Published: January 22, 2026
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The next morning, having finished preparing for the dungeon conquest, I met up with Fuuka and Mr. Haruto, and together we stepped into the target dungeon.
Inside, the dungeon felt like a typical cave.
"…Mr. Haruto, did you see that (・・・・・)?"
After entering the dungeon and sensing the familiar atmosphere, I asked Mr. Haruto.
"Heh, Orun, you noticed it too?"
Mr. Haruto let out a voice of admiration.
"If someone is staring at us with that much malice, of course I notice."
As we approached the dungeon, I strongly felt the gaze characteristic of when malevolent feelings are present.
However, rather than attacking immediately, it felt more like they were observing us, so I decided to pretend not to notice and cautiously enter the dungeon to avoid provoking them.
It was also a big help that we had a comrade with bird's-eye vision, who could perceive the entire surrounding area visually.
And since Mr. Haruto likely also noticed the malicious gaze and used his supernatural ability to identify its source, I asked him to confirm.
"They said this is the first time we're teaming up properly, yet they seem to understand how I operate (・・・・・)."
"It's an honor to be praised. So, did you figure out their identity?"
"They were disguised as seekers. Even if they are imperial agents disguised as seekers, the fact that they let us detect their presence says a lot. No need to be overly cautious."
Disguised as seekers, huh?
I had thought they were imperial agents, but if not, then what is their purpose?
"—Orun, can I cut down the goblins?"
While I was thinking, a demonic beast tripped my caution network, and at the same time, Fuuka asked if she could fight.
In this temporary party, I serve as both representative and commander.
Normally, Mr. Haruto, being older and the captain of the Red Copper Twilight, would be the representative, but since he declined and Fuuka strongly requested it, I took the role.
"Yeah, Fuuka, it's up to you."
I figured there was no need to confirm coordination for just one goblin, so I gave permission to fight. Fuuka nodded once and started walking toward the direction of the goblin.
From her direction of advance, the goblin was running toward us, making filthy noises.
Fuuka pulled a sword out of the storage magical tool attached to her left waist, gripping the sheathed sword with her left hand.
She then opened the koiguchi (the mouth of the sword's scabbard), ready to draw at any moment.
Immediately, her figure blurred and vanished from that spot.
The next instant, the goblin's head, which had been coming toward us, dropped with a thud. Fuuka had moved further in and was sheathing her blade.
Fuuka’s movement just now was probably the distance shrinking technique.
I recall it is one of the techniques allowed only to those who have reached the pinnacle of martial arts.
I was captivated by Fuuka’s sword handling.
It was so refined, eliminating all wasteful movement, it was mesmerizing.
"How is it? Our princess’s sword skill?"
"Yes, it’s nothing but splendid."
I already knew this, but it made me realize anew that the reason I won against Fuuka in the martial arts tournament was only because she was testing the waters and the surprise attack happened to land well by chance.
I still have a long way to go to reach Fuuka’s level.
After that, the three of us confirmed our coordination and headed toward the deepest part of the dungeon via the shortest route.
â—‡
"Reached the twentieth floor. From here, we won't take the shortest route but will head to the deepest part via places where many demonic beasts reside."
While registering the crystal at the entrance of the twentieth floor on my Guild Card, I told the others about the change in plan.
According to information obtained from the Seeker's Guild beforehand, this dungeon consists of twenty-two floors, and beneath them lies a massive magic stone—the dungeon core—which defines the dungeon.
Also, beyond the twentieth floor, the number of demonic beasts increases dramatically.