It’s Dangerous Outside the Dungeon, Master

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– 1 –

Gardener.

A job that involves taking care of a garden. Or a person who has that occupation.

But is a gardener truly a gardener when both the garden and the things growing in it are wilting, and they can do nothing about it?

‘Just fill it.’

With what?

‘With their lives.’

What a splendid answer.

– 2 –

“Finally, we are departing.”

Two days have passed since I became part of the supply unit of the Rampaging Dungeon subjugation force.

During this time, the soldiers, mercenaries, and adventurers, whose formation seemed completely chaotic, have managed to reorganize themselves into something resembling an army.

It was also the time it took for the people in the supply unit to regard me with friendly eyes.

“If Lady Angelita weren’t here, it would have taken at least two more days.”

“Is that so?”

“Absolutely.”

It seemed reasonable enough to develop some liking.

According to Sir Elias, who had welcomed us at first, I alone saved two days by accomplishing at least three times the work.

This not only meant saving time but also reducing the consumption of food for the army and the problems that uncoordinated soldiers could cause during that time.

Of course, it also allowed us to deal with more tasks in Copgerin and sped up the subjugation of the dungeon, thus reducing greater losses.

“How on earth did you learn such quick calculations…”

“I just figured it out as I went along; it’s difficult to explain.”

“Oh! I wasn’t asking for help; I was just curious. I was wondering where someone like you had been hiding. I’m sure our lord will want to meet you later.”

“That would be an honor for this humble merchant.”

If this were not a wartime, it would not be strange for the lord to summon and commend me immediately. Most likely, they would wait until after this mission.

Though I am unsure if I will still be here by then.

“Kieek – !!!”

“Prepare for full battle! We will hold them off, and the main force will advance!”

The march of the subjugation force was not particularly difficult, but it wasn’t going too smoothly either.

The vampire’s dungeon, called ‘Serika’ by the Head of the Trading Company, was now in sight, and as we approached the mountain where the dungeon was located, various monsters and wild beasts began to appear.

It was the aftermath of the dungeon’s rampage.

“Kyahhh!!”

“Damn it. Are these things insane? Goblins…!”

“They’re strangely strong! Don’t let your guard down!”

All the monsters aggressively charged at the humans.

Normally, goblins would have avoided large groups of humans, and kobolds would have been waiting in the forest more cleverly for the army to pass by.

Now, they were emboldened with greater power and speed.

Under the influence of the rampaging Dungeon Lord’s magic, they began to rampage upon spotting humans, having lost their usual targets for destruction.

Surely, this abnormal behavior from the monsters was an element that made the subjugation task even more urgent.

“Still, it seems there are fewer monsters than expected. The issue is where the other monsters have gone.”

“Other villages might be in danger.”

“That might be a blessing in disguise. Villages should have enough self-defense capability, so if they can hold out until we subjugate the Dungeon Lord, they will survive. Then, our battle becomes easier.”

“Indeed.”

It seems that this era is one where wars have not yet subsided. The knight, who has shown continued kindness, doesn’t care at all about the possible deaths during the subjugation.

Though, that’s not something I have the right to say, considering I actively capture or kill people.

“We’ll set up another camp halfway up the mountain.”

“It’s necessary for smooth supply and treatment of the wounded. It might be smaller than this one. Lady Angelita, it would be best if you remain here with your escort.”

I nodded.

While it would be better to advance, it seems odd to bring someone who outwardly appears to be just a merchant representative right to the frontline.

While being stubborn here feels strange, there’s no actual reason I can’t move freely just because I’m at the camp, so it’s unnecessary.

However, doing this might earn me more goodwill.

“My novice adventurers seem eager to prove themselves, but could you give them some other tasks even if they are in the rear?”

“Oh, is that really alright? We are short-staffed for side tasks as it is…”

“Even if they just gain merit with such deeds, it will be beneficial for them later.”

“How kind of you! Understood!”

Since I would be at the supply unit anyway, having novice adventurers around would not be beneficial, and by the time the enemy approached me, those novice adventurers wouldn’t be of any help.

It seems Elias is also well aware of this, as there were no issues in transferring the contracts of the novice adventurers.

“Thank you, miss!”

“I hope to see you again next time.”

It was only natural for novice adventurers, who had formed a deep liking for me as a superior, to express their gratitude.

From their perspective, since they had nearly slept during the journey and had hardly done anything, they probably felt they had gained significant rewards despite being a potential hindrance to the subjugation unit.

“Please take care of yourselves. Let’s meet again with smiles next time.”

““Yes!!””

After shaking off those bothersome humans, only I, Shué, who had her hood down, and Talhan, my nominal escort, remained at the supply camp set up at the mountain entrance.

“… I’m bored.”

“You did well to hold on. Shué. You’re so good.”

“Yeah… I’m good.”

“Would it have been better to send you to the frontline?”

“… Mmm. I like being by the lady’s side.”

“Right.”

She seemed to really want to go out and cause a ruckus at the front line, but without much hesitation, she expressed that she preferred staying next to me.

As I ruffled her hair out of delight, she leaned against me again, starting to rub her head affectionately.

Despite her expressionless face, she was quite the charming young lady.

– Clack.

I felt jealousy from somewhere, but I’m afraid I can’t share it right now.

“What should we do from here on, milady?”

“For now, we need to wait a bit longer. How we move will change depending on the battlefield situation.”

“Understood. Then I’ll go take a look inside the barracks, so please rest.”

“If anything happens, tell me immediately.”

“Of course.”

After Talhan donned his hood and left, I pondered while stroking Shué’s head.

Watching the monsters, driven mad by the rampaging magic, begin to descend from the mountain, it’s clear that the dungeon itself had already gone through a rampage for quite some time.

If it hadn’t, people wouldn’t be raising their concerns. A hidden Dungeon Lord would not be visible from the outside if it were in a boiling phase within the dungeon.

“They will probably come out soon.”

“Out of the Lord…? Yeah… that’s likely.”

In that case, the dungeon would be approaching its state of destruction. The Dungeon Lord, having lost their sanity, would begin to retrieve their magic to step outside, leaving only the bare minimum required for the dungeon.

With the core gone, the magic that had been maintained by the Lord themselves would begin to recuperate.

The retrieved magic would be injected into all monsters, including the Dungeon Lord.

While we could not permanently or semi-permanently enhance their specs, during the actual battle, they should be able to exert far greater strength than usual.

“How much power can they use?”

“Long, maybe a week…”

“That’s longer than I thought.”

“Vampires tend to remain calm even when rampaging…”

“Oh, I see. You mean they probably won’t use all their magic.”

“Exactly… as expected, milady, you are clever…”

“Thank you, Shué. But if we can create a sense of urgency, it might cause them to expend their power.”

This was only temporary power, so one might argue that if we let it go until it drains, it wouldn’t be wise.

However, from the perspective of the Kaisen Kingdom, that couldn’t be allowed.

The rampaging Dungeon Lord would surely head towards a nearby city, and the closest one would be Copgerin.

The destruction of Copgerin and the trade routes would lead to national-scale implications.

If the rampaging period lasted a week, it’s hard to imagine how many people would die or how much material would rot away without reaching its destination.

With a blockage in national logistics, significant losses would occur.

“If the subjugation force moves quickly, they might reach the dungeon before we notice, or at least by the time they attempt to enter.”

Regardless, because of this entire situation.

Either way, the war would start before the subjugation force could properly form their ranks.

But I have no intention of informing the subjugation force. It would be too complex to convey, plus the fact is that they are currently stronger.

At first, they might be bewildered by the monsters’ aggression, but there are elite-level individuals among them, so dealing with the Dungeon Lord or the elite monsters shouldn’t be too difficult.

It is certain the subjugation force will win; it’s just a matter of how much time, resources, and personnel they can conserve.

“How strong will they be?”

“Hmm?”

“The vampire.”

“Right now, even with three of them, it would be tough…”

“Three? Even that sounds impressive. Can you handle a rampaging High-level Dungeon Lord with just that?”

“Yeah… the compatibility is good.”

“Is that so?”

While I doubted her response, she only blinked slowly and didn’t provide additional answers.

It seemed she felt no further explanation was necessary and just snuggled into my arms, appearing thoughtless.

Her soft ears tickled my chin.

Now that I think about it, I hadn’t thought to check the detailed information until now.

『Name – Lin Xue』

『Job and Rank – Werewolf Berserker』

『Title/Identifier – ‘Frenzied’ ‘Blood Howler’』

『Title – Frenzied: A title assigned to individuals with excellent stamina, durability, and resistance, who are aggressive.』

『Title – Blood Howler: A title associated with wolves that bear the trait of ‘Frenzy: Blood,’ specific to Were Beasts.』

Each time I compare her current attitude with her title and job, I’m once again struck by her appearance.

This girl, who usually has an expressionless and somewhat lazy demeanor but is so adorable, is a ‘Berserker’ in battle? And she even possesses fitting traits?

Of course, now there was something more important to consider.

I glanced down.

『Attributes – Stamina 38, Agility 16, Durability 33(30), Magic 27, Resistance 35(32)』

『Traits – Frenzy: Blood, Loyalty, Blade of Blood, Member of the Necropolis』

『Loyalty (Activated) – When there is a subject to whom loyalty is devoted, durability and resistance will increase additionally. At Hero Rank or higher, a portion of damage received by the subject within one hour can be taken.』

Due to the effect of ‘Loyalty,’ which had been active before our contract, her durability and resistance had further strengthened, demonstrating perfect forward capabilities.

And underneath it, the traits shone brilliantly.

Among them, I examined the one with the most splendid orange hue.

『Frenzy: Blood』

“Hmm.”

Seeing that, a smile involuntarily appeared on my lips.

“Why…?”

“It’s just that our Shué seems to be quite the treasure.”

“Really? A treasure…?”

The wolf lady wagged her tail even more vigorously at my compliment. Her already adorable appearance seemed even cuter.

This changes the strategy to some extent.

The traits she possesses right now are that remarkable.

‘At this rate, if necessary, we might be able to intervene more actively in the battlefield…?’

At that moment, a loud roar echoed throughout the mountain.

“Attack…? Stay close, Lady.”

“It’ll be fine!”

Leaping to my feet quickly, I got in front of her to prepare for any potential attacks.

As I patted her shoulder, I walked toward the barracks and swung open the door only to see an explosion light appearing across the way, accompanied by a delayed thunderous sound.

Boom – !!

“What’s that? What’s the noise…?”

“It’s monsters. It seems a fight has already started above!”

“What? They said it would take a day to arrive…”

“Look! Over there!”

Amidst the chaotic crowd, I envisioned the figure of someone suffering on the other side.

– Aaaaa- !!!

Still unseen, a ruler being driven into ruin, losing everything.

“How pitiful.”

‘And wretched.’

That was a sight I never wanted to become.