Bozes continued, his voice trembling.
「Its entire body is covered in red scales. Spines run down its back. It breathes fire from its mouth, and when it slams its forelegs against the ground, the entire cave shakes and collapses. Many miners have lost their lives because of that thing.」
「I see. So that’s why mining has stalled.」
「Yes. This mine produces a rare ore called ‘Selidanite’. It’s an essential material for crafting magic weapons and used to be one of the kingdom’s key sources of income.」
I fell into deep thought.
Selidanite ore was a rare material even in the game.
It was crucial for enhancing magic equipment, just as Bozes had said. A valuable resource for the Warrior Kingdom of Bernada.
「We repeatedly requested aid from the former king, Glaston, but…」
Bozes let out a sigh as he spoke.
「He dismissed us, saying『A nation of warriors has no need for weaklings who can’t handle a monster』」
「I see.」
I replied calmly.
「I understand the situation. Tomorrow, take me into the mine. I’ll confirm the Grado Behemoth with my own eyes.」
「W-what…?」
Bozes’s face showed clear confusion.
「I-it’s too dangerous! Even skilled adventurers, dozens of them, can’t take that thing down!」
「Don’t worry. I’m strong.」
A pressure that allowed no argument radiated from me.
Bozes, stunned, finally lowered his head deeply.
「…Understood. I’ll guide you tomorrow morning.」
-0-
The next day.
Morning.
Clear skies.
Under the crisp air, I headed toward the mine.
The entrance resembled a giant cave.
From within, waves of heat and a sulfurous smell drifted out.
Following Bozes’s lead, I entered the cave.
We went deep inside, passing several descending paths.
Eventually, we reached an area sealed off with iron fencing.
Bozes stopped.
「Beyond here is off-limits.」
He explained with a tense expression.
「The last casualty was six months ago. A team of experienced miners went to investigate the mid-levels. Only one of them came back alive.」
I silently stared toward the entrance of the mid-levels.
From the depths of the darkness, I sensed a massive presence.
「That’s enough guiding. You can return.」
「Uh… Your Majesty, are you truly going into the mid-levels yourself? Alone…?」
「I am.」
I answered curtly, saying nothing more before parting with Bozes.
I passed through the iron fence and stepped into the mid-levels.
At first, the path remained narrow, but it soon widened into a large corridor.
It was much broader than I expected, with high ceilings as well.
Along the walls were neatly lined, intricately carved supports.
(This is less of a mine and more like a dungeon.)
I thought to myself as I walked.
Despite being in the mine’s mid-levels, it was bright even without any lighting.
Thanks to that, I was able to proceed without needing a torch or lantern.
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