Side Story: Lia's First Dungeon Adventure I

"You said you also want to go to the Dungeon?"

Galan paused, a strange look in his eyes. His hand, which was on the doorknob, stopped and he turned to look at Lia, wondering what the girl was up to today.

Just yesterday, an underground Palace was suddenly discovered in the North of [Äußerst]. After some experienced Mages surveyed the perimeter of the Dungeon, it was determined to be a Dungeon from the [Unified Empire] period or not far after.

In order to obtain more valuable historical information and the treasures that may be buried within, the Adventurers Guild has issued a large-scale commission to prepare twelve adventure teams to explore this Dungeon.

Even a fool could see that sending out twelve teams of adventurers meant the Dungeon must be incredibly dangerous; otherwise, why would the association have gathered so many people to explore it?

Having lived in [Äußerst] for over a year, this was the first time Galan had witnessed the local Adventurers Guild launch such a large-scale operation.

He really didn't want to get involved in this mess. After all, he absolutely didn't want to get involved in anything dangerous. Living a comfortable life like this, brewing potions with Fitz in the boss's shop every day, eating his share of the profits, and enjoying a peaceful retirement was the best he could do. But things didn't go as planned. Now Galan had no choice but to participate, even though he didn't want to. Because just yesterday, he received instructions from Serie:

"You have to attend this request too," Serie? "Why?"

A cool, clear voice echoed in my ears, thanks to a [Telepathic Magic] that functioned almost identically to a telephone.

Serie, inside the main hall, gave instructions to Galan, who was just about to fall asleep.

"My disciples all have other missions to attend to and are unable to participate in this expedition."

"I have to handle matters related to the [Continental Magic Association] myself, so I don't have time to get involved in this. Therefore, could you check if there are any antiques or other interesting items from the [Unified Empire Era] in the Dungeon? If there are, remember to bring them back to me. I'll send someone to speak to the association."

That left her absolutely no room to refuse...

Nevertheless, Galan still held onto a sliver of hope and weakly asked:

"Can I choose to refuse...? That sounds dangerous..."

What do you think?

Serie spoke again in that almost chilling voice, the threat in her words like an invisible blade pressed against her own neck, and the answer to the question seemed self-evident...

Under her coercion, Galan had no choice but to prepare to go to the association to register early the next morning. If she arrived late, there might not be any teams available to accept her.

Well... whether you stick your neck out or not, you'll get stabbed anyway. Even if you encounter real danger, just consider it a long-awaited chance to train yourself...

Since he had originally planned to take Lia out today, the fact that he had to take time off to register at the association couldn't be kept from her.

Just as they were about to set off, Lia came running up to him, looking at him with a pleading expression.

You want to go?

"Uh-huh!"

Seeing Lia nodding like a chick pecking at rice, Galan was also a little troubled. "It's too dangerous... The Dungeon is not a fun place. What if you encounter danger? No, no!"

After a moment's thought, he decided to decisively reject her.

The Dungeon of this world are not like the brain games in amusement parks where you just need to find the right path to get out. They contain countless deadly traps and dangerous monsters, burying countless adventurers who went there to explore for treasure over the years.

While not all Dungeon are extremely dangerous, the one he was going to was certainly not simple.

Besides, isn't it better to stay in the city? Why insist on following him to that godforsaken place?

"Frog told me before that there would be some interesting treasures in the Dungeon... I've seen a few Dungeon ruins before, but I've never had the chance to go inside."

That Frog guy... I'll settle the score with him next time I see him...

Galan secretly made a mental note of this, but still refused to agree to let Lia go with him.

It's too dangerous. It's one thing for him to go alone, but to bring Lia, who has almost no combat ability, along would be difficult if they encountered danger.

Seeing that Galan wouldn't budge, Lia pouted, closed her eyes, and pounced on him, clinging to Galan right hand.

"Please take me with you!"

The hole won't work...

Is that okay?

: no"

"You've never taken me with you on your adventures, and I'd like to know how I can help you in any way."

Seeing Lia clinging tightly to his arm and acting all cute, her affectionate dependence instantly softened his heart.

Lia looked up at him, her eyes bright and mischievous, full of expectation, like a playful kitten Galan was at a loss for words. He wasn't good at dealing with girls, let alone those who knew how to be charming. He hadn't expected that after only a little over a year, Lia had already learned these tricks. Who taught her these moves? Surely it wasn't that Frog guy again?

No wonder she was able to handle herself so skillfully in the future.

So this guy had already mastered it years ago.

"But it could be really dangerous; I have no idea what terrifying things I might encounter."

"So that means you agree to take me with you!? Hehe, with Galan around, I just need to follow you."

"Frog said before that if we encounter danger, we just need to hide behind Galan."

That brat...

Seeing that he was no match for Lia, Galan had no choice but to compromise. Having so many teams traveling with him... surely it would be safer, right?

After leaving the house, the two made their way to the Adventurers Guild.

As one of the largest cities in the North, [Äußerst] boasts an Adventurers Guild Hall, second in size only to the Imperial Capital [Eisberg].

From a distance, it looks just as magnificent as Serie's Palace.

Hehe, I just finished that Hellhound quest yesterday and made a good profit. I'll treat you to dinner tonight!

"No wonder I haven't seen you for days. You've been quietly making a fortune, haven't you?"

"Oh, no, no... By the way, do you know about that huge commission from the last couple of days? It's a rare sight in the last decade or so... It requires a full twelve teams, and I hear each team will be rewarded with one hundred Lacir Gold Coins!"