Maruyama Kugane - The Invaders of the Large Tomb

"Don’t worry about it, we’re all in it together as companions during this job. It would be bad if something happens before we even start the investigation. If—"

"—Is it really okay for us to be relying on these gold ranked adventurers? What do we do if the campsite was overrun before we come back? Or if monsters manage to break through the security perimeter of the campsite?!"

Suddenly, a voice as loud and clear as a burning fireball could be heard by everyone, causing Hekkeran and Greenham to turn their focus elsewhere.

Eruya’s words were directed towards the butler. However, he didn’t bother concealing his voice. It was as if time suddenly froze, the movements of the adventurers who were moving the luggage stopped on cue.

Naturally, for those who are aiming towards the top, it was obvious that the path became longer and steeper the further one travelled along it. Although it didn’t matter how far one could reach at the end, the effort required to get to where they were now wasn’t something that could be achieved easily. Their feelings after hearing what Eruya had said could only be described as unpleasant.

The profession of an adventurer was a highly competitive one, to have one’s ability doubted—

especially by the commissioner—could heavily impact their future career. It would then be necessary to display their strength.

Regardless of whether they were an adventurer or a worker, to be able to fearlessly dish out these words, the speaker must at least be at a powerful enough position which allows them to get away with it. As such, Eruya did not seem to mind the current atmosphere at all, and continued on.

"Well, I have to admit they’re at least good enough to qualify as luggage lackeys, but when it comes to keeping everything safe, I’m not so sure."

Give me a break, please. It wouldn’t be good at all if things turn ugly. Those guys are also restraining themselves due to already being hired…

The workers currently present were all as strong as mithril ranked adventurers. In other words, stronger than those adventurers. However, there were still certain things that one should definitely not say, based on the given circumstances.

Can someone give him a beating so he can shut up?

The atmosphere amongst the workers also started to tense up as the majority of them began to glare at Eruya in disapproval. Looking around, Hekkeran hurriedly rushed to the side of Imina. It wouldn’t be good if blood started spewing.

However, the person that made the next move wasn’t a worker.

"You must be Uzruth-sama. I do not believe there will be any problems."

"…Is that under the assumption that we will also help in securing the campsite?? If it’s like that then I can still accept your reply."

"That’s not it. It’s just that we requested the aid of someone stronger than those of you present—

Momon-san."

As if responding towards the words spoken moments ago, a warrior clad in full plate mail stepped out from one of the carriages. Due to the helmet he was wearing, his face could not be seen.

"Please allow me to introduce everyone. Reaching the rank of adamantite with the power of only two people, the adventurer Momon-san from the 'Darkness'. His teammate Nabe is also present.

With these two to protect the campsite, this arrangement… I hope everyone is satisfied?"

The atmosphere suddenly became completely different. To adventurers and workers, the one standing in front of them was one who had reached the peak of their profession. Under the presence of the strongest, every worker, regardless of who it was, kept quiet.

Seeing how the workers reacted to the appearance of an adventurer of the highest rank, the mood of the other adventurers improved. An affectionate smile emerged on the face of the leader of the adventurer team as he conversed with the warrior in black.

"Please let us handle the rest. In the meanwhile, could Momon-san continue the exchanges with the workers? Also, please take over the role of leadership and advise us on the security plans for the rest of the trip."

"Understood. Although I am still lacking, if your team have no problems with it, I will accept.

However, I will still be relying on you guys as the main security force. Your team contains more people. It will be more convenient for us to assist instead."

"No! What are you talking about!? You’re not lacking at all! Doing it that way will drag Momon-san—"

"No, your team will still be tasked with the main security. Do make use of us. Now then, Nabe."

Having ended the conversation there with a voice which carried the hint of a faint smile, Momon walked down the stairs from the carriage. The person following behind Momon was a woman of astonishing beauty.

Usually, when a beautiful woman appears, there would always be some kind of commotion.

However, things became very different if the level of beauty was overwhelming. In the presence of a truly beautiful woman, the only thing one could do was have their eyes stolen.

"Hekkeran. That person…"

"Aye, Rob. I was thinking the same thing. We saw her at the North Market. Over there… Momon of the 'Darkness'. Having only one companion. If it’s like that, it seems like the rumor of defeating a Gigant Basilisk wasn’t as big of an exaggeration as I had initially thought."

"Giga—! About that, is that true?"

"Seems like it. There’s also a rumor that they defeated a demon with a difficulty rating of over 200

using a single attack. I heard this from Greenham."

"—That can’t be real right? A difficulty of over 200 is beyond the limit of human capabilities. That isn’t a territory humans could ever reach… Could it be that you misheard 100 as 200?"

"Even if it’s like that, it would still be amazing. Yet somehow I get the feeling that it really did happen like it was said in the rumors. At least, that’s how I feel."

Even though it was only a brief moment of conversation with the gold ranked adventurer, the personality of Momon seemed to have been made clear. It was consistent with what the people expected of adamantite ranked adventurers. The impression given off by Momon was that of a likeable man.

"Before we begin the exchange… there’s something I wish to hear from you guys."

Momon’s voice wasn’t particularly loud. However, the impression that one received when hearing the sound of his voice was that of majestic grandeur.

"Why have you decided to go to the ruins? Because you’ve accepted the request? However, different to how the Guild can sometimes force adventurers to take a request, there’s nothing preventing you from rejecting this request. What is your reason for deciding to go?"

The workers exchanged glances at each other, hesitating on who should respond. In the end, the first to speak up was someone from Parupatra’s Team.

"That’s obviously because of money."

The perfect answer to the question. There was no other reason. The reason why the workers hesitated to answer wasn’t because the question was hard, but rather, they were trying to determine Momon’s true purpose of asking such an obvious question.

After confirming that every worker agreed with the given answer, Momon continued to ask.

"In other words, the reward offered from this request is enough for you guys to risk your life for?"

"That’s right. The amount offered was enough to entice all of us. Also, bonuses will also be given if we discover additional treasures from the ruins. Isn’t that enough for us to bet our lives on?"

The one who responded was Greenham.

"…I see. So this was the final decision you guys made. Understood. Looks like I’ve asked a pointless question. Please forgive me."

"What you asked wasn’t particularly offensive… Please don’t mind."