Dungeon Sherpa: Chapter 9

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　The period during which you can hunt at your objective floor is known as the “Harvesting Time”; the longer this period, the greater the benefit to the party. 

　The importance of “Harvesting Time” can be seen in how some parties, even followed behind other Adventurers, or employed underhanded tactics like stalking, in order to earn more time in the labyrinth.

　In that sense, it could be said that ”Twilight’s Sword” was extremely proficient in extending their “Harvesting Time”. 

　They arrived at the 43rd floor in a mere two days.
After establishing their base at the Dungeon Oasis, they had already been hunting for four days, and had obtained a fair amount of experience and drop items. 

　Since there was a limit to the amount of weight they could lug back, Magikan used [Appraisal] to quickly classify the items. 

　In Rowe’s quick estimation, the drop items alone were worth more than 50 gold coins.
In addition, there was also the equipment that was probably crafted by Dark Smiths.
The expenses spent for preparations was about 6 gold coins, so even if he deducted that and divided it into four parts, it would not be difficult for each person in their party to receive 10 gold coins. 

　And because they were also only hunting as a standard party, their share of monster cores was also huge. 

　It was right to say that they had obtained excellent results from this labyrinth exploration.
Still, despite the fact that mana potions were used to replenish her mana, Yuika’s beautiful face was exuding the colour of fatigue. 

“Hot water.”

“……Ah”

　Water drawn from the Dungeon Oasis was boiled together with peels from a citrus fruit called Sarabo.
Its scent was said to have the effect of relieving mental fatigue. 

“And also, please have this candy.”

　A special candy that was made from distilling the contents of a mind potion and then kneading it into a candy.
It wasn’t a consumable item belonging to “Twilight’s Sword”, but Rowe’s personal item.

“My spirit is being lifted…huh.
If I’m not wrong, isn’t this the rather unpopular mind potion?”

“I actually recommend it to adventurers who have teamed up with me.
Because like magic and strength, there are many things that can’t be understood through numbers.”

“That thing called hidden parameters.”

“Well, after being deceived, how do you feel?”

　A candy that had a mind potion added to it was undoubtedly still unappetizing.
However, if you sucked on it when your spirit was fatigued, the area around your eyes and your temples would start to heat up, your mood would relax, and you would feel a little bit more energetic. 

“This is … good.
But doesn’t taste good.”

“Good medicine is somehow like that.
Well then, please lean your back here.”

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　Rowe put the large luggage beside Yuika, just as she was told, Yuika leaned against the rucksack, and Rowe placed a cloth soaked with water over Yuika’s eyes. 

“Even if you close your eyes, I’m sure you can still perform [Accepting].”

“Ah, there’s no problem….
How much?”

“Yes?”

“This candy.”

　For selling ripoff potions in the labyrinth, Rowe was notorious as the ripoff Sherpa.
He never compromised on matters pertaining to money; he was saving money with Mariete’s future in mind.
But this time, Rowe frankly said with a bitter smile. 

“This time, it’s my treat.”

“Is there something strange in the air?”

　Yuika, who had thus far constantly heard the line “it’ll cost you extra” let out a surprised voice. 

“Since I met Yuika, Marin would be cheerful when talking about you.
So this is my gratitude for that.
If you ever have a chance, please come and play with her again.”

“–what did you say?”　

　Suddenly raising her body, Yuika drew close to Rowe. 

“Marin, does she talk about me?”

“Yes.
It was only for one day but she seemed very delighted to have an older sister.”

　Older sister.

　Yuika was ecstatic at these powerful words.

“Once this exploration is over, I’ll play! If I’m not wrong, you said you were going on a picnic.”

“Yes.
In the  middle of the forest, there’s a beautiful lake.
While leisurely fishing there–“

“I’ll definitely go! If there’s a cost, I can even pay gold coins.”

“Look, please just rest your body.”

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“He, hey, what are you doing?”

　Forcibly pressing down her shoulders, Rowe pushed Yuika’s back into the rucksack.
Despite complaining, Yuika ended up obediently obeying. 

“Wha, what’s up with that guy…”

　Berii bared her cute fangs and groaned.

　Ever since she had entered the labyrinth, she had tried to harshly point out flaws with his work and abilities, but most of it was just petty complaints, and she wasn’t able to achieve anything. 

　On the contrary, she was chided by Yuika and only got frustrated. 

　While silently [Accepting] the demon core, Nuuk frowned with a difficult expression. 

“Certainly, she might be overdoing it a bit.”

“Maybe, maybe so.
I will watch out.”

　While observing Berii who was ranting at Rowe, Nuuk continued with a question for Magikan. 

“Magikan.
What is the Adventurer level of that Sherpa?”

“Ho ho ho.”

　Juggling monster cores like balls while floating, Magikan laughed cheerfully. 

“That guy, he’s a pretty peculiar fellow.
Certainly he only holds one Gift, but for some reason… hyo ho ho.”

　Without answering Nuuk’s question directly, Magikan laughed bizarrely. 

　Exploring the labyrinth with “Twilight’s Sword” updated Rowe’s navigation of the 43rd to 47th floors in his “Sherpa’s Map”.

　What was previously considered to be the best route was bettered by a newfound route that was both safer and shorter. 

　Furthermore, the spiralling passageway to the 48th floor had also been discovered. 

　By the way, in the labyrinth, there are no convenient man-made structures like staircases.
There are only these kinds of spiral-shaped slopes continuing to the next floor.

“Princess, since we’re already here, why don’t we take a quick look? We also have enough potions.”

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　Yuika went into a deep thought at Berii’s proposal. 

“Rowe, what do you think?”

　Berii didn’t find that pleasing and puffed her cheeks. 

　Yuika, who rarely consulted the opinion of others, actually respected Rowe’s judgement in this labyrinth.
Berii wasn’t able to stomach this. 

“Concerning the contract, it wouldn’t be too good.
There will be a penalty fee imposed.”

　As Rowe was answering, he lifted the rucksack onto his back. 

　The contract agreed upon between Adventurers and Sherpas, other than in extraordinary circumstances, could not be altered in the middle of the labyrinth exploration.
This measure was to ensure the Sherpa’s safety. 

“How much?”

　Rowe sighed.

“If it’s this floor, 8 silver coins.”

　To “Twilight’s Sword”, this wasn’t an important sum of money. 

“However, it’s not really a problem of money.
Isn’t there a need for you to avoid being labelled as contract breachers?”

“You’re putting it nicely.
Don’t you mean something like –  ‘Just because you’re a member of “Twilight’s Sword”, you think you can do this? Who do you think you are?’”

　Breaching a contract is the number one most hated act by Sherpas.
If it kept happening, Sherpas would not be willing to take on work from these types of parties. 

　However, if it was the Hero of the East, there would be no such concern.

　Even if they got a bad name from doing so, the overwhelming reputation of the Hero would win out. 

　There were countless Sherpas who would still wish to be contracted to work with them.

“Berii, you’ve said too much.
Rowe is just worrying about us.”

　Staring at the sullen Berii, Rowe said with a serious face. 

“No, I also have my own concerns.
From here on, we won’t have any information about the monsters.”

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“I understand.
But how about it? From what you’ve seen so far from us, do you not think that we possess the capabilities for exploring the 48th floor right now?” 

　Currently, Yuika controlled 20 monsters.
There were many humanoid types, and there were also monsters that possessed strong magic Gifts.
Even compared to three days ago, their strength had been clearly reinforced. 

　When Adventurer parties are annihilated, it is usually said to be when they face many monsters with special attacks.
They become poisoned or paralyzed, have their movements hindered, and are then overrun. 

　However, “Twilight’s Sword” fought differently.

　Using monsters to defeat monsters. 

　If it was like that, then the chances of party members being afflicted by abnormal conditions was extremely low. 

　In addition, Yuika possessed a magic called “Dark Drops” that was capable of healing these kinds of abnormal conditions.

　Berii and Nuuk challenged the Scylla directly in close combat precisely because of the existence of this magic. 

“Asking it like that is unfair.”

“Sorry.”

　With a grin, Yuika honestly apologised.

　For some reason, a pleasant silence drifted between them; Berii ground her teeth.

“In any case, I don’t have the right to make decisions.
I also can’t just wait here.
Let’s do as Yuika likes.”

“I got it.”

　Even for Rowe, it wasn’t a situation which he could not be persuaded. 

　Despite arriving in such a deep layer, there had been no changes in “Twilight’s Sword’s” fighting style.
Furthermore, Magikan’s attack magic hadn’t even been used yet. 

　It could be said that they still had a trump card remaining. 

　If measures against abnormal conditions were available, then there were even fewer reasons to worry. 

　Also… the contract was signed between the Adventurer party and the individual Sherpa.
The penalty fee for breach would go straight into the pocket of the guiding Sherpa.

“Then, let’s head to the 48th floor.
Our goal – discover a new Dungeon Oasis.”

　This decision would end up changing the fates of the two in an unexpected direction, but at this point in time, that was something Rowe could not even hope to have the faintest premonition of.