The Way to Absolute Dungeon Administration – There Is No Reason To Meet With the Opponent!

Volume 02 Chapter 19: The Adventure is Interrupted

Side: Yuki

“Yes, Naruja-san, correct? Here’s your temporary ID card. Please keep it in this case and wear it visibly around your neck.”

Milly is at the farthest table, issuing ID cards to the Fairy Tribe.

“How’s it look, Labiris? My appraisal doesn’t spot any fakes or liars among the fairies.”

“Right, my eyes don’t see any of that sort either.”

Labiris and I are helping at the ID station while confirming the fairies are genuine.

With doppelgängers and magic around, we can’t risk someone sneaking in disguised.

“But an ID card, huh? That’s an interesting idea. It does ensure we know who’s who, which builds trust. Before, we’d just use a crystal to check names and levels lightly.”

“Later, I’ll add photos for perfect IDs. These cards are designed so the name only appears if the wearer’s magic matches. So, even if someone forges it…”

“The name won’t show. With photos, that’s double security.”

“Plus, we record the issue date. Even if someone perfectly mimics the card, the records will expose them.”

“…That’s ruthless.”

While talking, we take care not to make eye contact, keeping watch around us.

“Excuse me, may I have a word?”

“Yes, what is it?”

As we finish checking, the Elder approaches.

She’s got her temporary ID. The name field reads “Naruja,” matching the status my appraisal skill sees.

I just realized, checking their stats, but the Fairy Tribe is incredible. Average MP over 1,000. Elder Naruja has 7,000. Most magic would be spammable for them.

…That’s a DP absorption rate of about 1/100 per hour. The Elder alone yields 70 DP an hour.

Heh heh heh. MS and AC deliveries are getting closer.

“The luggage transfer is almost done, but what about those two self-proclaimed Four Heavenly Kings over there?”

“Oh? Naruja-san, you knew I’m Yuki?”

“Yes. I can read magic to an extent. Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone. The others haven’t noticed.”

As expected of the Fairy Tribe. I told Kovil not to blab about me, but is she okay?

Just to be safe, I’ll put her under Designated Protection later to keep her quiet.

“Those self-proclaimed Four Heavenly Kings, huh? What do you think we should do?”

“You’re asking my opinion? …Well, pardon me, but whether we take them prisoner or kill them, it’s a toss-up.”

“Mind sharing your reasoning?”

“For prisoners, the advantage is gaining info on the Demon King’s army or the Demon Kingdom’s inner workings. The downside is if the info’s fake or they escape, the damage could be catastrophic. Killing them means we don’t need to spare manpower later. The downside is, if they’re real Four Heavenly Kings, the Demon King’s army might mark us as targets.”

Hmm, fair point. I’ll need to talk to the dungeon reps… Ratsu and the others.

Consulting Eris, she decided:

“We can kill them anytime. For now, let’s lock them in the dungeon’s cells. No need to rush their fate. We’ll discuss it thoroughly later.”

“Understood. So, you’re really running this place. One person’s judgment isn’t enough, huh?”

“Yeah. Everyone here’s helping me out.”

“One person can only do so much, after all.”

“…I’ll let that slide since it wasn’t malicious, but watch your words. Insult Yuki, and even if he laughs it off, I’ll punch you.”

Labiris, perched on my knee, glares at the Elder.

“My apologies. I didn’t mean to belittle or demean someone dear to you. As someone responsible for my village’s lives, please understand.”

“…Fine. Just be careful from now on.”

“I understand.”

Whoa. Despite her childlike appearance, the Elder’s so polite with Labiris.

This Elder might be pretty capable.

No reaction to Labiris’s looks, just solid responses.

“Anyway, Elder. Once the luggage is done, check if anyone’s still over there and do a headcount. I’m collapsing that gate and dungeon as soon as the transfer’s complete.”

“I see. So no one knows we fled to a dungeon?”

“Yeah. That place will likely get visitors soon. Leaving traces isn’t wise.”

Following my orders, the Elder leaves to check on her people. Kovil comes over next.

“Hey, Yuki? Is it okay if I stay here? I’ve got that promise with Lulua.”

“Nah, Kovil, you’re going with Lulua’s group. Her situation’s really complicated.”

“Got it! I’ll do my best, leave it to me!!”

“Cool, let’s talk to the Elder first. Kovil, fetch Lulua for me. Tell Mauve and the others to keep guarding the gate and dungeon entrance. Give them this—sake and snacks. They’re working hard.”

Kovil heads through the gate to get Lulua.

The Elder returns in her place.

“My apologies. It seems Kovil, who was with you, is still over there.”

“Oh, sorry. I sent her to call one of my companions here.”

“I see. That’s fine, then. Excluding Kovil, everyone’s safely here and has their IDs.”

“Got it. Eris, take everyone to Training Room A and explain how to use the rooms.”

“Understood. Everyone, leave your luggage here and follow me. I’ll explain the rooms you’ll be using. Elder-sama, is that alright?”

“Yes, please. Everyone, follow her instructions. These tools are unfamiliar to us. Listen carefully to avoid causing trouble.”

With the Elder’s approval, the Fairy Tribe follows Eris.

“Hey, I brought Lulua!”

After everyone leaves, Kovil returns with Lulua.

“Kovil, even if it’s Yuki-san’s orders, tell me first. I was worried.”

“Ugh, sorry, Elder.”

Kovil gets scolded.

Lulua glances at the scene, giving me a curious look.

“Yuki-san, why was I called here?”

“Well, the highest-ranking person here is the Elder, so we should talk to her, right? Lulua’s issue is better handled by the Elder than Kovil.”

“I see.”

Lulua nods, turning to the Elder and Kovil. The Elder speaks.

“An issue? Come to think of it, you’re traveling for a purpose. Could you share the reason? If we can help, we won’t hold back.”

“Yeah! You saved us, so I’ll keep my promise!!”

“Glad to hear, but this is kinda tricky. If you accept Designated Protection, I can explain.”

“Designated Protection?”

I explain clearly: Designated Protection isn’t slavery, its restrictions, privileges, and how force is prohibited in the dungeon.

“I see. No issue for you or me. I’d like to accept Designated Protection.”

“Not just the Elder, me too!! I wanna use that Call thing!!”

They accept Designated Protection easier than expected, so I explain Lulua’s situation.

Explaining Lulua means revealing the dungeon’s purpose, but I keep it simple.

“That’s not something to share lightly or ask for help with. Without this incident, we’d have refused.”

“So?”

“Yes. Yuki-san, Lulua-sama, you saved our lives. We want to help fully, but… I’m not sure how to make the Fairy Tribe’s support a check on Litea Holy Nation. I’d rather not go to Litea myself, with my people here.”

“Right. Without hashing out details, we can’t leverage the Fairy Tribe’s alliance effectively.”

The Elder and Lulua look troubled.

“Here’s my proposal. The Call Function lets us stay in touch anytime. We can work out details that way. Elder, could you spare three Elixirs and maybe one or two weapons you’re okay parting with?”

“Normally, I’d refuse… An Elixir costs 150 platinum coins. Weapons aside, tell me what you need the Elixirs for. They’re not something to hand over lightly.”

“If we’re lucky, we won’t use any. But one might be used to prove it’s real. A genuine Elixir, plus Kovil vouching for Lulua…”

“I see. It proves the Fairy Tribe truly supports Lulua-sama.”

“Exactly. We’ll need to iron out details, but can you spare them?”

“…Understood. I know Lulua-sama’s short on time. But Elixirs are precious. We’ll give two, plus four or five extra weapons instead.”

“How’s that, Lulua?”

“Elder, thank you for your generosity!!”

Lulua tears up with gratitude.

Fair enough. Cooperation wasn’t guaranteed.

“Lulua-sama, please, no tears. We’re grateful you saved us at such a critical time. We’re sorry we can’t fully meet your needs due to our circumstances. Kovil, you have an item box, right?”

“Yup!”

“I’m entrusting you with the Elixirs and weapons. You’re going with Lulua-sama. I’m worried, but no one else is suited. Support her.”

“Leave it to me!! I’ll storm Litea and kick out everyone bullying Lulua!!”

The Elder hands Kovil the Elixirs and weapons from an item box.

“Alright, Lulua, go back with Kovil. The Fairy Tribe move ate up a lot of time. We’ll handle things here. I told Kiyu to drive fast.”

“Got it. But even so, it’s just one day…”

“Still a race against time. We got cooperation, but it’s not over. Stay sharp.”

Lulua nods with a serious expression and heads through the gate with Kovil.

“You’re kind yet strict. If you took the lead, Yuki-san, it’d all be settled. But you’re letting Lulua-sama achieve it herself.”

“There’s reasons for that.”

“Could I hear those reasons later?”

“Sure. Let’s join the others.”