Chapter 612 – Monsters of the Deep City

—The next day.

Starting today, we planned to train at Claudia’s castle and scout the route toward the central area, so we arranged to meet at the plaza in front of the temple first thing in the morning.

Using the Golem medals I received from Alfred, we had also completed mass-producing Hiders. Since they were designated for Helvorte’s exclusive use, we decided to deploy them to Claudia’s castle right away.

I arrived at the plaza with the Party members and Sion’s group… and before long, Corulis came flying through the crisp winter air from the Royal Castle. On its back were Princess Stephania, Princess Adriana, and Flamia.

The sight of Corulis flying from the Royal Castle with people on its back… seemed to have become familiar in Termwills, as the passersby appeared quite accustomed to it.

Helvorte, with its bird-like wings on its back, was certainly eye-catching… but since there were also winged adventurers like Hawkman in Termwills, it didn’t seem to attract that much attention.

“Good morning.”

“Yes, good morning.”

I greeted Princess Stephania and the others as they arrived.

“Still, I never imagined we’d be heading to Claudia-sama’s castle.”

“And it’s in the deep floor at that. I hope we won’t be a burden?”

At Princess Stephania’s words, Princess Adriana tilted her head, and Sion nodded in agreement.

“We’re also… a little worried if we’ll be alright.”

“It’s just training, after all. Inside the castle, the monsters are under control, so as long as you’re with Claudia or Lord Helvorte recognizes the individual, there shouldn’t be any problems.”

I briefly explained our destination. Considering Sion’s group’s combat abilities, there shouldn’t be that much to worry about. Sion is serious, so I think she tends to overthink things.

“Actually, it’s probably more dangerous walking around Ende Wiles’ castle town than inside the castle. The scenery is unusual and unfamiliar outside, so please be careful.”

“In Ende Wiles, uncontrolled monsters can appear. The armored soldiers patrolling the town are under our control, but even uncontrolled monsters don’t see other Labyrinth monsters as enemies. So, unless Helvorte or I give the order, we can’t rely on the armored soldiers as combat power.”

Helvorte and Claudia added those details.

When we visited yesterday, no uncontrolled monsters appeared, but that means for us, with Claudia and Helvorte as allies, the town is more dangerous than the castle.

“That must have been… quite difficult back then, wasn’t it?”

Grace furrowed her brow.

Indeed. The appearance of uncontrolled monsters in Ende Wiles probably started after the Last Guardian’s rampage. If so, those living in Ende Wiles at the time must have had a hard time.

No, the ones who struggled were likely Claudia and Helvorte, rushing to prevent any harm.

“That’s right. We had them evacuate into the castle… but given the circumstances, we had to place them under surveillance, and it was quite challenging until the situation settled down.”

In response to Grace’s words, Claudia closed her eyes and answered with a thoughtful air.

She smiled back at Marlene, who was looking at her with a worried expression, and patted her head, showing that Claudia herself didn’t seem too bothered by it.

Her reaction suggested that the evacuation of Ende Wiles’ residents went well. Perhaps sensing this, Marlene smiled brightly, and Claudia nodded in return.

“The young lady of the Verdgar family at the time helped resolve the situation. The royal family… has kept their contract—their promise with me and continued to strive in their rule. I am grateful to the Verdgar royal family.”

The Verdgar family… meaning this was before they became the royal family. At those words, Princess Stephania nodded with a solemn expression, and Rosemary hid her face behind her feather fan.

While exchanging such conversation, we entered the Moon Temple and descended to the Labyrinth entrance with everyone. Arriving at the lower plaza, though it was still relatively early in the morning, several adventurer groups had come to descend into the Labyrinth, creating a fairly lively atmosphere.

“—Today’s a new floor, so let’s go in with determination.”

“Yeah. We upgraded our Equipment to match the monsters we’ll face, so we need to earn that much back.”

“Should we confirm our strategy once more before descending?”

In such tones, conversations about preparations for today’s floor, how delicious last night’s alcohol was, and various other topics could be heard.

Helvorte watched them quietly.

Though many things had changed since the time when people lived in Ende Wiles, the Labyrinth still existed alongside people and supported their livelihoods. I wondered how such scenes of Termwills appeared to Helvorte.

After watching the adventurers for a while, Helvorte eventually closed its eyes, nodded once, and turned toward the stone monument at the Labyrinth entrance. Hmm. It didn’t seem to leave a bad impression.

“We need to deploy Hider as well, so let’s go to Ende Wiles first and then into the castle. That way, there won’t be a need to go back later to see the scenery.”

“If we’re going to see it once, it might be safer for everyone to go together.”

Ashley smiled. Right. Many are visiting for the first time.

“I like the sky and the street corners—they’re quite mysterious.”

“Truly. It has a somewhat lonely atmosphere, but it’s a beautiful town.”

When Sheila spoke, Irmhild nodded as well.

“That sounds quite enjoyable.”

Princess Stephania said.

Claudia seemed rather pleased that Ende Wiles’ scenery was well-received by everyone, smiling happily. And so, from the stone monument at the Labyrinth entrance, we flew to Ende Wiles.

When the light faded and I opened my eyes—we were at the entrance of Ende Wiles.

“This is—”

“Wow…”

Princess Stephania’s group and Sion’s group murmured at the sight. A sky that could only be seen by going to the moon. The mysterious street scenery illuminated by multicolored Fairy Lights and glowing stone pillars.

With reactions similar to when we first arrived, they seemed captivated by the view before them.

Right away, I deployed Hider at the entrance of Ende Wiles.

“So, if Hider detects intruders, it will contact me through my Communication Device, correct?”

Helvorte rested its large Spear on its shoulder and held the Communication Device with both hands, peering intently at the screen displaying text.

“You should use the Communication Device a few times to get used to it. Would it be alright if I send you some messages later for practice?”

“Yes. If you need practice, please do.”

I nodded at Helvorte’s words. Somehow, it felt like a conversation you’d have when getting a mobile device for the first time.

“Hmm—”

Then, Sheila let out a small sound. Corulis, Belius, Lavigne, and the others twitched and simultaneously looked in the same direction.

“…Uncontrolled monsters, perhaps?”

When I asked, Sheila nodded.

“Probably. I think there are multiple. They might still be a bit far away.”

“They still seem distant to me. I don’t sense any temperature.”

Hmm. Outside Irmhild’s detection range, then. It’s possible they’re opponents her temperature detection doesn’t work on, but based on Sheila’s behavior, “still far” is likely correct.

“When we came yesterday, it had been a while since we had visitors. Perhaps the uncontrolled monsters spawned then.”

Claudia said. I see. So they woke up when we visited previously.

“They’re getting closer. They probably noticed us too.”

While her ears twitched, Sheila furrowed her brow. Indeed… I could feel footsteps and vibrations approaching. If even I can feel them, it seems fairly large monsters are coming.

“We came prepared with Red Transfer Stones just in case.”

“We’ll leave the decision to Theodore. We don’t want Claudia-sama wasting Magical Power unnecessarily.”

Princess Stephania and Princess Adriana spoke.

When Claudia turned her gaze—the iron Giant that served as gatekeeper and the patrolling armored soldiers formed ranks and positioned themselves around us.

An Escort formed by controlling the armored soldiers. With our backs to the gate, if we set up a defensive position… we could probably fight even if the enemy numbers were large. Looking at the lineup, we should have sufficient combat power.

“Then… let’s try engaging them to assess the situation. If the situation turns unfavorable, we’ll consider a temporary retreat.”

I’d like to obtain resources like Magic Stones, and I also want to gauge the level of monsters beyond the Star Sphere Garden before descending to the central area.

Almost simultaneously with everyone’s nods, the first monster appeared on the main street.

Groan—from between the large houses, the shadow of a gigantic creature emerged.

“That’s a Dragon—but a bit different, I think.”

Grace said.

Ah, it resembles a Dragon, but you’re right, it’s different.

…Actually, I recognized the silhouette.

It closely resembled a T-rex, but with a single crystal-like horn growing from its forehead.

And upon spotting us, it opened its huge mouth and let out a roaring cry.

Well, well. A dinosaur-type monster as our opponent. It doesn’t seem to be a Guardian, but a regular monster. Now, let’s see how strong it is.