I'll see what's going on. Wait here.

　I took Garnett with me to the entrance of the archives to deal with the sudden visitor.

　This construction site is guarded by several adventurers hired through the guild.

　Since it's a busy place from the start, it's unlikely that a prowler will force their way into the area.

　However, just in case, I put in a precaution, and with Garnett's guards on, I try to listen to the situation outside.

　The one standing in front of the door was a ghostly man with long, long hair hanging carelessly down - A rank adventurer Dustin.

''What, it's Dustin. What's going on, here in this place.''
I have a message for you. I have a report and a request from an adventurer who has been exploring the basement. I had no idea we were wasting our time like that.
'Wasted time?　...... Now then, you went to the store first, didn't you?

　Traces of dust and return blood could be seen on the edges (often) of Dustin's equipment.
　This is almost certainly a return trip from a dungeon exploration.

　The reason I didn't clean up the dirt at Hollow Bottom Branch on the way is probably because I plan to take a long rest on the ground, and I plan to get the cleanup done at the inn where I'm staying.

　While doing so, he stopped at the White Wolf Store with the idea of running an errand for me, but unfortunately, we got mishandled and I guess he reluctantly turned around and came to the archives (here).

　Dustin neither denied nor affirmed my speculation, and without losing his sullen face, he pushed a bundle of papers crudely wrapped in string.

'It's an urgent matter. Look through it at once. This is not a request for you as an adventurer, but for you as a Knight Commander.
...... I know, I know, it's the kind of case that makes an A-rank (you) run an errand.

　Dustin turned on his heel and walked away from the scene.

　I didn't even look after him, but instead untied myself on the spot and looked through the papers.

'Is this ...... true?'










　-- As soon as I received the report from Dustin, I rounded up my interim report on the memoirs and turned back to the White Wolf store with everyone present.

　I then promptly ordered a temporary closing of the store for an hour or so and prepared for a meeting of all parties involved.

　There were nine people gathered here, excluding me and Garnett.

　Noir, a black wizard, Erica, a medicine man, and Alexia, a crafty engineer, and Leila, a relative of the Dragon King Knights, who works at the White Wolf Store.

　From the Knights' side, Hild of the Order of the rainbow rainbow scales and the markings of the Purple Jade Order.

　In addition, the adventurers who don't belong to either side, Sakura, Nagi and Melissa.

　There aren't enough chairs to take everyone into the living room, so we decide to have a conversation standing around the counter of the store.

I'm sorry for having you all gathered so suddenly. There's something I wanted to discuss with you in a hurry.

　I briefly explained the contents of the report to the baffled people who were wondering what the hell was going on.

'A certain adventurer succeeded in breaking through the labyrinth beneath the Demon King's Castle. Dustin just brought back the first report, so that means it was communicated to me in the fastest time possible, apart from the adventurers and the branch in the field.

　The three people who were particularly surprised by this report were the three adventurers in their own right.

''Luke-dono, who on earth has trampled the labyrinth?''
This is A-list adventurer Roy of the Hundred Animal Plain. His skill set is incredibly strong on a quest that requires a lot of manpower.

　Hearing the name of the treader, Sakura let out an approving voice.

　Roy of the Hundred Beast Plain.
　He was a promising young man who had fallen down as a child, and after I took care of him for a short period of time, and took some care of him so that he could eat as an adventurer, he was promoted at a terrific pace and reached the A-rank.

　Until recently, he had only recently come to Green Hollow as he was helping in the investigation of the Night Ripper case that was causing a stir in the King's Capital, but it seems that he has already achieved great success.

　His main skill, 【Summoning Spiritual Beasts】, is the ability to use translucent animals woven with magic power, and with Roy's skill level, he can send up to three hundred small animals that do not have combat abilities to search for them.

　This is a game of brute force to traverse the labyrinth.
　If they're not living creatures, they don't have to worry about deadly traps.

　It's an epic feat of strength, but to the best of my knowledge, it's the second most powerful search ability after the 【Map Making】 of the brave Falcon.

''Anyway, since we've reached the next level of the [Demon King's Castle Realm], they want the White Wolf Knights to come and inspect it in order to share the latest situation.
I see. So you'll finally be able to do a job like the Order?

　Alexia said in a teasing, half-impressed tone.

'But if that's what you're talking about, you didn't have to close up shop and collect Erica and even Leila. There's something else going on, isn't there?
Yeah. I'm sure that this new level is not an easy place to be. I'll explain the details later, but I want someone who knows about medicinal poisoning and can handle high-powered flames to accompany me.

　As soon as I explained that, everyone's eyes were drawn to Noir.

　The person in question, Noir, was surprised and flustered, and his gaze swam in a horrified manner.
　It's not that I wanted to confuse Noir, so I decided to quickly deny what everyone was thinking.

'Sure, Noir can handle both roles on his own, but we've been jam-packed with weapons shop work lately. I'm hoping he'll stay on the ground this time.
Who would take your place?

　Layla asked for more specifics as well, so I don't want to rush her for no reason, but instead, I will clearly name the people I want to have accompany me on the site visit.

'First of all, I want Sakura and Melissa to accompany me as flame users. Of course, I'll make the request via the guild, and I'll give you a reward.
If you're asking for help, Master Luke, I'd be more than happy to do it in person.
'And we're part of the reason you're so busy, Noir. 'Of course I'll take it. And Nagi will be there, won't he?
I'm not in a position to say no to ......

　Sakura and Melissa readily agreed to the request.

　I was a little concerned about the way they said they weren't in a position to refuse, but you can ask them about the details of the situation later.

'The rest is someone with knowledge of medicinal poisoning, but ...... Erica, I'd like to ask you to help me.

　For a while after I said that, Erica didn't react as if someone else's name had been called, and eventually she noticed that the eyes of the people around her were focused on her, and she let out a loud surprise.

'...... eh, eh, eh!