第１５８１堀：秘宝探索の結果 (Part1)
Chapter 1581: Results of the Treasure Hunt
Results of the Treasure Hunt
Side: Hiiro
With my big brothers' work safely concluded, everyone gathered in the conference room today. After school, we immediately assembled and headed straight to the conference room.
"Well then, thank you all for gathering despite your busy schedules. I believe you're aware of the topic, but this is about the outcome of the secret treasure located in the former Royal Capital of Vinosia." As Seraria said this, my big brother appeared on the monitor.
I felt a pang of disappointment that he hadn't returned yet, but considering it was just yesterday, I supposed it couldn't be helped, and listened intently.
My big brother's voice came through: "Everyone looks well. Everyone here is well too." As he spoke, everyone displayed on another monitor waved back at us. I waved back, confirming that they were all fine.
It was a great relief to see that no one seemed to be injured.
"Then, to put it simply, the secret treasure in former Vinosia and the Dark Guild have both been successfully secured and suppressed. Therefore, our objective has been safely achieved." Hearing those words, everyone breathed a sigh of relief.
Well, seeing everyone safe, I had expected as much, but you can never truly relax until you hear the full report. Even Vilia, next to me, looked relieved.
"As initially predicted, it seems they lured adventurers using the secret treasure as bait, accumulating Dungeon Points, and then used those points to instigate the Swirls incident. And so..." From there, my big brother meticulously explained how his previous predictions had proven correct.
There were slight discrepancies, but the general outline was accurate. However, something within his explanation surprised me.
"Regarding the Dungeon Master controlling the dungeon, none was found. Or rather, there was someone who could be called a proxy." "What do you mean by that? Is it someone like us?" Milly tilted her head, questioning my big brother's words.
"Our assessment is that it's similar, yet far from it. Specifically, it's not like I meticulously taught Milly and the others how to create and operate a dungeon. It seems a member of the Dark Guild who acquired the core simply understood how to use it." "Understood?" Seraria also asked, clearly confused. I didn't understand at all either.
"It's more like they instinctively understood how to use the core. It wasn't like Bitz, who was taught a fair amount by Erwin. They just obtained the core that was left in the tomb." "What do you mean? We were able to create dungeons through Yuki, and Bitz through a transfer from Erwin. Can it be used without such a process?" I understood what she was saying, but as Eris pointed out, I knew from my big brother that simply possessing or acquiring a core doesn't grant the power to create a dungeon. But if something like that is happening, does it mean it's possible?
"That's the thing. We found it strange too, so we conducted a small experiment." Oh, really? My big brother is certainly quick to act.
"The results of the experiment showed that if someone is the first to touch a core, or meets certain conditions, they can become a Dungeon Master's proxy." "The first to touch? Conditions? So, if those are met, you can make a complete stranger a Dungeon Master?"
"That's right. But I have no idea what the benefit of that would be." Yeah. It truly makes no sense.
While some conditions might be attached, the idea that the first person to touch a core can essentially become a Dungeon Master's proxy is unthinkable. As you can see from my big brother's relationship with me and the others, we can use this incredible power because we cooperate with him and assist him. It's a terrifying power that, if mishandled, could easily destroy a nation, just like the Swirls incident. My big brother strictly manages how this power is used. Dungeon creation is impossible without permission, and even an idiot would understand that if nothing is explained, there's a possibility of hostility.
"I truly don't understand why the core was left in a treasure chest. Ah, perhaps the original secret treasure was..." "I think Seraria's guess is correct; it must have been the core. In a sense, if one properly learns how to use it, it is a convenient tool that can grant most wishes."
Ah, I certainly understand what my big brother means. If you can properly master a Dungeon Core, you can probably acquire money and items as you wish. But...
"But I have no idea what they were thinking, leaving the core behind." Yes, it might be somewhat selective about people, but that's all. It's as if it doesn't matter who picks it up. As I thought earlier, it could even become an enemy, and I don't understand the reason for handing over the core, or rather, leaving it as a treasure.
"So, there's a Dungeon Master-equivalent in the Dark Guild, and separately, a Dungeon Master who placed the core in the treasure chest?" "There's no definitive proof, but considering the maximum number, that would be the case. However, for now, we can only pursue the Dark Guild members who headed towards the sea. Fortunately, there was a lot of opposition to abandoning their former Vinosia base and moving, so it seems they couldn't take that much DP with them."
"How much is 'that much,' specifically?" "Upon examining the core of the occupied tomb, it had about 10,000 DP." "That's... rather subtle. You can create cores, and summon monsters commensurate with that."
"Indeed. Well, my first time, I only had 1,500, so considering that, it's quite a luxury." Huh? My big brother only got 1,500 DP when he first came here? That's the first I've heard of it. Or rather, I'm surprised it was so little.
"That's right. Now that I think about it, you really handled things well. But putting that aside, while 20,000 sounds like a lot, it's rather subtle as a fighting force." "Ah, indeed. You can summon strong monsters, but not in large numbers. At most, two or three, relying on their individual strength."
"In that case, will they lie low for a while? Even strong monsters can't bring down a small nation unless there's an overwhelming force." "I think so too. Fortunately, we know their faces and names, so tracking them won't be too difficult. Unless they create a dungeon and hide within it."
"They'd normally be hiding, wouldn't they?" "True. For now, they've learned from the Swirls incident that carelessly using monsters will provoke a nation's response, so they probably won't risk using dungeon functions carelessly."
Yes, I suppose they'll be quiet for a while after being so thoroughly defeated. Still, I can't help but feel uneasy.
"Conversely, does that mean the Dungeon Master who hid the core in the tomb is missing?" "That much isn't known. More precisely, it becomes a question of when that tomb was created. We checked the records, and it seems the tomb was converted into a dungeon about 300 years ago."
"That's quite a long time ago. So, Milly and the others, were you aware of its existence?" Seraria asked, looking at Milly, who shook her head.