Chapter 35: The Fate of Cardiff
From the 13th basement floor to the 14th basement floor, there wasn't much difference between them, but as we descended further, there was a clear change in the structure of the labyrinth itself.
First, the labyrinth made of stone changed into earth and rocky walls that resembled natural caves, and the ceiling became higher. Stalactites hung from that ceiling. Moss growing on the walls faintly emitted light, allowing visibility even without any source of light.
—I could hear the sound of water. The air was also filled with humidity.
"It's quite different from the upper floors, isn't it?"
Ashley's voice sounded impressed.
"Mm... I can accept this level of change, but just barely."
Water flowed in the direction where the path—lowered. It was considerably clear water. If we used purification magic, it could even be suitable for drinking.
Sewage water branched off into a different direction on a higher level. It flowed from the labyrinthine sewer into the great putrid lake.
I think this water here is probably the result of an underground water vein or something labyrinth-like. However, in BFO, it was simply referred to as the cave area.
"By the way, when the scenery changes like this, the monsters that appear also change significantly. Should we find the stone monument on this floor and call it a day? We've already gathered a sufficient amount of dimensional stones."
"Understood."
Both of them nodded. Since it was Ashley's first labyrinth exploration, it would be best not to push too hard. Once they both had a glimpse of the cave area with Grace's guidance, they would return, make the necessary preparations, and then tackle it again.
Now, about this cave area. Thanks to the light moss, we can see a considerable distance ahead, but that actually makes it more treacherous.
The structure is more chaotic compared to the upper floors, so enemies can lurk in the shadows of rocks, deep places in the water, or dark areas of the ceiling. Having visibility can actually make us more susceptible to surprise attacks.
Therefore, it is best not to rely too much on a light source but rather to cast dark vision magic and proceed.
"Be careful of hiding enemies in the shadows."
As she said that, or rather, from the darkness above, a large bat swooped down. It was a Bloodbat, a giant vampire bat.
"Silence Field!"
Using wind magic to silence the surrounding noise. Since they rely on echolocation and ultrasonic waves to sense their surroundings, blinding them to the point where they can't see is as good as disabling them.
Grace effortlessly knocked the bat down with the blade of her axe as if returning a badminton shuttlecock, while Ashley countered with a basic water magic spell, Water Cutter.
Ashley seems to be skilled in water magic in addition to healing magic, as far as I can see. It's a natural affinity for her.
She collects bat wings as spoils of war. These are materials for concoctions. It gives the impression of a witch brewing in a cauldron, very fitting indeed.
As we progressed through the cave, I noticed slimes clinging to the stalactites. Thanks to my night vision magic, I could clearly perceive them, but their visibility is often limited to the light provided by moss and torches.
When I deliberately descended closer, they attacked by freefalling. I dodged their attacks and counterattacked with fireballs. In no time, their entire bodies began to bubble and boil, then they shrunk and solidified into magic stones, rolling on the ground.
It's rather anticlimactic... Liquid monsters like slimes are resistant to physical attacks, making them somewhat troublesome.
"What should someone do if they can't use magic and get stuck to a slime?"
"It seems that vigorously shaking and scattering them apart works well. At least for slimes around here."
Grace answered Ashley's question.
Apparently, if they're broken down into smaller pieces, they lose their motivation to attack larger beings like humans and simply retreat. The higher-level slimes in the lower levels are more troublesome, but the slimes around here are not much of a threat. Although the stronger slime, the Caduceus, is an exception.
"There are enemies in that puddle over there."
Grace said.
As we approached, a large frog known as the King Frog leaped out of the puddle. It swung its tongue, which had become like a lump, like a whip, trying to strike us. But when Grace threw her axe, the tongue was crushed along with the frog.
The tongue is the part worth collecting from the King Frog... Well, it's edible, so it's fine to take the whole body. We have plenty of teleportation stones, so we should transfer it quickly.
Since Ashley is using the Round Guardian magic, we won't easily be caught off guard. But if it weren't for that, the cave area would be quite troublesome. We need to be attentive from top to bottom.
It's just a matter of dividing our roles. This time, I'm in charge of watching the upper area while Grace takes care of the lower area.
There are small rooms and large rooms, just like on the upper floors.
We open doors made of wood occasionally found on the rocky walls and check the rooms one by one.
Even though they appear to be natural caves, they are still part of the grand labyrinth. The structure and terrain of the corridors change with the lunar phase.
A set of finely decorated gauntlets emerged from the treasure chest. When I shaded my hand and tried them on, I could feel some sort of magical power, but the details were unclear. It would be best to return to the guild later and have them appraised.
Whether I use them or sell them would depend on their performance, but it's quite fortunate to encounter such equipment on this floor.
"Who prepares these kinds of things? Are they made by monsters?"
"It's mysterious, isn't it? The Great Labyrinth."
Grace and Ashley's question is valid. I don't have the correct answer either.
"It's said that they flow in from the lower levels of the labyrinth or from the otherworldly side. Perhaps there's something in the depths of the labyrinth that synthesizes such things and sends them here, or maybe they are pulled from another world."
As an image, it's like a control system for the Boundary Labyrinth.
I use the Transference Stone from the 15th floor's monument to return to the temple.
Immediately, I head to the Adventurers' Guild, hand over the spoils, and exchange them for money. I'll have the gauntlets appraised, and it all depends on the result.
I feel a bit of attention on me, but I ignore the gazes around me.
"It seems like you've earned quite a bit again. Did you dive into a monster room?"
Receptionist Heather asked me that, so I nodded.
"I wanted to experience the trouble of a monster room on the shallow floors."
"...I guess it's not something that surprises you, Theodore-san."
Heather furrowed her eyebrows slightly, but she didn't delve too much into it. She seemed a bit exasperated, though.
"By the way, Heather-san, have you heard anything about the Cardiff Count's family?"
Let's gather information through casual conversation. It's important to have a grasp of the situation.
"It seems the Count's body was found. I'll refrain from going into the details."
"Ah, I'm aware of the Count's situation."
I heard it from Rosetta, so I know about Maurice being killed by a demon.
Those who fought the demon in the Cardiff Count's mansion were in a terrible state. Maurice was shot with a miasma bullet, not intending to kill him immediately, but there was no chance of survival. It seems he suffered quite a lot until his death.
He was probably an accomplice, but did he do something to anger the demons, or should I accept that demons are just like that?
"It's not the Count himself, but the involvement of his eldest and second son is being rumored, right?"
"Ah..."
Heather's expression clouded.
"The second son didn't get caught up in the magic trial, but it seems like the eldest son knew something."
I wondered how much had been revealed by now.
Since it was related to the Black Transference Stone, it seems that various information has also reached the Adventurers' Guild.
"I see... If that's the case, what will happen to the Earl's family?"
"Revoking the title and seizing the territory seems like a reasonable course of action."
That's probably true. If the heir knew and kept silent, it would be tantamount to treason against the kingdom.
In that case, the eldest son would be captured... and although the second son is innocent of the kidnapping incident and involvement with the demon, he was already disowned in sequence, and he is currently on the path of recovering his honor. The Cardiff Earl's family is practically ruined and extinct.
The royal family would seize Cardiff's territory and be the sole victor... wouldn't they? Maurice had failed in managing the territory, so the recovery would be troublesome. It's difficult to say whether this should be seen as burdened with debt or as an increase in power.
"What about the second son?"
"I heard he was disowned by the family. His custody is now in the hands of the royal family, and they said that since they are taking care of him, they believe in his innocence and have been telling those around them. Thanks to that, the lady of the house's neck is also spared due to some compassion, and it seems that the royal family will take care of both the second son and him."
Prince Albert... By turning it into a heartwarming story like that, it would be easier to avoid further investigation. If Talcott is innocent, it would be difficult to impose further punishment on him as well.
There is also the practical advantage of not having to let go of a valuable card.
From the perspective of the royal family, if Talcott himself is innocent, they would want to show leniency to the internal and external parties and other nobles. The interests of both sides are probably aligned.
However, that doesn't mean Talcott's position will worsen any further than it is now. There may be various rumors circulating behind the scenes, but at least it will be difficult for Prince Albert to openly criticize him, given that he has taken such a strategic approach. Although he is the fourth prince with a weak power base, he is still a member of the royal family.
As long as Prince Albert hasn't changed his policy of incorporating Talcott... there shouldn't be any immediate problems.
Talcott himself will probably face considerable difficulties, but it doesn't feel right for me to say anything about his situation or feelings.