The Spearmaster and the Black Cat

Chapter 151: Magic Treasure Map – Part 1

“The way to use it, you say? You really don’t know that?” (Hannibal)

Hannibal looks sullen, apparently annoyed for having his view of Viine stolen.

“That’s right. I haven’t dove deep into the labyrinth yet.” (Shuuya)

I say while implying that it’s Viine who has experience in the labyrinth.

Hannibal looked at me while straining his eyes for a moment.

“…Hoh. A complete novice in regards to maps? Then I will make a special exception for you and explain them. Anyone can use a deciphered magic treasure map. If you touch it, you will know the location of the treasure chest noted on the map.” (Hannibal)

Hee, anyone, eh?

I actually try touching the map on the table.

Immediately afterwards, the characters “IV” and “Fifth Floor” floated up on the map’s surface with a touch of looking as if they had been with an Indian ink color brush, and the drawings of two towers as well as a graveyard were highlighted.

The spot where the treasure chest is buried has also been marked with an X.

“Right now that’s all, but once you step onto the labyrinth’s fifth floor, your own location will be shown on the map, too. So people hardly ever lose their way. Place the map on the spot indicated by the treasure mark and the treasure should automatically appear. At the same time a great number of monsters will spawn.” (Hannibal)

I wondered whether you’d need to actually dig it out, but it seems to be different.

“I see.” (Shuuya)

“It’s better to put away the appraised map for caution’s sake. After all it’s possible for anyone to get the treasure once the map has been appraised. Well, it’s a level 4 map, so you have to defeat a monster at Guardian rank that will appear upon the excavation.” (Hannibal)

I knew that monsters would appear from the grim owner of Suloza’s Old Sorcery Shop, but I didn’t hear it about it being a Guardian-ranked monster.

While putting away the magic treasure map into my item box,

“…Got it. Here, it’s stored away. Is there a fixed rule for the numbers and types of monsters that will spawn together with the treasure chest?” (Shuuya)

Hannibal scratches his beard and sighs shortly.

“…The numbers, eh? The appearing monsters will display a strength befitting the map’s level, but there will be all kinds of them. It’s random.” (Hannibal)

“Random, you say? Can you elaborate a bit more on that?” (Shuuya)

While sighing once again due to my question, he exposes an expression of having accepted his lot and says,

“…Today is really a special exception among exceptions. It’s rare for me to do anything beyond my job, okay? First a little more of the basics. The instant you trigger a magic treasure map beyond level 4 in the labyrinth, a Guardian as well as a large amount of small fries will spawn. That much you know already, right?” (Hannibal)

Somehow I feel as though being directly lectured by a middle-aged teacher.

I naturally answered him in polite speech.

“Yes, I do.” (Shuuya)

“Therefore it’s common knowledge that there will be deaths when spawning the treasure of a high-leveled map.” (Hannibal)

“Deaths…” (Shuuya)

Hannibal nods and continues to speak,

“Correct. The map I deciphered this time is “level 4 and located on the fifth floor.” Meaning, at least more than five Acid Bone SwordsmenClash Swordman, Bone CastersMagic Bones, Ghost KnightsDead Knights, Ghost PriestsDeath Wraiths, Poisonous Flame WolvesGlow Wolves and High Ogres, which spawn beyond the fourth floor, will appear. The Guardian leading those will be a Death EmperorDeath Lich, Ogre King or such. Or it’s also possible that it will be a completely different Guardian with the name Black-tentacled Red OctopusZa Shurk. Well, I’ve said it already, but since it’s random, it might be different from the monster types I explained just now.” (Hannibal)

I see.

He’s saying that a Death Emperor, an Ogre King or a Red Shadow TouchZa Shurk 1 might appear as Guardian.

Even while looking bothered, Hannibal gave a comprehensible explanation.

I feel irritated over him occasionally ogling Viine, but Daphy said that he’s trustable, and he seems to correspond if he’s asked about matters related to his job.

“In the first place, magic treasure maps have been confirmed from the first floor down to the fifth floor. However, since the 11th floor is the lowest, explored floor, maps that go beyond the 11th floor are labeled as death maps, and thus don’t sell for much. Then again, since a clan, which broke into the 11th floor, has appeared, the map prices have gone up a bit.” (Hannibal)

“Yeah, I heard about that. The clan that reached the 11th floor for the first time in a century is the Blue-armed Treasure PartyBlue Arm Jewelers, isn’t it?” (Shuuya)

Once I mention that name, Hannibal grimaces in displeasure.

“Yes…” (Hannibal)

He replied curtly and went silent.

Shit, that was a taboo word?

Let’s change the topic.

“Then you’re saying that the price for magic treasure maps of the 11th floor has become expensive?” (Shuuya)

“…Indeed. Those maps are especially expensive when the treasures are on the first to eighth floor. Since the difficulty of the labyrinth itself becomes high from the eighth floor and downwards, it’s deemed difficult to hire a party capable of reaching the place on the map. But, since there are many adventurers who want to become rich, the number of adventurers challenging maps of the eighth floor and below never diminishes. Yet the number of successful attempts is low. It’s well-known that even the six top clans won’t take these requests readily. There’s a clan among them that accepts these requests, but…” (Hannibal)

I will remember that.

“Thus, if you challenge the map I just appraised, it would be best to go with a big party.” (Hannibal)

Apparently worried about us, Hannibal gave us such warning.

“Okay. Hannibal, thank you for the appraisal and the explanation. See you.” (Shuuya)

“Aye, see ya again.” (Hannibal)

Viine and I stand up and head outside.

Since Hannibal’s eyes were continuously glued to Viine meanwhile, we left the 【Magic Treasure Maps Excavation Association】 quickly.

“We got the map deciphered, so I guess we will go to the adventurer’s guild. I want to get in contact with Rebecca and Eva.” (Shuuya)

“Okay. You will leave a message on the message board, right?” (Viine)

“Correct.” (Shuuya)

Taking Viine along, I head to the adventurer’s guild next door.

Once I entered the guild, the usual, familiar view awaited me.

The front of the boards with the posted requests is as crowded by adventurers as ever.

“Is this request fine?”

“No, I think this one is better.”

I hear the voices of partied adventurers choosing a request.

Among them, there were also quarreling adventurers.

It’s always the same around here.

We walk towards the counter that’s crowded with a great number of adventurers.

Without joining the queue at the reception counter, we move towards the right corner.

We arrived at a coffee-bar-like place with high tables and chairs.

This is a convenient location for party members to gather.

Other parties and members of clans have meetings to coordinate each other’s objectives.

“Mmh?” (Shuuya)

Ah, isn’t that Rebecca and Eva?

They stood at a bar table separated a bit from another party.

The two are happily chatting.

We approach them.

“Yo, Rebecca and Eva.” (Shuuya)

“Ah.” (Rebecca)

“Shuuya!” (Eva)

“So both of you came to the guild.” (Shuuya)

Having heard my words, Rebecca and Eva let their eyes wander between Viine and me, smiling faintly.

“Nn, yes. We just laughed about that.” (Eva)

“Yeah. When I came here planning to post something on the message board, it looked like Eva had just arrived too, thinking about the same thing.” (Rebecca)

As expected of female bonding.

They understand each other’s intentions.

“We also came here to get in touch with you since things proceeded smoothly. Right?” (Shuuya)

I sought Viine’s agreement.

“Yes.” (Viine)

Viine answers me while lowering her head slightly.

Hearing that, Rebecca cheerfully says,

“Ah, did you maybe get the magic treasure map deciphered?” (Rebecca)

“You’re really perceptive. It’s just as you say. We went to the 【Magic Treasure Maps Excavation Association】. There we had a person called Map Deciphering Specialist Hannibal Soltarl decipher the map we obtained the other day from the silver treasure chest.” (Shuuya)

“Ooh~” (Rebecca)

Rebecca applauses with her small hands.

“Nn, Shuuya, I heard of that person already. He is supposed to have the nickname Soltarl the Truant.” (Eva)

“Is he a fairly known person after all? He was an elusive character, but the map deciphering finished without any issues.” (Shuuya)

“Nn, I heard he usually doesn’t do his work or something like that. But, in regards to map deciphering, he’s top notch. There’s only few Map Deciphering Specialists who can read level 5 maps.” (Eva)

Hannibal doesn’t appear publicly much?

I guess I had good luck.

“So, so, you are going to challenge the magic treasure map, right? —I’ve already completed my preparations!” (Rebecca)

Rebecca appears to be all hyped already.

She declares her willingness while holding up her Silver Demonic Steel Wand.

That caused the other party and clan members to focus their eyes on her.

“I get that you are ready to go, so lower that wand. We are gathering attention.” (Shuuya)

“Ah, sorry.” (Rebecca)

Rebecca moves her tongue as if licking her upper lip.

Cute.

“Nn, I’m motivated, too.” (Eva)

In order to counter Rebecca, Eva pushes out the black tonfa into the air from below both arms’ sleeves and crosses them.

I guess that’s custom-made weapons called rare gems made out of Refined Demonic Steel and Spiritual Demonic Steel for you.

But it’s not the time to admire weapons right now.

“I get that you are pretty motivated, Eva. But, let’s put the weapons away.” (Shuuya)

“Nn.” (Eva)

Eva nodded, shifted her wheelchair a bit and retracted her tonfa below her sleeves.

Because Viine was about to do something as well, I face her, making eye-contact.

I shake my head.

At that point, Rollo, who was resting on my shoulder, started to continuously tap my shoulder in a rhythm using her paws and tentacles.

“Nn, nya, nyao.”

You too? You probably want to show your eagerness as well, but leave it at that.

『Your Excellency.』 (Helme)

Helme as well?

Helme suddenly appears in my visionary field and adopts a fighting pose with her small body as if declaring her willingness…

『So you’re ready to go, eh?』 (Shuuya)

『Yes!』 (Helme)

Helme bent her knees and bowed her head.

I ignore her.

I’m going to explain the map.

“…I comprehended that all of you are completely gung-ho. Because of that I think about trying to challenge the magic treasure map, but the result of appraising the map showed that it’s a level 4 map, you know? And yet it seems to be buried on the fifth floor. Therefore we have to think over whether to challenge it with our current members or to gather more people.” (Shuuya)

“Eh?” (Rebecca)

“Level 4!” (Eva)

Rebecca and Eva reacted by each showing a characteristic manner of surprise.

“What? Is it that surprising?” (Shuuya)

“Of course it is! I only heard about such high-leveled maps but I never challenged one myself.” (Rebecca)

“I have no experience with that either. Also, if it’s a level 4 map on the fifth floor, the monster that appears when excavating the treasure is at Guardian rank.” (Shuuya)

“…True. After all it’s level 4. Guardian rank. It’s an opponent where any adventurer will be called first class if they safely return after taking it down.” (Eva)

I guess Rebecca and Eva have no experience with this either.

I have the confidence that Rollo, Helme, Viine, the Burning Knights and I will defeat anyone, no matter what kind of opponent it might be, but…

I still think it might be good to have experienced people in our party.

“…Then I think it would be best to gather members?” (Shuuya)

“Now what should we do? Since Shuuya’s strength is outside the norm, I believe that it will be fine even if we don’t get any more people, but what do you think, Eva?” (Rebecca)

Rebecca looks at Eva.

“Nn, it’s safer with many. But, you will have to carefully discuss the distribution of the loot…besides, there are bad rumor propagating about me, so…adventurers might not join us.” (Eva)

Eva’s voice got gradually weaker with her face obviously becoming gloomy.

Though I believe that there are adventurers who don’t care about such rumors.

But, even if we could gather those experienced with high-leveled magic treasure maps, I think it would be absolutely necessary to think about the distribution of the loot.

“Ah, as I’m a half elf, there are surely bad rumors spreading about me as well, just as with Eva. More party members might be…hopeless. Also, I’d hate for the loot to become less.” (Rebecca)

Apart from the bad rumors, I’m sure Rebecca says that because she loves treasures.

“What do you think, Viine?” (Shuuya)

I asked Viine who’s standing behind me.

“Yes. As long Master and Rollo-sama are with us, we will probably be able to overcome any obstacle with ease. However, even I as supporter lack the experience of having gone beyond the fourth floor. I believe there might be the move of gathering experienced adventurers and forming a contract limited to this time with them. Or, it’s a bit simple, but what about bolstering our numbers by buying high-class combat slaves?” (Viine)

That’s true as well, isn’t it?

“I don’t have that much of a financial leeway that I could buy combat slaves. Not to mention high-class ones.” (Rebecca)

“Nn, me neither.” (Eva)

I guess there’s someone that will buy a high-class slave if they feel like it.

“I have enough money. I suppose I will go buy them.” (Shuuya)

“…Again, as if you’re going to buy sweets at a street stall…” (Rebecca)

“Nn, agree. It’s important that they don’t betray.” (Eva)

Rebecca has a discontent expression for another reason.

Eva nodded with an angelic smile.

Whenever I see them, those violet eyes of her are pretty. Her smile is soothing, too.

『Your Excellency, slaves or such are unnecessary. If you put me to work, I will show you that I can accomplish many times more than any slave.』 (Helme)

Helme, who had stayed in my visionary field without disappearing, voiced out her thoughts while donning a serious expression.

『I’m sure of that, Helme. But, it’s wrong to underestimate the labyrinth. Certainly, we are strong. Though, isn’t there proverb saying Happiness and misfortune are opposite sides of the same coin? That’s why I will buy slaves just in case. It’s not really bad to somewhat raise the battle power of the party either.』 (Shuuya)

『So you are planning to build an army, Your Excellency. That’s wonderful.』 (Helme)

『An army, eh? I think it’s slightly different though.』 (Shuuya)

The small Helme bows.

『…My thinking was too shallow.』 (Helme)

『Nah, don’t worry. Now, vanish from my visionary field.』 (Shuuya)

『Yes, Your Excellency!』 (Helme)

The instant after Helme disappears,

“…To Chianelas’ mansion then?” (Viine)

Viine asked.

“I guess.” (Shuuya)

Because Keragan Chianelas said the other day that he will arrange slaves for me, there’s the option to go to his mansion now.

“Chianelas?” (Rebecca)

“The house of a slave trader?” (Eva)

Apparently Rebecca and Eva don’t know about Keragan Chianelas of 【Oath of the One Horn】, which is the management organization of the 【Big Company Dual Bell】.

Well, one wouldn’t know unless there’s a point of contact, right?

“Yes, he’s one of the leaders of a big company.” (Shuuya)

“Wow! You are acquainted with such a bigwig…” (Rebecca)

“Nn…!” (Eva)

Rebecca and Eva sighed in surprise again.

“He’s also the man from whom I bought Viine. And Viine isn’t my slave anymore but my servant, so please treat her like that.” (Shuuya)

“Yes. I’m Master’s exclusive servant. Once again, I look forward to working with you.” (Viine)

Viine gives a polite greeting while bowing.

“E-Ehh?” (Rebecca)

“Gofuu,” Eva coughs hackingly.

Rebecca looks like a pigeon who’s been shot by a peashooter.

Eva’s throat got clogged up due to the overwhelming shock.

“Sorry, I suppose this is the most surprising…” (Shuuya)

“I think that’s only natural. But, releasing a slave; it might be impolite to Viine-san, but is that okay?” (Rebecca)

“…Nn, I’m worried. Can I touch you for a moment?” (Eva)

Rebecca and Eva appear to feel shaken.

Eva tries to check the top layer of Viine’s mind by touching her.

“It’s fine. Don’t worry. I trust Viine.” (Shuuya)

I said with a serious expression.

“Master…” (Viine)

Seemingly deeply moved after hearing my words, tears gather at the corners of Viine’s silver eyes.

After a short pause, she breaks into a smile.

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