Chapter 65
Several months have passed since the dungeon creation―――――
The surface dungeon is nearly complete, and with the installation of traps and teleportation gates in the later levels, it will become practically usable.
Elibel has already been focusing on facilitating the flow of adventurers and merchants within the surface dungeon.
Meanwhile, what were Una and Dos doing during that time?
This time, we will delve into their short story.
Lena Wetlands (Una)
「The mass production of mud golems is going smoothly」
Una has been engrossed in making golems, a skill she learned from her father, Earth, in the wetlands.
At first, she only assisted her father by shaping the mud, but he taught her the process, allowing her to create golems on her own.
However, her elemental attributes are “Wind” and “Water.”
She lacks the natural attribute of “Earth,” which is essential for golem-making.
However, due to the nature of mud, a mixture of earth and water, her attributes are somewhat alleviated.
Under the limited condition of mud, she is capable of creating golems.
Likewise, even with snow, she can create golems.
In fact, it can be said that snow golems showcase her true prowess with the “Water” attribute.
However, currently, snow golems are not in high demand in the dungeon.
Specialized snow golems have already been created.
Therefore, she mainly creates mud golems.
Of course, there are other reasons for this choice as well.
Among them, the most important one is to hinder humans from crossing Lena Wetlands.
To be more precise, it involves diverting them from crossing Lena Wetlands and leading them to the adjacent Yuguru Great Forest, where a dungeon has been established.
Entrances to the Yuguru Great Forest dungeon are not limited to a single location but dispersed throughout.
Furthermore, the surface dungeon can be used to cross the forest or as a shortcut to other areas by utilizing teleportation gates.
The goal is to make humans utilize the surface-level of the dungeon for transportation, experience its convenience, and spread the word through word of mouth.
That’s why the surface dungeon was designed like a loosely connected underground passage.
It is particularly suitable to attract merchants who rely on transportation.
Well, it may take some time to see results, but that’s not a problem.
If it keeps people from getting close, then there’s no issue.
Elibel mentioned that it’s fine to welcome people into the teleportation dungeon since mapping is done cautiously.
Even if the military is dispatched, we have a double-layered defense in the actual dungeons beyond the mid-levels.
Already, more than a hundred levels of the middle section have been completed.
Having received explanations from Elibel over and over, Una’s heart couldn’t quite clear up.
Because…
「Sigh… It’s depressing not being able to see Father for so many days.」
Yes, she couldn’t meet Earth, her father and the creator.
The time to meet Earth for golem-making has been reduced.
Just that alone clouds Una’s heart.
She understands that it’s an important role to protect Earth’s safety.
She understands it in her head, but her heart just won’t clear up. Likewise, she’s not convinced.
「Sigh…」
With a sigh, Una takes out a scale from her pocket.
She received it when Earth molted.
Slowly, she brings it to her face.
She brings it close to her nose and sniffs its scent.
Sniffing the scent to calm her mind.
Just as living beings breathe to survive, this was a necessary action.
Primarily for mental well-being.
「Inhale… Exhale… Ah… It soothes me. Oh, Father… I want to return to the dungeon soon. I want to take care of you…」
Una can be considered a stunning beauty based on her appearance alone.
After all, she is the ultimate masterpiece of the eccentric dragon, obsessed with golem-making.
Yet, this breathtaking beauty is now drooling with an ecstatic expression while sniffing the scale in her hand.
The smell of disappointment wafts through the air.
「And I wish to eat grilled meat in Agur Town sometimes… Huh?」
At the boundary of Lena Wetlands, Una senses something that resembles a human figure.
「What could it be?」
Moving across the water’s surface, Una closes the distance.
As she gets a better look at the figure, she realizes it is not a goblin, but adventurers in filthy appearance.
There are three of them.
It seems they intend to cross this wetland.
「…Tch.」
Oh, how repulsive.
Just when she was feeling better after sniffing her father’s scale…
There’s no helping it.
Let’s just kill them.
For the sake of mental well-being, this is unavoidable.
Having such a filthy thing in her line of sight alone is harmful.
Besides, priority targets are merchants and nobles. It shouldn’t be a problem to kill adventurers.
In reality, it’s a big problem, but Una doesn’t realize it.
Getting ready to kill them, Una reaches for her sword.
「Die, you goblins―――――」
However, at that moment, a thought transmission interrupts her.
『―――――Una, can you hear me?』
『Ah… Eh!? F-Father, is that you!?』
It was a thought transmission from Earth.
Previously, thought transmission couldn’t reach outside the dungeon, but thanks to the improvements in Elibel’s spells and the installation of teleportation gates, they can now send limited thought transmissions within the designated area.
『Ah, sorry. Is it alright to talk with you right now?』
『Of course! There is nothing more important than communicating with you, Father.』
『s that so? Well, that’s good to hear. Actually, I wanted to create an underground waterway in the depths. Can you help me with that? I mean, can you assist in cultivating the plants from Yuguru Great Forest in the depths? Ah… no, it’s just a research I’m working on.』
『Understood. I will head there immediately.』
A prompt decision.
No hesitation.
Above all, Una can be by Earth’s side.
There is no reason to hesitate, none at all.
『I see. Thanks. Well, I’ll be waiting in the depths.』
『Understood.』
What a turn of events.
Una is ashamed of her past self.
While she was sulking, her great father was about to embark on a new endeavor.
Cultivating plants in the depths.
Without a doubt, this is a prototype for a new dungeon’s specialized environment.
「Please wait for me, Father!」
Renewing her determination, Una dives through the teleportation gate and heads to the depths.
And thus, the adventurers completely slip from her mind.
Una, the first Golem-Homunculus, emits a faintly disappointing aura.
By the way, the guidance of the adventurers is handled perfectly by the mud golems.
Cleaning up after their boss is the duty of subordinates (mud golems), after all.
Adventurer A「You know, I feel like that golem attack has really saved me just now.」
Adventurer B「What a coincidence, I feel the same way. I wonder why?」
Adventurer C「Ah, I thought the same thing. I feel I strike lucky.」