Published: January 22, 2026
I think it's been over an hour since we reached the thirtieth floor.
We’ve been steadily advancing while fighting repeatedly.
It’s understandable that our pace is slower than during the previous guided exploration.
Last time, we followed the instructions of the seniors, but this time, we have to make all the decisions on our own.
Even so, we've already covered about eighty percent of the route.
If we keep this up, we'll reach the boss area soon.
“We’re about to enter a wide space, so stay focused.”
Since there are just three of us, we’ve been choosing relatively narrow paths where we can fight without spreading out.
But there’s a point where we have no choice but to enter a wide area.
In such battles, numbers give a clear advantage.
I’ve heard that groups of more than six don’t appear on the thirtieth floor, but we can’t afford to let our guard down.
“Ugh, this is such a pain. We just got back to town, and now we have to do this...”
“It can’t be helped. The Great Southern Labyrinth doesn’t have crystal registration at the floor entrances. That’s why we had to descend from the first floor. Our already low motivation is only getting worse, so please don’t complain.”
When we entered the wide space, we encountered another explorer party.
“Another party. Log, what should we do?”
It’s common to encounter other explorer parties during dungeon exploration.
As we go deeper, the floors get wider but the number of explorers decreases, so encounters become less frequent. But on the upper and middle floors, it’s the opposite—encounters are common.
When encountering another party, we need to coordinate to take separate routes.
If we go the same way, we’ll end up competing for magic stones and materials, leading to pointless conflicts.
—That’s what Mr. Orun taught me.
“First, we need to ask about their objective. If they’re exploring, maybe they’ll let us have the route we’ve chosen. —Hello! Could we have a moment?”
When Log spoke, a big muscular man responded in a lazy tone.
“Huh? What’s up, kid?”
...He’s a little scary.
There are three others with him.
They seem to be a four-person party. Opposite to the big man, there’s a slender man, a woman, and the last one wears a hood over their head and loose robes, so their gender isn’t clear.
“We’re exploring this floor to clear it, but if you’re also exploring, could you give us the route we plan to take?”
Log politely asked them to give up the route.
“Yeah, whatever. Don’t need to deal with kids.”
They’re unpleasant, but since they’ll give up the path, let’s just move on quickly.
It’s best not to get involved with people like this.
“Thanks. Then we’ll—”
“Wait.”
Just as Log was about to thank them and move on, the slender man stopped us.
“...What is it?”
“Are you explorers from the silver rabbits of the night sky?”
Why would they ask that?
Could they recognize us by our clothes?
“Silver rabbits of the night sky? I’ve heard that name somewhere... where was it?”
“Are you an idiot? Your brain must be all muscles, huh?”
“What did you say!?”
“The silver rabbits of the night sky are the clan that the dragon slayer belongs to!”
The dragon slayer is Mr. Orun, right?
So he’s famous after all.
That’s impressive...
“Oh, right! Hey, do you guys know the dragon slayer?”
“...”
All of us fell silent.
Information is important, as Mr. Orun has told me many times.
Until we understand why they’re asking about him, it’s better not to say anything foolish.
“Silence means consent, you know?”
The slender man spoke in an intimidating tone.
“Zurieru, check it.”
The hooded person, who hadn’t said a word until now, spoke in a clear, beautiful voice.
Probably a woman.
“As you command.”
“—!?”
Right after that, Log gasped.
...What’s wrong?
“Bingo. This boy and the dragon slayer seem to be acquaintances, or rather, master and disciple. Using them as bait, we might be able to lure the dragon slayer out.”
“Why...!?”