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Death’s Daughter Chapter 143

Author: “FoodLovingPanda”

CHAPTER 143: A DUNGEON IS BORN

***NINO’S POV***

I woke up with a start, this is unmistakable, a mana wave this strong could only mean one thing. Another dungeon has been formed. I had no time to laze around I had to confirm where the source is and inform the Earl and all the branches about the location of a new dungeon. How unfortunate it is that this is happening now that everyone is either at Icefire mountains or in Kapitalia.

“Nino, this mana wave, could it be…?”

Millie who was lying next to me also woke up and looked worried. I wanted to reassure her, but before I could do anything a roar sounded just outside the town freezing everyone in fear. This was different, unlike before this roar meant challenge. Could this dragon be the cause for the appearance of a dungeon?

“Millie I must go and check the origin of that mana wave to be sure. Stay here and go back to sleep, I will need you to be energized and refreshed tomorrow. I think there will be a lot of work at the guild.”

I quickly put on some clothes and went outside. The dragon went northeast and the town was left quiet. I immediately headed for the town hall where the mana detecting crystal was installed. It should have recorded from where the mana wave arrive which will help us determine the general location of the dungeon.

“Nino-kun, I see you came here as well. No wonder considering you felt that mana wave.”

“Earl-sama, I did not expect to see you here.”

“I cannot allow a dungeon to exist on my territory. Come on let’s hurry up, the sooner we find it the better.”

I followed after the Earl and entered the chamber with the mana detecting crystal is, or at least where it should have been. The tower that held it was empty. There was no sign of it anywhere, no pieces or shards or even dust to indicate someone destroyed it. It completely vanished.

“How can this be? Who would destroy this or take a meter tall crystal?”

“That is a good question, one I have no answer to. But I know that Vitou won’t like hearing this. I guess we can only wait for the report of other places first. But since we are already awake, why don’t we check out that dragon. He seems oddly agitated today.”

I shivered, I knew that Earl Orzak is strong, but I don’t think taking on a dragon will be possible with just the two of us.

“Sorry for saying this, but with only two of us…”

“What are you talking about, there are two dozen perfectly trained people living in that direction. And I don’t plan on attacking it first. Just scouting, just scouting. Plus I want to use this opportunity while Naoko-chan is away to test their little party. They became too strong in such a small period of time.”

That was the least noble thing I heard him say in a while. He was using the threat of an SS-ranked monster to test a bunch of C and B-ranked adventurers because he felt threatened. He really is worth of his title ‘Shameless Noble’.

***LUCA’S POV***

The house was in an uproar. It was impossible for anyone to remain calm in such a situation. First the mana waves then a mana clash. Someone was challenging the dragon and preparing to fight it. And I could not sense that person at all.

“Ehni do you think you can sneak up on that fight scene?”

“I can, but I don’t want to. I’ll only bring trouble to myself and if I am discovered alone I wouldn’t be able to get away safely.”

“I never said going alone, you will have full backup. We must locate the dungeon fast. If the dragon settles inside it, destroying that dungeon will be impossible anytime soon.”

Dungeons are dangerous, that is what Naoko-sensei told us countless times. Plus I was taught while training to be a knight the biggest threat is a dungeon breaking and releasing all the monsters inside onto the real world. Judging from how strong that mana wave was, the dungeon is really close.

“Luca, everyone is ready. Should we move as two groups or one?”

“Let’s go with two groups, we are more familiar that way.”

Going in as 24-men party might be safer, but Naoko-sensei still didn’t allow us to practice all together as one big group. This was more familiar and the chain of command is well established. We were about to head out when two men stopped us.

“Good you are ready. I will be taking command and Nino-kun will bring up the rear. You know how to act in raids and we are going on one right now. Oi, what’s with your ‘who is this psycho’ looks, right now I am in charge. Even if Naoko were here, she would have to listen to me.”

I recognized the Earl immediately and Nino-san is someone we are all familiar with. But I was not happy with them suddenly taking control. Sadly he did have a point where we all need to listen to him. I don’t know about Naoko-sensei, but she would most likely do it as well. And seeing that they came to get us meant that there wasn’t anyone else able enough to go. Some were restless, but seeing other members like Zyra, Ina, Simeon and seniors being calm the others calmed down as well.

“Let’s go, we’re moving out. The sooner we get there, the sooner we will know what made that beast change so much.”

Swiftly we left the house, but almost immediately the clashing stopped. I guess we are too late and the fighting stopped. Luckily we knew the general direction. It was right where the entrance to Goblin’s Lair was. It is unfortunate if they moved their fighting inside the lair. Following them inside that maze will be troublesome, plus monsters roaming there might flee outside and block our way.

“Luca-kun, wasn’t it? Tell me how large is the Goblin’s Lair? I know Naoko remodeled it for your training.”

“Yes, sir! We were able to reach the second floor, but we still haven’t found the boss room. We have about a fourth of the maze on the second floor mapped and the entire first floor. Usually we would have to defeat a Goblin King or at least a Goblin General to descend to second floor it depends on what Byakko and Yoru are able to hunt down.”

It was really amazing how the two of them are able to capture so many rare monsters. Luckily Naoko-sensei would make sure those rare monsters are placed in special areas from where they can’t escape.

“That already sounds like a legit dungeon to me. What are the chances that it really became one? Three dungeons appearing within a year only leads to more trouble. I knew it something was up when all twelve heroes were summoned and Naoko-chan being a special case as she is. I don’t like this. I don’t like this at all. Scouts, move out and determine the position of the dragon and its opponent. Healers prepare to heal them upon return. Vanguard prepare for battle.”

I readied my sword and waited for the scouts to return with their report.