Chapter 669: [Deadly Roses(2)]

Layla and the others left where the players were gathering and continued on their treasure hunting. After leaving the town, the group followed the road and arrived at the south-east. They decided to first become familiar with the topography of the entire area.

They passed most of the players hunting near the outskirts and went deep into the forest.

The paths were complicated and winding; the bushes were thick and seemed exceptionally dangerous.

While out exploring, the feral wolves and boars were of no threat to them.

Treading on the animal trail, they continued making their way along the forest. After a while of their trip, they found themselves in front of two paths separated by a large ancient tree.

“Which way?” Celty asked.

Layla looked back and forth between the two openings. Then, she opened the tattered beast skin map and traces their steps. “I think it’s on the left side—”

Although they have visited this place once before, however, because of the Dungeon’s Existence, they really haven't fought deep into it. Unlike the herbivores on the plains, there are terrifying monsters in here, like ferocious Magical Beasts, perverted Goblins, Orcs and Slimes.

Goblins were akin to those of classic small green dwarves and Orcs are bipedal pigs that kidnapped women and assault them—it’s kinda hateable monsters that the Guild even issues Subjugation requests the moment they were spotted.

Well, with the players and adventurers average level, only idiots would fall ruin before them. They are nothing but scraps and cannon fodders. As for slimes, they were also similar to those classic jelly cloudy bulging thing--probably because this Dungeon World is originally Romeia's Domain and half of the features in this world was born from her imagination. Hence, most of the weaker monsters in this world were cut out from classic appearances of Earth's Literature and Culture.

Wielding their respective weapons Liu Muxiao and the others immediately attacked the Slimes and Orcs that they encountered. Layla, which was being protected by Li Tian and Li Lian also aimed and shot at a small Goblin from a distance.

In normal cases, projectile weapons such as bows and guns were a single point attack and unless you hit the slime’s weakness which was a thing-like nucleus, there was almost no damage done to them. Layla can use her protective [Six-Wings Newtype Funnel: Gabriel Edition] can decimate all of them in an instant but since this was considered as normal adventuring and just a fun play for them to kill time, the group had silently decided not to use any flashy and large-scale attacks that could mow down enemies in an instant, unless the situation calls for it. Such an example is that even Celty who was always on a rampage with her Ice Powers was just using her halberd like a berserker, slaughtering enemies. While others such as Liu Muxiao, Xue Ling and Mireya exhibit their flawless Martial Arts.

After several minutes…

"It's finally over."

"Haa, it was a good warm-up, right sister."

"That was a warm-up? It was quite dangerous. Never thought a high-level Bearified Orc would suddenly appear. There was even a Goblin warrior—"

“Well, even if they are high ranking monsters, it would always be like a Level 10 bullying a Level 3 or 4 newbies…” Celty shrugs her shoulders.

“But this is also better… my martial arts seemed to become evens sharper as I fight. Just like what Allen had said, it’s better to hone practical skills rather than be dependent on Magic Skills and items…!”

Layla and the others, while talking happily, broadened the area of their search together. Although this place was considered a high-level danger location among the areas of Magical Beasts found within the mountain, the mobs which appeared before them were mostly weak monsters and low-level creatures and it gave them an impression of monotonous work. Because of their levels, skills, and items, they can basically walk sideways in this kind of dangerous place…!

"Now then, let's head straight towards the lake today, " Layla muttered and moved out of the safety area in which was marked by the Guild—suddenly, a young Unicorn appeared in front of them. Seeing this sudden creature, Layla couldn’t help but smile wryly. "You were here after all. Did Allen send you? He’s really a worrywart…" she muttered, a wry smile appearing on her face. Though, she also felt some kind of sweetness in her heart.

The foal walked right by her side, it was as big as a pony. Although they had not seen another unicorn apart from Allen’s Unicorn; Meinu, but just one look at her would immediately give other people a different charm and allure. One look at her would give other people the impression that she wasn’t a simple and ordinary Unicorn or something like that.

“…Well, I can’t say I dislike it…” Liu Muxiao muttered on the side as she gently caressed the Mei nu’s beautiful snow-white mane. It exudes purity and holiness as they look at the snow-white hair from her neck. It was really a beautiful creature that legends seemed to not even give them justice portraying their beauty. Mei Nu nudged her head on Liu Muxiao affectionately.

“…However, I’m a bit dissatisfied…” Celty suddenly appeared. Behind her was Xue Ling who was shaking her head with a wry smile. Xue Ling somewhat ignored her and walked towards Mei nu, stroking her smooth coat. Celty made a playful frown as she stared at Mei Nu, “I heard from Husband… you are already capable of transforming into a Centauride and you can even speak without a problem. But why are you always acting like this in front of us? You won’t even speak and show your true form! What is that! I want to see too!!”

Mei nu glanced Celty then she rolled her eyes and walked forward. Having a foal rolling her eyes at you was really a strange scene.

Celty was on the verge of tears. She felt wronged.

“He he he,” Layla giggled in amusement as she walks over. Li Lian and Li Tian behind Layla were trying hard not to laugh as they watched Celty's disappointed expression. “Give it up, Celty,” Layla stroke Celty’s back to console her.

“Sister Layla…” Celty felt like a girl being wronged. “Mei nu treated Allen as her mate and so other than him, she would not show her true form to other people. It’s something like a ritual or a ceremony for them or so I heard…”

“But…but, I’m also husband’s wife…!” Then, it means she's my sister too...! Celty felt dissatisfied...

“Well, everyone has their own thoughts and beliefs…so give it a bit more time…” Layla smiled gently.

“… …” Celty pouted.

While talking, they faced the waterway on the southeast and went along it towards the lake.

There was a clear boundary between the lake and the canal, there were tidal flats by the edges of the lake. They then followed the shore and disposed of a few wandering feral beasts before arriving at the pile of rocks.

“According to the map, it should be around here.” Layla arrived near the pile of rocks and stepped on the wet ground. Then, she unfurled the ancient-looking treasure map made from beast skin and started walking around. "Probably here," she taps the ground with her long black boots.

The group took out shovels from the Inventory of their DAWN terminals and started digging. Two to three hours later, Liu Muxiao felt her shovel hit something hard and excitedly called out, “Treasure!!” They immediately gathered around Liu Muxiao and started digging the surrounding dirt and discovered a meter wide chest covered in dirt. With their strength, it was never a problem to carry it.

After taking a closer look at it, the treasure chest was more decorated and better build than they expected. It gives off a dignified feel. "Let's see what treasures are inside!" Layla felt excited but just as she was about to open the treasure chest, Celty's hand caught her, "Wait, sister..." Celty called out.

"...??" Layla tilted her head, confused.

"Before we open that, we need to check if there's trap first to be sure," Celty warned with a faint smile. Liu Muxiao and the rest behind her also nodded her head.

"Ah!" Layla scratches the back of her head in embarrassment. She was just too excited she forgot about this matter. "I'm sorry," she said as she pulled back with a red face.

"Hehe," The group chuckled in amusement.

"However, how do we check? Does anyone have some kind of detection ability for this?"

Xue Ling replied, "Well, I have some detection ability but I am not that knowledgeable about these kinds of things. So I can't say for sure,"

"Well, it would be wonderful if we have someone from the Penniless Thief Sect. but too bad..." Liu Muxiao also shrugged.

"What do we do then? Take it back to the Castle and let Master take a look?" Li Tian suggested.

A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.

"Wait!" Mireya suddenly thought of something. Then, she took her Dawn Terminal, "If I am not wrong there should be something here that could help," Her words attracted the attention of the group and they immediately gathered together. "There!" An X-ray like Icon appeared on the Terminal's Settings and Mireya softly press it. Immediately a Camera like an image appeared. "To use it, just point the camera at the item and then,"

Snap! A camera sound rang out. Then, from the back of the Phone-like terminal, a bluish light appeared, started to appear, shooting towards the treasure chest as if scanning it. Ding! Ding! Ding! after a few seconds, red lights appeared on the screen and a number appeared on the upper right side. 1, 2, 3...5, 6...

"It was indeed tampered with," Layla smiled wryly.

"Yeah, there's a trap inlaid... six traps I think?"

"Well, it's just some silly traps," Mireya sneered and press the green button that had appeared at the center of the screen with the words [Solve], "...but this insignificant trick poses no problem for us." Mireya laughed proudly.

"Pa! Pa! Pa!"

Sounds of glass shattering transmitted from the treasure chest, and faintly, a mournful ghost’s cry could be heard...

"Well, that's convenient~"

"Since there's a ghost cry, there should be a cursed-type trap, that's nasty...!"

"Indeed," Layla sigh but she was not the least bit worried about it even if she had indeed become hasty a while ago. After all, behind her, there was a person that would save and protect her no matter what happens. Thinking about Allen, Layla's lips couldn't help but curl upwards, a beautiful expression appearing on her face.

After a few minutes, the red number on the screen finally entered zero...

"It’s done, you can open it." Mireya took back her terminal and turned towards Layla.

"That's fast~" Layla, a bit excited, extended her hand and opened the treasure chest. Immediately, they were greeted by the scene of gold coins, silver coins, some jewelry, precious jewels, and gems and there are even several gold bars quietly lying in the chest, shining in golden light.

“Oh, my what a beauty~!” Celty sigh in astonishment seeing such wealth. However, what makes the group even more excited was the appearance of several types of equipment found among them.

—— A Staff, a battle-ax; a longbow, an obsidian black coat and a pair of daggers.

The staff had an onyx gem on top which sucked in the light. It was distinctly black. It was obviously used by magic type elites such as Dark Mages or Wizards.

The battle-ax was dark red, it felt solid and it didn't seem easy to just lift it. The blade had a cracked up surface and it pulsed with red and black like magma. In fact, it was even emitting a hot temperature—

A black coat made from strange yet lustrous silk. It was long and hooded and seemed to be those worn by Assassins or thieves.

The pair of daggers, the color of their blades was different even though the handle had the same design. One of them was black and glossy; the other was purple and looked poisonous. Both of them had a texture that seemed rough and didn't reflect light. And lastly, with a red cloth wound around the flexible wood, made out of a material unknown to them and elaborately decorated with feathers, a longbow with a black string.

Unfortunately, they didn’t possess [Appraisal] skills and couldn’t identify the items but that wouldn’t be a problem, however. After all, once placed in the DAWN terminal, they would be then appraised. As they happily stored the treasures they found, suddenly at this moment, Layla’s Terminal vibrated, showing a message received.

Opening the message, Layla’s eyes widened and then her lips curled upwards in a wonderful smile.

Liu Muxiao and the others noticed Layla’s expression and asked, “Is something wrong?”

“…Mia and the others are here,” Layla responded with a grin.

“So fast?!” Celty exclaimed.

“…not so fast actually… after all, Allen is here…” Liu Muxiao shrugs her shoulders. No matter where they are or how far they are, as long as Allen is here, they would surely put everything they are currently doing and rush towards here. That is normal...!

“Now that you mention it…” Celty chuckled.

“Let’s go back… Mia and the others are currently in the [Adventurer’s Town].”

“Yeah, let’s!” With excited expression for seeing their family after a very long time of separation, they hurriedly rush towards the [Adventurer’s Town].

… …

Within the Dungeon Tower:

After entering the 50th layer of the Ninth Mountain Dungeon, Allen found himself standing in a dim tunnel. Hot air blasted on his face and hot flame energy coming from before him. He closed his eyes and feel everything around him.

Magma was actually flowing just a few meters deep underground. The temperature around him was actually as high as 5 000 to 10 000 degrees Fahrenheit, or probably even hotter as he goes deeper in the tunnel.

Another volcanic region…? It’s even hotter than the surface of the sun. Allen frowned.

It’s a good decision that I sent Alkrasha back to [Solheim].S he wouldn’t be able to endure this kind of temperature for long. Although I can help her or give her items that give good flame resistance, she would still suffer. This is not the place for her. She even had it hard already on the 49th layer which was just around 2 000 to 3 000—I guess, it would be a solo exploration now. Allen completely disregards the temperature around him as he started walking through the corridor. The tunnels were surprisingly very spacious, a full 20 meters high, becoming even bigger the further down he went.

After about 10 minutes, Allen with his Godly Vision, suddenly stopped. He looked at the distance were 3 meter long maggot-like creatures with blood-red scales and seemed to be on flames were scattered and crawling around the smoky floor and walls. They had covered the surfaces with some sticky fluid, and some of them were digging tunnels. He tried identifying them.

Slag Maggots (Insect - Elite): Super dangerous maggots often found in extremely hot insect nests. Under the Queen’s orders, they are often in charge of digging and strengthening tunnels. It has a strong attack, defense even harder than tungsten and can secrete a glue-like acidic liquid that can corrode everything into liquid. Its flesh tastes fairly good and can be eaten. Not poisonous.

At this moment, a Slag Maggot came around the corner and was spotted by Allen. It has several pairs of eyes like that of a spider, and a beautiful lustrous color on its scales, akin to that of a dragon. It then noticed the intruder, and its four insect legs made sounds like clanging metals as it charged over, issuing a whiny shriek.

Flash! Allen’s figure flickered and then disappeared. He then reappeared twenty meters away from his former position, bypassing the Slag Maggots crawling towards his original position. In his hand was a pitch-black colored Katana—pitch-black blade, hilt, and guard.

The crossguard has four prongs bent out to form the shape of the manji. And just like the sword of a certain death god which Allen based its appearance, there was a short length of chain with a broken link at the end dangles from the base of the hilt.

Made from a very light but durable metal that exceeds even that of Mythril that Elves used, [Zangetsu] was born as a very speedy type legendary-tier sword.

Clink! Allen sheathed the sword, causing noise to occur. When he did, the standing Slag Maggots let out a cry and red-colored liquid splattered in the air.

The monsters were cut apart into several pieces, dying without knowing how.

Allen turned around and saw two pieces of items, an armor and knee guard dropped from the Slag Maggots along with meat and body parts looking things when the Slag Maggots turned into a ray of light. Allen shrugs; the dropped rate was too low. He waved his hand and the items shot towards him and were then absorbed by the [Summoning Grimoire] that had appeared out of nowhere.

Many Slag Maggots and even Magma Skeletons appeared on the tunnel and attack Allen. However, Allen’s power was just too great and it was easily solved as easy as waving his hand.

Even if these monsters possess the power of a Lesser Deity, against Allen, they were still ants. The Monsters' corpses gave many materials and ingredients that Allen can use. And so, with glee he didn’t leave a single gatherable thing behind, whether it was ore sticking on the ground and wall, or materials and drops, Allen cleaned up all he could see and find until it was neat and tidy. Even the burnt sticky liquid was stored in glass flasks and stored in Dawn's Inventory. If someone was there, they would surely suck a cold breathe as they looked at the tunnel that was cleaner than before he came.

The world is in a chaotic war and the more things he created, the safer the people he loved would become. Much less, the deeper the Dungeon floor, the stronger the monsters and the more precious and rarer the materials and items he found. Its something he would never ignore! No matter how little it is!

Due to the monsters call and cry, all the nearby monsters had already swarmed over, so now Allen could continue deeper into the tunnels unimpeded. As he made his way further in, he would occasionally see an egg or two. And of course, these were all swiped by the expert gatherer Allen, and store it carefully.

As a Monster Tamer, he can take this monster and add as their reliable comrades. Although he wouldn’t really use them since they didn’t catch Allen’s interest, the others will.

Allen swept through the tunnels, not leaving a speck of dust behind.

But as expected of the Ninth Dungeon that is much perverse than any Dungeon he had seen in his life, that if not for him, no one would probably able to reach this far—“…This is really a good place to level though…” he muttered as he saw his experience bar had increased by quite a bit since he had reached the 2nd Grade Mid God Realm.

In normal cases, even for him, obtaining this kind of experience would certainly take him for a very long time, along with unimaginable sufferings and battles. Although it was not much since even now, he was yet to reach 10% in his experience bar to reach the 3rd Grade but for his level, it was already pretty fast.

Reaching this far, he would probably take a year or two, or defeat someone with the power comparable to the Dragon King P’thala.

Thus, challenging this Dungeon was much better compared to any way of advancement. Though, this kind of Dungeon is pretty much extremely rare—there should be only one or two Dungeons as perverse as this one existing in the Thousand Worlds…!

Suddenly, something caught his eyes. A place with a treasure chest! “Ho!” Allen’s direction immediately changed towards the right side of the wall and came to a spot on the wall covered in crimson sticky liquid. He then reached in and pulled out a locked chest. It was a meter long and half meter width luxurious looking chest laded with gold on its edges.

There was a familiar-looking emblem mark on the front of the Chest, which Allen wondered he had seen it before. It was extremely familiar that he knows that he had really seen it before…