Mayor Magnus grinned as if he didn't done anything wrong, confirming Aster's words. "Yes, it was me who sent her in. How was it? Did she fit in with your party already?"
"Well, Kali's fiery attitude and harsh words need improvements, but her abilities are real." Aster assessed her objectively. "If her party members aren't like me and Cassandra, who have high tolerance, then I guess they'd kick her out of the party after the first day."
"... Exactly."
Mayor Magnus nodded his head, like a father worried about his daughter.
"She's skilled, but her personality needs great improvement. As such, she went through many parties as if changing clothes."
"Well, the person herself doesn't want to change, though." He shrugged. "[If they can't even take a few harsh comments, then they're not fit to be adventurers.] Or so she claimed."
"..."
Aster almost wanted to ask Magnus about Kali in detail, but he shook his head. It was scary to imagine what would happen if she knew about him asking about her behind her back.
'I should just ask her directly later.'
With that, Aster knew that Kali was sent by the government to watch over him and protect him if he ever faced danger. As such, he was told that he literally had the right to command her when things turned rough.
After they used up all the topics they could discuss, Aster was finally allowed to return to his hotel room to rest.
Before he left, however, Magnus warned him to avoid wanking, causing Aster to feel embarrassed. He had nonexistent libido before, while he was suffering from his disease, after all, so such an act was actually beyond him!
May 7, 4033. Morning of the next day.
Although Aster had difficulty sleeping, with pink thoughts filling his head after the talk with Mayor Magnus, he still woke up on time. 5 a.m. sharp.
As soon as he woke up, he called for room service for light breakfast while taking a short shower to refresh himself. When he came out, the food he asked for was already delivered and ready to eat.
He spent 20 minutes finishing his meal and preparing before leaving the hotel and heading for the adventurer's guild once again. Since it was still early, the light of day was faint, and the temperature outside should be slightly freezing.
However, with Aster's Legacy Level Carved Seal's passive effect, he couldn't feel even a hint of such cold. "I should learn to fully control this ability soon." He mused while walking casually.
A few minutes before six, Aster reached the guild and entered. Although it was early, there were many adventurers already present. A large majority of them were already drinking alcohol while chatting with boisterous voices.
"You're early."
And within that noise, a familiar, cold voice reached Aster's ears. Turning to the source, he found that Kali was already here ahead of him, leaning against the wall far from the others.
"Good morning, Kali." Aster was greeted with a smile. "Let's have a great day today too!"
"..."
Kali only nodded her head without greeting in return. Although it could be taken as rude, Aster only smiled wryly while moving close to her, standing idly while waiting for their last member.
"Hey, hey, did you hear? Another newbie party on the second floor disappeared!"
"Again? How many parties does that make? I hope they're not disappearing after getting eaten by some powerful monster."
"Hah! I've heard that rumors are going around saying it's not monsters, but rather other adventurers."
"Kidnapping, you mean? That's impossible."
"Come on, man! Let this idiot have a dream, at least! Kah kah!"
And while they were staying quiet, a disturbing conversation reached the pair's ears. Aster furrowed his brows, muttering the word in a whisper. "Kidnapping..."
"I've been warned about this too."
"...?"
Kali talked without asking, so Aster decided to listen quietly.
"There's some group kidnapping newbie adventurers on the first and second floors. Their activities are getting more frequent, so if I see even the slightest sign, we're retreating."
Her words didn't contain any hint of doubt, meaning that it was credible information. "So there's a confirmed serial kidnapping going on?" Aster asked in a low voice.
"Yes." Kali nodded. "And they are taking the kidnapped individuals out of the dungeon through unknown means. Although I was tasked with finding them and figuring out their methods, my role of protecting you takes priority."
"..."
Aster realized that the reason she was being talkative right now was due to him learning that she was sent by the government. 'Mayor Magnus must have given her a heads-up.' He thought.
"But why are the authorities keeping this under wraps? Wouldn't publicizing this be more beneficial to the other newbies?" Aster curiously asked.
"Are you braindead?" She scowled.
"If the police publicize that adventurers are getting kidnapped left and right inside a dungeon with only one entrance, then imagine the chaos that follows."
Right. If such a thing were to be released to the public, then the number of new adventurers would fall drastically. Such an occasion would increase the risk of having a Dungeon Break, with nobody able to thin out the number of monsters on lower floors.
Before Aster could ask a follow-up question, a familiar figure entered the guild and started looking around. When she found the two, she smiled joyfully while running forward.
"Good morning, Star and K! I wasn't late, right?"
Aster pulled his Holo-tablet and checked, but there was still 1 minute before 6 a.m. "Nope. Just in time."
"Yes! I did it!" She cheered. "How's that, K? I'm not late today!" She turned to the other one, showing a smug look.
"... Stupid Rabbit."
"Huh? Where did that come from?!"
With a little banter between the members, the three started on their short walk to the Dungeon's entrance. As they walked, Kali and Cassy maintained their vigilance. Adventurers who were curious and greedy were following them yesterday. There's no telling if they will tail them again.
Thankfully, nobody was following their group this time. They reached the dungeon without any trouble and paid the entrance fee to the Oni uncle, who kept watch over the entrance.
'Does he not leave this place?'
Aster wondered as he was always present whenever they entered or exited the dungeon. Without voicing his doubt, they entered the portal and reappeared on the familiar plains.
"We don't have any observers right now, so let's focus on farming slime cores!" Cassy exclaimed energetically. "I've even brought a bag of my own to increase our carrying capacity!"
"Oh, so that's why you're also carrying a bag with you."
Aster sighed in realization.