Before heading to the dungeon, Shuna and I stopped by the item shop and purchased a large number of magic recovery potions.
This time, the dungeon we're heading to is the "Mausoleum of the Netherworld." The recommended level for this dungeon is 35, and it's populated by many undead monsters.
Before we take on the boss, we plan to level up, which means Shuna will need to cast spells multiple times. However, her crucial spells like Magic Missile and Sacred Enchant are not very mana-efficient, so we'll need to supplement with potions.
Seeing me purchase over 20 potions, Shuna exclaimed, "Are you buying that many!?" Considering that potions have a cooldown, we probably won't use them all, but it's better to be safe than sorry.
I also thought about getting Shuna a new staff, but her current one already has an intelligence boost of +15, which is quite good for a novice adventurer.
After finishing our preparations, we took a carriage to a cemetery located about an hour away from the town. This place used to be a settlement, but now only the cemetery remains. Despite being over a thousand years old, the area looks well-preserved, possibly due to the presence of the dungeon.
When we arrived, Shuna voiced her hesitation. "Hey, Zeros. Are you sure this is the right place? I've never heard of a dungeon around here."
"Don't worry. Just follow me."
Leading the anxious Shuna, I moved to the back of the cemetery where there was a single large gravestone.
…Yes, this is the place.
"Alright, Shuna. Could you touch this stone and say the words I'm about to teach you?"
"Uh, okay…"
With some trepidation, Shuna touched the gravestone and repeated after me.
"'O currents of magic, test my aptitude. May the door to wisdom now open.'"
This was the same keyword used during the trial at "Falling Skylark" to open hidden doors and even hidden dungeons.
As proof,
'Keyword confirmed.'
'Crest confirmed: [Arcane Crest].'
'Skill possession confirmed.'
'Conditions met. Unlocking the dungeon door.'
After these system notifications, the gravestone moved with a grinding sound, revealing a passageway leading to the labyrinth beneath. This is the entrance to the "Mausoleum of the Netherworld."
"Alright, we're ready. Let's head in."
"…"
"Shuna?"
I called out to Shuna, who was standing there trembling silently. She turned to me hesitantly.
"Hey, Zeros…what is this?"
"Oh? To challenge this hidden dungeon, we need both the [Arcane Crest] and a holy-type skill. While my [Crest of Null] can satisfy the crest requirement, I can't meet the skill requirement. Your help is really appreciated, Shuna."
I thanked her sincerely, but her confusion did not subside. Instead, she shouted,
"—Wait, what even is a hidden dungeon!?"
(I see. I need to explain from the beginning in this world…)
After giving Shuna a brief explanation about hidden dungeons (which she didn't fully grasp), we stepped into the "Mausoleum of the Netherworld."
The corridor we descended into exuded an eerie atmosphere typical of an undead habitat. However, there was enough light to move around without issue.
"This place feels creepy… It seems like monsters could attack us any moment," Shuna said anxiously from behind.
To reassure her, I said, "Don't worry. We'll avoid encountering monsters as much as possible and only target lone ones for now."
"Really? But without the right skills, how can we do that—"
"Detection."
"—Huh?"
I immediately used my newly acquired Detection skill. It consumes MP, so I need to use it wisely, but we have plenty of potions. I'll ensure we stay safe until Shuna's level is adequate.
Looking back, I saw Shuna staring wide-eyed, her mouth agape.
"Zeros, was that…a skill?"
"Yes, actually—"
Since we were teaming up, I planned to tell her about my ability to use skills. Without them, even I wouldn't be able to conquer this dungeon.
After explaining, similar to how I did with Ill before, it took Shuna a few minutes to process the information.
Once she understood, we began moving again. We encountered our first monster shortly afterward.