Chapter 42: The Forgotten Dungeon [2]
Annette and Kamian stood frozen like stone. There I was, standing in front of them, dusting off the dirt that had accumulated on me.
… Why are you here?
Their expressions said it all.
"I was worried because I thought you were seriously injured, but fortunately, you look fine."
"…"
"…"
They stood there with ambiguous expressions, unable to say anything because I was worried and had followed them in.
"Thank you for your concern, senior," Annette expressed her gratitude in a small voice.
But her expression said it all.
So what do we do now?
"Thank you for coming to help. But we thought you would bring rescuers. Now that you've come…"
Kamian had a look on his face that showed he had never expected this.
That would be the case since he probably never imagined I would come chasing him in person. He never would have thought that someone like me would have the sacrificial spirit to go to such lengths.
Perhaps today's events will make him reconsider his evaluation of me.
"I didn't think about that. The moment you guys fell, I instinctively jumped in to save you."
"… I see."
Annette's eyes also showed that she hadn't expected me to be that kind of senior.
Yeah, that'll do. That way, it'll be worth it for me to jump in here.
I chuckled to myself.
"Well, we have to figure out a way to get out of here anyway… Yeah?"
I looked ahead and opened my eyes wide as if I had discovered something. I was acting as if I had done my best. Of course, I was laughing inside.
This is more fun than I thought!
"What is that?" Kamian asked with a puzzled look.
"It's the wind. The wind is blowing from over there."
I pointed in the direction where the wind blew from underground. That means there's a hole in the ground somewhere out there.
Kamian's expression changed as he heard what I said and noticed it.
"Wind? Come to think of it…"
He seemed to feel the breeze gently touching his body. Annette also felt it belatedly, and a glimmer of hope appeared in her eyes.
"Maybe over there…"
"Wait a moment."
I cut her off. Then I pretended to look more carefully ahead. After that, I spoke again.
"This is a path that someone dug. It is definitely not a natural space."
It was natural. Even though it was called a natural dungeon, it was ultimately a dungeon that had been dug through by the monsters that had gathered there.
It wasn't a dungeon created with human intentions, but rather one created by monsters drawn to the energy of artifacts left behind by ancient people.
That's why it was simply called a natural dungeon.
But how do I look to those who don't know that? It looks like there's something there.
"Who, who made this path? Can you tell?"
Annette responded immediately.
"More or less."
I answered briefly. Because it looks like there's more to it.
I felt that the way the main character looked at me had changed quite a bit.
Hohoho, kid. They're still a kid, Inma. Are you saying that I can't handle something as small as this?
Of course, the main character still had a half-believing and half-doubting expression on his face. Well, it would be stranger if he believed my words, which he had previously thought were worthless, at face value.
"Is that true? Who dug this artificial passage underground? I find it hard to believe."
Kamian said with a thoughtful look on his face. Who would do such a useless thing in the middle of such a deep mountain? He seemed to think so.
This is a common thought for those who have never experienced a natural dungeon.
But that's it. Are the monsters going to choose the location? They were just madly attracted by the energy of an ancient artifact buried in the ground.
"Well, I guess we'll be able to find out soon."
Kamian and Annette looked at each other, as if asking what on earth I meant. But instead of answering, I pulled out Marcus Bowe.
"Something is coming."
I warned them.
Of course, I didn't really feel anything. How could a slacker like me sense such a thing? I just knew. Now it's time for the nearby monsters to gather as they smell humans.
"What is that?"
Kamian looked completely incredulous this time. Because he probably didn't feel anything. Annette also tilted her head with a puzzled look.
I paid no attention and opened my mouth with a serious expression.
"Put your weapons up quickly! We don't know what's coming!"
I shouted in the most charismatic voice I could muster. But they still stood there blankly, as if they couldn't figure out what was going on.
I could tell they were still inexperienced. If it were mid-game, they would have already sensed the energy and entered a battle stance.
Well, what can I do? If You keep rolling it, it will grow on its own.
"Hurry!"
Their expressions changed as I screamed. I finally felt it. That something was coming.
-Quiieik!
An unknown scream pierced my ears.
"Ugh."
"Hee, eek."
Kamian and Annette belatedly prepared for battle.
Thump thump thump thump!
Soon, heavy footsteps shook the ground. And then—
"Squeak!"
"Squeak!"
Monsters that had appeared from the other side began to charge, roaring.