"However... Ester probably won't destroy the dungeon core even if she reaches it."

"Hmm? What do you mean?"

"Sometimes, depending on the monsters that appear inside the dungeon or the materials that can only be obtained there, they don't destroy it right away. For example, if there are rare monsters that can't be found in other dungeons, or if valuable ores or medicinal herbs are discovered, they might set up guards to manage them and allow ordinary adventurers to collect materials for a while. So, first, powerful clans, and sometimes even the knight order, are asked to investigate, thoroughly mapping the dungeon and researching the types and danger levels of the monsters that appear."

"So the Knights Order also investigates dungeons... I see, I see."

As Christophe spoke, Sylvia tried to say something, but Fana spoke first.

"Rarely, yes. The knight order primarily excels in combat against people, such as apprehending criminals. In contrast, we adventurers are often skilled in combat against monsters. Since the initial exploration of dungeons has a high encounter rate with dangerous monsters, it's usually individual adventurers or clans who are chosen for the task."

"Oh, really? You know a lot about it, Fana."

"...Hmph, of course."

Fana's face is beaming, just like a dog when it's praised. Sylvia glared at Fana intently, but didn't say anything.

"While listening to you, it sounds like you only become a full-fledged adventurer once you can participate in dungeon clearing. I think I will aim for that first."

As Christophe muttered while looking far away, Sylvia smiled mischievously at him.

"Oh, in that case, Christophe-san, why don't you join our clan's expedition next time? My clan always brings a healer to the party, so it would be perfect for you."

"Me?"

Christophe hesitated. If it were an expedition by an S-rank clan, the destination was sure to be a dangerous place. However, he also had the dream of being an adventurer that he had once given up on, and a curiosity about the unknown Labyrinth.

While he certainly had some anxiety about whether he could handle it,

"...If I could go, I would like to."

Curiosity got the better of him.

"Heheheh, then it's settled. Next time you get a request like that, send it my way, Fana."

"...Then, if the Master wishes it, I suppose I have no choice. But in return, please be extremely careful and avoid any danger."

"Of course."

Deep in Christophe's heart, a longing for the Labyrinth smoldered, and he was very happy at the thought of being able to adventure with them.

Just as he was about to take another sip of the warm soup in front of him... that's when it happened.

There was a hesitant knock on the dining room door, and a servant entered with a nervous expression.

"Sylvia-sama, Fana-sama, and Christophe-sama, I apologize for interrupting your meal. The 'Rosenritter' Clan has arrived at the mansion's entrance and urgently requests to see you."

"'Rosenritter'? Could Anastasia have come?"

"...No, that's not it. It seems to be Potpourri-sama."

"Potpourri alone...? I wonder if something happened to Anastasia."

"Anastasia? Do you know each other?"

"Yes, that's right. She's a friend, but... It's a bit concerning this early in the morning."

Sylvia looked at Fana as if to confirm, and she slowly nodded. The somewhat calm atmosphere she had until just now had already disappeared from Fana's face.

The sharpness of a guild master is evident in her face.

"...Their clan should be accompanying the expedition training of mid-level adventurers by now, and they should be around the 20th floor of the Labyrinth of Arcadia. The fact that she's here means there's a high chance something went wrong."

"Yes, that's right… Please show her in."

Upon hearing Sylvia's words, the servants bowed and left the dining room.

Soon after, the dining hall door opened again, and a young woman appeared, out of breath.

"...I apologize for visiting so suddenly, Sylvia-sama."

"It's been a while, Potpourri... What happened?"

As soon as Sylvia answered, her face immediately crumpled.

"The young lady... Young lady Anastasia... something terrible has happened..."

"Calm down, Potpourri. What happened? Could you tell me in detail?"

When Sylvia said that, Potpourri began to speak intermittently while sobbing.

Anastasia's party was accompanying the education of mid-level adventurers down to the 20th floor of the Labyrinth of Arcadia.

Just as those mid-level adventurers had safely reached the 20th floor and were about to head back.

Suddenly, a powerful, unknown monster attacked the party, which is what she said.

"...Suddenly appearing... It was a complete surprise. Anastasia-sama was the first to react, but she couldn't dodge in time and was cut... The moment she touched that magic sword, the young lady was enveloped in a black aura and started thrashing about."

"...Is it a parasitic monster?"

"Perhaps, yes. Even then, the young lady held down her own body as if summoning her last strength... In the brief moment the monster's movement stopped, we barely escaped with our lives... somehow..."

When she said that, Potpourri choked on her words again.

"Parasitic monsters... according to the current information, they can't be found on the 20th floor."

"That's true. A parasitic unique monster called 'Soul Eater' appears on the 45th floor, but... could it be on the 20th floor?"

Sylvia also has a look of disbelief on her face.

Unique monsters don't usually appear, but they can rarely show up if certain conditions are met. The conditions vary for each dungeon, and the reality is that there's no precise information.

For example, it could be the total number of adventurers who completed a certain period, or continuously hunting a certain number of monsters of the same race... or it could appear completely spontaneously.

The only thing she could think of now was that some condition had been met on the 20th floor, and unfortunately, it had befallen Anastasia and the others.

"...It was a bit different from a Soul Eater. I suspect it was a different individual."

Fana put her hand on her chin and looked at Potpourri.

"Did you manage to purify it with recovery magic? Parasitic monsters usually dislike divine power."

That was the standard treatment and should have been a beacon of hope. However, Potpourri shook her head listlessly.

Chapter 29