Evil Avalon

Chapter 120-  1st  'That Thing' Gathering Contest

(TL:By Rafael,valhallatls.blogspot.com)

"Doki Doki! The First 'That Thing' Gathering Tournament~! Let's get started!"

"Wow! (Clap, clap, clap)"

"Welcome! Let's both do our best today!"

Arthur proudly declared the name of the event on top of an old wooden crate, while Hana and Satsuki applauded and threw words of welcome to Tenma and the others. Lisa also smiled as she quietly brought her hands together, but...

"W-Where are we? What was that magic just now!?"

"Clearly... the scenery we see from here isn't the first floor of the dungeon. It was really quick, though."

"...The magical concentration here... it's the same as the 15th floor."

Black-haired Kurosaki, dressed as a maid, panicked while waving her long hair, and armored Tenma looked around with great interest, while Nekomimi-hooded Kuga stared at the numbers displayed on her arm terminal and murmured.

"The 15th floor is a map covered in orange, with the reddish light of the setting sun pouring down. It doesn't look like... this dim sky right before a storm."

"...But the magical gauge on the terminal shows the exact same value as the 15th floor. We should consider that it really brought us here."

"Oh, look! That monster in the distance, isn't that an undead? So, it seems our assumption was right."

They noticed that everything, from the map structure and magical concentration to the spawning monsters, was different from the place they were in just moments ago. However, they took some time to understand it since they were suddenly brought here in an unconventional manner.

To explain how they were brought here, we need to go back just a little while ago.

...............

About 10 minutes ago -

"So, you're saying... why did you bring us to such an unpopular place on the first floor of the dungeon? D-Don't tell me. Are you planning something indecent with us? Well, the I hope you won't let that happen—"

"Jeez, calm down, Kurosaki. It's not a big deal to just play on the first floor, you know? Besides, it's been a while since we played together with friends. I wonder how long it's been? La, la, la~"

"..."

The heavily panting maid, the cheerful full-plate armor, and the silent cat-eared hood walked behind me, each with their own demeanor.

We had arranged to meet at the Adventurer's Guild plaza and enter the dungeon together, but Kurosaki kept giving me suspicious looks, as if I were some kind of suspicious person. Originally, it was planned for only me, Kuga-san, and Tenma-san to go, but since Kurosaki insisted on coming along, the four of us ended up heading to the location.

(Since she still doesn't trust me and  insists  her master on bringing her along, it's only natural for her to interfere, I suppose.)

I know that you value Tenma-san above all else. However, in order to proceed with the event in the future, I absolutely need Kurosaki-san's cooperation. So, I'd like to present the benefits of teaming up with me as soon as possible and improve the impression.

We are heading towards an empty area on the first floor of the dungeon. I explained that we would move from there using a special method... Kurosaki-san, however, has become completely suspicious, telling me not to say things that don't make sense. Experiencing it firsthand would be faster than explaining.

As we walked for a while, the figures of the adventurers we saw earlier completely disappeared. Since we couldn't hear any footsteps or voices, there shouldn't be anyone nearby. We don't need to worry about being seen around this area.

"Alright, let's stop here. I'll make a call."

"With your wrist device... What are you going to do?"

Kuga-san has been observing my every move since earlier, trying to uncover hidden information, but I don't intend to do anything special. I just need to make a phone call. I open the "A" page of the address book on my wrist device and tap on the desired name.

Ring... Ring... Click "Hey, Arthur, we've arrived."

"Did you really bring them? Is that place okay?"

"It's fine. Let me talk to them."

On the other side of the device's screen, a close-up of Arthur's face was peering at us. He must be checking if I really brought Tenma-san and Kuga-san. I quickly convey the purpose of the call and hang up immediately.

"What were you talking about? The little kid from earlier seems to be involved."

"I asked him to create a 'Gate' in this location."

"'Gate,' the teleportation magic that Narumi-kun mentioned before, right?"

"It's hard to believe. If there was such a convenient thing, no one would have a hard time... Ah!"

While the three of them were discussing and trying to listen carefully to our conversation, their conversation abruptly stopped as a small white light appeared right next to me. The light quickly grew larger, expanding to the size of a door and emitting a purple-indigo light. The dim corridors and rocky walls around us were dyed in the same colored light.

This is a "Gate" created by Arthur. Originally, it's a spatial magic where you insert a magic marker into a specific location and connect that marker to your current location. However, using his unique magic power search as a magical being, Arthur can directly connect spaces by finding the magic marker labeled as "me."

When Arthur first appeared during the interclass tournament, he said he used a lesser demon as a magic marker to teleport here, so I wondered if this method could work... and it turned out it did. Although Arthur is limited to using Arachne spider bodies to come to our side.

(For now, I don't want the Gate Room to be known. It's a relief that this method worked.)

Even without relying on Arthur, we could use the Gate Room to reach the 15th floor. However, at this stage where the level of trust hasn't been fully established, the effect of secrecy is weak. Until the three of them consider me a true ally... no, at least until they can trust me, I plan to rely on Arthur's power.

"So... this is what Souta was talking about?"

"Once you enter this light, you can teleport to the 15th floor in an instant, but it disappears after about a minute, so let's hurry and enter."

"T-This suspicious thing... taking the young lady... Young lady!?"

"Let's go! Ei!"

The well-polished full-plate mail reflects the purple-indigo light and jumps in first, followed by Kurosaki-san, who quickly dives in, flipping her long skirt. Kuga-san briefly glances at me, seeming to think for a moment, but then immediately follows and enters.

"Well then... I hope this goes well."

On the other side, Satsuki and the others are already there. We should recognize each other's faces, but today is the first time we'll hunt together. They are important comrades with whom I want to join hands to solve various problems. Hoping that we can get along well, I also dive into the purple-indigo light and head forward.

*・・*・・*・・*・・*・・*

And so, that's how we've come to this point. The shock of discovering the existence of teleportation magic was greater than expected.

As adventurers increase their levels, they need to delve deeper into the dungeons, which means the time it takes to reach hunting grounds also increases. It goes without saying that Kurosaki-san, who has the highest level among us, and Tenma-san and Kuga-san, who have exceeded Level 20, have had very few opportunities to truly level up, maybe a few times a year at most. They must have faced great hardships. Therefore, considering the potential of this magic, there is no other way but for the shock to be significant.

One after another, as if welcoming the bewildered girls, Arthur, Satsuki, Lisa, and Hanone approached and greeted them.

"Akira-chan, thanks for coming! I've been waiting for you for so long!"

"Um, nice to meet you. I'm Omiya Satsuki, a first-year E-class student."

"I'm Lisa Toshino from the same class. Let's do our best today. Nice to meet you too, Kuga-san."

"I'm Hanano! Wow, shiny and sparkling armor... Could this be pure mithril?"

"Nice to meet you... Wait, huh? There are so many E-class students besides Hanano-chan. What exactly is E-class...?"

...

Seeing that there were several E-class students on the 15th floor along with Hanano, who is still in middle school, Tenma-san opened her arms wide and struck a dramatically surprised pose. While watching such an amusing sight, Kurosaki-san approached me and whispered.

"(Hey, kid. Did that horned kid use the teleportation magic earlier?)"

"Yes. It's just a connection between him and me."

"(That's still incredible. No one else here knows about it, right?)"

"Except for my family, yes."

Upon hearing that, Kurosaki-san fell into silence, deep in thought. If they could teleport, it would not only make it easier for Tenma-san to level up but also raise the status of the noble family if they could produce a high-level heiress. The benefits and possibilities of joining us are significant. I wonder if they understood and accepted that. Well, today is not about leveling up; it's just a personal event.

It seems Hanano and the others have finished their greetings, and Arthur, once again, hopped onto the wooden box and energetically raised his voice.

"Now, before explaining the event rules... first, pay attention to this!"

Arthur turned his upper body around dramatically and pointed to a log about 20 cm thick and 3 meters long. It seemed to be the "participation prize" for this event.

"A log? It looks a bit bluish, but it's just an ordinary log, right? I wonder what it can be used for."

"Miss Armor Sister, it's not just an ordinary log. With that, you can make equipment..."

Hanano was enthusiastically talking to Tenma. At first glance, it seemed like a friendly smile, but I didn't miss the "¥" mark in her eyes. I remember last night when I said, "The Tenma Trading Company!? she replied "I'm going too! And I'll definitely, definitely become friends!" Hanano was determined to place Tenma Trading Company's equipment in our shop and was desperately trying to establish connections.

"Whaaat!? If you make arrows out of this, they'll have Frost Enchantments on them? Can I use the Appraisal Magic Tool to check?"

"Of course. I'll give everyone one as a gift today!"

"Arthur, you're so generous~♪"

With a face that couldn't hide his satisfaction from being praised by Lisa, Arthur held up a measuring device-like object that the maid took out of her purse. She pressed it against the log from various angles, and Kuga showed interest as she squatted down and poked it with her finger.

"Milady, the 'Simple Appraisal' magical tool doesn't seem to be working properly. Rather than a malfunction, it appears that the item rank of this log is too high."

"If 'Simple Appraisal' doesn't work, then it means it's a drop item from a monster level 30 or higher, huh?"

"It feels cool to the touch... It might be safe to consider the Frost Enchantment as genuine."

"But don't get too surprised. What's the prize for winning? Ta-da!"

What Arthur held up in his hand was a bluish ore with multiple layers of stripes, about the size of a head. That... it's something that can only be obtained as a boss drop item from below the 40th floor. Knowing what the winning prize was, Kano and the others were fired up, determined to obtain it.

"...What is that?"

"This, this is the Orichalcum ore that I worked hard to obtain! It was tough..."

"Orichalcum ore? Is it also a dungeon material?"

"Milady, I have heard about it... It is said to be a national treasure in a certain country—it's a shield made of 'Sealing Magic Shield' crafted from a metal called Orichalcum, which has the ability to completely nullify all magic. Its value is said to be equivalent to a small country's national budget or something like that."

(I wonder how credible that legend is.)

Certainly, Orichalcum has the characteristic of absorbing magical power, so it is possible to reduce or nullify most magic attacks. In my gaming days, it was useful in anti-magic battles. However, it doesn't make you invincible because it can't absorb special magic or magic above a certain level. The story of the so-called 'Sealing Magic Shield' seems to have been exaggerated and passed down.

"...I have seen a picture, but the ore was not such a deep shade of blue, it was much lighter."

"In that case, that shield must be made of an Orichalcum alloy. This ore alone is not enough to create a sufficient amount of pure Orichalcum for crafting, so it should be alloyed with titanium."

"Titanium? Can that bluish metal be alloyed with titanium? Can I ask for the detailed processing method?"

"Of course, Akira-chan!"

Curious about the production method of an unfamiliar alloy, Tenma showed great interest. Beside her, Kurosaki had a serious expression as he took diligent notes.

"Mithril can be mixed with silver and steel to create high-performance Mithril alloy. Similarly, by mixing Orichalcum with titanium, the magical absorption properties and rigidity can be maintained without significant degradation. It requires a high heat level exceeding 3000 degrees and a massive amount of magical power for the processing, so the cost of refining and crafting equipment is incomparable to Mithril alloy. However, considering the performance aspect, it is definitely worth investing in. But..."

(There was already equipment made from Orichalcum alloy.)

In "DunEx," Orichalcum alloy armor was a popular equipment among adventurers starting from level 40, but acquiring the ore was equally challenging and required a certain level of difficulty. However, it's intriguing that this world not only already had it but had even established the manufacturing process. While I knew that some countries were more advanced in dungeon exploration and research than Japan, I wonder how significant the actual difference is... I might look into it when I feel like it.

Arthur finished explaining the alloy-making process and happily jumped back onto the wooden box.

"The rules are simple. The team that collects the most [Resentful Organ] within the 30-minute time limit... wins! Oh, by the way, this here."

He held up what appeared to be an organ-like mass. It occasionally pulsated, making it quite gruesome. This is the quest item called [Resentful Organ], which can be obtained with a low probability by defeating the undead that spawn within the Undead Feast area. Collecting 12 of them also allows you to summon the boss monster, Bloody Baron.

This time, three teams of two have been formed to compete. For the first-timers, Kuga-san and Tenma-san, who are a pair, I will be partnering with Hanano, while Satsuki and Lisa are allowed to use the Boost Hammers as a handicap due to the level difference.

"In the actual event, we'll be using an item that spawns monsters at ten times the speed. It was also quite challenging to obtain this item. If you feel it's dangerous because the monsters will spawn in large numbers, you can leave the area. Now, each team has 10 minutes for a strategy meeting!"

After Arthur finished explaining the rules, he quickly drank the tea handed to him by Kurosaki-san and returned the cup, wearing a big smile. Ah, I see. If he only knew Kurosaki-san, he might mistake her for a perfect maid just like in the game. It's not surprising.

Now, it's time for each team to gather and hold a strategy meeting.

Though I also want to go and obtain that Orichalcum ore, this event was organized by Arthur for the sake of Tenma-san and Kuga-san's camaraderie. I should move in a way that allows them to have fun...

"It's a material used for national treasures, so amazing! Let's definitely win, Onee-sama, by any means necessary!"

"What means? You're... very motivated. But we also want that prize, so let's do our best."

Next to me, Hanano energetically approached Tenma-san, who is also on our team, and spoke to her. I had given her the instruction to get along well with Tenma-san last night, but she seems to have forgotten about it entirely, based on her eyes filled with desire. I'm a little worried, but as long as Tenma-san wins, it shouldn't be a problem. I can only pray that she supports her well.

A bit further away, Lisa was pointing towards the Undead Feast event venue and whispering something to Satsuki. I can't hear their conversation, so I don't know what they're talking about, but those two always understand the situation and act accordingly. I'm not worried about them.

As I turned around to find Kuga-san, my teammate, to discuss our strategy, I was surprised to find a face right in front of me. What on earth is this?

"Souta... I have something important to discuss. Listen."

Kuga-san said, holding hands and moistening her eyes. A single tear rolled down her glossy tanned cheek. It combines the cuteness unique to a DunEx heroine with a modest gesture, creating an overwhelmingly powerful impact... or so one might say, but it's definitely an act, and it seems like she's not thinking about anything good. That's why caution wins over. As proof, eye drops are peeking in and out of her pocket. Ah, she noticed my gaze and casually hid them.

Recently, when Kuga-san has an ulterior motive, she tends to use these kind of provocations. Her acting skills are only enough to be easily exposed, so the level of danger is still low, but it's troublesome that she's gradually improving.

TL Note- My practicals are going on and we have reached the raws , let's  wait for new one, meet you next Sunday.

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