Chapter 151


    Chapter 151 – Magic Treasure Map


    “The way to use it, you say? You really don’t know that?” (Hannibal)


    Hannibal looks sullen, apparently annoyed for having his view of Viine stolen .


    “That’s right . I haven’t dove deep into thebyrinth yet . ” (Shuuya)


    I say while implying that it’s Viine who has experience in thebyrinth .


    Hannibal looked at me while straining his eyes for a moment .


    “…Hoh . Aplete novice in regards to maps? Then I will make a special exception for you and exin them . Anyone can use a deciphered magic treasure map . If you touch it, you will know the location of the treasure chest noted on the map . ” (Hannibal)


    Hee, anyone, eh?


    I actually try touching the map on the table .


    Immediately afterwards, the characters “IV” and “Fifth Floor” floated up on the map’s surface with a touch of looking as if they had been with an Indian ink color brush, and the drawings of two towers as well as a graveyard were highlighted .


    The spot where the treasure chest is buried has also been marked with an X .


    “Right now that’s all, but once you step onto thebyrinth’s fifth floor, your own location will be shown on the map, too . So people hardly ever lose their way . ce the map on the spot indicated by the treasure mark and the treasure should automatically appear . At the same time a great number of monsters will spawn . ” (Hannibal)


    I wondered whether you’d need to actually dig it out, but it seems to be different .


    “I see . ” (Shuuya)


    “It’s better to put away the appraised map for caution’s sake . After all it’s possible for anyone to get the treasure once the map has been appraised . Well, it’s a level 4 map, so you have to defeat a monster at Guardian rank that will appear upon the excavation . ” (Hannibal)


    I knew that monsters would appear from the grim owner of Suloza’s Old Sorcery Shop, but I didn’t hear it about it being a Guardian-ranked monster .


    While putting away the magic treasure map into my item box,


    “…Got it . Here, it’s stored away . Is there a fixed rule for the numbers and types of monsters that will spawn together with the treasure chest?” (Shuuya)


    Hannibal scratches his beard and sighs shortly .


    “…The numbers, eh? The appearing monsters will disy a strength befitting the map’s level, but there will be all kinds of them . It’s random . ” (Hannibal)


    “Random, you say? Can you borate a bit more on that?” (Shuuya)


    While sighing once again due to my question, he exposes an expression of having epted his lot and says,


    “…Today is really a special exception among exceptions . It’s rare for me to do anything beyond my job, okay? First a little more of the basics . The instant you trigger a magic treasure map beyond level 4 in thebyrinth, a Guardian as well as arge amount of small fries will spawn . That much you know already, right?” (Hannibal)


    Somehow I feel as though being directly lectured by a middle-aged teacher .


    I naturally answered him in polite speech .


    “Yes, I do . ” (Shuuya)


    “Therefore it’smon knowledge that there will be deaths when spawning the treasure of a high-leveled map . ” (Hannibal)


    “Deaths…” (Shuuya)


    Hannibal nods and continues to speak,


    “Correct . The map I deciphered this time is “level 4 and located on the fifth floor . ” Meaning, at least more than five Acid Bone Swordsmensh Swordman, Bone CastersMagic Bones, Ghost KnightsDead Knights, Ghost PriestsDeath Wraiths, Poisonous me WolvesGlow Wolves and High Ogres, which spawn beyond the fourth floor, will appear . The Guardian leading those will be a Death EmperorDeath Lich, Ogre King or such . Or it’s also possible that it will be apletely different Guardian with the name ck-tentacled Red OctopusZa Shurk . Well, I’ve said it already, but since it’s random, it might be different from the monster types I exined just now . ” (Hannibal)


    I see .


    He’s saying that a Death Emperor, an Ogre King or a Red Shadow TouchZa Shurk 1 might appear as Guardian .


    Even while looking bothered, Hannibal gave aprehensible exnation .


    I feel irritated over him asionally ogling Viine, but Daphy said that he’s trustable, and he seems to correspond if he’s asked about matters rted to his job .


    “In the first ce, magic treasure maps have been confirmed from the first floor down to the fifth floor . However, since the 11th floor is the lowest, explored floor, maps that go beyond the 11th floor arebeled as death maps, and thus don’t sell for much . Then again, since a n, which broke into the 11th floor, has appeared, the map prices have gone up a bit . ” (Hannibal)


    “Yeah, I heard about that . The n that reached the 11th floor for the first time in a century is the Blue-armed Treasure PartyBlue Arm Jewelers, isn’t it?” (Shuuya)


    Once I mention that name, Hannibal grimaces in displeasure .


    “Yes…” (Hannibal)


    He replied curtly and went silent .


    Shit, that was a taboo word?


    Let’s change the topic .


    “Then you’re saying that the price for magic treasure maps of the 11th floor has be expensive?” (Shuuya)


    “…Indeed . Those maps are especially expensive when the treasures are on the first to eighth floor . Since the difficulty of thebyrinth itself bes high from the eighth floor and downwards, it’s deemed difficult to hire a party capable of reaching the ce on the map . But, since there are many adventurers who want to be rich, the number of adventurers challenging maps of the eighth floor and below never diminishes . Yet the number of sessful attempts is low . It’s well-known that even the six top ns won’t take these requests readily . There’s a n among them that epts these requests, but…” (Hannibal)


    I will remember that .


    “Thus, if you challenge the map I just appraised, it would be best to go with a big party . ” (Hannibal)


    Apparently worried about us, Hannibal gave us such warning .


    “Okay . Hannibal, thank you for the appraisal and the exnation . See you . ” (Shuuya)


    “Aye, see ya again . ” (Hannibal)


    Viine and I stand up and head outside .


    Since Hannibal’s eyes were continuously glued to Viine meanwhile, we left the 【Magic Treasure Maps Excavation Association】 quickly .


    “We got the map deciphered, so I guess we will go to the adventurer’s guild . I want to get in contact with Reba and Eva . ” (Shuuya)


    “Okay . You will leave a message on the message board, right?” (Viine)


    “Correct . ” (Shuuya)


    Taking Viine along, I head to the adventurer’s guild next door .


    Once I entered the guild, the usual, familiar view awaited me .


    The front of the boards with the posted requests is as crowded by adventurers as ever .


    “Is this request fine?”


    “No, I think this one is better . ”


    I hear the voices of partied adventurers choosing a request .


    Among them, there were also quarreling adventurers .


    It’s always the same around here .


    We walk towards the counter that’s crowded with a great number of adventurers .


    Without joining the queue at the reception counter, we move towards the right corner .


    We arrived at a coffee-bar-like ce with high tables and chairs .


    This is a convenient location for party members to gather .


    Other parties and members of ns have meetings to coordinate each other’s objectives .


    “Mmh?” (Shuuya)


    Ah, isn’t that Reba and Eva?


    They stood at a bar table separated a bit from another party .


    The two are happily chatting .


    We approach them .


    “Yo, Reba and Eva . ” (Shuuya)


    “Ah . ” (Reba)


    “Shuuya!” (Eva)


    “So both of you came to the guild . ” (Shuuya)


    Having heard my words, Reba and Eva let their eyes wander between Viine and me, smiling faintly .


    “Nn, yes . We justughed about that . ” (Eva)


    “Yeah . When I came here nning to post something on the message board, it looked like Eva had just arrived too, thinking about the same thing . ” (Reba)


    As expected of female bonding .


    They understand each other’s intentions .


    “We also came here to get in touch with you since things proceeded smoothly . Right?” (Shuuya)


    I sought Viine’s agreement .


    “Yes . ” (Viine)


    Viine answers me while lowering her head slightly .


    Hearing that, Reba cheerfully says,


    “Ah, did you maybe get the magic treasure map deciphered?” (Reba)


    “You’re really perceptive . It’s just as you say . We went to the 【Magic Treasure Maps Excavation Association】 . There we had a person called Map Deciphering Specialist Hannibal Soltarl decipher the map we obtained the other day from the silver treasure chest . ” (Shuuya)


    “Ooh~” (Reba)


    Reba apuses with her small hands .


    “Nn, Shuuya, I heard of that person already . He is supposed to have the nickname Soltarl the Truant . ” (Eva)


    “Is he a fairly known person after all? He was an elusive character, but the map deciphering finished without any issues . ” (Shuuya)


    “Nn, I heard he usually doesn’t do his work or something like that . But, in regards to map deciphering, he’s top notch . There’s only few Map Deciphering Specialists who can read level 5 maps . ” (Eva)


    Hannibal doesn’t appear publicly much?


    I guess I had good luck .


    “So, so, you are going to challenge the magic treasure map, right? —I’ve alreadypleted my preparations!” (Reba)


    Reba appears to be all hyped already .


    She deres her willingness while holding up her Silver Demonic Steel Wand .


    That caused the other party and n members to focus their eyes on her .


    “I get that you are ready to go, so lower that wand . We are gathering attention . ” (Shuuya)


    “Ah, sorry . ” (Reba)


    Reba moves her tongue as if licking her upper lip .


    Cute .


    “Nn, I’m motivated, too . ” (Eva)


    In order to counter Reba, Eva pushes out the ck tonfa into the air from below both arms’ sleeves and crosses them .


    I guess that’s custom-made weapons called rare gems made out of Refined Demonic Steel and Spiritual Demonic Steel for you .


    But it’s not the time to admire weapons right now .


    “I get that you are pretty motivated, Eva . But, let’s put the weapons away . ” (Shuuya)


    “Nn . ” (Eva)


    Eva nodded, shifted her wheelchair a bit and retracted her tonfa below her sleeves .


    Because Viine was about to do something as well, I face her, making eye-contact .


    I shake my head .


    At that point, Rollo, who was resting on my shoulder, started to continuously tap my shoulder in a rhythm using her paws and tentacles .


    “Nn, nya, nyao . ”


    You too? You probably want to show your eagerness as well, but leave it at that .


    『Your Excellency . 』 (Helme)


    Helme as well?


    Helme suddenly appears in my visionary field and adopts a fighting pose with her small body as if dering her willingness…


    『So you’re ready to go, eh?』 (Shuuya)


    『Yes!』 (Helme)


    Helme bent her knees and bowed her head .


    I ignore her .


    I’m going to exin the map .


    “…Iprehended that all of you arepletely gung-ho . Because of that I think about trying to challenge the magic treasure map, but the result of appraising the map showed that it’s a level 4 map, you know? And yet it seems to be buried on the fifth floor . Therefore we have to think over whether to challenge it with our current members or to gather more people . ” (Shuuya)


    “Eh?” (Reba)


    “Level 4!” (Eva)


    Reba and Eva reacted by each showing a characteristic manner of surprise .


    “What? Is it that surprising?” (Shuuya)


    “Of course it is! I only heard about such high-leveled maps but I never challenged one myself . ” (Reba)


    “I have no experience with that either . Also, if it’s a level 4 map on the fifth floor, the monster that appears when excavating the treasure is at Guardian rank . ” (Shuuya)


    “…True . After all it’s level 4 . Guardian rank . It’s an opponent where any adventurer will be called first ss if they safely return after taking it down . ” (Eva)


    I guess Reba and Eva have no experience with this either .


    I have the confidence that Rollo, Helme, Viine, the Burning Knights and I will defeat anyone, no matter what kind of opponent it might be, but…


    I still think it might be good to have experienced people in our party .


    “…Then I think it would be best to gather members?” (Shuuya)


    “Now what should we do? Since Shuuya’s strength is outside the norm, I believe that it will be fine even if we don’t get any more people, but what do you think, Eva?” (Reba)


    Reba looks at Eva .


    “Nn, it’s safer with many . But, you will have to carefully discuss the distribution of the loot…besides, there are bad rumor propagating about me, so…adventurers might not join us . ” (Eva)


    Eva’s voice got gradually weaker with her face obviously bing gloomy .


    Though I believe that there are adventurers who don’t care about such rumors .


    But, even if we could gather those experienced with high-leveled magic treasure maps, I think it would be absolutely necessary to think about the distribution of the loot .


    “Ah, as I’m a half elf, there are surely bad rumors spreading about me as well, just as with Eva . More party members might be…hopeless . Also, I’d hate for the loot to be less . ” (Reba)


    Apart from the bad rumors, I’m sure Reba says that because she loves treasures .


    “What do you think, Viine?” (Shuuya)


    I asked Viine who’s standing behind me .


    “Yes . As long Master and Rollo-sama are with us, we will probably be able to ovee any obstacle with ease . However, even I as supporterck the experience of having gone beyond the fourth floor . I believe there might be the move of gathering experienced adventurers and forming a contract limited to this time with them . Or, it’s a bit simple, but what about bolstering our numbers by buying high-ssbat ves?” (Viine)


    That’s true as well, isn’t it?


    “I don’t have that much of a financial leeway that I could buybat ves . Not to mention high-ss ones . ” (Reba)


    “Nn, me neither . ” (Eva)


    I guess there’s someone that will buy a high-ss ve if they feel like it .


    “I have enough money . I suppose I will go buy them . ” (Shuuya)


    “…Again, as if you’re going to buy sweets at a street stall…” (Reba)


    “Nn, agree . It’s important that they don’t betray . ” (Eva)


    Reba has a discontent expression for another reason .


    Eva nodded with an angelic smile .


    Whenever I see them, those violet eyes of her are pretty . Her smile is soothing, too .


    『Your Excellency, ves or such are unnecessary . If you put me to work, I will show you that I can aplish many times more than any ve . 』 (Helme)


    Helme, who had stayed in my visionary field without disappearing, voiced out her thoughts while donning a serious expression .


    『I’m sure of that, Helme . But, it’s wrong to underestimate thebyrinth . Certainly, we are strong . Though, isn’t there proverb saying Happiness and misfortune are opposite sides of the same coin? That’s why I will buy ves just in case . It’s not really bad to somewhat raise the battle power of the party either . 』 (Shuuya)


    『So you are nning to build an army, Your Excellency . That’s wonderful . 』 (Helme)


    『An army, eh? I think it’s slightly different though . 』 (Shuuya)


    The small Helme bows .


    『…My thinking was too shallow . 』 (Helme)


    『Nah, don’t worry . Now, vanish from my visionary field . 』 (Shuuya)


    『Yes, Your Excellency!』 (Helme)


    The instant after Helme disappears,


    “…To Chians’ mansion then?” (Viine)


    Viine asked .


    “I guess . ” (Shuuya)


    Because Keragan Chians said the other day that he will arrange ves for me, there’s the option to go to his mansion now .


    “Chians?” (Reba)


    “The house of a ve trader?” (Eva)


    Apparently Reba and Eva don’t know about Keragan Chians of 【Oath of the One Horn】, which is the management organization of the 【Big Company Dual Bell】 .


    Well, one wouldn’t know unless there’s a point of contact, right?


    “Yes, he’s one of the leaders of a bigpany . ” (Shuuya)


    “Wow! You are acquainted with such a bigwig…” (Reba)


    “Nn…!” (Eva)


    Reba and Eva sighed in surprise again .


    “He’s also the man from whom I bought Viine . And Viine isn’t my ve anymore but my servant, so please treat her like that . ” (Shuuya)


    “Yes . I’m Master’s exclusive servant . Once again, I look forward to working with you . ” (Viine)


    Viine gives a polite greeting while bowing .


    “E-Ehh?” (Reba)


    “Gofuu,” Eva coughs hackingly .


    Reba looks like a pigeon who’s been shot by a peashooter .


    Eva’s throat got clogged up due to the overwhelming shock .


    “Sorry, I suppose this is the most surprising…” (Shuuya)


    “I think that’s only natural . But, releasing a ve; it might be impolite to Viine-san, but is that okay?” (Reba)


    “…Nn, I’m worried . Can I touch you for a moment?” (Eva)


    Reba and Eva appear to feel shaken .


    Eva tries to check the topyer of Viine’s mind by touching her .


    “It’s fine . Don’t worry . I trust Viine . ” (Shuuya)


    I said with a serious expression .


    “Master…” (Viine)


    Seemingly deeply moved after hearing my words, tears gather at the corners of Viine’s silver eyes .


    After a short pause, she breaks into a smile .