GalaxyTL
As the light subsided, I cautiously opened my eyes, and a bright, outdoor scene greeted me. Though I’d thought of the rocky mountain as being outside too, this didn’t quite feel like the first time I was stepping out into the open after a long while.
While I was looking around with just my eyes, I saw a man running towards us from a short distance away. I couldn’t help but tighten my grip on Gil-san’s clothes a little.
“Gilnandio-san, you’re late! Welcome back! Um, by any chance…”
“…Yeah. The dungeon’s back to normal.”
“As expected…! I had a feeling it was back to its old self since last night, but I waited here just in case. Um… I apologize for asking this while you’re tired, but I’d like a report as soon as possible…”
“I don’t mind.”
“Much obliged…! Right this way, then.”
The man didn’t look at me at all. I really was invisible to everyone around… Magic is amazing. That said, I was actually here, so my heart was pounding.
The way the man was talking gave me the impression that Gil-san held some kind of high-ranking position. Being part of a special-grade guild… he really was someone important. I mean, he’d annihilated that lion!
Following the man’s lead (well, Gil-san was), we moved away from what seemed like the dungeon entrance and entered a simple building. Perhaps it served as a reception area. It was early in the morning, but there was already a queue forming… Did people love dungeons that much? No way, there had to be another reason. Like it was lucrative or something?
Well, it probably wasn’t a world that concerned me. Because why in the world would a little kid like me need to go to a dungeon! The fact that I’d just been in one was beside the point.
“Now then, I apologize for the inconvenience, but if you would please place your hand on this crystal.”
A small room with a simple desk and chairs. As Gil-san and the man sat down on the chairs, facing each other, the man gestured towards a crystal on the desk and spoke. …Was it different from the one in the dungeon boss room earlier?
“A truth-telling crystal?”
“Yes. Not that I doubt Gilnandio-san would ever lie, but it’s merely a formality…”
It seemed Gil-san had sensed my question from my slight movement. As expected of a capable man, he subtly provided the answer.
But… a truth-telling crystal, huh? Meaning if you lie, it would expose you, right? Magic really is something else. But wait? Would that be alright? At least, with me, the lost child, being kept a secret…
Contrary to my worries, Gil-san didn’t show a hint of unease, remaining composed. As expected of a capable man, a true professional.
“In that case, please tell us about what happened during the investigation of the dungeon’s monster disappearance incident.”
“Right. …I discovered a protective barrier deep within the dungeon’s third floor. The magic was so powerful that it prevented monsters nearby from even appearing. Once the barrier was destroyed, the dungeon’s functions returned to normal… That’s all.”
Wow. Gil-san’s request was to investigate that strange phenomenon… I had no idea something like that had happened. Could it be that, thanks to that barrier, I was able to avoid encountering monsters in that rocky mountain? How lucky! No, wait, lucky in all this misfortune? It was more unfortunate that I was suddenly transported to some random isekai.
Either way, my current life was thanks to that barrier in the dungeon. Whoever and wherever you are, I offer my deepest gratitude. You have my thanks…
“I see… In that case, I have a few questions. How were you able to locate this protective barrier? None of the previous reports mentioned anything of the sort.”
“Ah, it was also layered with a sophisticated concealment spell. You wouldn’t even be able to find it unless you had my level of skill.”
“The same level as Gilnandio-san… well, it’s no wonder they couldn’t find it… By any chance, was it in the boss room…?”
“Yes. There was no sign of the boss. They must have touched the return crystal without ever encountering it. It had already respawned by the time I emerged.”
Whoa! If I’d emerged just a little earlier, I wouldn’t have had to go through that boss battle! It’s all because I was busy crying my eyes out… Really, I’m so sorry for being a burden. Though I doubt a boss monster, or the lack thereof, was much of a problem for Gil-san, it was still embarrassing. I’ll reflect on that.
“I see. In that case, what exactly was inside this protective barrier? For it to warrant such a strong barrier, there must have been something significant inside… Ah, of course, whatever was found in the dungeon belongs to the finder, so you’re free to answer only within reason.”
He could answer within reason, huh. Was it because if it was a valuable treasure, unsavory individuals might come after it? Though Gil-san could probably take them all on.
“…No, there was nothing particularly noteworthy. As for why that protective barrier was erected in that place, I didn’t look into it. It’s a dungeon, after all.”
“That is strange… It’s true that strange things happen in dungeons, but while it’s an explanation in itself… ”
“It did pique my curiosity. However, I have business to attend to and must return to the guild. I’ll be back to investigate further, but if you happen to find anything by then, would you mind letting me know?”
“Of course, of course. Understood. We’ll send the results of our investigation to Ortus.”
Come to think of it, while I’d been unconscious in that dungeon, something that strange had occurred without me knowing… but it’s thanks to that, that I was rescued by Gil-san, so I guess it all worked out in the end?
I have a feeling Gil-san found this request a little unsatisfying, though. He solved the dungeon problem, but the reason was still unclear. And there wasn’t even any noteworthy loot. If it were me, I’d be a bit disappointed. Though it’s definitely a good thing that nothing bad happened!
So these things happen, huh…? Maybe dungeons, along with monsters, also produce mysteries?
“Is there anything else?”
“…No, there’s nothing else I need to report.”
“…Alright, very well. No falsehoods detected. Thank you for your cooperation! That being said, we’ll be observing the dungeon for a few days to ensure it functions normally. If all goes well, we’ll send the additional reward to your guild. Would that be alright…?”
“That’s fine. I’ll leave it to you.”
“Understood. Then, Gilnandio-san, thank you for your hard work.”
Well, it seemed like everything was settled. Gil-san left the room with a brisk pace, not once looking back.
Even so, it was quite skillful of Gil-san to keep my presence a secret without resorting to lies. If it were me, I’m sure I’d have slipped up. What a dependable, handsome man… He’s definitely popular.
As for me? Of course, I was charmed by him and enjoyed looking at him, but that’s as far as it goes. You see, romantic feelings are troublesome. Romance is like a ritual to remind yourself of how unattractive you truly are. I’ll spare you the details.
In any case, this fine gentleman, this young lady will just admire from afar. If, by some miracle, I can get to know him a little better, that alone would be enough.
Apparently, I was somewhat tense, because I let out a sigh of relief as I thought such silly things.