Chapter 575: Taking a Break With a Side Gig Dungeon: [Light's Paradise]
"So, we've come to Tsuia, but what do we do from here?"
We'd arrived in Tsuia by a shared horse carriage. I asked since I figured the Uzoh-Muzoh brothers, who'd originally planned to work abroad, probably had some sort of plan.
"Ah, there's a dungeon called [Light's Paradise]. We're planning to earn there, right, Muzoh?"
"Huh? Wasn't it [Light's Garden], Uzoh?"
"Both're correct, ya two. I think it's officially registered as [Light's Paradise] with the guild."
Ichika added the information. It seemed this dungeon was peacefully referred to as either a paradise or a garden.
"Tsuia's agriculture is thrivin' thanks to the dungeon, Master."
"Ah, I see. The area around a dungeon is good for crops, right? It's the same in my village."
The mana emanating from the dungeon apparently aided in plant growth.
"That's part of it, but [Light's Paradise] has a lot of plant-type enemies in particular. They make better fertilizer than goblins."
"Huh, is that so?"
Hearing about the plant-based dungeon, I remembered Myconid-senpai with whom I'd teamed up during that fight with Number 10.
I recall that Myconid-senpai used a plant warrior called Soldier Plant.
"Do plant warriors like Soldier Plants and Myconids appear there?"
"That's right. Especially Myconids, they're delicious when ya grill 'em! I wanna to eat them butter-fried."
"Hahaha, Ichika-san sure is eager to eat, right, Muzoh?"
"That's true. It's pleasant to see, Uzoh."
… Could it be that this is Myconid-senpai's dungeon?
After completing our greetings at the guild, we immediately headed for the dungeon [Light's Paradise].
We didn't forget to bring butter, of course.
The dungeon was located east of Tsuia, outside the city walls.
Surrounded by wheat fields, there was a barn that also served as the entrance to the dungeon. It looked like soldiers, ones not a part of the Adventurers' Guild, were also stationed here.
We presented our guild cards at the reception.
"We'll be diving in for two to three days. Here are our guild cards."
"I'm one of this Baron's slaves, nice to meet ya~"
"Yes, I've confirmed your identities. B-rank adventurers, I see… Baron Kehma, Ventulier Uzoh, Ventulier Muzoh. I wish you good luck!"
With a polite send-off from the receptionist, we entered the dungeon.
Ichika and I were in the rear guard, with the Uzoh-Muzoh brothers in the vanguard as we proceeded through the dungeon.
It was a bright and very green dungeon, bathed in light. The floors and walls were covered with lush, green vines. Considering the presence of plant-type monsters, I didn't want to get too close to the vines. They could attack at any moment. Vigilance was crucial.
"It'd be beter to avoid usin' water magic, so I'll support with [Fireball] in combat."
"Is it safe to use fire magic? Won't everything catch fire?"
"Maybe if things were dried out and all, but these fresh vines won't catch fire so easily. If they do, I'll be relyin' on ya, Master."
However, the shallower layers were meant for beginners and each of us had enough skill to proceed alone (or at least, that's what being B-rank implied).
Although we remained vigilant, we still had the luxury of chatting as we moved forward.
"Still, I'm not quite used to being called a Ventulier. Right, Muzoh?"
"That's true. I'm not used to it either, Uzoh. Is Kehma-san accustomed to it?"
"Nope, I rarely even get called Baron either, so it feels quite novel. I'm usually just known as the village chief… By the way, Ichika, why didn't you present your guild card?"
"It's a bit cheaper this way. Master, you're exempt from taxes, yeah?"
… Oh, right, was there such a perk?
"What! Exempt from taxes for such an achievement… well, that makes sense. It's fitting for a Baron."
"Yes. Kehma-san, you're amazing… Ah, there's an enemy already, I'll take it down."
As we chatted, we delved deeper. The enemy that appeared was a Brown Goblin. It was said to have a strong earth attribute, making it good fertilizer. Muzoh swiftly cut it down, harvesting only its ears and leaving the body behind. It was a smooth and efficient move.
Oh, and now a walking carnivorous plant… which Uzoh swiftly defeated and started collecting petals from before I could observe any longer.
"It seems you've improved your skills a lot."
"Not as much as Kehma-san. But, well, we've been through a lot in the Demonlands…"
"Ah, I'm glad to hear that."
The Uzoh-Muzoh brothers, although modest, smiled slightly with pride.
It seemed he was basing his standards on my exploits in the Demonlands, but it's not like I had the same defenses with me anymore. Don't expect that much from me, okay?
"So, what's our goal here?"
"Ah, a fruit called Ambrosia. It's supposed to be further inside."
"It's an ingredient for high-priced potions. It's a permanent but B-rank quest, so it pays well."
A single one was apparently worth fifty silver coins. Since it's common to find several in one place, it could yield a few gold coins.
Ho-hoh. I secretly opened the menu to check what it was.
They were 1000 DP a pop and looked like a yellow apple… In the worst case, I could buy one with my DP. It'd be a profitable deal.
"… Fruit, huh. Sounds yummy…"
"Hey, hey, Ichika. It's for delivery, don't eat it, okay?"
"Well maybe we could taste one if we find a lot, right? We're curious too, right, Muzoh?"
"That's true, it's okay to try one. I'll cut it up when the time comes."
"Yay! Ya understand as always! Eating is important! Right?!"
Ichika happily patted their backs.
Really, they're quite lenient. They probably wanted to show their good sides to Ichika. I'm here for a break this time, so I don't mind.
"I should show off a little too. I'll take down the next enemy."
"Really? That will be interesting."
"I can rely on Kehma-san."
After walking for a while, we encountered a two-meter tall giant made of vines, an Ivy Giant. It looked like even a small hole wouldn't weaken it much.
[Elemental Shot] wasn't a good match here.
"Well, I guess I'll just burn it… Burn my enemy swiftly—[Fireball]!"
I tossed a fireball and the vine-covered giant was instantly engulfed in flames and burned to ashes.
Yep, just as I imagined.
"… That one's described to be like a moving wall, the general rule is to run so you don't get yourself swallowed. Well, it's Kehma-san, so this was expected."
"… Ah. Kehma-san. We can't collect materials or proof of subjugation like this, so could you go a little easier?"
"Oops. That's true, my bad."
Well, we are a B-rank group. Let's not overdo it in a beginner's area and head deeper.