I would like to reiterate our investigation.

　We were gathered in yesterday's tent.
　Just like yesterday, Maru will be the facilitator.

'What I would like to ask of you all is exploration, not a complete attack. Our objective is to identify the threats and treasures (hoards), accurately identify the former and recover the latter. This does not mean, however, that we should not do a complete attack.

　Even if the monsters in the original dungeon are out there, they can't operate for long in a place where their magic power is as thin as their magical bodies (avatars).
　However, they can engage in destruction in that short amount of time, and it's quite dangerous when it comes to dragon levels.

　It's essential to check what kind of monsters are coming out and whether there are any properties that try to head out.
　As of now, there is no sign of such a thing, but we've only made it to the second level. Don't let your guard down.

　You can take the items you acquired in the original dungeon out with you. So he wants to take them home with him if he can.

Today's goal is to explore and capture the third layer and temporarily set up a safe room. The first team of investigators will be stalled here, and we will be dispatched. It should be noted that there was a wide variety of monsters that appeared. In terms of variety alone, they surpass even the Demon King's Castle.

　The dungeons are usually characterized by a trend.
　They can be filled with demons that specialize in the fire attribute, or they can be run with the concept of being for beginners, like the "Beginner's and Beginning Dungeon".
　The Demon King's Castle is the headquarters of demons and the home of the real Demon King, so it has a wide variety of demons.

　In the case of the original dungeon, it depends on the mood of the genie who uses the magic power pools.
　So that spirit's favorites overflow, or, as in this case, there is a wide variety of them.
　There's no consideration for entertainment value.

Also, this dungeon is expected to have a 'learn the conqueror' nature. This is thought to be the reason why the first team's exploration stalled, and in fact, all the monsters that appeared in the second tier were of incompatible species with the first team members. Although they managed to break through, it was judged that exploration beyond that would be difficult. That's how the decision was made to bring in the second group.

　The first level is the forest area. Orcs and goblins, the two-headed demon dog Garum, the black demon dog, the wooden sub-beast Trent, the two-horned horse sub-beast Bicorn, and even elves and fairies have come out.

　The first group broke through these. The spirits were probably watching it. Even if it was made to pass the time, if it was modeled after a dungeon, the presence of a conqueror would have been expected.

　The second level was a mine style area.
　Firstly, the limited width and height of the road inhibited the movement of large groups of people.
　In front of the countless number of diverging paths, the first group decided to split up their manpower.

　The ones that came out were Kobolds, living dead (zombies), skeleton knights (skeletons), riches with [necromancer], giant worm-like demonic beasts sandworms, vampire bats, plus Arachne, ghost souls (wraiths), and golems.

　For example, a ghost (wraith) is a threat if a group of ghosts (wraiths) collides with a group of people without or with few [white mages].
　Physical attacks, normal magic attacks won't work, and the black magic on the other side will be received by them. They are not strong enough to attack at once, so they are extremely troublesome.
　Then the living dead (zombies) and skeleton knights (skeletons), led by Rich, come in.

　The sandworms will also attack and eat the rearguard, such as wizards, from behind or to the side.
　Swordsmen's attacks are played by golems, and shields are entangled in arachne threads.
　Those with less magic power are sucked out by countless bloodsucking bats and leave the scene.
　If the field is disrupted by the various monsters, they will not be able to handle the attack by the Kobold swarm.

'Perhaps the reason for the variety of monsters is to see as many different battles as possible. To make them play out their cards, or something like that.

　A few people nodded at my statement.

'I feel the same way. Once we have a good idea of what we have in store for you, we'll come up with a plan to overthrow it. ........just like some Demon Lord's Army Chiefs.

　Mr. Ex says.
　Arthur-san puts his hand to his chin and takes a thoughtful gesture.

'If Remegeton is studying adventurers from past strategy videos, then this genie used the first layer to obtain information about the investigation team. If there is a difference between Remegeton and the genie--''

''It's Remegeton who considers the Demon King's army to be victorious and entertaining... unlike Lord Lord, I suppose it means that what the spirits are doing is nothing more than a fickle nuisance.

　Mira-san said as she took over.
　Ex-san and Arthur-san nodded. A little, smiling.

''Mira-sama is right, but that's why I can say it's troublesome. It's because the existence of a mentality that says it's fine as long as you enjoy yourself is the way Mr. Remeghton greets us. And that too, by the magic of Mother Nature.

''Remegeton does it with mostly fixed members of the Demon King's Army, but this spirit is most likely toying with the next layer to suit the attacker. In terms of cards in hand, that means it's more than just the Demon King's Army.

　Merlin-san crossed her arms to lift her ample breasts and twisted her lips in amusement.

　The second group of people seemed to recognize the nuisance of the dungeon once again after a specific comparison was made.
　It's kind of weird that it's me........Remegeton, though.

　The third level is the ice cave area.
　This is where the first group was wiped out or close to it, and after several days of damage, it was determined that it was impossible to break through with these members.

'Fortunately, I should say, there doesn't seem to be any changes to the area characteristics or the monsters that appear. Although we can't rule out the possibility of adding more.

　If you dive into the first level again, you'll still be in the forest area, and the face of the monsters won't change significantly.
　The original dungeon is spirit territory, so if you can get rid of the humans, you can modify the first layer if you want to.

　If you don't, then you're probably enjoying the attack by humans.
　It seems that they don't just want to crush it, they want to defeat it well.

''Isn't that why you have a rich array of [positions (jobs)] for both humans and subhumans?　It looks like you're having fun exploiting our weaknesses, hey Ex?

　At Merlin-san's words, Ex-san returned a bitter smile after a slight delay.

''........Indeed. If we can overcome the weaknesses that the spirits analyzed, we can reach greater heights.''

That's right. I'm going to use that against you.

　Merlin-san's positive remarks lightened the air in the place slightly.

''Fufu, as expected of Merlin-san.

　I'm an adventurer geek, but as expected, I'm not familiar with the original dungeons.
　I've only heard about the discovery and exploration once or twice in the news in the past.

　The rest of the information is commissioned by someone else, like this one, so there's not much that the average person can learn.
　So, I asked Maru to explain to me how to conquer the original dungeon.

　What we lacked in this exploration was experience in conquering the original dungeon.
　How important is the technical knowledge that is built up through experience?

　To put it very crudely, I had the experience of 'eating black magic has a negative effect', so I thought to myself, 'What should I do?' 'Will I defeat the [Black Mage] first? 'It's not a big deal if there aren't enough of them, so you don't mind if we leave them alone? 'Even black magic seems to be sending out magic, but can't it be blocked like other attacks? "If it's triggered by magic, why don't you put on your magical armor? I came to the conclusion that 'I prevented it,' and the useful technology of resistance (resist) was born.

　Because of the trial and error of our predecessors, in our time, we can skip that and just move on to 'resist black magic'.
　However, the original dungeons had different organizations in charge from time to time, and the difficulty of attacking them changed drastically depending on the character of the spirits, so it was difficult to accumulate and pass on those kinds of things.

　Turning to Maru-san, he stands in front of everyone and opens his mouth.

''First--''

　◇

　The reason why we don't set up a camp in front of the dungeon is because there is a chance that if a monster were to come out and rampage, it would destroy our equipment and other things.

　If the "cocoon" that transfers the spirit to the magical body (avatar) is destroyed, it's the end.
　We'll have to fight in the flesh, and we might die.

　Therefore, it was decided to keep a few men in front of the dungeon and set up a camp halfway between the village and the dungeon.
　If something happens, we'll be informed and we'll use our avatars to deal with the monsters.

''Well........

　I, who came out of the cocoon, check my equipment. The current me is 【Black Mage】Reme.
　A black robe and a preparation staff. And this time - I have a sword hanging from my waist.

　Surprisingly, or should I say, everyone, including Mira-san, doesn't mention this.
　They just look at me somewhat warmly.

　........For those who know about my dreams, it might be roughly predictable.

Leme, do you have the right equipment on?

　[White Mage]'s party member, Joss-kun, calls out to me.
　He hangs his hair over his ears and shows me a device.
　It's a tool that hooks on to your ears and wears it, and the important part is shaped to fit completely into your ear holes.

'Yeah, it's fine,'

'Thank you. But still........you're still amazing, Leme. As I thought in the tag team tournament, your ideas are so free.

'It's just an application.

　The glittering, respectful look in his eyes dazzles me, and I chuckle.

'It's wonderful to come up with that. 'It's not so humble,'

Mira-san is right...!

'Joss-kun is a good, honest boy, isn't he? He's a boy, so he's not in any danger... he's a boy, right?

What are you talking about? ...Do I look like a woman?

'I'm sorry, I have a neutral face.

'You certainly have a pretty face! Cuteness has nothing to do with gender, though.

　Even Mr. Citry joins in.

''Ugh ... it's a guy. If you want, you can ask everyone who went to the hot spring with me. Oh yeah, Leme-san was there too, right?

　Josu looks at you with a troubled face.

　He is an avatar, so he hasn't eaten anything, but I could tell from his stupor that he was thinking about food.
　It's a sword master, I've had a lot of practice with him, so I'm starting to understand these things.

''Hmm?　Yeah, I know.

　While responding to Josu-kun, I think.

　........Our party is going to be okay, I think.

　In a good way, as usual.
　I don't see any tension or anxiety because I'm a competent person to control it.

'Can we go, Lord Clan Leader?'

'Huh, it's harder to lead this crew and lose.

　Mr. Arthur and Mr. Ex are also calm.

'Oh Mal. It makes my heart ache to think of your skin being exposed in front of this large group of people. Is this love, or is this possessiveness?

　Margrette-san is a [Summoner] who instantly replaces various equipment. In the process, she becomes completely naked for a moment.

''Thank you for your concern. However, the people gathered here are all people with solid abilities. I'm not sure there are any inexperienced people who would be distracted by a single naked woman.

"I'll look at it like I'm licking it around?

Oh, Merlin, you mustn't be doing this to yourself.

　The conversation between Merlin-san and Maru-san is also normal.
　By the way, Merlin-san is like that to anyone else in his party that he takes a fancy to, so I don't think he is seriously targeting Maru-san. He often sticks close to me as well, and lately I have the feeling that the Demon King's Castle members are being targeted as well.

　Ex-san and Arthur-san are conversing with the remaining minotaur men, "Take care of the two of them" and "Leave it to me".
　He, as a shield, will be in charge of protecting Merlin-san and Maru-san.

　Several non-combatants will accompany the five parties, including the Ex-Party, the Reme Party - which, unlike usual, is not restricted to being led by a brave man - and three other groups.
　The country's officials who will be attending the exploration, the film crew prepared by Ferro, and the rest of the people who are strong enough to lend a hand when it comes to carrying large and heavy things.

Let's go, let's keep the genie in the bottle.

　Everyone responds to Ex-san's voice, raising their voices and nodding.
　Then we touched the prepared recording stone for transference, and one after another we moved to the safe room connecting the second and third layers - transference.

　The safe room was like a large room made of earth, but there was no sign of a monster invasion, and we were able to confirm the safety of the room right away.

　

''Ah, can everyone hear me?''

　I can hear Ex-san's voice from the device in my ear.

"It's working just fine. So next time you want to............

　You won't be able to hear the voices. But the members of the Ex Party will still be able to hear you.
　The additional equipment prepared by everyone's magic body (avatar) is for communication.

　Normally, Remegeton gives instructions and advice to the demons in other layers through the communication device from the video room.
　Even if it wasn't, the dungeon side may give instructions to the demons in the same way.

　For example, if there was a vast forest area, it would be difficult to effectively find a group of five adventurers without any information.
　You can't just concentrate on the entrance and the boss area, and if the adventurers don't pass through that area, you're wasting your resources.

　It's not fun for the viewer to begin with either. Just images of wandering through the forest, for example.
　So, for the sake of a harrowing dungeon attack, we have to tell the adventurers' movements to the demons.

　This time, we'll use it to communicate with other attackers.
　There are two channels, one for the whole clan and one for the party only.

　This was made with the condition that in an emergency, we will work as a party.
　You can communicate with other parties when you are separated from your party, and you can also use this channel to communicate with your party members.
　You can also communicate with other investigators in the camp through the clan channel.

　Original dungeon surveying, but up until now it was only adventurers who were hired, so naturally it tended to be just adding more people to the traditional way.

　There may have been some previous survey teams that had incorporated this, but there was no way to know since information was not shared or passed on.
　Since this dungeon seemed to be taking the move of splitting up the attackers, I thought that establishing a means of communication would be useful.

'This is interesting. I wonder if it can be used in everyday strategies. What do you think, Arthur?

'It's convenient to be able to have a conversation in a whisper, but I don't know if it's as easy to understand for the audience.

Maybe we can put a voice in there or edit it out later.

'But a whisper and a loud voice make a difference in movement, don't they?　You can't ignore the image that the visual information of the screaming motion gives to the viewer.

Hmm....

　While Mr. Xu and Mr. Arthur had such a conversation.

'Alright, you guys have tried that, right?　It's time to go. The corridor continues for a while, and the third level is behind the door. It seems that the first group could hardly investigate, and there is not much information available. Let's keep our heads up and go.

　With Mr. Xu in the lead, we proceeded.
　The corridor changed from an earthy color to an icy texture.

　The magical body (avatar) doesn't feel pain, but it does have sensation.
　From the trembling of my body, I can tell that the temperature is quite low.

　By the way, Fulkus-san is competing without armor. Due to the size of the passage, it is impossible to pass through in armor.
　However, we have prepared a method of fighting with armor on.

"Now, this is the third level.

　Mr. Xu opens the door.

　The freezing wind hits us.
　A fantastic scene spread out in my vision.

　I heard several people muttering, "Beautiful........
　Indeed, it was very beautiful.
　A large cave made of ice. It was blue and faintly bright, as if the light was coming in from somewhere.

　If this was a tourist, this was a view that I would want to fully enjoy and soak up the emotion.
　However, this is a dungeon investigation. The scaffolding is bad and the temperature is enough to make your body shiver. The monsters had wiped out the first group of players multiple times, so we had to be careful.

　We proceeded carefully.
　Just outside the entrance, there was a change.

"Here comes the early bird.

　What appeared was a crowd of people - no.
　It looks like a pure white person with hairy bodies, but this one.

　This is a monster that imitates the sub-human who was once called the Snowman.
　That's not the only threat.

"Down there!

　The first to notice it was me and Merlin.
　Almost simultaneously, Ex-san, Arthur-san, and Fulkus-san reacted.
　Me and Merlin-san and Merlin-san were approaching the magic reaction, and the three of us sensed the killing intent.

　The ice on which Ex Party and my party were standing shatters, and something pops out of the water (...).
　The evasive action was already done.

　It seems that this area is not a cave within an iceberg, but rather a block of ice at sea, which is more accurate.
　What jumped out was a single dragon. Or perhaps I should say one dragon's head.

　According to reports, nine heads have been identified.
　Probably a multi-headed water dragon - a hydra.

　But this is the first time it has come out right after entering.

''Non-combatants, retreat to the door...!

　Xu's instructions.
　If you're mimicking a dungeon attack, you should be safe there.

　--No, wait.

"Waaaaaahhh...!

　The investigator's screams.
　Through the ice - thick tentacles tightened on the investigator.

　Not one or two. The number of people held captive is not one either.
　They are all non-combatants.

''Mr. Fulkus...!

　By the time she screamed and fingered the door area, she was done with her actions.
　Her black spear reached out in countless branches, gouging out all the tentacles that caught the non-combatants.

''It'll be good to roast.''

　Fulkus-san blurts out.

''...They were trying to get rid of the non-combatants...?　So you want a pure fight...

　Arthur muttered as he cut off Hydra's head.
　If you're enjoying the fight between the attackers and the monsters, the non-combatants are certainly in your way. You'll need personnel to protect them, and their movement speed will have to match the slowest of them.

''I'm sorry, it was an error in judgment on my part,''

　Three of Hydra's faces sprayed water from his oral cavity, but Mr. Ex's shadow spread out like a shield to block it.
　Then, leaping out of the shadow shield, Ex-san leapt straight up and cut off the heads of the three.
　He wore the shadow on his holy sword and instantly extended his sword barrel.

　Hydra's body trembled in surprise, but quickly regenerated.

''No you didn't, Ex. You made the best decision. A spirit of bad character just read it. In the first place, where else would you let him go but the door?　We have to harden them up or let them go, and even if we do, they're still under water.　You were just making a better decision to send men to battle to protect them.

Merlin....

　If Mr. Xu hadn't made the non-combatants back down, the pack of snowmen would have eaten more into our surroundings.
　Now that we didn't have to protect them, all the combatants were able to turn their attention to the fight on the spur of the moment.
　In fact, the rest of the party is dealing with a snowman.

'Ahhhh, I know. We're on the wrong side of the law. --Leme, I need you to help me. "I don't know if you're an octopus or a squid, but I'm going to fry you up just the way Master Fulkus wants it.

Yeah.

"Leave the tentacles to them and let the rest of you take care of the snowman. Any of you who have experience with water dragons will be welcome to join me in hunting them.

　At Xu's words, everyone starts to move.
　With the tentacles cut off, the non-combatants complete the evacuation behind the door.

　I ask them to return to the safe room, just in case.

　The tentacles were already regenerating.

'Joss-kun. It's a good idea to have a "thinking power increase" for me and Merlin-san, and an "attack power increase" for Fulkus-san and Mira-san. Can you do that?

I'll take care of it...!　You know, I don't think I can keep it up for long...!

That's fine, it'll only take a minute.

Leme. Where's Citry?

Charm all the snowmen, please.

Haha, you're so reckless. I can.

Mira.

'Yes, I'll cut it all off. I won't let Reme touch you with a finger.

Thank you ... and Mr. Joss and Mr. Merlin, please.

　Fulkus-san, who had put back his spear, glanced at me.

'Fulkus-san have you ever fished?'

...all you can eat of the great outdoors.

　The spear extends. This time with one, it entangles with the tentacles and approaches the main body.

''Haha, you're fishing for a single great sea beast with a magic tool...!　You still have some interesting things to think about.

　While laughing, Merlin-san's wand has an enormous amount of magical power flowing into it.
　It's the same for me.

　The monsters who have realized Fulkas-san's purpose are rampaging around and extending their tentacles towards us - but it's no use.

''There's no way I'm going to allow you to touch Reme-san with your filthy tentacles.

　The countless blades of blood created by Mira-san successfully cut off the giant tentacles.

'I got him.'

　Guh, Fourcas-san exerted himself, and the earth shook.
　The icy earth cracked and shattered, and seawater flooded out.
　And then - a giant squid sub-beast Kraken leapt into the air.

''It has the ability to regenerate.''

Yeah, so let's get it done in one fell swoop.

　I applied the biggest 'magic defense reduction' and Merlin-san hit him with a huge fireball.

　The Kraken raised a decapitation and burned up in an instant.

　The tentacles that fell around it also shattered and returned to magic power.

''........Overcooked.''

　Mr. Fulkus looks a little disappointed.

''I'm sorry, Fourcas-dono. What do you think, when we return to the city, I'll treat you to a seafood recommendation.

Buying?　Go.

　I was worried about Mr. Fulkus, who gets caught easily by the food, and I was worried about Mr. Merlin's wallet after I told him I was buying her a drink.
　But now it's more than that--

''Next time--''

　Think about it. How to get out of this situation with these members--''


''I'm not sure about the kids this time around~. I hope they're more entertaining than before.''


　For a moment I thought I heard a voice.
　I looked around, but I couldn't see what seemed to be the owner of the voice.