Volume 3 Chapter 9: The Maze Contaminated by the "Block"

(Walson)

Driving a speedboat through the labyrinth, what impressed me the most was the grandeur of this ancient ruin.

Without the leisure to observe carefully before due to being attacked by the fish horde, when I finally calmed down, I was truly alabyrinthd by the sight shown before me.

Unlike the first level, the water in this level emitted a faint glow that illuminated the entire labyrinth. No wonder it didn't feel dark here even though there were no torches placed.

As for the glowing water... could it be made by being infused with magic?

The enormous majestic pillars had a flavor of being made by an ancient civilization, and combined with the shimmering water, this place would have been a perfect tourist spot if it weren't for the presence of monsters.

What kind of architectural techniques were used to support such structures? Who built them? And why are they located beneath Teigitan City? What is their purpose?

"Taking a closer look, this place is really beautiful. I never knew the capital had such a stunning location," Derisha said as she sat at the bow of the boat.

It seemed she felt the same way.

At this moment, I couldn't help but feel a bit pleased. Part of it was because I was in a beautiful place, sharing a boat ride with a beautiful woman.

If it weren't for the circumstances, it might have been quite romantic, wouldn't it?

The scenery was beyond words... It's a pity Grace and Melon can't see it.

But then again... if each level has this deep water, Grace would probably never want to go.

But let's get back to the topic.

[Derisha Teigitan LV80 HP 1930/1930 Status: Normal Title: Monster Hunter]

Her level has increased... Although she hadn't joined my party when I killed those monster fish, it seems that once we entered the labyrinth, a similar state of [Cooperative Battle] was triggered between us.

Unlike the forced equal distribution of experience points in a party, [Cooperative Battle] is a mechanism that allows assisting allies outside of the party to also receive rewards.

The triggering conditions are unclear, but it seems to activate when fighting the same target.

"How did you manage to have such a high level? And you even have the title of a Monster Hunter," I asked.

"I don't really know. I just fought, fought, and fought... Huh? How do you know that I have this title?"

Ah, I forgot.

The skill I have, [Status Detection], comes from the HP display module from my minecraft ability, but in this world, the only similar skill to this one is the [Appraisal].

As far as I know, only one out of thousands of people possesses a skill like this. In simple terms, it's a very rare skill.

"...I have the skill [Appraisal]."

"What?! You actually have [Appraisal]... You really aren't an ordinary [Villager]after all, ... really, it seems common sense doesn't apply to you," Said Derisha while yawning, squinting her eyes.

Her black jacket shifted as she stretched, revealing her impressive bosom wrapped in a blue undershirt.

Well... although it's not as big as Barella, it's slightly larger than Melon's...

Indeed, I should say that her development is befitting of a princess, right?

"...How should I put it, I'm actually quite similar," She said.

"Is that so? Maybe I'm your little brother, a prince or something," I teased.

It has become a habit of mine to playfully tease when talking with a girl.

"Mmm, knowing the old man harems, perhaps, but that's not what I meant," Derisha laughed happily.

Old man... Is she referring to the king?

"Hey, hey, is it really okay to refer to the king as an old man?"

By the way, I have a good impression of that king.

He governs the entire country's territory very well, much better than most of my previous world country presidents to be honest, Although Teigitan is not completely peaceful, at least there haven't been major disturbances within the borders.

Even the bandit groups in Teigitan, to be honest, aren't that many, and they prefer to hide in small groups in the mountains. There's no blatantly organized crime.

You can't expect absolute peace, as even the most peaceful countries have their share of robbers.

Moreover, even remote areas like the town of Sardin are managed quite well.

I think he is a wise king, and there are many tales of his heroic deeds.

"Are you thinking that he is a wise king? In reality, he's just a wretched old man who love to expand his family," Derisha said, but then paused for a moment. "I just wanted to say that our personalities and experiences are somewhat similar."

"How so?"

"You aren't bound by the identity of a [Villager] right?"

"Well, that certainly doesn't stop me," I replied. I can confidently say that I'm one of the highest-level [Villager] in this world.

"And I'm not bound by the identity of a princess," Derisha stood up, holding the [Anti-Melon Spear Prototype 1.0] in her hand.

We arrived at the entrance to the water passage leading to the seventy-first level.

The pitch-black opening, where the water converged and flowed in, looked like a one-way sewer.

Our leisurely conversation came to an end.

The next level would certainly be a bloody battle.

Why am I so certain? If I were to ask myself...

The "blocks" adorning that entrance gave me a very ominous feeling.

Yes, blocks.

...Items from Minecraft, these blocks are called [Prismarine Bricks].

What are the [Prismarine Bricks]?

In the game Minecraft, players have a chance to discover a structure called [Ocean Monument] underwater.

It's an extremely special place with unique aquatic hostile creatures inside, as well as boss-level entities.

As for the connection with [Prismarine Bricks]... the entire structure of the Ocean Monument is made of [Prismarine].

If these materials are appearing... then the next level...

The Labyrinth of Water, Ocean Monument... under these conditions, I can't imagine what kind of dangerous situations those creatures that originally existed only in Minecraft would create.

Could it be that not only Creepers, Slimes, Zombies, and Skeletons have come to this world, but also these creatures...

"What is this... just looking at it makes me feel really uncomfortable," Derisha frowned.

Even though she is unaware, she can sense that the situation here is highly unusual.

The style of this labyrinth reflects that of an ancient civilization.

However, the blocks adorning the entrance appear extremely unnatural.

Especially these decorations... rather than calling them decorations, it's more appropriate to say that this labyrinth has been "contaminated" by these "blocks."

"...In any case, I think something abnormal has occurred," I began to hesitate. "If we continue going down, I have no idea how the situation will unfold..."

"If it truly is an abnormality, then I─as a princess with a duty─must resolve it. The entire water supply of Teigitan comes from here," Derisha interrupted me directly.

Ah, right.

Derisha also has that image of a "down-to-earth and justice-seeking princess."

For her kingdom and citizens, she's even willing to risk her own life.

This girl is truly an exemplary member of the royal family, even in my previous world, few would have such determination.

Considering the history of my previous life, how many rulers had such determination?

"You're right, let's go."

"Are you going to follow me?"

"Well, I can't go back up anyway, and without me, how would you swim down?"

"True."

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