Volume 1 Chapter 15 A Romantic Moment(？) Ruined by an Unrefined Bunch
"Hey, wasn't this path a dead end?"
It turns out, instead of a dead end, there's a short path that seems to lead deeper...
"Huh? The path continues?"
Lene was frantically studying the map she had taken out.
But it seemed it wasn't noted there, and she shook her head.
"It's not on the map, but there's definitely some space... though I doubt it's part of the mine..."
Normally, mines are well-supported with pillars and beams to prevent collapse.
However, the path ahead was different.
There wasn't even a trace of such supports.
"Did a goblin dig this?"
"That's unlikely..."
I was met with a disbelieving stare.
I meant it as a joke.
"But if that's the case, why is there a space that isn't on the map leading further in?"
"I don't know... Oh, wait... could it be..."
Lene seemed to realize something and began examining the space between the hall and the further area, murmuring, "I knew it."
"Mr. Ryuuji, this space probably didn't exist before this became an abandoned mine."
"What? So, could it actually be goblins?"
I don't think simple-minded goblins would understand the value of a magic stone.
Or perhaps a dark mage used them to dig?
"No, not goblins... But speaking of which, do you remember the reason why the harbor of Sartzstadt was destroyed?"
"Huh? Why are we talking about this? I believe it was due to a great earthquake──"
Just as I was about to say more, I noticed one possibility.
So that's it.
"So, this space was connected by that earthquake?"
"Probably. The soft clay in this area supports that idea."
I see, so that's why it collapsed and connected.
...That being the case, while I can't help but feel hopeful about the inner space, there's also a fear that it might collapse.
"...Well, they say nothing ventured, nothing gained, so let's take a look at the inner space."
"Yes, let's do that."
We stepped into that space to find the tiger cub.
* * *
"Whoa, no way!"
I couldn't help but let those words slip out.
It was understandable, as the space was only slightly smaller than the hall, and the vein of magic stone we had aimed for was clearly present.
So the tiger cub really was inside here.
"Ah, Mr. Ryuuji! There's a path continuing deeper!"
"Whoa, you're right!"
When I illuminated it with magic light, just as Lene said, there was a slightly uphill path continuing on, and I could see the eerie glow of magic stone further ahead.
Wait, isn't this more than I expected?
If I report this to the merchant guild, I might get an extra reward.
"Let's hold off on going any further for now. There's a risk of collapse."
"Right, shall we head back to the hall?"
We returned to the hall without probing any further.
This could mean the supply of magic stone to Sartzstadt might resume.
"There might be other paths opened up by the earthquake, so let's search thoroughly while cleaning up the goblins."
"Understood──"
Before Lene could finish her sentence, I pulled her close.
Depending on how you look at it, it could be a romantic scene.
A massive boulder passed right where Lene had just been, crashing against the wall with a loud bang.
Given such power flying around, even <Absolute> wouldn't mean a thing.
Normally, Lene would have recognized the sound──I assume──but the echoes in the tunnel likely led to a misunderstanding of distant noises.
"Huh? Huh? Huh?"
I hid Lene, who completely didn't understand the situation, behind the rocks and looked towards where the boulder had come from.
There stood a hobgoblin, bigger than a goblin, and among them was an enormous creature, protected by muscles like steel, glaring at me with bloodshot eyes.
It must be this guy that threw the rock.
"...So, a goblin hero, huh? Is this the boss of their group?"
I entrusted the staff to Lene, drew 2 large daggers from my waist, and prepared to face the furious goblin hero who had lost its companions.
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