Twilight Alchemist 18.1

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18.1. When We Want To Collect It, The Flag Got Raised, Isn't It?

"Over here, there's a cave."

After a journey of several days, we finally arrived at the foothills of the desired mountain range after passing through the forest. 

The bare mountain face extends to the left and right.

Beyond these treacherous mountains lies another country, but only a few merchants attempt to cross these difficult mountain ranges.

"A cave? Where is it?"

"It's in the depths of that thicket over there."

At first glance, it looks like just a thicket. Guided by Leafan, we approached and finally discovered it. 

Truly, having the blood of dwarfs makes a difference.

"Can we go inside?"

"Yeah. Looks spacious inside. Want to explore?"

"That's the purpose, after all."

If it's a place that seems to have ore, there's no reason not to go. I informed Raidoc and the others and took a formation suitable for narrow spaces.

"[Floating Light Orbs]"

Bardock and I simultaneously chanted. Two orbs of light were born and floated above us. 

The priest Bepp and the hunter Jitaro lit torches, providing sufficient light.

"We'll go to the back of the cave and investigate the geology."

"Yeah, please do."

In times like this, having dwarves or gnomes is very convenient. It's difficult for ordinary people to distinguish iron ore in the darkness.

Leafan took out the dowsing teardrop and started searching for ore. The combination of gnome blood and dowsing was excellent in its effectiveness.

"Alright, let's proceed while being cautious of monsters."

Caves like these, especially ones of a size passable by humans, often have monsters wandering around for many years. 

Whether the monsters expanded the cave or have been there from the beginning is unknown.

"As long as it's not dungeonified."

"Judging by the entrance, I think it's safe."

"Yeah..."

A dungeon is an area or place that has become a kind of otherworld where monsters are born. 

Powerful monsters often roam, and valuable items frequently occur deep within, making adventurers dive in to seek their fortunes.

There's also the term "dungeon" for ruins from the ancient magical civilization era. This cave is probably natural.

Carefully advancing, we spotted shadows of monsters in the depths.

"On the left! Three Rock Lizards!"

"Alright! Moda takes the vanguard! Solar provides support! If we can't bring them down, follow up!"

"Understood!"

Only the ranger Solar responded, but the silent Moda had already started moving. It's a good party.

I recall the days when I admired adventurers and traveled to various regions as an adventurer. It feels so long ago that it's become a memory.

"Hmm!"

"It's okay! We can handle them ourselves!"

"Good! The remaining members, be on guard from all sides! It's narrow, so be careful!"

"""Yes!"""

"Yeah."

It seems I won't have a role to play. Shrugging my shoulders, I follow their lead.

"There aren't any formidable enemies."

"Because it's you guys."

The Rock Lizards look like giant lizards with tough rock-like skin—a level of enemy that beginner adventurers would run away from as soon as they spot it. Yet, Raidoc's party effortlessly defeats them.

"Check out the sharpness oil. Look. Moda is tearing through them with his axe like paper."

Well, indeed.

Despite being a cutting weapon close to a striking weapon, the cut edges of the Rock Lizards were cleanly severed as if using a knife.

"Alright. It's safe. Let's proceed after stripping the materials."

"Understood."

In this manner, Raidoc's party effortlessly defeats all the monsters that appear.

"The geology is changing."

"How so?"

"There are rocks mixed with iron here and there, but with this feeling... Mithril might be here too."

"""Oh!"""

Raidoc and I simultaneously exclaim. Mithril equipment is the epitome of desire for adventurers.

While dowsing, Leafan looked up with his face.

"But around here, the content seems slight, so I want to go a bit further."

"Alright, let's move on."

Continuing ahead, Leafan suddenly stopped.

"What's wrong?"

"I think there's a wide space ahead."

"Oh."

"Let's take a look."

Passing through, we entered a high-ceilinged, spacious area. 

It's not a limestone cave, so how did such a large space form?

"Ah! There!"

Leafan pointed to a spot reflecting a faint green light.

"As I thought! Mithril ore!"

"Oh! You found it! Congratulations. But go back, Leafan!"

Gyaaaah!

""?!?""

"Tch!"

Raidoc jumped out beside Leafan.

"What's going on?! What's this sound!?"

"Fool! Don't get close, Jitaro!"

Sending light orbs toward the source of the sound, a strong shadow revealed something gigantic.

"Cy... clops."

It was a giant—one-eyed giant. A Cyclops.

Three times the height of a human, muscles that seemed to burst, and a huge club in its hand, comparable to a large tree. An adventurer killer.

"Aim at me, Moda! Solar, fall back! Bardock, full power magic attack! Bepp, support magic!"

"""Understood!!!"""