Chapter 107 – Magical Light Water Vein

——20th Floor Underground.

When we passed through the door at the branching point, it felt like entering another world.

It somewhat resembled the cave areas from the upper floors. Natural rock surfaces, hanging stalactites like in a cavern.

The Magic Light Water Vein. Its most distinctive feature was that submerged areas outnumbered regular pathways. Therefore, continuing exploration deeper without diving underwater would be difficult. The water vein was believed to be connected to the ocean, with fresh and saltwater mixing together.

“…It’s beautiful.”

Irmhild murmured while peering into the cerulean blue shimmering water.

Crystal-like objects glowing with light protruded from rock surfaces everywhere—whether underwater or on the ceiling—illuminating the cave interior with a mysterious hue. The water’s transparency was exceptionally high, and there were numerous light sources. It was a fantastical scene with a different charm from the Dusk Forest.

“Even though it’s winter… it’s not that cold.”

Ashley voiced her impression after lightly touching the water’s surface.

“Maybe because there are hydrothermal vents. Or perhaps because it’s a labyrinth.”

“Hydrothermal… what?”

Sheila tilted her head.

“Places where hot water gushes out. Don’t get too close if you see one. You could get burned.”

I pointed toward a vent releasing hot water along with bubbles as I spoke.

The reason we left the Dusk Forest to challenge the Magic Light Water Vein was… to enhance everyone’s adaptability while also exploring for the Sealed Door.

Another reason was that the Knight Order’s exploration hadn’t made much progress in this section.

The reason exploration wasn’t advancing was obvious. There were too many areas that couldn’t be explored without countermeasures like underwater breathing or water walking. Naturally, our exploration range would primarily focus on submerged areas.

“Everyone has the underwater breathing magic tools and Red Transfer Stones, right?”

I double-checked just to be safe. Everyone nodded, but those were insurance for emergencies.

Since we were exploring the Magic Light Water Vein, we had to anticipate combat underwater as well. Therefore, we would proceed with exploration using methods other than underwater breathing or water walking.

“Bubble Shield.”

Water and wind composite. The fourth-tier magic Bubble Shield. We would advance exploration by staying inside large bubbles while active underwater.

This way—we wouldn’t face situations where water hindered our movements during combat. On the flip side, enemies couldn’t attack unless they stuck their heads into the bubbles. Since entering the bubbles created water sounds, surprise attacks would be easier to prevent.

“Since your senses might feel restricted, both of you, don’t push yourselves until you get used to it.”

“Understood.”

“I’ll be careful.”

“In that case, I’ll take the lead until you’re accustomed.”

Grace stepped forward first into the water.

Sheila and Irmhild, being particularly skilled in detection senses normally, would find things different when those senses were limited.

Caduceus was currently Marlene’s escort since Lavigne was with Ashley. I’ll take the rear position.

Now then—underwater exploration.

A world of blue, fantastically beautiful yet stirring unease on a fundamental level. Marlene wasn’t the only one fascinated by the novel scenery. Everyone advanced while looking around.

“They’re coming.”

We hadn’t gone far before encountering monsters. Grace, walking at the front, alerted us.

A school of silvery shining fish—Blade Fish.

These were fish monsters with fins as sharp as blades. They excelled at leaping out of the water in schools and slicing through targets as they passed by.

We split into vanguard and rearguard, dispersing the targets.

The fish school charged through the bubbles. Grace crushed them with her axe upon contact, while Sheila sliced through them with her daggers. Their movements showed no sign of danger. These straightforward types were probably their specialty.

I moved forward to a midguard position. Creating ice walls to block enemies trying to swim over the vanguard’s heads toward the rearguard, I divided the enemy group.

Lavigne trapped the approaching fish school in ice, which Ashley then systematically crushed with her Long Mace.

Irmhild drew her bow without nocking an arrow and strummed it. The vibrating string sound traveled through the water, causing the fish school to turn on each other.

Marlene closed her eyes and assumed a stance with her rapier. Chantless. Leaving defense to Caduceus and her companions, she focused her consciousness on magic. As she constructed the spell formula, she thrust her rapier straight forward.

Third-tier lightning magic Stun Bolt. Lightning strikes erupted from the sword’s tip, shocking the Blade Fish that were fighting each other. In an instant, Ashley and Lavigne’s freezing magic engulfed the fish.

Stun Bolt wasn’t particularly high in killing power, being a self-defense magic… but it was an attack magic even Marlene could handle. I taught it to her thinking it would be useful in various situations. Like water magic freezing, it was a type of magic that worked well underwater. With the Bubble Shield, as long as magic control was proper, we wouldn’t get shocked—a significant point.

“New enemies approaching from behind!”

I turned at Lavigne’s growl and Ashley’s voice.

Approaching was a giant squid about the size of a large dog. Black body with glowing red eyes. Madisquid.

Good thing we dealt with the Blade Fish first. They excelled at attacking after releasing large amounts of ink to obscure the underwater situation. When these were around, other monsters became more dangerous.

“I’ll handle that one.”

I returned to my rear position. The Madisquid spewed ink, but I designated that very space to create an Aqua Golem that absorbed it.

I made the ink-clouded Aqua Golem grab at the squid, and while it was stunned, I charged with Magical Power Circulation activated. As I closed in, I struck it down with Ouroboros in a single blow.

From the squid’s perspective, it must have looked like its own spewed ink was attacking it.

“That’s educational. I didn’t know Golems could be used that way.”

Ashley said admiringly.

“Since we can use the water itself as the Golem’s material. Of course, if used while transparent, it would be highly effective against monsters relying on sight.”

Ashley nodded with a serious expression.

It would be effective as support. Though being an Aqua Golem, its killing power was low.

Dinner’s decided for today. Blade Fish can be eaten as is, and Madisquid is also edible.

Regarding the squid, beyond that, its ink could be used as high-quality ink. While collecting Transference Stones sunk on the waterbed, we’ll skin them and proceed with exploration slowly.

——After finishing exploration in the Magic Light Water Vein and handling material disposal etc. at the Guild, the timing was just right, so I decided to go to the Royal Castle to meet King Melvin.

Prince Albert was accompanying me today. We had arranged it via the Magic Communicator.

When I showed up at the salon, both of them were already there.

“Oh! You’ve returned.”

“Yes. I returned yesterday around evening.”

“And? What’s this about talking with Albert included?”

Since King Melvin asked, I broached the topic about the Magic Communicator. With a demonstration, I had Prince Albert and me exchange messages.

Instantly, King Melvin’s expression turned serious.

“A magic tool that allows exchanging text from distant locations. It works without issues between Termwills and Gartner County.”

“My, my… you bring quite something formidable. With you around, things never get dull.”

King Melvin smiled somewhat troubled yet amused.

“Ultimately, I want it to enable communication among all who possess it. Currently, it’s one pair per set, dedicated to specific pairs.”

I summarized and explained the current completion level, future ideal form, and associated issues.

King Melvin listened with a serious face, but after leaning back deeply in his chair, he crossed his arms and groaned.

“It’s a splendid magic tool. With this, it’s easy to imagine various transformations, but… precisely because of that, I cannot grant permission immediately. The impact is too great.”

“Is that so?”

Well, this answer was somewhat expected. If released to the general public immediately, it could fundamentally change society’s structure.

“At the very least… we must select who may possess it. Both users and administrators should have systems in place to prevent easy misuse.”

Hmm. Since contract magic is incorporated into the system, if we make that contract magic more advanced, it should work.

By incorporating restrictions—like making it usable only in labyrinths, protecting communication secrecy through contract magic, enabling terminal disconnection from the server side… though future tasks, the path is visible.

For safe usage—for example, Knight Order commanders, kingdom dignitaries. Place only one per base, limiting communication partners.

King Melvin probably recognized its high utility value. After pondering for a while with his chin in hand, he looked up and said.

“Including safety measures, establishing it as a technology would be important. Otherwise, no one could use it with peace of mind. You may continue developing and testing that magic tool as is. Upon completion, I promise in my name to pay sufficient compensation worthy of the achievement.”

“Thank you, Father.”

Knowing his research hadn’t been in vain, Prince Albert bowed deeply. The issues seemed manageable through contract magic review. We should consider the development path secured.

“Good. In that regard, it’s fortunate that you were developing this.”

King Melvin smiled wryly.

The consultation was settled. After relaxing awhile with tea and sweets, I brought up another matter.

“By the way, I heard there’s been a ghost disturbance in the city.”

“Hmm. There have been reports from the Knight Order. A white humanoid figure floating late at night, disappearing into walls, etc. The time is mainly at night, but sighting locations are scattered throughout the entire town.”

King Melvin nodded. No damage had occurred so far, it seemed… But the locations are scattered?

Whether we encounter it depends on luck. We have other things to do. Can’t spend all our time on that alone.

“Personally, I suspect a connection with demons. How about posting a request at the Adventurer Guild offering appropriate rewards to those who identify its true nature or provide information leading to it? Though we need to add that there’s corresponding danger and not to get too involved.”

King Melvin leaned forward with an interested expression.

“So, that’s it. Adventurers would be able to distinguish whether it’s just an undead or not.”

Prince Albert added. Yes. If they’re adventurers, they’d notice subtle differences from ghosts. Then, based on eyewitness accounts, narrow down characteristics, consult literature, and if necessary, prioritize subjugation.

“Very well. I’ll make arrangements for that.”

“Then I’ll continue exploring for the Sealed Door in the Magic Light Water Vein.”

At my words, both of them nodded.