第１０２６堀：発見とはあらゆるところにある (Part2)
"That is true. When it comes to a Dungeon Master from another land whom we know nothing about, it’s only natural to be concerned. After all, we have a Dungeon Master among our acquaintances like Yuki, who defies all imagination."
"You're right. That’s exactly why I can’t help but use him as a benchmark. Well, that in itself isn't necessarily wrong. Being caught off guard and having the rug pulled out from under you is no laughing matter. That’s precisely why we executed the reconnaissance mission Taizo-san proposed."
"Indeed. It was an investigation to grasp the strength and weaknesses of the opponent. I suppose this is one answer to that. Thank you for the meal as well."
Taizo-san also seemed to have finished his meal, properly pressing his hands together in a gesture of gratitude. I followed suit, offering my own thanks before clearing away the dishes and returning my focus to the dungeon data.
A short while later, a fragrant cup of coffee was slid in from the side.
"Here. Coffee."
"Thanks, Hifie."
I took a sip of the coffee offered to me. It was hot, but a wonderful aroma spread through my mouth. Yes, it tasted good.
"Say, Comet. Usually, I’d think you’d be starting a game rather than looking at dungeon data like this... are you really that curious?"
"Ah, even if it’s just a former Dungeon Master, I still do my work properly."
I might not be able to puff my chest out with pride, but I don't want people to think I'm just a game-obsessed person who threw everything else away. Well, if I could truly become that, it would be an ideal life, but life doesn't always work out that way.
"I’m genuinely curious, though. What was the purpose of creating a dungeon like this? Their way of thinking is completely different from Yuki’s or mine. Well, as Arwin said, if they just made a dungeon for the sake of it and sought freedom outside, that’s one way to accept it, I suppose."
"Freedom outside, you say?"
"Yeah. Well, as a Dungeon Master, you can easily raise your level and procure high-end weapons. I doubt they’d die so easily."
"In that case, perhaps we could track them down by looking into famous adventurers within the Zurable Empire or the Gartz Kingdom."
"“Huh?”"
Whoa, I felt like I’d just been struck by those words.
"What did you just say?"
"Yes? Oh, I meant, if they left the dungeon and are traveling, they wouldn't die easily and they possess strength. In that case, I imagine they would have become a notable figure. We know they aren't affiliated with any country, so perhaps they’ve become a legendary adventurer?"
"“Ah, that’s it!!”"
"H-hyai!?"
Wow, why didn't I think of that? It’s true, I hadn't even considered checking that angle. Since the dungeon master list I received from Luna-san only had names, I had assumed it was useless information. It actually had a proper use!
"Taizo-san!"
"Right. I’ll be the one to contact Yuki-kun."
"And I’ll immediately start gathering data on notable figures from the materials we collected within the Zurable Empire."
"Understood."
"Eh? Eh?"
For some reason, Hifie, who had made the suggestion, looked surprised, as if she had no idea what was going on. Ah, she hadn't intended for it to go this way.
"Hifie. Nice one this time! I had completely overlooked that."
"Er... the famous person thing?"
"Exactly. Everyone thought the list from Luna was useless, but if any names overlap with figures who have left their mark on history, that’s suspicious."
"Ah! So that’s it!"
"With that said, I’m going to go investigate immediately. It’s better to have more information. Well, it might be a dead end, but having a target is a good thing."
And so, I immediately began scouring the records—a collection of miscellaneous data that Dressa and the others had gathered while on the verge of a mental breakdown. Before long, I found the name quite easily.
*Legendary Adventurer: Gae-en*
*An adventurer who conquered numerous dungeons, defeated many powerful monsters, and traveled beyond the Great Mountain Range.*
Hm? Beyond the Great Mountain Range... surely not?
For now, I’ll consult with Yuki and the others to have them gather related information. It would be helpful if I could find supporting documentation for Gae-en from other sources...
"...Ah, that’s right. For now, I’ll check with Kagura and the others to see if the name Gae-en remains in their records as well."
I doubted it would be there, but I decided to contact Kagura anyway. After all, when it comes to "beyond the Great Mountain Range," that’s the only possibility.
It’s common in RPGs for things you thought were useless to turn out to be necessary. It’s incredibly annoying when it happens in reality, though.
So, I searched for famous people who resembled the description and found one easily. Now then, is this person truly the one I’m looking for?