Author: Yume Neiji

Alvis’ dungeon has features that other dungeons don’t have.

—That is, it is a real “mine”.

After getting ready at the Dancing Dwarfs’ Pavilion, we head into the dungeon.

The entrance is a gaping hole in the middle of the mine, and it is so impressive that several horse-drawn carriages can pass by. It’s made of rocks, but the surface of the rock is smooth, as if it had just been quarried.

“This is……”

Safi spoke from behind Felix-san’s back.

Since the dwarf would attract attention, Safi hid in the backpack even in the dungeon. Thanks to her Ring of Protection, she should be able to deal with seals for a while, but…….

“What is it? Is something wrong?”

“N-nothing……”

I wanted to ask more questions, but my eyes were drawn to the inside of the dungeon.

“Whoa……!”

The ceiling is about 10 meters high. Many magic stone lanterns are hung from it, making it as bright as midday, despite being a dungeon.

In the large hall that can be seen, the voices of buying and selling echoed out. To my surprise, some people were even shopping in horse-drawn carriages.

“T-this is the first level of the dungeon, right?”

“That’s right.”

Mia-san smiled. Like it’s fun to see me so surprised.

Well, it would be impossible not to look around like this.

“Alvis’ dungeon is a rare dungeon with a market on the first level. Slimes do show up sometimes, but everyone knows that.”

“E……eh!?”

Felix-san added.

“Furthermore, it is officially recognized by both the Adventurer’s Guild and the Temple of Odis.”

I heard a little bit about it from my father. However, the reality is beyond imagination. Because around the thick pillars, there are adventurers who are setting up shops.

A horse-drawn carriage passes in between.

“Get out of the way!”

“Make way!”

An extra-large axe, likely something that had just been excavated, arrived on a cart. It was being pulled by strong adventurers.

Boom!

The huge axe was placed on a conspicuously high stage. Then people gather there in a hurry.

The person on the stage, with his thick belly and arms, had an outstanding presence.

“Alright, alright! This golem-sized giant axe was excavated from the second layer of Alvis! It’s made of Gran steel, which cannot be refined with modern technology. All it takes is melting it down and casting it into a rare item that’s sure to become an exceptional product!!”

His speech resonates all the way back to the entrance, followed by high-pitched sound of clapping hands.

“Let’s start from 80,000 Gent!”

An auction!

Apparently, the relics from the dungeon will be auctioned off inside the dungeon!

As I stand there in shock, I almost bump into a party of adventurers walking by.

“It seems a boss have come out in the 5^th level.”

“That’s a bit early, right?”

“Is the strength of the monster increasing?”

“Just as the general message said……”

My ears picked up on such conversations. I wonder if the monsters’ strength has changed due to the “Titan’s Ashes” even in this seemingly thriving dungeon.

God’s overall message of predicting the “end times” also seems to be taken more keenly here than in Kalmar. It’s probably because it’s a city of adventurers.

『……There are signs of ashes. It’s very strong, it is coming from the bottom. 』

Solana told me from the gold coin.

『This might be the unpleasant presence Safi felt when she woke up. 』

That means it’s a dungeon where there might be titans…

I had expected this from the information we had received beforehand. But hearing the voices of the adventurers, I can’t help but feel a sense of urgency.

I’ts bustle and crisis.

“Okay! 100,000 Gent! The price is settled at 100,000 Gent!”

The voice announcing the end of the auction brought me back to reality.

Mia-san is smiling.

“Magic stones are bought by the guild, and there is a separate market for ores. But anything dug up in the dungeon gets snapped up right here by the blacksmiths.”

The huge axe was loaded into a carriage and disappeared into the entrance in a flash.

I wonder if it will go straight to the forge as it is.

“……It’s kind of amazing.”

“Yeah, it’s great. I too want to be the first to get my hands on the finest raw materials —I guess that’s what a blacksmith is all about.”

Adventurers would find weapons in the dungeon, and sell them. After someone buys it, they dive into the dungeon again.

So, this dungeon is where weapons are both used and created huh…

Felix-san tapped his staff on the ground.

“Okay, let’s go down.”

I slapped both of my cheeks and scolded myself for getting carried away. I tucked my chin in and responded with a firm yes.

From here on, it was a real combat.

“It’s training time.”

“T-training?”

Felix-san seemed a little surprised. But he quickly shrugs.

“Certainly, it’s training.”

“Uhm. We are going to spend two days training in the dungeon, and then we are going to the bottom level, that is, the boss level on the last day…… is that right?”

I confirmed the planned schedule we had decided on beforehand. Spending three days on “training” seems a bit leisurely. The power to protect Lu may lie dormant here. Safi’s friends must be there too. I really want to challenge the boss right away.

However, it is Felix-san and Mia-san’s experience that we followed.

“Rion, don’t be impatient, especially at the beginning.”

Looking up, Mia-san’s eyes are serious. Felix-san also had his hand on his coronet, rubbing it.

“Fire-wielding monsters appear here. Rion-san is at level 20, but I would like to raise it to at least level 22, and if possible, I want to raise it to at most level 25. The recommended level of this dungeon is level 25, but—”

Felix-san paused then he continued,

“The flames of monsters stimulate our instincts. In other words, they cause craze. You may lose your composure in fear, panic, become ill, and even die —it’s something that can actually happen.”

“That’s why we had to change our equipment huh.”

“Exactly.”

We had switched to Alvis’ Dungeon gear.

I am still wearing the gauntlets that Lu had given me. However, the crystal on my left gauntlet had turned red.

It’s the work of Safi, the dwarf blacksmith.

The cloak for travel has also been replaced with a material that is resistant to fire. In addition, Safi also has runes engraved on our armors. The runes, “Fire fist” and “Ice block” ―― meaning, flames stagnate.

“In this dungeon, in addition to the lowest level boss, there is also a larger mid-boss. It would be a good idea to fight them beforehand to test your skills.”

At that moment, a male and female adventurer walked up to us. A burly man is carrying a large backpack. The other one, the woman, was carrying nothing.

The two of them stopped with their feet in attention position.

“Felix-dono.”

“We’ve arrived.”

I was surprised by the suddenness. But when I looked closely, I saw they were the Raven Warriors, who had been traveling with us. I didn’t recognize them at first because they were wearing Alvis’ dungeon’s gear.

Felix-san introduced them.

“I’ve ordered them to meet up here. I’m going to have them carry Safi on their back.”

As he spoke, Felix-san handed the backpack containing Safi to the two of them.

“In addition to magic stones, there are heavy ores and relics here. For that reason, it’s not uncommon to have two people ―the so-called supporters, to help carry items.”

Support specialists, I guess. I’ve heard that such people are necessary in dungeons with many levels.

I bowed my head to them.

“Pleasure to work with you.”

Now, we’re ready to go.

It’s time to begin my exploration.

I checked my short sword on my left hip. Safi has engraved runes into our weapons as well.

When I remember God’s voice, I feel inspired.

Blue Crystal Short Sword [Jinrad]

The dwarf blacksmith bestowed on my weapon a wind magic rune, the same as the spirit that resides within it.

“Let’s go!”

We descend to the battle layer.

In this new dungeon, I’ll try out the new powers I’ve received from the gods and my allies.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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The carriage passed through the city gate and entered the main street. There were forges here and there, and one after another, we passed carts full of weapons and ore.

There are also many adventurers. Alvis has a dungeon, so I guess they are heading there to explore it. There are monsters that can control fire, so they enter equipped with fire-resistant armor and magic. I think the reason blacksmiths stand out is because of the need for good quality fire-resistant armor.

Even in the city, the presence of the mine is outstanding.

I had no choice but to look up at the towering wall, and smoke billows out from what appears to be some kind of facility. I wonder if this is what a volcano looks like up close too.

Alvis’ dungeon is said to be integrated with this mine. It’s heart-pounding and eye-opening because it’s a completely new and unfamiliar place for me.

“We’ve arrived.”

A voice came from the driver’s seat.

Our first stop is an inn on the outskirts of city. The old sign on it reads, “Dancing Dwarfs Inn.” As I was getting off, Felix-san told me.

“The Raven Warriors have secret collaborators all over the place. The owner of this place provides us with lodging and food.”

Me, Felix-san, and Mia-san got off at the inn. The others went back to the carriages and carts and went out into the main street. They’ll probably continue gathering information from there.

“There is a temple of Odis here too. If there is an enemy, they will keep an eye on it.”

“I see……”

Staying at a regular inn means we can blend in with other adventurers. There were so many adventurers here after all. Also, a small inn wouldn’t stand out. Plus, as long as they’re helping us, they won’t let anyone else stay there.

By the way, the dwarf Safi is—

“Are you okay?”

I try to talk softly to Felix-san’s back.

“……I’m fine.”

I heard Safi’s whisper.

Even when standing, the dwarf’s body only reached up to my stomach, so she could fit in a large backpack perfectly.

Felix-san is carrying the backpack containing Safi.

“She is strangely very light. It was said in old books that dwarves made no sounds when they walk. I guess this lightness may be the reason.”

“Oh~ but it smells like apples! Wait, this was supposed to be a food bag, right? I can now understand how it feels to smell smoked meat.…”

“L-Let’s get in.”

Mia-san and I pushed Felix-san’s back, and we went inside the inn.

Eventually, the innkeeper comes and lets us into the room. When we told him that we hadn’t had our breakfast yet, he smiled and prepared it for us.

“Sorry to keep you waiting.”

The menu that came out was typical of a mining town. Browned sweet potatoes, well-cooked bacon, and black bread. It also comes with a soup with onions, carrots and mushrooms.

My stomach rumbled.

Me, Mia-san, and Safi waited for Felix-san’s prayer before we started eating.

Black bread is said to be eaten with cheese, bacon, and vegetables in between. It seems to have been based on the lunch box that you take to the mine.

Mmm, it seems that you can eat it sooner if you do so.

Some of the ingredients are pickled fish, and various combinations are interesting.

“Haha, I’d like to eat a lot…… but it’s impossible to eat it all as we have to go inside the dungeon.”

Mia-san’s muttering made me stop biting my food.

Right. If you get punched in the stomach inside the dungeon, eating too much can be a big problem.

“If we take a little rest before we leave, there should be no problem…… That’s an admirable mindset though. To tell you the truth, I thought you’d eat as much as you want because it’s free. I’ve changed my opinion of you.”

“You-, who do you think I am?”

Mia-san and Felix-san are at each other’s throats once again.

Safi on the other hand is curiously eating the black bread with only vegetables in between.

『……That looks good. 』

I heard Thor’s voice from the gold coin.

『Hey, can you unseal me? 』

(Eh, but ….…)

『I’m not going to destroy anything. 』

I unsealed the gods.

They all manifested themselves in small forms.

Thor, Loki, and Uru looked curiously at the food spread out on the table before picking up the food and started eating it. Even though they are doll-sized, they ate three slices of bacon in no time.

““Ah……””

Mia-san and I spoke at the same time.

The gods were saying something about the doneness and the draining of the blood.

Sigris looked dumbfounded then she pulls out her large spoon. She stirred the soup and served it to Thor, who choked on his throat.

You can even use that sacred item to serve the food huh….

“……Mm, everyone is eating.”

Little Solana floated gently, looking down at the table.

“You are not going to eat?”

“Uhm, well… the truth is, this is my first time “eating”.”

“Eh……?”

“O-of course I’ve seen it! Even though there were many believers, we never ate together.”

It’s a little surprising. But come to think of it, during our family’s meals, Solana never said she wanted to eat, she just watched us eat.

Loki spoke.

“Solana’s mother is the sun god. In the first place, if you have magical powers, you fundamentally don’t need to eat. I think she focused on being transcendent rather than interacting with her believers.”

“Oh~….…”

“Maybe it got something to do with our educational policy.”

Solana was acting fidgety, which was unusual for her. Her blonde hair and eyes were moving from side to side.

I guess she wants to eat it, but she can’t seem to make up her mind.

“Solana”

I called out to her.

I’m sorry I didn’t notice it until now.

I put some bacon scraps, cheese, and vegetables between the pieces of bread.

“……Oops, I guess this would be hard to eat at your current size.”

When I said that, Solana grew up. She turned to the size of a normal girl and sits next to me.

“Hey, it won’t be a problem for a little while. I’ll be right back.”

She must have been really interested to eat with us. Solana’s eyes sparkled as she imitated the others and took a bite of her sandwich in one go. She chewed hard and swallowed.

“D-delicious……! So this is food! My mouth feels very happy!”

“That’s good.”

“Mmm, mmm!”

Solana’s eyes light up as she takes a bite. After drinking the soup Mia-san had served her, she finally returns to her original doll size form.

“……Are these guys really gods?”

Narrowing her eyes, Safi tilted her head.

Loki chuckled.

“Not knowing also means you can grow. Solana is still a young god among us you see.”

“……She’s like a kid.”

“Oi, dwarf! You said what!?”

Safi looked at the feast of the gods suspiciously.

The short rest before venturing into the dungeon passed in a lively manner.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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The carriage rocked and shook, waking me up from my sleep.

A faint light leaks through the curtains that block the windows. I felt my body cracking as I sat down. I popped my whole body for a moment, and then I opened the curtains.

The carriage was approaching the mountain pass. From the window, I can see the city—the mining city of Alvis.

It was a city with a huge mountain on its back. The morning sun shines on the smoke rising here and there. It was as if the city was creating sparkling clouds.

The mines stand like a giant wall behind the city. The east side of the ridge leads to the forest plains, while the west side leads to the river. Part of the river flows into the city, presumably the source of the water transport connecting it to the Royal Capital.

It’s the first time I’ve seen a big city other than the Royal Capital.

“We managed to arrive in the morning huh.”

I was so focused outside the window that I did notice someone was already beside me. Felix-san’s words were laced with a smile.

“Well, we couldn’t ask for any better, this is the fastest pace we can go.”

I pulled my chin.

By the way, the other person in the passenger car, Mia-san, was still asleep in a sitting position. The fact that she didn’t wake up even with the hard rocking made me think that being an experienced traveler was a matter of skill too.

My body was still a little sore. It had been a forced march, with us trying not to rest as much as possible even through the night.

“For us to get ahead of the slave traders…… Isn’t it?”

Felix-san nodded his head.

After causing a golem riot in a town along the way, we rushed to Alvis.

If we go slowly, it will take us 6 days from the Royal Capital. But the Raven Warriors galloped through the night and used spare horses, thus we arrived in four days.

The day before, that is, yesterday, we did stop the carriage to rest. Without that, I don’t think we would have been able to move at all. After all, traveling in a carriage is tiring, even if you just sit there.

“Officially, the golem incident in Kalmar is being blamed on a magician. However, some people may find it strange. Also, the person who was supposed to receive the golems will inevitably become suspicious.”

Felix-san continued.

The horses neighed, and the carriage shook again.

“It will take some time for that information to be transmitted directly to Alvis. At best, we should be able to safely explore and prepare for five days, three days at the very least.”

Mia-san got up, turning her shoulders. She yawned like a cat.

“Fuah~…… Three days is a short time.”

“That’s true. The dungeon in Alvis is different from the one in the Royal Capital, and it’s quite unique as well…. Anyways, let’s first meet up with our local allies who are gathering information.”

Felix shrugged. The coronet on his forehead is sparkling.

“The number 1 thing for an adventurer is information.”

Something moved violently beneath my feet. Then a small hand grabbed my toes.

“……Is it morning?”

It was Safi, the black dwarf blacksmith .

Her red ring is shining. The dwarf girl stared at Alvis with round eyes.

“You’ve got to be kidding me… Is this Alfheim? There’s no palace, no forge, nothing…. The shape of the mountain is similar though….…”

Her reaction is the same as that of the gods. They were all stunned by the scene 1000 years later.

The gold coin trembled.

My heart felt the same way.

“I want to enter the dungeon as soon as possible.”

If there is a dwarf who has asked for help, we may be able to find something if we enter the dungeon.

“I agree with Rion. Since there’s a deadline, the sooner we act, the better. There’s no guarantee that prior information will be reliable, right?”

Felix-san acknowledged with a serious look in his eyes.

“Of course, we’ll head to the dungeon as soon as we can.”

When I put a lot of pressure on my stomach, I heard a gurgling sound.

……Come to think of it, we hadn’t had our breakfast yet.

Mia-san chuckled.

“Kuku, Felix. What you said earlier is the famous phrase for an adventurer, right? For adventurers, Information is number 1 and number 2 is—”

“………Number 2 is supplies. By the way, in the Warrior Corps, Number 3 is discipline and Number 4 is faith.”

White smokes are also rising from the mining city. It’s probably from the morning cooking.

It’s a city I don’t know, but I wonder if there is a “wake-up shop” here as well.

Felix-san said,

“When we enter the base, the first thing we have to do is eat.”

The gold coin in my right pocket suddenly vibrated.

『Supplies are important. Rion, make sure you get some meat. 』

『Make sure you get plenty of nutrition. Eat vegetables, too.』

『You can’t eat on the front lines, so you’d better eat what you like while you can…… Preserved meat, and dried fish that has been dried to the point where you can nail it……Ua-aaaaah-』

『I won’t like it if we don’t have tea. 』

Gods with a lot of demands…..

But did everyone eat meals a long time ago?

『Breakfast huh……』

Despite the crowd getting a little excited, Solana made a curious voice.

While they were talking, the carriage arrived at the gate of Alvis.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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