Behind The Scenes [Pt 1]

"S-since you are so confident about them, then I guess there is no issue…"

Conrad stroked his chin as he looked at Vida, who also nodded at him. They both appeared relieved, and it seemed their intention was to convey some details of what they told Ralyks to the students.

Of course, some details would have to be exempt.

"The Royal Dungeon was originally designated as a Disaster Class, but it evolved into an unidentified Class." Conrad asked, looking straight at the masked man. "What Class would you choose to give it, as an Adventurer."

"Grand Calamity Class."

"F-for real…?!"

"Yes. The Monsters there were of the highest caliber, and with only nine of them, and a bit of assistance from me, it was cleared in a month."

Granted, they desired to clear this new Grand Calamity Dungeon in nine days—preferably seven—but from the way the students had grown, it would suffice to say that they were capable of a Conquest on their own.

"At their current level, they should be able to take on a Grand Calamity Class Dungeon on their own. Is that something that can be arranged?"

Not only would it prevent any needless deaths, but it would also guarantee some form of victory. Last of all, it would allow every one of the Otherworlders to go all-out and face the new challenge with all their wits and abilities.

"Unfortunately, that isn't possible…" Conrad shook his head and sighed.

"The Dungeon is on the property of the Adventurers City, and so it is well within their right to choose how they handle it. The only reason we are considering going is because they have chosen to seek our assistance."

Normally, the government of the United Human Alliance could not tread on the Dungeons belonging to the Adventurers City. The only reason taxes and levies were imposed on them was due to the 'cause' that was the war with the Dragons.

The Adventurers City had to pay their dues as part of the contribution in the good fight.

"If we choose to bypass the rules and make sneak the nine of them into the Dungeon, it will only be a repeat of what happened three hundred years ago…"

Many people still hadn't forgotten the treachery of the Nations all those years ago. If they tried to do something so vile once again, it meant the hadn't learned from the mistakes of their ancestors.

"Even if it will be faster and easier for the nine to singlehandedly handle this Dungeon, I doubt any Adventurer would agree to such a proposal. Even if we decide to forfeit all the rewards, they wouldn't be satisfied."

The EXP gained from a Dungeon, the thrill of risking one's life to get stronger and richer… and the pride of Adventurers in their livelihood—these factors were hindrances that would prevent Ralyks' suggestion from being remotely considered.

"As an Adventurer, you must understand how stubborn those in your occupation tend to get. I mean no offense, Sir Ralyks." Conrad smiled nervously, to which the Dark Adventurer simply shrugged at.

"I take no offense at words of truth. I personally find most of them to take on old-fashioned positions, but it is not in my place to critique their values."

Ralyks exhaled loudly, his gaze raised to the ceiling as if he was deep in thought about something.

After a few seconds, he then spoke.

"Have them integrate with the Adventurers then, preferably joining different Parties. It should offer at least some benefit that way."

"Pardon? What do you mean by that?" Conrad asked, his brows raised slightly.

"I get it, Sir Ralyks! You want us to get accustomed to fighting without each other. If we're in different Parties, we'll learn how to function with others rather than just one another." Adonis beamed, instantly severing the confusion in the air.

Conrad and Vida weren't warriors and fighters. They weren't much of strategists either, though they tried their best in that regard.

When it came to war, however, they were nearly incompetent.

After all, experience was the most important factor in that field, and sheltered leaders had very rare opportunities to witness the evils of battle.

"Indeed." Ralyks nodded at Adonis and responded calmly. "Even if you have to share EXP with the Adventurers, and probably forfeit most of the rewards gotten from inside a Dungeon, you can still learn valuable things there."

They were practically making lemonade with the lemons being thrown at them.

"Ahh, one final thing about the report, Sir Ralyks." Conrad spoke up. "I didn't think to mention it since it was just a passing comment that hasn't been confirmed yet. But…"

The worried look on the Grandmaster's face made it clear that it worried him a little.

"They mentioned a disturbing, negative pouring of the Dungeon. There is speculation that this energy could be Miasma."

Upon hearing this, a powerful surge of energy swept across the room. For only a mere instant, it felt like the entire space was coated in bloodlust.

Everyone was paralyzed under the pressure that came from one man.

"Did you just say… Miasma?" Ralyks asked, his voice low but deadly.

Conrad gulped as he nodded, beads of sweat proceeding from his lips. Vida appeared equally uncomfortable, though shock mostly filled her face.

"I-is there a problem, Sir Ralyks?"

"Huu… no. None at all." As he calmly exhaled, the pressure vanished, and the ambiance in the room returned to normal. "Just be careful. The existence of Miasma makes this Dungeon more difficult than I previously estimated."

"No worries, Sir Ralyks. I'm sure we can handle it."

Adonis' words oozed confidence, and for a moment the Hero and Dark Adventurer gazed at each other in silence.

After the next few seconds, Ralyks nodded and shrugged.

"Very well. I trust in your judgment."

Adonis smiled in relief, but it also seemed like he was proud of himself after hearing such praise from the strongest man he knew.

"By the way, Sir Ralyks, I have been meaning to ask…" Vida spoke up, her tone as cautious as it was mellow.

"Hm? What is it?"

A few seconds passed before a response, in the form of a question, was posed.

"Are you going to be participating in the Dungeon Conque—?"

"No. No, I won't." Ralyks answered bluntly, not even waiting for the question to be complete.

"You all are on your own this time."

The words he uttered surprised everyone. They couldn't even hide their surprise if they wanted to.

"W-why…?" The inevitable question leaked out of Adonis' lips.

Ralyks was the most powerful ally humanity had at the moment. If he went to the Grand Calamity Dungeon, he would be able to prevent the unnecessary deaths of possibly thousands of people.

Plus, since he was an Adventurer, there would be no complaints from the authorities.

He had every right to challenge it on his own too.

"I have my reasons. Reasons I cannot disclose." He answered, swiftly rising to his feet.

"I wish you the best of luck, though."