deep-layer floor boss appeared above ground, and that the armored explorer defeated it alone. I knew he was strong from solo exploring the lower layers, but that strong?"