Chapter 104: The Guild Master’s Request

"I would never recommend that Nuoya take on a challenge he could not win."

"Yes, that was certainly the case. I am thoroughly impressed. By the way, if I may confirm, is your name ’Qiu Nuoya’?"

"Ah, yes, that’s right..."

Rogue suddenly leaned his face toward Qiu Nuoya. The eyes behind his thick bottle-bottom glasses seemed to glint as though he were appraising Qiu Nuoya once again.

Qiu Nuoya instinctively took several steps backward.

This man is scary.

"I apologize for the late introduction, but I actually serve as the Guild Master of the Adventurer’s Guild in the dungeon city of Oraria..."

What? Huh? The Guild Master!? Why was someone like that working here!?

"Qiu Nuoya, there is a wanted notice out for you."

At Rogue’s words, Viktor, Igor, and Warren’s expressions changed. The three of them immediately stepped forward, positioning themselves protectively in front of Qiu Nuoya.

"Whoa, sorry! Please hear me out until the end! When I say there is a wanted notice, I do understand that he is not a criminal. More accurately, it is a missing person report, or perhaps a notice instructing us to contact headquarters immediately if he is found..."

"It seems the Church has already reached out to the Adventurer’s Guild. How troublesome!"

"You’re right about that. Ah, and just when I thought we were finally going to enjoy the dungeon. What a waste of time."

Viktor then scooped Qiu Nuoya up into his arms.

Is he planning to escape using teleportation magic?

Igor and Warren immediately went into a combat stance.

Seeing this, Rogue shouted, "Wait!!"

"Please, hear me out until the end! I have no intention of reporting him! More importantly, there is something I would like you to do for us!"

"Huh?"

Rogue’s expression became serious as she said, "As you all know, the core of this Dungeon Castle has still not been found. Although this Dungeon Castle operates as an entertainment facility, it is still a dungeon, and we work here while constantly facing potential danger. The dungeon continues to expand every day, and dangerous monsters sometimes emerge from the lower floors."

"Our city relies on this Dungeon Castle as a tourist attraction, so we certainly do not want even more dangerous monsters appearing. Therefore, I have a proposal. In exchange for refraining from reporting him, would you be willing to find the core of this dungeon and place a seal on it to prevent it from expanding any further!?" Rogue hurriedly rattled off his request with an intensity that made it clear he had no intention of letting them escape. 𝘧𝓇ℯℴ𝓂

So basically, he wants us to stop the dungeon from expanding?

"Qiu Nuoya is currently the subject of a missing person report, and he is traveling with the Rank A adventurer Viktor Silvermere. I have heard that Master Viktor is one of the foremost experts when it comes to sealing dungeon cores. We sincerely ask for your assistance!"

Huh?

Qiu Nuoya had suddenly learned a whole lot of information he had never known before.

Viktor is one of the foremost experts on sealing dungeon cores? And Silvermere is his surname?

Qiu Nuoya had never heard that Viktor had a family name. Weren’t people with surnames supposed to be nobles?

As Qiu Nuoya wondered about this and looked up at Viktor, Viktor’s brow furrowed. He clicked his tongue with an irritated expression.

"Seriously, Viktor, you are starting to look intimidating. That beautiful face of yours is going to waste."

"First, let me make one thing clear. I have never considered myself an expert in sealing dungeon cores. It is true that I participated in several sealing operations in the past, and I believe I understand the procedures reasonably well. However, I was not the one leading those operations. I was merely an assistant."

"But now that all the members from that time have passed away, aren’t you the only person who knows how to perform the sealing!?"

"Surely their disciples or descendants inherited that knowledge? Please stop overestimating me. Also, I have already severed my ties with the Silvermere family. Do not call me by that name anymore."

Judging from Rogue’s reaction, Viktor’s response seemed to have confirmed his suspicions that the man standing before him really was the Viktor he had been looking for.

Rogue continued pleading earnestly. "We have already attempted to commission their sons, but they turned us down without hesitation. Alternatively, they said they might be willing to come and take a look if we paid them a suitable fee. Unfortunately, our guild was unable to prepare an amount that would satisfy them. That is why I, as the Guild Master, have taken it upon myself to work in the dungeon and earn the money myself. However, I still have not managed to raise enough for the commission fee, while the dungeon continues to expand day by day..."

I think I finally understood what was going on.

Qiu Nuoya looked up at Viktor again.

Viktor still had a deep crease between his brows, his expression as displeased as ever.

"Hey, Viktor. Rogue seems to be in a lot of trouble."

"That certainly appears to be the case. However, that is a separate matter. If this were simply a request, I would not object to accepting it. But what he is proposing is essentially blackmail, using you as a hostage. I refuse to give in to such coercion..."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa! Please wait! I never intended to threaten you! It is true that your assistance would be extremely, extremely helpful! But I never meant that I would report Qiu Nuoya if you refused to help! Think of it as an equal exchange. If you are willing to accept our request, I will guarantee all of your living expenses in Oraria!" Rogue hurriedly offered them another condition.

"Oh, that would certainly help. I was planning to challenge the dungeon anyway."

"Igor, are you really going to take this man’s word for it? He could be planning to keep an eye on us. What if this is simply a way to buy time until the Church’s people arrive? Besides, I am not even sure whether I can seal the dungeon core by myself. As I said, I have only ever assisted with the process."