SWNOVELXO Chapter 106
106. Dungeon Conquest Team
A week had passed since our escort mission to the royal capital ended.
As planned, we teleported Sierra to Ortia three days later, successfully completing the request. Sierra seemed satisfied, having accomplished her tasks as planned.
I also added the royal capital as a teleport destination, so it was a worthwhile mission for me.
Except for the incident with Vasago, it turned out quite well for both of us.
However, that was just a minor irregularity. Returning to my daily routine, I dove into the dungeon again today with Raize to complete quests together.
“—Phew, it’s done.”
I sheathed Hikaka at my waist and took a breath. My exhale echoed off the walls.
We were on the 25th floor of the Ash Dungeon, having just repelled a swarm of monsters.
As usual, while the slimes were collecting materials, Raize spoke to me.
“Arx, let’s call it a day here.”
“What’s wrong? We’re only on the 25th floor. Are you feeling unwell?”
Raize, who usually insisted on pushing to the limit, seemed unusually hesitant today.
“No, it’s not that. There’s something I really want to see today. Just summon the Warp Slime.”
Raize hurriedly insisted, half-forcefully making me summon the Warp Slime, and sent me back to Ortia.
“What’s happening?”
As soon as we arrived in Ortia, Raize took my hand and led me to the city gate.
Apparently, something was really going to happen here, as a sparse crowd, mostly adventurers, had gathered near the gate.
“You really don’t know? I thought you’d be the most excited.”
“Something I’d be excited about…?”
“Today, a dungeon conquest team is coming to this city. They’re here to conquer the Ash Dungeon.”
Dungeon Conquest Team. The moment I heard those words, I knew exactly what she meant.
The conquest team is a group of highly skilled adventurers organized by the Kingdom of Elsted.
The team consists solely of S-class adventurers, dedicated to exploring dungeons. Their sole purpose is to determine the extent of the dungeons.
The highest reached level in the Ash Dungeon is the 42nd floor, a record held by this conquest team. They last updated this record about six months ago, steadily progressing.
They are the pinnacle of adventurers, a team composed only of those with unmatched skill and achievement.
And today, they’re coming to this city again.
I couldn’t get a good look last time they were here, so I wanted to see them properly this time.
As excitement built, the surrounding adventurers raised their voices.
“They’re here, the conquest team.”
At that moment, a carriage passed through the gate, greeted by cheers from the adventurers.
A middle-aged man with brown hair parted in the middle stood in the lead carriage, waving confidently like a triumphant hero.
He was probably the leader of the conquest team. The carriage continued, and in the second carriage—
“Sis! It’s the townspeople! They’re welcoming us!”
There was no mistake. I knew the two people in the carriage. A duo with blond and blue hair. They were—
“Huh? Is that the guy from before? Hey there!”
It was the pair we bumped into in the royal capital. The blue-haired girl waved at us with a sunny smile.
Why are they in the carriage!? I wanted to ask immediately, but the carriage continued towards the town.
“Hey, Arx!?”
I hurriedly ran after the carriage.
“Hey there, mister! I didn’t expect to see you here!”
Ten minutes later, the blue-haired girl noticed us and ran over, waving.
Looking closely, it was definitely the girl from before. I couldn’t hide my surprise.
“My name is Arx. Thank you for your help the other day.”
“No need to be so formal! I’m Fran! You can call me Fran too!”
She seemed a few years younger than me, around 15, with a hint of childishness.
Feeling tense, my greeting was stiff, so I gratefully adjusted my tone.
“Fran, are you part of the conquest team?”
“Huh? No, I’m just here with my sister. She’s like that, so I have to follow her!”
Sister—she must be referring to the blond girl from before.
Indeed, her expression revealed nothing, and she might be a bit intimidating alone.
“By the way, where did the conquest team go?”
“They’re probably in a meeting now. But why do you ask?”
With the conquest team in town, there was only one thing I wanted to do.
“Don’t tell me…”
Raize, sensing my intentions, looked at me in disbelief.
Of course, I had only one thing to say.
“I want to join the conquest team. I’m going to ask them right now.”