My Demons

Chapter 39

Chapter 39

With the fire-engulfed slime reduced to a gooey lump of charcoal, I decided it was time to call for a break. Our exploration of Subterranean Level 4 had come to an end, making it the perfect moment to take a meal break.

Nearby, a staircase led up to the third level, so I led the way in that direction.

As Luke and Arnal set up a small fire near the stairs, I assisted Grania in removing her damaged armor. The acidic discharge from the slime had taken its toll, leaving her armor rusted and disintegrated at several places. I carefully peeled off its attached metal plates and rings.

Though her armor had served its purpose by keeping her alive, there was no point in lamenting its damage. As I helped her out of the ruined armor, a piece of her peeled-off skin got stuck to my sleeve, causing me to cringe in disgust.

Urgh, your skin is peeling off. Does it not hurt?

Hmph, of course, it hurts.

I sprinkled water on her arm, which had been exposed to the acidic fluid, and Grania gritted her teeth, letting out a groan. Her arm was covered in alarming red swelling and white bubblesa nauseating sight.

As I wiped off the moisture with bandages and applied ointment, I couldnt help but reproach her, Have you never encountered slimes before?

How would I have seen a creature that only appears in dungeons? Could you please be more gentle? It stings.

You rushed in so recklessly. You almost died.

Huffwell, thats true.

I couldnt believe that was all she had to say. Grania responded tersely, then uncorked a leather flask and gulped down its contents, seemingly unfazed by my words.

I thought you were more careful. Why did you behave like that?

Why did I behave like that? I was just doing my job.

Your job?

In response to my question, Grania furrowed her brows, as if wondering why I would ask such a thing.

Ellen is a wizard, isnt she? Shes fragile and needs to be protected.

Didnt you see me trying to fend off the slime?

Do you want me to stand by, twiddling my thumbs, hoping that youd manage?

Thats not what Im saying, but

Ugh, can we stop this pointless interrogation and just bandage my wounds?

Alright.

As I wrapped a bandage around Granias shoulder, I found myself lost in thought. Tying the knot at her scarred and muscular elbow, I finally spoke up.

So, you did all that to save Ellen?

Its just my job.

I frowned, peering into her eyes, which seemed melancholic at a glance but sharp upon closer inspection. I couldnt quite understand her reasoning.

But Ellen hasnt been particularly kind to you.

So what? How does that matter?

I mean, given how Ellen treats you, was it worth risking your life for her? She is usually harsh and, to be blunt, rather annoying.

At my question, Grania briefly glanced at Ellen, who was engrossed in tidying up the room. Confirming that Ellen was preoccupied, Grania shrugged and responded in a hushed voice.

Honestly, what I did wasnt for Ellen.

Then?

Hmm. If I must explain its valueit was for my own sake.

For your own sake

As I pondered her words, I began to bandage Granias lower arm, which had been exposed due to her sleeveless top. Her muscular arm was marred by faded scars, new burn marks, and distortions due to the recent damage.

I am a mercenary. I get paid to work for others, which often involves fighting.

At twenty-seven years of age, in my former life as Kim Seung-soo, people of my age were typically job-seeking graduates or junior employees. It was an age of innocence tainted by the harsh realities of life.

My value is defined by stepping into danger, facing formidable foes with my sword, and shielding my comrades from harm.

In this Middle World, Grania, at twenty-seven years old, was an experienced mercenary with countless scars and a toughened heart. She was a warrior who drowned her guilt of killing and grief for lost comrades with cheap liquor.

Attempting to hide my sense of alienation, I asked her again, Do you feel the need to prove yourself even in this underground place where no one is watching?

Who said no one is watching? Theres you, Luke, Ellen, and even Arnal.

I suppose.

Even if there was no one, it wouldnt change a thing. I am the leader of a mercenary group. I cant afford to lose face.

Granias dark brown eyes spoke volumes. It was challenging to put it into words, but if I had to, it was a certain kind of pride.

In the Middle World, small-time mercenaries were often seen as lowly, akin to thieves or bandits. Grania was well aware of this perception, yet she held a strong sense of duty towards her profession.

Ellen remained silent, but her usual demeanor made it evident that she agreed.

Fine. If youre grateful, at least speak kindly as usual. I wont even expect you to converse properly with others.

Huh?

Im just worried about you. Im afraid you might get hurt if you continue behaving like this.

As I softly admonished her, she squatted down, burying her face in her knees and grumbling.

Why would I suddenly get hurt?

Its a figure of speech. Anyway, be more cautious from now on, especially about using those nicknames for people. Old maids and old men are off-limits, okay? Ellen, with her eyes half-closed, remained silent for a moment.

Understood. Ill be careful.

Finally, she agreed, slightly nodding her head.

For some reason, I felt proud and couldnt help but smile quietly.

Now then, how much time has passed?

In response to my question, Ellen took out an object from her sling bag that looked like a clear seashell. It was a magical hourglass.

Though simple, its utility and compact size made it a staple for all the wizards in the La-Palais palace.

Ellen examined the hourglass and replied, Its been exactly twelve hours.

Twelve hours, huh.

Thats ambiguous.

The ancient empires sewer system had been in existence for a very long time.

Over the years, due to the lack of proper maintenance, as one ventured deeper, it was common to find collapsed walls and leaking water.

The problem arose here.

The hidden staircase directly connecting to the secret passage from the fourth floor of the sewer had already collapsed.

Therefore, to access the secret passage, we had no choice but to navigate through the naturally formed tunnels.

The small consolation was that we could use the blueprints to determine the direction of the secret passage once we entered the tunnel.

Sowe need to find a way to the tunnel first, then find the way from the tunnel to the secret passage. That sounds like a headache.

After a moment of contemplation, I addressed the teammates seated around me.

Since weve cleared the surrounding area roughly, our only option is to find the tunnel The situation in the city isnt exactly relaxed, so we should hurry.

Everyone seemed to be in agreement, which was reassuring.

Luke, you mentioned youve been inside the tunnel before?

Well, strictly speaking, I didnt go in; I fell in.

According to Luke, about two weeks ago, he and some people headed to the sewer.

After some twists and turns, Lukes party reached the fourth floor of the sewer, only to suddenly fall into a spacious cavity when the floor collapsed.

Most of them drowned or were eaten by monsters, but Luke, by some stroke of luck, managed to escape and climb back up.

When we passed by earlier, I noticed a pile of dirt where the floor had collapsed. Im not sure what happened, but digging there again might be dangerous. Plus, falling into a cavity filled with groundwater isnt exactly a wise move.

That makes sense.

As I nodded in agreement, Arnal, who had been fiddling with an arrow, chimed in.

So, our only option is to literally dig through the ground?

It seems so.

Our exploration of the fourth floor was not just about hunting Ratmen. We also searched for small gaps or cracks that could lead underground, but to no avail.

What should we do? Scouring aimlessly seems foolish, but are we really out of options?

Despite our discussions, no viable suggestions were made.

Well, we have no choice. Lets search for a way down.

Arent we going back up? We need to reorganize.

When Ellen voiced her complaints, which seemed more like a tantrum, I calmly reassured her.

We dont have the luxury to do that. We still have enough supplies, so lets continue the search today and plan on camping here.

Ellen pouted for a moment, but seeing everyone nod in agreement, she closed her mouth.

Its good that we could consolidate our opinions without any conflicts, but

Hmm, I have a feeling were in for a tough time.