Cheng leaned back on the red sofa, exhaling a cloud of smoke from his cigarette. "Ah, the dungeon in question is quite the enigma, I must say. Its rank remains shrouded in mystery, though we've managed to reach the tenth floor without much difficulty. The monsters leading up to that level are merely D-rank, nothing to write home about. This dungeon has been here for three weeks now, and yet, no one has managed to venture beyond the tenth floor. There's a tantalizing possibility that stronger creatures await in the depths, which adds to its allure. Of all the dungeons we've encountered, this one is undoubtedly the largest riddle."

"What do you mean?" Alonso inquired, his curiosity piqued.

Cheng exhaled a leisurely cloud of smoke, a bemused smile playing on his lips. "Ah, allow me to elucidate! The monsters in this dungeon are unlike anything we've previously encountered. Picture this: they are crafted from metal, with peculiar strings coiling within their very forms. Some possess glass elements that illuminate, and a select few are capable of emitting beams of light—yet, curiously enough, they do not employ magic."

Alonso's eyes widened, a spark of excitement igniting within him. "Metal monsters? Peculiar strings in their very cores?" He pondered, Those strings must be wires, and the metallic bodies... robots!

The revelation astonished him. In a world devoid of advanced technology, how could such robots possibly exist? What manner of reality is unfolding before me? he mused.

Cheng, noting Alonso's astonished expression, leaned in slightly, his gaze sharp and inquisitive. "Pray tell, do you possess any knowledge regarding these metallic beings?"

Alonso swiftly concealed his intrigue, adopting a composed demeanor as he replied, "No, but I would love to uncover its mysteries."

Cheng's eyes narrowed slightly, skepticism flickering across his features, but he opted for silence. Instead, he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small medallion. "The only other morsel of information we possess is this insignia," he said, revealing a medallion adorned with a dove grasping a flaming sword in its beak. "This very symbol graces the dungeon's entrance and decorates its walls." it's the insignia if the lost kingdom of Vardosia"

"Vardosia?" Alonso inquired, leaning forward with keen interest. "What renders it lost? What transpired there?"

Cheng observed Alonso's eager curiosity, thinking to himself, This fellow resembles more of a scholar than an adventurer. Clearing his throat, he replied, "Vardosia was an ancient civilization, flourishing over half a million years ago. One day, the entire city vanished without a whisper. The reasons remain a mystery. All that endures are a few tattered tomes, which is how we glean knowledge of their insignia."

Alonso nodded with profound consideration. "Thus, this dungeon holds ties to Vardosia... Fascinating. And you desire for me to conquer it?"

Cheng chuckled lightly, a glimmer of mischief in his eyes. "I cannot say whether you shall conquer it or not. I am merely following the guidance bestowed upon me by Euphemia."

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He extended a small, golden pass toward Alonso. "This will grant you access to the dungeon. Additionally, do pay a visit to the girls to register for your guild card. After besting Rerbun, you're likely at least a D or C rank. Yet, something tells me you possess strength far greater than that."

Alonso accepted the pass, but before he departed, he inquired, "Pardon me, but what of Euphemia?"

Cheng's expression shifted, his usual carefree demeanor replaced by an unexpected seriousness as he waved a hand dismissively. "Ah, well, that is a delicate matter. I cannot divulge anything about her. Trust me, you do not wish to entangle yourself with the gods. Disobeying her... let us just say, the consequences would be dire. I implore you, do not press the issue further."

Alonso observed the genuine fear in Cheng's eyes, a stark contrast to his typical demeanor, and nodded in understanding, choosing not to pursue the topic any longer. He rose and exited the room, making his way down the staircase into the guild's bustling main hall. Adventurers milled about, engrossed in their various pursuits, as Alonso approached one of the barmaids.

Her name was Stella. A petite woman in her mid-thirties, she had striking blue hair and piercing green eyes. Her small stature often led others to mistake her for a child or a teenager, but there was an undeniable strength in her presence. As Alonso approached, he could see a mix of professionalism and apprehension in her demeanor.

"I require a guild card," he stated, his voice steady and resonant, like a scholar imparting wisdom.

Stella offered a measured smile, though it faltered slightly at the edges. "Of course. Please, follow me."

She led him to a secluded corner of the bustling room where a large purple crystal ball, roughly the size of a basketball, rested upon a sturdy table. "This is a soul globe," she explained, her tone serious and authoritative. "It projects one's soul into a tangible form. The Magic Association developed it to prevent adventurers from resorting to violence over loot."

Stella gestured toward the globe, her expression firm. "Please place a drop of blood upon it."

Alonso, unwavering, bit his finger and let a single drop of blood fall onto the glowing orb. The moment it touched the surface, the globe erupted with a blinding light, captivating the attention of nearby adventurers.

As the brilliance subsided, an ID card materialized in the air. Stella snatched it from the air, her heart racing as she glanced at the information. The color drained from her face.

Name: Alonso Azuma

Race: Legendary Oni

Age: 20,000

Criminal Record: None

Adventurer Rank: c

Stella exclaimed, "Well, well, looks like Mr. Gang decided you were C-rank after all! It's extremely rare for an adventurer to start at C-rank." Her hands trembled, and her wide green eyes betrayed her disbelief. "What in the world is going on? A 20,000-year-old legendary oni?"

Everyone understood the implications. Legendary monsters possessed the potential to obliterate entire nations. While they might not rival demigods or demon lords, their power was feared and respected, sought after by kings desperate for formidable allies. Though not at the apex of power, they were still immensely formidable and commanded reverence.

Alonso, noticing her shock, inquired in a calm and measured tone, "Is all well with you?"

Stella jolted back to reality, forcing a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes as she handed him his ID card. "Yes, everything is perfectly fine," she stammered, though her voice trembled slightly. "Just... exercise caution. Avoid killing any adventurers. If you do, it will be noted on your ID."

She hesitated before adding with a serious edge, "Even in self-defense, given your heritage, the city lord may not conduct a thorough investigation. There's... significant bias against non-humans. You could be presumed guilty without question. So, I urge you to tread carefully."

Her warning came not merely from a place of concern, but a palpable fear that underscored her professionalism. She understood that if Alonso were to face arrest, it could unleash chaos within the guild. Her instincts told her that no one—save perhaps Cheng and Abigail could halt him without incurring substantial casualties.