Dungeon Sherpa

Rowe entered a private room in the Adventurer’s Guild just as “Twilight’s Sword” was ready to depart. 

　In a leather long cloak and with a huge rucksack on his back, Rowe noticed that he really did look the part of a Sherpa. One of the party members, a blonde haired woman, approached as though trying to look for a fight for some reason. 

　She had soft blonde hair that almost reached her shoulders. One eyebrow was raised like she was trying to make herself look menacing. 

　If you observed her closely, she certainly looked beautiful, but she also looked strong-willed. 

“Are you Rowe? If you drag us down, you’ll be fired.”

　The first thing she did after opening her mouth was to make such a proclamation. Rowe’s eyes rounded. 

　He didn’t know why she was suddenly picking a fight, but for the time being, he decided to make a smile and nod. 

　This current job was one where both his life and wealth were being put on the line. If any situation were to occur that warranted his firing, it would be better off to think him dead.

“Please don’t hesitate to do so.”

　Rowe was speaking honestly, but the blonde Adventurer seemed to have taken this as just an expression of his Sherpa’s pride. She grumpily turned away. 

“Yuika. What might be the name of this lady?”

“Berii. Her job is a Light Warrior, and she can also use support magic.”

“Wai — princess!”

“I look forward to working with you, Berii.”

　After a bow, Rowe proceeded to greet the next party member. 

　Bald head and eyebrows. His skin was brown, and he exuded an imposing aura. It wasn’t the case that he was upset, but it was his face itself that looked naturally fearsome.  

“Nice to meet you. I am the Sherpa Rowe.”

“I’m Nuuk. My job is Raider. I’m mainly good at attacking at a medium range, but I can also handle close combat to some extent. I have the Gift [Enemy Search], so I will be the one taking the lead during labyrinth exploration.”

“I look forward to working with you.”

　Next was a man wearing a flashy robe lined with gold thread. 

“Is this the [Floating] Gift? That’s rather rare.”

“Ho, surprised are you, but it’s dull.”

　The man’s feet were not on the floor, he was floating lightly.

“Magikan. I’m a Sage.”

　To the extent of not being rude, Rowe observed Magikan. 

　He was around 30 years old. However, as someone who was said to possess the passive Gift, [Delayed Aging], he was definitely not how old he looked. Other than that, he was a thin man of small stature with a pale complexion, and gave off the air of a scholar. 

　A Sage who possessed both the strongest attack and defence magic in the current age. 

　Among Adventurers he was top class, and his repeated retirements and unretirements as an Adventurer spoke to his capriciousness.  

　Finally, Rowe shook hands with Yuika again.

“Thank you for coming, Rowe. I really appreciate you for taking on this job.”

“I’ve made plans to go on a picnic in the forest with Marin after I get back. Please don’t go too crazy.”

“Hou, that sounds fun.”

　Yuika then announced her job.

　Light Warrior.

　Here, a team consisting of an Adventurer party and a Sherpa was formed.

　When they left the lobby and reported their departure to the reception, the surrounding adventurers started to stir. 

“’Twilight’s Sword’s’ leaving. The Hero of the East!”

“That’s – the Black Princess.  Is she also the ‘Sprit Messenger’?”

“Conquering Tyros Labyrinth with a standard party? Are they sane?”

“Floating… a Sage. Look, check out that flashy robe.”

“That blondy looks like she’s in a really bad mood – geh, she’s coming over!”

　Among the commotion, there were also some who fixed them with a frosty gaze. 

“Oi, look. ‘Labyrinth feeders’.”

“That one carrying luggage was a Sherpa huh. They’ll be ruined.”

“No, he’s following the Hero, they’d probably succeed.”

“Uhihihi”

　Who knows from where they heard the news, but the pathway from the Adventurer’s guild to the labyrinth was lined with residents in a furore. 

“As expected, there’s a lot of popularity.”

“It’s not because of you. Don’t get it wrong.”

　Berii was attentive in sticking it to Rowe. 

　Even though it’s our first time meeting, the reason why I’m this hated has probably something to do with Yuika returning only in the morning, Rowe surmised. This girl clearly has some special feelings for Yuika. But even so, she doesn’t need to keep picking on every single thing I do… 

　Along the way, Rowe gave an overview of Tyros Labyrinth.

　Tyros Labyrinth was discovered about 90 years ago. At the same time, the town of Tyros was created and took its name from the labyrinth. Like any other labyrinth with a relatively long history, shortcuts have been constructed leading to floor entrances. Here, there was one connected straight to the 14th underground floor. Previously, there had also been one connected to the 20th underground floor entrance, but a labyrinth collapse caused it to be currently unusable, 

“This shortcut is available for intermediate adventurers and above.”

　In other words, the 13th underground floor and above are places where beginner adventurers can earn experience points.

　The shortcut was a narrow and steep spiral staircase. 

　On account of precise mapping by Sherpas, an artificial entrance could be excavated and established in a discreet location.  

“The 14th floor has been swept, so the number of monsters is not too many.”

　From the perspective of those in the labyrinth, it also serves as an entrance to the top. Intermediate adventurers are the ones mainly tasked with exterminating monsters here on a regular basis. 

“The Infinite Labyrinth has a shortcut all the way down to the 40th floor. This is a bit troublesome.”

　Rowe smiled bitterly at Yuika’s honest thoughts.

“It’s because the town of Tyros doesn’t have as many Adventurers as the Royal Capital. If the floor can’t be swept, then the town will be in danger. In fact, about three years ago, a flying type monster used this shortcut to fly to the surface, it became a huge commotion.” 

“Was it exterminated?”

　To Nuuk’s question, Rowe shook his head. 

“Since it was a flying type. It managed to escape. Since there was no information of any sighting after that, it probably died somewhere.”

　As a result of the overground being more or less devoid of magic particles, it seems that monsters cannot live for a long time on the surface.  Various attempts have been made to transport monsters captured in the labyrinth to the surface for examination, but monsters forcibly brought up start writhing in agony and end up exploding. 

　The entrance of the shortcut was monitored by Adventurer’s Guild staff. 

　You needed to present your permit in order for them to open the thick iron door for you. 

“Oi Sherpa. Allow me to hold on to you for a bit.”

　Having said that, with a cane that had a hook on its end, Magikan hooked onto Rowe’s rucksack. 

　He possessed the [Floating] Gift.

　It was a passive Gift that consumed almost no magic power. Because he couldn’t propel himself forward by floating alone, it seemed like he had plans to use Rowe for transporting himself. 

　There were no handrails on the spiral staircase, and the steps were steep.

“There’s no gondola. Looks like heading back will be tough.”

“Among Sherpas, we call this the ‘foot-crushing stairs’. “Ah, it’s easy to slip, so please be careful.”

“–tsk, don’t talk to me so casually!”

　Rowe fended off Berii’s angry shout with a nonchalant face. 

　The place they arrived at was a Dungeon Oasis in a corner of the 14th floor. 

　Somebody had left chairs and tables, making it like a small meeting space.

“Then, let’s have a simple meeting.”

　Rowe offered the chairs to sit, Yuika and Nuuk took their seats.  

　Magikan floated lightly in the air cross-legged. 

　Berii sulkily stood at a place where she could watch the passageway leading into the Oasis, but she still seemed to be within earshot.

　First, Yuika declared the objective.

“As I mentioned in advance, the purpose of this dive will be to aim for the 47th floor. We have no spare time to loiter in the upper floors. We will be relying on Rowe to guide us along the shortest route connecting the Dungeon Oases.”

“The next Labyrinth Oasis will be on the 19th floor.”

“What kinds of enemies will there be?”

　Sword Demon Edge, Lizard Dog, Spiny Snake Prinko, Rock Doll, Apple Bee, Horned Cat, Cannon Vine, and the rare monster Silver Plate. 

“These are the endemic monsters. Which are the ones that can use special attacks or magic?”

“Spiny Snake Prinkos have a neurotoxin, Apple Bees can spit acid. Sword Demon Edge – these are mainly small imps that can turn both of their hands into hard blades, but they can also call for reinforcements. None of these monsters can use magic.”  

“If that’s all, then we’re good to go.”

　Their positions starting from the vanguard were Nuuk, Berii, then Rowe and Magikan. Bringing up the rear was Yuika.  

　Using his staff, Magikan drew a magic formation in the air. 

　A trail of light emerged from the tip of the staff, which quickly became intricately intertwined. 

“‘Silver Robe’ — hoi”

　When the staff was swung, the magic formation divided and shifted above everyone’s heads, including Rowe’s.

　Immediately after, the magic formation burst, raining down a powder of glittering light.  

“……This is?”

　Magikan explained to Rowe, who was perplexed by magic he was seeing for the first time. 

“You can conceptualize this as applying a layer of oil on your body. The effect is to divert all sorts of physical attacks. However, it doesn’t work if you receive an attack from the front.”

　Following which, Berii stood behind everyone and drew a small magic formation with her fingertips. 

“’Winds Of Fortune’”

　This magic was one Rowe remembered seeing before.

　A wind-type magic that creates a tailwind behind and has the effect of increasing mobility.

　However, once it is cast, it becomes difficult to finetune your movements. Because it feels like there is something constantly pushing your back, there are cases where it becomes a hindrance during battle.

　This should normally be magic used after concluding the labyrinth exploration, when either heading to the Dungeon Oasis or to the surface. 

“I really hate to have to do this, but if you can’t keep up, then everyone will be slowed down.”

　A hazy and unpleasant premonition floated into Rowe’s head.

“–Break through in one shot!”

　The premonition was on target.

　By Yuika’s command, the entire party rushed out with a speed close to their full power.