Episode 18

“The survey unit’s preparations are already complete… Are we truly going to accept this request?”

A bespectacled male mage asked.

“If it comes as a petition from the lord of the domain, we cannot treat it dismissively.”

A tall, gray-haired man answered. He looked to be in his fifties, yet carried a strength beyond his years.

“But Glanz-sama, I’ve heard nothing but ill repute about the House of Lagias…”

“You must not swallow others’ opinions whole. What matters is to see with your own eyes and judge for yourself.”

Glanz Folt—the man called the “Sage” in a green robe—had come to the Anseli Forest.

Born to a distinguished noble line, he had served the kingdom in the mage corps since his youth. He had aptitude for every magic element and wielded power at a high level.
Not only skilled but also erudite and of excellent character, he had held important posts, and now supported the mage corps as an adviser.

“You are right, of course, but it’s also true that there are many voices. And to take a child along to an unexplored dungeon—”

“That surprised me as well. I expected the lord himself to participate.”

The House of Lagias had requested that Zeke Lagias, the next heir, be added to the survey unit.
They claimed he was a prodigy who had directed and successfully completed an operation to exterminate a monster colony that had formed in their domain.

“Talk is cheap. If he comes along at his own risk, that’s one thing, but if our comrades suffer for it, we can’t overlook it.”

“In that case, we should consider how to proceed in a way that prevents harm. …Since the kingdom decided this, it will be difficult for us to overturn it on our own.”

Participants in the survey unit were not only from the mage corps. It also included personnel from a kingdom-appointed knight order and a medical contingent.
Even if he had been appointed lead of the survey unit, it was unrealistic to gainsay an agreement between the kingdom and a domain lord.

“My apologies. I do understand, but…”

“I know how you feel—I’ve been through it many times. If you’re not satisfied, then don’t stop thinking.”

In Glanz’s experience, this case was nothing unusual. He was not overconfident in himself, but he had faced similar or worse situations in the past.

“It will be fine. If we talk, I’m sure we’ll reach an understanding.”

He would carry out his duty as always. Then results would naturally follow. —Even as he paid heed to a bad premonition, he focused on the operation.

In temporary structures set up near the dungeon entrance, the members of the survey unit and Zeke faced each other.

“I am Glanz Folt, responsible for this survey unit. We share a common purpose—let us combine our strength.”

“…I’m Zeke Lagias. None of you are permitted to act without my leave. Keep that engraved on your hearts.”

The air froze.

A new dungeon had been confirmed within the Anseli Forest. It had no fixed name even in the game and was tentatively called the Lagias Dungeon.

Inside looked like an ancient ruin: dim, dust motes swirling. If full operations began, lighting would be installed and other improvements made—if the scenario changed.

“As expected, it’s dark. Light!”

The bespectacled mage cast a light-source spell. While its effect lasted, it followed the caster and illuminated the surroundings.

“Leave this to me—Search.”

Another mage began scouting. He was a large man with a tense air.

“No signs of enemies nearby.”

“Hmm. Then let’s proceed as planned.”

This survey unit counted seven members including Zeke. Since the dungeon was unexplored, they would normally want more people; however, some passages were narrow, making coordination difficult. They also had to consider friendly fire.

Given that this was a survey, not a conquest, a small, nimble team was more suitable.

“We’re only surveying, so we don’t have to overdo it, right, boss?”

A knight addressed Glanz in a casual tone, giving off a somewhat frivolous impression.

“Yes, that’s correct. We will note monster and trap types, minable ores and relics—identify any rare treasures.”

“If we find any magic tools from the old era, that would be thrilling. …Keat, what is that attitude? You’re being rude to Glanz-sama.”

“Talking in ‘polite mode’ I’m not used to would be weirder. Just be normal—normal.”

The two were opposites. Both belonged to national organizations and sometimes worked together on missions like this. Their differences in outlook could cause friction, yet in combat their teamwork was surprisingly good.

“You… and you still manage to keep your knighthood?”

“Don’t know, don’t care. If I haven’t been sacked, it’s fine. Markus, you’re the stiff one here—the very model of a mage.”

“At the very least, I do understand that was not a compliment.”

Even while chatting, they did not neglect vigilance. Without relying solely on detection magic, each used eyes, ears, and all five senses to explore the dungeon. As handpicked people of the kingdom, all were polished professionals.

They followed a corridor about three meters wide into an open space. At last, a change from the monotonous scenery.

“We’ve come into a wide chamber… but I don’t see anything in particular.”

A sister from the Maria Church, attached to the medical unit, looked around.

“It seems so… I don’t sense any enemy presence.”

A female knight bearing a longsword nodded.

“We’ve come this far without incident, but there really is nothing… Routon, do you detect anything?”

“My analysis is already complete. It appears to be a dead end.”

“You’re kidding—already done? A bunch of grown-ups out for a stroll, that’s all? Tough luck, kid.”

Keat threw the line at Zeke, who had not spoken a single word until now. Everyone else had kept their distance, still reeling from their first impression; Keat was simply uninterested.

“You’re quite right—about your own incompetence.”

The air froze again. Markus’s face even twitched.

“You, do you not know how to address your elders? You’ll have a hard time in the future.”

“Indeed. Be grateful for this chance to reflect on yourself.”

The female knight, Mia, stiffened. Her face gradually flushed red with anger.

“H-hey, easy, Mia-san! Let it go, okay⁉︎”

Everyone present knew the House of Lagias’s bad reputation. Because of that, they had intended not to pry and to focus on the survey—but Zeke’s verbal assault was potent.

“…If you understand, then why aren’t you teaching these blockheads? This is a waste of time.”

“What blasphemy against the kingdom’s wisdom… ? ‘If you understand,’ you say?”

Markus turned to Glanz, curious what Zeke’s words meant.

“My, my… It seems the young heir of House Lagias possesses a keen eye.”

“Spare me the sycophancy. Get on with it.”

Glanz chanted and produced a small fireball—Fireball. He controlled it, making it move irregularly.

It was as if he were tracing something invisible.

“I cannot say what it is, but there is a minute flow of mana in this space.”

“A minute flow of mana? But everyone possesses mana, and it exists in the air as well…”

“Natural flows are one thing; here I sense an intentional one. If I let it guide the spell like this…”

He slowly guided the fireball and finally snuffed it near the center. A magic circle appeared on the floor and began to blink.

“A concealment circle⁉︎ It didn’t show up on my Search.”

“Techniques and spells aren’t everything. It pays to turn your eyes to many things.”

With a groan, the circle shattered. The once-empty floor moved, revealing stairs leading down.

“Now then—shall we proceed this way?”

“Hmph. Save your lessons for the incompetents later. I didn’t come here to play.”

Leaving the rest behind, Zeke descended the stairs. His unerring advance looked as if he already understood the dungeon’s layout.

(His presence here is starting to feel… intentional. The House of Lagias… It seems I must revise my view.)