The Dungeon Monsters Keep Offering Sacrifices

The Dungeon Monsters Keep Offering Sacrifices – 150

EP.150 The Demon Merchant Association’s Spy (2)

 

Guided by Kaleido, Suu moved deeper into the dungeon. Perhaps it was because this was a secret space, but the atmosphere was different from the other areas she had seen so far. As she walked further inside, an eerie aura began to tighten around her, as if she were being followed by something ominous. She felt chills down her spine, but seeing Kaleido’s composed stride helped her to regain her composure.

After walking for a while, the narrow passage opened into a vast circular hall.

“The dungeon is this big…,” Suu murmured in surprise.

“There are many secrets hidden in places like this,” Kaleido replied indifferently.

Indeed, dungeons were places brimming with endless possibilities. That’s why the Demon Merchant Association dispatched merchants like Suu to newly formed dungeons. However, this dungeon was newly created and the size of the hall she was looking at seemed too large for a nascent dungeon.

“Um, where exactly are we within the dungeon?” Suu asked cautiously.

She had initially dismissed it as a mere feeling, but now she was certain. The atmosphere here was different. She couldn’t pinpoint the feeling.

‘It feels strange…’

It was just that—a feeling.

Clap—

However, Kaleido responded to her question with a clap of his hands.

“You’ll find out soon enough.”

As the sound of the clap echoed through the dungeon, Suu’s consciousness became clear for a moment, only to turn hazy again.

“Ah….”

It felt as if she were being enchanted by something. Suddenly, she recalled her first day at the Demon Merchant Association. Back then, her heart had been filled with excitement and nervousness.

[Ah, I’ve finally made it here!]

She had marveled at the grandeur of the association’s building. Every monster knew of the association’s prestige. Positioned at the entrance of the Demon Realm, it influenced dungeons across the entire continent. For monsters tired of their current dungeon life or with nowhere else to go, the association was a viable option. If things went well at the association, one could live a life even better than that of a dungeon master, making it a dream job for many monsters.

Of course, not just anyone could join. Even if one were to get in, their future tasks depended on which department they were assigned to. Fortunately, Suu, due to her doppelganger abilities, was placed in the Dungeon Support Department. This department, true to the association’s name, dealt directly with dungeons. Although there was a risk of encountering humans, it didn’t matter to Suu. She had the skill to transform into a human form thanks to her doppelganger nature.

She had thought she would quickly be assigned to manage a dungeon, at least until she met her colleague, Evangeline.

“…….”

Suu’s reminiscence didn’t last long.

Clap—

The sound of Kaleido’s clap snapped Suu back to reality.

“Is there a problem? You don’t look well,” Kaleido asked.

“No, no! I’m fine. I just had something on my mind. Haha…,” Suu replied, waving her hand awkwardly.

Why had she suddenly thought of the past?

‘The association….’

The emotions she felt on her first day at the Demon Merchant Association came flooding back—excitement, worry, and anticipation. But most of all, it was a day filled with despair.

‘Evangeline.’

Her colleague, Evangeline, who had joined the association at the same time. Although a harpy, Evangeline had the blood of high-ranking demons, starting her career from a different point than Suu. In hindsight, Evangeline had been cruel. She had used her background to thoroughly torment Suu, spreading malicious rumors and deliberately sabotaging her work.

‘I knew it all along….’

Suu had been aware but chose to endure it. That was the way to survive in the association for a long time. But what had been the result? She had yet to manage a single dungeon. Even now, being assigned to Necros’ dungeon posed a problem.

‘What if I lose this place….’

This was Suu’s greatest concern. To replace the assigned merchant, the dungeon master’s will had to be firm. But knowing Evangeline, she would do whatever it took to win over the dungeon master. Why? Because this dungeon was truly extraordinary.

Suu thought that with a dungeon of this scale, she could surpass even the legendary merchant, Moru. Would Evangeline just let this opportunity pass by? No, absolutely not.

‘That woman would never let it go… huh.’

Suu was startled by her own thoughts.

‘Why am I thinking like this….’

The memories of the past had suddenly resurfaced, making her mind chaotic. For some reason, all the torment Evangeline had inflicted on her came flooding back.

When Suu snapped back to reality and looked up,

“Eek—”

Kaleido was smiling slyly at her.

‘Since when…!’

Since when had he been watching her?

“You seem to have a lot on your mind. Is something troubling you?” Kaleido asked.

“Oh, no,” Suu replied, her face turning red. It felt as if her hidden vulnerabilities had been exposed.

“It’s alright. You can speak openly with me. After all, you will continue to be in charge of this place, won’t you? Our Lord Necros does not change his assigned merchants lightly.”

Kaleido’s words brought a sense of relief to Suu’s face. How did he know so much about the association’s internal affairs, especially for a newly established dungeon? It was suspicious, but Suu didn’t care. She was more pleased to have someone to confide in.

“Actually, it’s just that….”

Suu began to tell her story. Although it wasn’t a short conversation, Kaleido listened to everything she had to say.

Throughout her story, Kaleido interjected with supportive comments.

“So that’s what happened?”

“That wasn’t your fault, Suu. It’s alright. The one at fault is that colleague, Evangeline, isn’t it?”

“How truly wicked. That Evangeline sounds like a real villain.”

For the first time, Suu felt like she had someone on her side. Kaleido’s empathy encouraged her to share even more. She felt a sense of comfort, almost as if this dungeon were her true home.

“My, so you’re saying you want to kill Evangeline?”

“What?”

The atmosphere around Kaleido suddenly shifted. Suu asked again, unsure if she had heard correctly.

“W-what did you just say…?”

But Kaleido simply stared at her in silence.

“…….”

A brief silence ensued. Yes, Suu had heard correctly. Kaleido had indeed asked if she wanted to kill Evangeline.

‘Kill her…?’

No, she had never sworn to do such a thing. That’s why she had endured until now. But sometimes she wondered. Wouldn’t her life have been better without Evangeline?

‘If Evangeline were gone….’

Wouldn’t she be happier?

‘If Evangeline disappeared….’

The fear of losing the dungeon wouldn’t have to haunt her if Evangeline were gone.

“If Evangeline died.”

Suu murmured without realizing.

“I’d be happier…”

If Evangeline were gone, she could work harder at the association without fear. A vulnerability had crept into Suu’s heart.

“Now, Suu. Do you wish for Evangeline to disappear?”

The words of the other party sounded like a sweet temptation.

“Think carefully about what’s in your heart.”

Kaleido spun around Suu with exaggerated gestures.

“In truth, if you had the power, wouldn’t you want to kill your colleague?”

Suu nodded quietly. His words rang true.

If she had the power, would she have let Evangeline be?

‘No.’

It was a world of survival of the fittest. Evangeline tormented her because she was powerless. If Suu had the power, if she had strength surpassing Evangeline’s, would she have remained passive?

‘No.’

Absolutely not. The recent thoughts fueled Suu’s resolve. All that was left was her decision.

“Now, Suu. If Evangeline were to disappear, what could you offer me in return?”

Suu made her decision. If Evangeline were to disappear, she would do anything.

“Anything… I will do everything within my power.”

And this choice turned Suu into a spy.

====

***

====

“Well done! To hit such a jackpot with your first assigned dungeon!”

Balor, the team leader of the Dungeon Support Department at the Demon Merchant Association, shook his bull-like head vigorously. His powerful voice was fitting for a Minotaur.

“That dungeon is quite something. It’s still holding up well among the humans.”

From Team Leader Balor’s perspective, this was an unexpected boon. He had sent Suu to a dungeon he thought had already been conquered, but it turned out the dungeon was still intact. Moreover, the contracts Suu secured were all for high-value items—small in volume but expensive. This was a welcome development for the association.

While Balor was smiling, there was someone seething with jealousy—Evangeline.

“Hmph, beginner’s luck.”

Evangeline was not pleased. She had recommended Suu, hoping to get her into trouble, but instead, it seemed she had handed over a mid-to-high-level dungeon on a silver platter.

‘If I had known, I would have gone myself!’

But she wasn’t one to back down easily. There was no rule that the merchant in charge of the dungeon had to be Suu. Evangeline stood up and approached Balor.

“Team Leader, but Suu is new, so she might make mistakes. For a dungeon dealing at this level, it must be extraordinary. If Suu makes a mistake, we’ll bear the full brunt of the loss, won’t we?”

Evangeline spoke with the certainty that Suu would fail. Balor nodded thoughtfully at her words.

“You’re right, Evangeline. Suu does lack experience.”

While things might be going well for now, there was no guarantee that beginner’s luck would last. If a deal with such a dungeon suddenly fell through, the team leader would bear the brunt of the loss. Therefore, Balor spoke to Suu.

“Suu, you should let Evangeline handle this one.”

It was essentially a notice to step aside. Evangeline inwardly rejoiced at Balor’s words.

‘Heh, serves you right, Suu.’

All that was left was to watch Suu’s crestfallen expression. But Suu did not look upset. Her expression didn’t even falter. Instead, she responded with a bright smile.

“I’ll do as you say, Team Leader.”

“……?”

Evangeline was puzzled by Suu’s immediate compliance.

‘What? Has she finally lost her mind?’

Perhaps all the torment had finally taken its toll. Maybe Suu’s spirit had been broken.

‘Heh, it seems you’ve finally realized that crawling on the ground is the only way to survive here.’

Evangeline dismissed it lightly. After all, the dungeon Suu had been managing was now practically in her grasp. All that was left was to use this opportunity to soar even higher.

“Then, Team Leader, I’ll visit the dungeon again.”

With that, Evangeline left the association. She never returned to work. At first, it was thought to be a mere incident, but her whereabouts remained unknown.

As if she had evaporated into thin air.

====

***

====

While Necros’ satellite dungeon was thriving, Celia’s worries deepened.

“What is the current situation?” Celia, the general manager, asked.

Kazel promptly responded, “As per your instructions, the dungeon restoration has been completed. The fortification work is progressing smoothly, and since Lady Riche joined the dungeon, the strength of the first floor’s area 3 has been significantly enhanced. Moreover, the liquor brewed with the lamias captured by Goblin Lord is also proceeding without any issues.”

Kazel von Rosenberg, a noble from the Sael kingdom, was the first human assistant Celia had appointed for his efficiency in carrying out tasks. According to Kazel, the dungeon’s recent situation had been running smoothly without any problems.

The damage from the lamia attacks had long been repaired. The fortification work was progressing well. Most importantly, with the addition of Riche (Baalzerith), the previously problematic area 3 of the first floor had secured its strength. With the presence of the five-star vampire Baalzerith, along with Aren and the elf Nariel, the area now boasted superior strength compared to other areas.

On the surface, Kazel’s report seemed flawless. However, Celia sighed softly.

“Then, how many intruders have entered the dungeon recently?”

“Well… there have been no intruders at all.”

This was Celia’s main concern. The complete lack of intruders in the dungeon. While one might think it was good to have no intruders, for Celia, it was a problem.

“This means we have too few sacrifices to offer to our master.”

Protecting the dungeon was important. However, if there were no intruders, the dungeon would lose the opportunity to grow.

It wasn’t just that. The lack of sacrifices to offer to the Great One was also a concern for Celia. Soon, aside from the liquor brewed with the lamias, there would be nothing else to present to their master.

“If anyone has a good solution, please speak up,” Celia said, prompting Kazel to ponder. How could they attract intruders to the dungeon? It was a unique situation, unlike other dungeons that worried about how to fend off intruders.

After a long contemplation, Kazel finally proposed an idea.

“How about this?”

The concept was simple.

“I believe the fundamental issue lies in the dungeon’s location.”

The dungeon was situated in a mountain range, making it difficult for adventurers to visit.

“The biggest problem is that all the intruders have been killed. Someone needs to survive and spread the word about this place.”

“An excellent point, Kazel,” Celia said, nodding with approval.

Celia had been managing the dungeon from a monster’s perspective. She had killed every intruder, thinking it was an affront to the Great One’s domain. This behavior had inadvertently discouraged further intrusions. As Kazel suggested, allowing some intruders to escape would be beneficial for the future. Those who fled would spread the dungeon’s notorious reputation far and wide.

“However, it’s strange. Normally, if adventurers keep dying, the guild would investigate,” Kazel noted.

Kazel was right. If adventurers went missing, the adventurer guild would typically conduct an investigation. However, the guilds were currently overwhelmed. Especially within the Sael kingdom, the adventurer guilds were nearly paralyzed due to the visit of the White Order’s delegation and the emergence of the Seven-Star Calamity.

While requests and activities continued, the guild had no time to worry about past incidents.

“It seems there is some issue within the adventurer guild.”

Regardless of the state of the adventurer guild, they had identified the current problem with the dungeon. Knowing the problem, all that remained was the will to resolve it.

“As Kazel suggested, we need to spread the word first. From now on, we will promote the dungeon.”

Thus began Celia’s dungeon promotion plan.