Episode 49: Scorching Labyrinth
“What, Ishikawa?”
“What do you mean, ‘what’? Is that how you greet people? Are you diving in with the whole crew today?”
The man the president called Ishikawa spoke with a friendly smile.
“I don’t think I’ve seen that young one before. New recruit?”
“That’s right. Our company’s rookie with high hopes. I brought him along today for a look around.”
“Hahahaha, good for you. I thought you were lamenting about how few people were applying. Looks like there are some admirable young folks out there.”
“Shut up! I heard your company got a promising newbie too, right!? It was all over the news. Said it’s been a long time since Tennoji caused such a stir!”
Hearing that, Ishikawa smiled faintly and narrowed his eyes.
“Ah, indeed. I have a feeling that kid will grow into our next ace.”
“Hmph! If Elceed’s drill sergeant says so, they must be something special. Well, doesn’t concern us, though.”
The president spat out those words, sounding displeased.
“True. Sorry for holding you up. Could I get your name before we part ways?”
Ishikawa turned his gaze to Yuma. Caught off guard, Yuma hesitated for a moment.
“Ah, um… I’m Mitaka… Yuma.”
“I see, Mitaka-kun. Kanzaki over there has a sharp tongue, but he’s an excellent Seeker. Support him patiently.”
“Y-yes, sir! I understand!”
He seems like a surprisingly nice guy. The president is fuming, saying, “None of your business!” but Ishikawa just laughs it off. I wonder if they’re good friends?
“Maika-chan, if you ever get tired of your company, feel free to tell me. I’ll introduce you to your next job. Someone as capable and sociable as you could work anywhere.”
“Yes, thank you very much, Ishikawa-san.”
The president, veins popping, yelled at Ishikawa, “Shut up! Get lost already!!” But Ishikawa just laughed heartily, “Hahahaha.”
In the end, he left, saying, “See ya,” and taking his companions with him.
“Maika-san, do you know that person?”
When Yuma asked, Maika smiled mischievously.
“Well, yeah, there weren’t many people doing Seeker work back in the day. People who’ve been working since the early days know a lot of people.”
“I see.”
“Hey! Let’s get going!!”
While Yuma was talking to Maika, the president, in a foul mood, shouted. Veins popping, he seemed quite angry.
Maika followed after the president, saying, “Yes, yes,” and Tanaka, standing next to Yuma, gave a wry smile, saying, “It’s always like this.”
◇◇◇
“This is the entrance to the Red Dungeon…”
Before Yuma and the others, a deep Hole gaped open.
It was significantly larger than the one in the Blue Dungeon, and when they peered into the Hole, they could see stone steps leading all the way down. From inside the Hole, they could feel a faint heat rising.
They were currently in a dome-shaped room, with several Self-Defense Force members in camouflage uniforms standing guard, creating a solemn atmosphere.
It was completely different from the Blue Dungeon, which had families and children. Yuma couldn’t help but gulp.
“What’s wrong, Yuma? Getting nervous?”
The president, standing next to him, asked.
“No… I was just thinking it’s completely different from the Blue Dungeon…”
“What? Once you’re inside, it’s all the same. Same, same. Come on, let’s go!”
The president briskly descended the stairs. Maika and Tanaka followed after him.
Yuma also took a breath, “Hoo~,” and went down the stone steps.
◇◇◇
Red Dungeon, First Stratum.
Beyond the stairs was a horizontal cave, and after passing through it, an abundance of light burst into their eyes. Yuma, shielding his eyes with his hand, couldn’t help but marvel at the sight.
“Whoa… This is the Red… Deep Dungeon!”
Looking around, he saw a crimson land stretching as far as the eye could see. A blue sky spread above, and the scorching sun beat down on their skin.
“It’s just like I saw on TV. This is the Dungeon Mirage, right?”
“That’s right. In reality, you’d run into a rock wall after going only a hundred meters, but you won’t realize it’s an illusion until you get there.”
The “Labyrinth Mirage,” which is said to occur only in the Deep Dungeon.
The principle behind this illusion, which is indistinguishable from reality, and the reason why it occurs, have not been clarified at all.
“Well, in any case, it’s a blessing that the inside of the Dungeon is as bright as daytime. Makes it easier to work.”
The president said so nonchalantly, readjusting the large bag that was about to fall off his shoulder.
“We have no business on the first stratum. Let’s hurry to our destination on the tenth stratum!”
The four walked across the scorching earth, aiming for the lower strata. The perceived temperature felt like it was over 40°C.
He wondered if this was also an illusion, but it seemed to be genuinely hot. After walking for a while, they found a cave in a rugged rocky area.
Peering inside, they saw that there were no stairs this time, but a steep, uneven slope continued endlessly.