第１０２１堀：ダンジョン調査 易 (Part1)
**Dungeon Investigation: Easy**
**Side: Steve**
"This is Operation Command. S-Squad, do you read?"
"Loud and clear. Signal is strong."
"Understood. No abnormalities detected in the magical communication link."
"That’s a relief."
I exchanged these words while leading my platoon toward a specific dungeon.
"What is the status of the unit?"
"Everyone in the platoon is fine. No physical or mental strain."
"Understood. You are 500 meters from the target. Maintain vigilance as you advance. You are already within the dungeon's sphere of influence. Anything could happen."
"Understood. Everyone, keep your eyes peeled."
"Understood!"
Every member of the platoon nodded and tightened their grip on their weapons. Since this was a serious operation, we were equipped with rifles from the start, with knives for close-quarters combat. Even though this was a reconnaissance mission, we planned to transition into a dungeon attack and subsequent occupation if things went south, so we had no use for archaic gear like swords and shields.
In fact, we had RPGs and plastic explosives in our item boxes—that should tell you just how serious this operation was.
However, the journey was incredibly peaceful. We only encountered low-level monsters like wolves sporadically, and there wasn't anything resembling a real battle. Well, we made sure to "harvest" every single witness—or rather, every monster that spotted us.
Looking at the situation, it seemed unlikely that there was a Dungeon Master in the dungeon we were heading toward. Even if they were testing our capabilities, the reaction was far too sluggish. There was a slim chance that we just hadn't encountered any decent scouts or that they hadn't noticed us, but even then, the lack of response was glaring.
I hoped it would remain an easy job. As we neared the destination, the vegetation grew thick and overgrown, with not even a beast trail in sight. It was clear that neither people nor animals had come anywhere near this place. We spent our time hacking through the brush with machetes to clear a path.
"...This is S-Squad. We have arrived at the destination."
"Understood. Please begin the perimeter survey."
"Understood. Though, as far as visual inspection goes, it’s just as the drones and familiars indicated—I’m worried if the dungeon is even operational."
Before us lay the dungeon, its entrance completely sealed by massive, rotting, fallen trees.
"I can't believe they actually found a dungeon like this."
"It was discovered by chance by Kirika and the intelligence team. Even if it’s inactive, the interior is still built like a dungeon, so headquarters has determined it’s worth entering and investigating."
"I understand. I get the value of the survey. Even if it’s abandoned, understanding its structure and purpose might give us insight into our opponents."
"Exactly. Good luck, Captain. Stay vigilant."
With the radio transmission ended, I gave a hand signal to my subordinates who were guarding the perimeter. They immediately understood the order and fanned out to secure the area.
"Clear."
"Clear."
"Clear."
"All clear."
"What about electronic and magical readings?"
"Nothing on the radar. I can't completely rule out concealment, but there’s no abnormal odor, so the probability is very low."
...That’s the kind of report you’d usually be happy to hear, but when everything is this quiet, it actually makes me more nervous. Honestly, I’m certain this is a bust. But a job is a job. I signaled my subordinates to clear the trees blocking the cave entrance.
*Thud, thud-thud.*
The men used their enhanced stats to effortlessly move the fallen logs, and there it was...
"Definitely a dungeon. Maintain vigilance. Camera team."
"Sir! Recording has been continuous since the start of the operation. We’ve also set up the stationary cameras."
"Good. Then, as planned, we’ll take a break while maintaining perimeter security until 1300."
"Understood!"
With the preparations for control complete, we took a break. Yes, right in the middle of enemy territory.
"Boss. Is it really necessary to go this far? If the enemy is actually here, wouldn't we look like total idiots?"
"It’s the opposite. If they don't show up even after we do this, we can be sure the dungeon is untouched and safely take control."
"Well, I guess that’s true. Still, eating a meal right in front of a bear’s den is basically a suicide mission."
This break was part of the plan. If there were people hanging out and eating leisurely right in front of the dungeon entrance, surely the enemy would make some kind of move, right?
"So, would you rather march into a dungeon where the enemy might be waiting with bated breath, without taking a break?"
"...When you put it that way, eating and resting in front of the dungeon sounds better."
"Exactly."
When I offer a common-sense objection, I get an immediate strategic counter-argument. I understand the logic, but actually performing it is nerve-wracking. Half the platoon was on guard duty, but since the rest of us had to be ready to move at a moment's notice, I questioned whether this could really be called a "break."
Still, considering we were in the middle of a battlefield, being able to take the time to eat a proper meal was a blessing. During training with the Boss, if we tried to light a fire and eat like this, artillery shells would be raining down on us. We’d be forced to scarf down cold rations in secret.
...Wait, are we being treated worse during training?
"So, having walked all this way, how is it? Do you feel anything?"
Right, sharing information with the Boss was the priority.
"No, nothing at all."
I looked over at my subordinates, who were eating their warm meals, but they all shook their heads.
"The men don't feel anything either."
"I see. Was it too remote? Still, monsters did appear, right?"
"A few wolves and some slimes, yeah."
"A beginner-level zone, then. Well, it’s good that the info Kirika gathered was accurate."
"That’s for sure. I really don't want a situation like in those manga or light novels where high-rank monsters suddenly pop up in a newbie zone. Anyway, the operation is proceeding extremely well."
"Just don't let your communications cut out the moment you enter the dungeon. It’s a pain to send in search parties."
"We’re hoping for the same thing. Alright, shift change for the break."
"Sir!"
The subordinates finished their meals, and we immediately swapped shifts. Even though it was a break, the priority was for everyone to eat first, and if there was time left, we would rest in shifts.