Side: Tori
Before I came to this dungeon, I was a slave. And before I was a slave, I was an adventurer.
To an adventurer, a dungeon is like a treasure chest filled with dreams of striking it rich. I, too, used to dive into small-scale dungeons, hoping for that one big break. It's strange to think that now, I'm on the side of those creating the dungeons.
Currently, Rock-san, the Adventurer's Guildmaster, is explaining how this dungeon will be handled.
"Now then, to reiterate: regarding what the representatives call 'Small Dungeons' within this area—from our perspective, each one of those is equivalent to a medium-scale dungeon. This dungeon itself is a structure of unparalleled scale, the likes of which have never been seen in history."
Yes, I suppose so. The idea of approximately ten thousand people living inside a dungeon is a scale that's almost unthinkable.
"Furthermore, looking at the current state of affairs, the Adventurer's Guild has judged the safety of this dungeon to be unmatched. Right before our eyes, monsters are generated, yet they do not harm us; instead, they maintain the public order of this dungeon."
A dungeon judged to have "no danger" is rare indeed. In fact, it might be a world first.
"Additionally, with the incredible fact that this dungeon can be controlled, the Adventurer's Guild has decided to provide full support. Along with that—and I apologize for the forwardness—we would like to have a say in the management of the dungeons."
"Heh, you've got some nerve."
Seraria-sama remarked, narrowing her eyes and glaring at Rock-san... It was quite intimidating.
"No, please do not misunderstand. I am not referring to the operation of the main dungeon, but specifically the areas you refer to as 'Small Dungeons'."
"...And what exactly do you mean by that?"
"To put it simply, it would be a problem if you were to generate monsters and drop items at your own whim. It would throw the market into utter chaos."
"Ah, that makes sense."
"What does that mean?"
I asked, tilting my head, not quite catching the implication.
"Well, Tori. You know that monsters defeated in a dungeon leave drop items behind, so there's no need to butcher them, right?" Eris explained.
"Yes. And sometimes, items that are normally unobtainable drop as well, right?"
"That's the issue. We can generate monsters freely and fight them until we get the rare items we want on demand."
"Ah."
I see. If we did that, we could take as many desired items as we wanted. If that happened, the price of goods using those materials would go haywire.
"Yes, exactly as Eris-sama says," Rock-san continued. "If such a thing were done recklessly, the adventurers, merchants, blacksmiths, and apothecaries who earn their daily bread from those materials would be thrown into turmoil. We would like you to refrain from doing that."
"That's reasonable. Our goal isn't to cause chaos in the surrounding lands," Seraria-sama agreed. "However, what if we issue them as quests? Or perhaps keep a certain amount of stock?"
"Yes, that would be ideal. The headquarters also mentioned they would be grateful if a specific number of precious items could be gathered and stored here. This place is perfect for protecting valuables, after all."
"I see. Would a vault in the back of the Guildmaster's room be sufficient?"
"Yes, please."
"Is that all you wished to address?"
"No, we would also like to be informed of the types of monsters and how to deal with them as much as possible."
I see, that's important.
Normally, people gather information on monsters after many deaths occur from accidental encounters. If we can provide that information beforehand, it could be used in many ways.
"That's also acceptable. Should we prepare an experimental site?"
"If possible, we would appreciate it."
"...Um, Seraria-sama. I have a good idea for that," I interjected.
"What is it? Go ahead, Tori."
"The Arena, which we proposed as an entertainment facility earlier—why don't we use it for monster experiments? The Arena wouldn't really be used by anyone except adventurers anyway."
"That's a great idea. We weren't sure what to do with the Arena since it's usually idle, weren't we?"
"Yes, and the maintenance costs aren't trivial. However, if we use it for experiments, having a permanent guard there wouldn't be a waste. As long as one of us is present when monsters are generated, there shouldn't be any issues. Though, I'm against keeping summoned monsters in the Arena as pets."
"Heh, that way we can see all sorts of monsters too! We might find some that are useful for the dungeon's defense!" Riel chimed in.
At Riel's words, everyone's expressions brightened with realization.
"Riel is right. Up until now, Goblins and Slimes were so effective that we only summoned other monsters as a hobby. But as Riel says, depending on how they're used, there might be other effective monsters. We definitely need to set this up."
"True. Setting up a new department would be best... However, who should we put in charge?"
"Seraria, wait, wait. We're still in the middle of listening to Rock-san. Let's take notes on that and settle it properly another day. It's not something we can decide on the spot."
"Ara? Sorry. It just got so interesting."
Seraria-sama said, smiling at Yuki-san.
...How should I put it? Those two really are like a married couple. Is it just my imagination that I feel a bit annoyed?
"I'm grateful the representatives are interested. I've prepared documents for the finer details, so please look them over. I'm also putting together a list of requests."
"Heh, Rock-san. It looks like you've really gotten used to this paper, haven't you?" Yuki-san noted.
"Yes, I have Yuki-dono to thank for that. These, combined with the files, are far too convenient."
Yuki-san and Rock-san laughed together.
Is there some sort of "man-to-man" understanding between them?
For now, I look through the documents we were given. They seem to follow the concepts we had envisioned for the most part.
Adventurer's Guild: Policies and Requests
Policies
The Adventurer's Guild shall, as per its original purpose, act as an intermediary for jobs, handle conscription duties for the region, and manage adventurers to ensure no trouble arises.
Furthermore, specifically for this Adventurer's Guild, it shall also manage the Adventurer District, effectively becoming the "Adventurer's Guild Headquarters." This is intended to curb arrogant or boorish behavior among adventurers and encourage others to visit the district, aiming to improve adventurer morals. Heavy penalties, such as fines or revocation of licenses, shall be imposed on those who cause trouble.
Regarding the management of the Small Dungeons, it shall be left to the respective representatives. We shall strive to understand the situation. When changes are made, the representatives will provide documents detailing those changes, which we will stay informed on.
Regarding travel to the Small Dungeons: discoverers must bring a specific item from that dungeon to be granted use of the teleportation circles. The use of teleportation circles through transfer of rights is prohibited, though we will not investigate this in detail. We judge that each individual should be responsible for managing their own life.
As stated previously, the safety of adventurers or those who step into the Dungeon District is not guaranteed. While the representatives claim to be able to adjust things so that no deaths occur, we judge that such a measure would lower the quality of adventurers.
Clearing a Small Dungeon is defined by bringing back a specific item rather than a Dungeon Core, for which a reward will be granted. Bringing back a Dungeon Core will result in severe punishment. This is to ensure people recognize that this dungeon is powered by Dungeon Cores.
(The rest is omitted...)
Requests
* Restrictions on Monster Drop Items: We ask for adjustments to prevent market chaos.
* Opportunities to learn monster types, traits, and countermeasures based on the above.
* Identifiable traits for guard monsters: While guard monsters do not enter the Dungeon District, adventurers coming here may not know that. We want clear ways to identify them.
* Regarding the children growing up in the dungeon: Since there are guard monsters around, the children's perception of monsters is far too lax. We humbly suggest that children's dungeons be created to teach them through experience that guard monsters and wild monsters are different.
* Please periodically recreate a monster outbreak. This would be good training for adventurers and residents, helping them recognize they too can do something. Please ensure no deaths or serious injuries in this case.
(The rest is omitted...)
A monster outbreak recreation, huh... That sounds like it would be educational.
It would be good practice for us in command, and residents would learn to evacuate to safe places accurately. It would likely have many benefits, like recruiting volunteers.
As we discuss the documents with everyone...
The door was thrown open, and a member of the Adventurer's Guild rushed in frantically.
"An adventurer who went to clear the dungeon made by Tori-san's group has been teleported back! They are seriously injured!! Elju-sama!! Rurua-sama!! Please, treat them!!"
"""Eh!?"""
We were stunned. Not that much time has passed—at most an hour.
What on earth happened? Our dungeon is animal-themed, primarily using forests and plains. The first floor's defense is just Kobolds, isn't it?
Tilting our heads in confusion, we hurried over to where the adventurer was.
