第４８掘：冒険を中断します (Part1)
**Dungeon Floor 48: Suspending the Adventure**
**Suspending the Adventure**
**Side: Yuki (Real Name: Kazuya Torino)**
"Yes, that’s correct, Elder Narjia. This card will serve as your temporary identification. I’ll place it in this case for you, so please keep it hanging around your neck where it’s visible."
Milly was sitting at the very last table, handling the issuance of the ID cards.
"How is it, Labyris? My appraisal hasn't turned up any fakes or anyone lying, but what about you?"
"Yes, I don't see anyone of that sort in my eyes, either."
Labyris and I were assisting at the ID issuance station, verifying the authenticity of everyone entering. Given the existence of doppelgangers and magic, we couldn't afford to let anyone slip in under a false guise.
"But an 'ID card,' was it? You certainly think of interesting things. It’s true that knowing who someone is and where they come from builds trust. Until now, we only ever used diagnostic crystals to get a rough idea of a person's name and level."
"I'll add photos later to make them perfect. With these cards, the name won't even appear unless the magic power matches the holder's. In other words, even if someone tries to forge one..."
"The name won't show up, right? And with the photo, it’s a double layer of security."
"Exactly. Plus, the issue date—the day the ID was created—is recorded on our end. Even if someone managed to perfectly replicate the card from scratch, the discrepancy in the records would give them away."
"…That’s ruthless."
We exchanged these words without ever making eye contact, our focus entirely on scanning the crowd.
"Excuse me, might I have a word with you?"
"Yes, what is it?"
Once most of the verification was finished, the Elder approached me. She had received her temporary ID, and as expected, it read 'Narjia,' matching her status perfectly.
Still, the Fairy race is incredible. Their average MP is over 1,000. Elder Narjia herself has 7,000. At this rate, she could cast almost any spell without running dry.
...However, the DP absorption rate is about 1/100th per hour. That means the Elder alone generates 7 DP per hour. *Heh heh heh*, the delivery of MS and AC is drawing closer.
"The transport of our belongings is almost finished. What shall we do about the two individuals over there who claim to be part of the Four Heavenly Kings?"
"Oh? Elder Narjia, you knew I was Yuki?"
"Yes, I can read magic power to a certain extent. Do not worry, I shall not speak of it to others. The rest of the group hasn't realized it."
As expected of the Fairy race. I had told Covil not to tell anyone about me, but I suppose I should place a restriction on her later to ensure she can't speak of it, just to be safe.
"Those self-proclaimed Four Heavenly Kings, huh... What do you think is the best course of action?"
"You are asking for my opinion? ...Very well. If I may be blunt, whether we take them as prisoners or execute them, both options have their own merits and drawbacks."
"May I hear your reasoning?"
"The merit of taking them prisoner is that we might glean information about the Demon King’s army and the internal affairs of their domain. The drawback is that the information could be false, or if they escape within this dungeon, the damage could be catastrophic. As for killing them, the merit is that we wouldn't need to divert manpower to guard them. The drawback is that if they truly are the Four Heavenly Kings, we would be marking ourselves as targets for the Demon King’s army."
Hmm. I definitely need to discuss this with the various district representatives, like Ratz.
"Killing them can be done at any time. For now, I’ll have them locked in the dungeon’s holding cells. There’s no need to rush the decision. We will deliberate on it thoroughly later."
"I understand. I see, you truly are 'managing' this place. It would be unwise to make such decisions on your own, wouldn't it?"
"Yeah. Everyone here helps me out. There’s only so much I can do on my own."
"…I’ll let that slide because there was no malice in your words, but please be careful with how you speak. If Yuki is mocked, I will strike you down, even if Yuki himself is laughing."
Labyris, who was sitting on my lap, glared at the Elder as she said this.
"My apologies. I did not mean to belittle or disparage someone so important to you. I, too, am responsible for the lives of everyone in my village. I hope you understand."
"…I know. Just be careful in the future."
"Yes, I understand."
Oh? She’s being quite polite to Labyris. Could this Elder be more capable than I thought? She didn't even twitch at Labyris's appearance and handled the situation perfectly.
"Anyway, Elder. If the transport is finished, please handle the roll call and confirm that no one is left on the other side. Once the cargo is moved, I’m going to destroy that gate and the dungeon entrance."
"I see. To ensure no one realizes we have fled into this dungeon?"
"Exactly. People are bound to stop by that place eventually. It’s best not to leave any traces behind."
As the Elder went to check on her people, Covil approached me.
"Hey, Yuki? Is it okay for me to stay here? I have a promise with Rurua, you know?"
"No, Covil, I need you to go with Rurua. Honestly, the situation with Rurua is quite complicated."
"Got it, yeah!! I’ll do my best, leave it to me!!"
"Well, let's clear it with the Elder first. Covil, sorry, but could you go call Rurua over here? Mauve and the others will continue guarding the gate and the dungeon entrance. Give this to them—it’s sake and snacks. I’m asking a lot of them."
Covil headed through the gate to fetch Rurua. Shortly after, the Elder returned.
"My apologies. It seems one person, Covil, who was with you, is still on the other side."
"Ah, don't worry. I asked her to bring one of our companions over here."
"I see. That is a relief. Then, everyone has arrived safely on this side with their IDs, excluding Covil."
"Good. In that case, Eris, please take everyone to Training Room A and explain how to use the facilities."
"Yes, understood. Everyone, please leave your luggage there and follow me. I will explain the rooms we will be using. Is that alright, Elder?"
"Yes, please do. Everyone, follow her instructions. The tools here are things we have never seen before. Listen carefully and do not cause any trouble."
With the Elder’s approval, the Fairies followed Eris.
"Hey, I brought Rurua!"
After everyone had left, Covil returned with Rurua in tow.
"Covil. Even if it was an order from Yuki, you should have told me. You worried me."
"Ugh, sorry, Elder."
Covil was being scolded by the Elder, while Rurua looked at me with a curious expression.
"Yuki-san, why was I called here?"
"Well, there are people here of higher standing than Covil, so I thought you should speak with them. When it comes to Rurua's issues, it’s better to rely on the Elder than Covil."
"I see."
Seemingly convinced, Rurua turned to face the Elder and Covil.
"Issues, you say? Come to think of it, you were traveling with a specific goal in mind. Might you tell me the reason? If there is anything we can do to help, we will not hesitate to cooperate."
"Yeah. After all, you saved everyone!! I keep my promises, you know!!"