第１１掘：「運営する」と「守る」ことは同じではない (Part2)
While I was thinking such things, the inside of the dungeon brightened, and a flattened image of Elju and Seraria was projected into the air.
Side: Elju Lau Roschur
"Ah, um. I am Elju Lau Roschur."
I was nervous about this first experience.
This monitor, as it's called, can apparently transmit my voice and appearance to the other party. I thought Yuki was just watching, so I assumed it was only for viewing.
But this is no time for such thoughts. I must clear up the misunderstanding.
"Please listen, the matter of Seraria's poisoning this time is a misunderstanding. As proof, Seraria is unharmed."
"You did well, Elju. Everyone, I, Seraria Nou Roschur, am unharmed as you can see. And I guarantee that this Elju is genuine. This incident is a despicable plot to eliminate both me and Elju!!"
A stir ran through the soldiers displayed on the monitor... but
"Don't lie!! Don't be fooled, Seraria is being manipulated!! There's no reason to keep alive someone you tried to poison!! That fake over there must be threatening us out of fear for her own life!!"
One soldier shouted that, and those around him responded with shouts.
"That's right!! If you're not a fake, why don't you show yourself here!! And why did you flee into a dungeon!!"
"Ah, that's right!! If you're innocent, there's no need to run!! You cowardly fake!!"
"Even that Seraria is suspicious!! There's no way that brave and resolute Seraria would meekly become an enemy's captive!!"
"C-could it be that the real Seraria is already...!?"
Beside me, Seraria's veins were throbbing... it's scary.
"It's true!! But, due to circumstances, I cannot show myself before the soldiers. Please, withdraw your troops as they are. If you advance any further, I cannot... hold back."
I spoke, hoping they would withdraw... but
"She's shown her true colors!! And she says she can't hold back after fleeing to the depths of the dungeon!! We haven't encountered a single monster in this dungeon so far!! That means you have no power, you're weak!!"
"We won't be swayed by such words!! Prepare yourselves!!"
Then, a man stepped forward towards the monitor, and the surroundings fell silent.
"I have indeed heard the warnings from Elju and Seraria. However, I have no proof to definitively say that the princesses are genuine. Therefore, I will follow His Majesty's imperial order and secure both of you before making a judgment."
That man was the Captain of the Roschur Royal Guard... Ares Lester.
He is a living legend at Level 122.
Side: Oriel
Finally, approximately 1000 people, centered around the Royal Guard, began their assault on the dungeon.
"Ah, honestly. That man is so stubborn!!"
"Seraria, please calm down."
"Well, it can't be helped in this situation. ...So what are you going to do? This dungeon is brand new, with only three floors!! They'll be here in no time!! We have to escape quickly!!"
Saying that, Seraria confronted Yuki.
However, Yuki paid no mind to Seraria, merely staring at the MAP with an expressionless face.
"Oriel!! You say something too!! If we stay like this, we'll be too late to escape!! There's no reason to remain here!!"
"That's... true. Yuki, I understand you have an attachment to this dungeon, but if we stay like this, we'll lose even the chance to escape. So..."
Her words were cut off by Yuki's hand.
"Look, see?"
Looking in the direction he indicated, the monitor showed the invading soldiers.
"What... is this!?"
It showed around 200 soldiers falling into a bottomless pit where the path had disappeared.
As they were surprised by the sight, he said, somewhat disappointed,
"Oh, come on. It was clearly written on the sign: 'Please enter beyond this point with a party of 6 or less.'"
And then, about 200 markers disappeared from the MAP...
I think the update speed will slow down to about once a day from now on.
I apologize to everyone looking forward to it, but please understand.
...Also, please forgive any typos!! I'll correct them later!!