Is it wrong to try to meet someone in a dungeon?

This is the underground inn town operated by advanced adventurers who have reached the middle level.

The town originated as a large-scale relay base set up by the guild in the dungeon plan to more effectively explore unreached floors. However, the plan was thwarted by intermittent invasions of monsters from other floors, as well as the huge expenses (costs) required for personnel and defense—the hiring fees for adventurers of level three and above. Nevertheless, a group of adventurers took over the place and developed it into the present-day "Rivera Town".

"Um, I've been curious about this for a while... Could the number 334 written on the door (here) be...?"

"Yes, it refers to the number of times 'Rivera Town' has been rebuilt from its inception to the present. It's currently in its 334th generation... which means it has been destroyed 333 times in the past."

"Three, three hundred and thirty-three times..."

Hearing Riveria's reply, Lefia, who was looking up at the archway, was stunned.

Although it's a safe floor where monsters won't spawn, it's still an underground city, and no one can predict when a sudden anomaly (lrregular) will occur—in fact, whenever an anomaly happens, "Rivera Town" always seems to suffer.

Whenever adventurers sense danger, they immediately abandon the town and return to the surface.

Once everything is destroyed, they will return to this floor to rebuild the town.

Unlike guilds, who must defend, maintain, and spend huge sums of money on supply bases, their approach in this regard is quite different. This town, which seems to symbolize the tenacious nature of greedy adventurers, is also called "the most beautiful rogue town in the world" by some, with a mixture of contempt and astonishment.

"Don't just stand there, come inside. I need to catch my breath too."

At Tione's call, Ais and her companions entered the town.

The town is located on the eastern part of an island facing a lake, perched atop a cliff at least two hundred meters high, surrounded by walls constructed from crystal and rock formations. The thick, high rocks scattered throughout the town are strong enough to withstand attacks from monsters.

Passing through the archway, a variety of shops, including tents, small shacks, and stalls, came into view of Ais and her companions. These shops were built on the steep slope like layers upon layers, all low-cost storefronts that would benefit the town's reconstruction; almost none of them could be called buildings.

Although the town's rustic landscape resembles a tribe, it is made magnificent and radiant by the brilliance of the white and blue crystal pillars that grow nearby. Coupled with the nearby azure lake and stunning views from the buildings, the town offers breathtaking vistas from every angle, making the streetscape itself truly magnificent.

When they passed the tavern built using natural caves, Lefia asked to confirm the upcoming itinerary.

"Sell the magic stones and dropped items at the purchasing station, and then..."

"What about accommodation? Camping in the forest again, like always?"

"Hmm—let's make use of the inn in town this time. After all, we didn't bring any camping gear."

"But, Captain... staying here for a week will cost a lot of money, won't it? After all, this is Rivera..."

Besides weapon and item shops, the town also has a trading post where you can exchange items like magic stones for money. Needless to say, every shop in town caters exclusively to adventurers, and the prices are outrageously high.

A set of personal rations or a second-hand one-handed sword costs over five figures, making one want to shout "This is outrageous!" These items, priced several times higher than on the surface, prey on the fact that adventurers cannot easily replenish their supplies in the dungeon. As expected of a town run by adventurers, it appears beautiful at first glance, but in reality, it is a barbaric scene that devours people without spitting out the bones.

Of course, hotels are no exception.

"Tione is so stingy—but it's nothing serious, it only happens occasionally—"

"Don't you dare call me stingy! You're so careless!"

Listening to Diona and Tione's conversation, Finn couldn't help but laugh and suggested:

"It's alright, I'll pay for the hotel. I heard you guys have to save money, Ais."

"...I'm sorry, Finn."

Because the accommodation fees were too expensive, Ais and her companions always passed by the town of Rivera without entering during their "expeditions," but this time, they decided to stay there after the commander's generous words.

Ais apologized guiltily. "Anyway, I only have the chance to use money at times like this, it's okay," Finn said to her with a smile.

"..."

"Rivia...?"

After thanking Finn, Ais noticed that Riveria was alone and silent.

She looked around at the beautiful street scene, where crystal blue and white light shimmered everywhere, and began to speak:

"Something's not right in town."

"Now that you mention it, there seem to be too few people..."

Upon hearing what Riveria said, Lefia looked around.

The number of adventurers who brushed past Ais and her companions was so few that they could be counted on one hand. Although they wouldn't notice it near the entrance, once they arrived at the square in the center of town, they found the number of pedestrians on the street to be suspiciously small.

This is a safe zone where monsters won't spawn, and it's also the only town in the underground labyrinth. Most adventurers exploring floors below the 19th floor use Rivera as their base. Expensive consumables, including alcohol, and a buying and selling station where you can process your loot without having to return to the surface—although these places often draw criticism, they are still frequented by adventurers who stay in the dungeon for extended periods.

Although this underground town is not always bustling with activity, the streets are always crowded with people and filled with noise. Now, however, it is so quiet that it has become desolate.

The plaza, situated on the edge of a cliff, is surrounded by railings made of rusty sword and gun hilts, offering a panoramic view. Ais stands here, facing Tiona, Tione, and Lefia.

"Uh... what should I do?"

"Let's find a shop to go into first. Try to make contact with the townspeople and gather some information while we're at it."

Finn answered Tiona. Following him, Ais and her group left the square, the spear in hand.

Upon closer inspection, they found many shop owners leaving their goods unattended, their whereabouts unknown. They discovered a shop owner still inside a collection station tent, so they approached.

"Is now a convenient time?"

"Hmm? Oh, isn't this the Loki Familia? Are you here for a visit?"

"Hmm," Finn replied to the seemingly idle Amazonian shopkeeper. The small tent was divided into an inner and outer area by a long counter. On the inner side, where the shopkeeper was, there were bundles of monster tusks that looked like ivory, as well as large bottles filled with glittering gems, and many other items bought from adventurers.

Out of the corner of his eye, Finn watched as Tione and Lefia handed over their magic stones and dropped items to the shopkeeper. He then asked in a casual tone:

"The town seems different than usual. Has something happened?"

"...Oh, you've just arrived in town?"

The female shopkeeper glanced at Ais and the others while appraising the magic stones, then said, unable to contain herself:

"There's been a murder. I heard an adventurer's body was found in town."

Ais and the others, including Finn, were all dumbfounded and horrified.

Without waiting for Ais and the others to urge her, she frowned and explained:

"It seems like it was just discovered. The town is so small, but the news spread like wildfire, and almost everyone rushed to see what was going on. A murder has occurred in town! It's been a while since something like this happened, since those two idiots got drunk and fought to the death."

The Amazon seller flicked his braided hair with his finger and exhaled.

Finn then asked her, who was dressed like a dancer:

"Are you sure it was someone who murdered him?"

"Who knows? I just heard other people making a fuss, but I don't know the details."

Do you know where the body was found?

"It's the hotel Willie owns up there. It should be packed with people over there, so you should be able to find it right away, right?"

After answering Rivera's question, the shopkeeper silently appraised the item and paid for it, including the magic stones and the dropped item. The price was so low it seemed like even the information fee was included.

Ais and the others sold all the spoils without saying anything, and then left the tent.

"...What should we do, Commander?"

"Since we're going to stay in town, we shouldn't be indifferent. Let's go check it out."

Having given Tione this answer, Finn set off. Following the information they had heard, they headed up the cliff edge, past the shops that were now crowded with shops, towards the town.

Near the top of the island, there is a slope leading towards the lake. The terrain of "Rivera Town" contains many slopes and elevation differences. Surrounded by countless crystals and vegetation, Ais and the others climbed the log stairs laid out by the town's residents.

After passing through the town center, the group finally spotted the adventurers who had been nowhere to be seen.

A crowd gathered in the narrow alley, huddled together in front of the entrance to a cave. A sign leaning against the wall read "Willie Hostel" in Common.

This must be the hotel the female shopkeeper was referring to.

"Whoa—it looks like we won't be able to squeeze in..."

"Is there no way to get into the hotel?"

A large number of demi-humans formed a human wall, making it difficult to squeeze through. Whispers could be heard from all sides, and Tiona and Lefia craned their necks. Just then, Finn made his move.

"I'll go check. Riveria, you guys stay here."

He cleverly used his small stature as a dwarf to slip past the crowd's feet and slide deep into the human wall. "Oh wow—" Ais and Tiona were deeply impressed, but only Tione became excited.

"Commander! Wait a minute—! Hey, you guys, get out of the way!"

"Huh! The Loki Familia...!?"

Faced with Tione's fierce expression and curses, the adventurers all made way to the left and right.

Their fear and hasty decision to make way made Ais and the others feel somewhat awkward. Led by the impatient Tione, the group made their way through the crowd.

Several adventurers who seemed to be guards stood at the entrance of the cave, but perhaps persuaded by Finn, they let Ais and the others into the inn without saying anything.

The "Willie Hostel," a hotel built in a natural cave, has a wide passageway that allows Ais and her group of five to easily pass through in a row, winding its way into the depths of the hostel. The ceiling is also very high, so the enclosed feeling typical of caves is not very noticeable.

Near the entrance, there was a long counter-like stand, and several candlestick-shaped magic stone lamps were installed on the surrounding walls, looking like they had been purchased at some expense. Three short swords were also displayed on the wall at equal intervals, like decorative paintings. The fur carpet underfoot appeared to be something dropped by a monster.

The spacious entrance hall alone shows that "Willy Inn" is considered a relatively upscale inn in "Rivera Town". Surrounded by exposed stone walls and blue crystals growing from cracks in the walls, Ais and her companions met up with Finn, who had gone ahead first, and headed deeper into the inn.

On the left and right sides of the passage were several deep caves, each with a curtain hanging at its entrance—a rouge-colored floral fabric. Peeking inside, they saw empty spaces filled with beds; it seemed the curtain served as a substitute for a guest room door. Ais and the others noticed three adventurers waiting at the entrance to one of the rooms, so they approached the panicked adventurers and asked them to let them inside.

"...!"

Upon entering the room, Ais was speechless for a moment.

The room at the deepest part of the cave was stained crimson. A headless male corpse lay tragically on the ground.

This was a well-trained, muscular, brown body, clothed only from the waist down. The limbs, carelessly laid out on the ground, seemed to tell of the man's suffering. His head appeared crushed, and the area above his neck resembled an exploded fruit, making it impossible to determine his appearance before death. Pale pink pieces of flesh and brain matter floated in a vast sea of ​​blood.

"Don't look, Rafia."

Ais blocked Lefia's view with an unyielding tone, preventing her from seeing the corpse. Pushing the disheveled Lefia behind her, Ais surveyed the room again.

The once red carpet was now soaked in blood, turning a deep reddish-black. Wooden baskets, shelves, and beds were splattered with blood. Several magic stone lamps brought in by the group illuminated every corner of the rectangular room, the interior now painted in a gruesome hue. Many crystal ornaments in the room dripped with nearly dried red tears.

"How disgusting..."

Tiona whispered with a furrowed brow, and the two men in the room turned around upon hearing her.

One of the two was kneeling beside the body, examining the scene. When he saw Ais and the others, his thick eyebrows shot up.

"Huh? Hey, you guys, this place is off-limits! Are all the guards slacking off?!"

"Hi, Perth. Sorry to bother you."

Finn spoke to the angry human male with an air of familiarity.

The other man was a muscular giant. His fierce face and black eye patch gave him the appearance of a ruthless individual, and his imposing presence commanded respect from all who saw him. He wore a sleeveless battle cloth, revealing his bulging shoulders and abs.

Perse Elder.

This man is a high-ranking adventurer who runs a purchasing station in the town of Rivera. He always boasts, "What's mine is mine, and what's yours is mine too," and is the true boss of this town.

Rivera Town, established by adventurers from various [Families], has no guild members or lords. In this rogue town that refuses to be bound by rules and conducts business as it pleases, what is needed—the necessary actions for lording it over—is simply the power to silence others. In this town, pure brute force equals status.

Perth, the town's strongest adventurer and a Level 3, has the authority to command the entire town in emergencies. Because of this, he has close relationships with the leaders and members of various high-ranking factions that utilize "Rivera Town."

Without exception, the investigation in this case was led by Perth. Finn raised his hands to comfort him, saying:

"We also plan to stay in town temporarily. To maintain a calm environment for our investigation, we hope to help you solve the case as soon as possible. What do you say, Perth?"

"Tch! Easier said than done, Finn. Whether it's you or the Freya Familia, powerful people love to flaunt their strength like this, as if they really are omnipotent."

"How dare that guy talk about others like that?" Tiony glared at Perth, who spoke to Finn in an arrogant tone. "Please, please calm down!" Lefia, sweating profusely, desperately tried to soothe her.

"What's the current situation? Have you found out anything about this adventurer's background, or who killed him?"

"Oh... the guy who kicked the bucket was an adventurer wearing full-body armor, and he brought a woman in a robe with him. Although he was wearing a helmet so we couldn't see her face, the woman who came with him is gone, so the murderer must be that woman... right, Willie?"

"Well, at least I only let that man and woman into this room, Perth."

Besides Perth, another orc youth, Willie, who was in the room, nodded in agreement. He was of medium build, with messy hair and red lines painted on both cheeks as war paint.

The innkeeper then added:

"They came together last night. Both of them covered their faces and asked me to book the entire hostel for them."

"Only two people wanted to book all the guest rooms... Oh, I see."

"Yes, that's right. My inn doesn't have that thoughtful design of room doors; if you shout, the whole cave can hear you. It's also very easy to peep into someone's home."

Finn immediately understood what the other person meant, and Lefia, who was listening nearby, seemed to understand as well, her face turning bright red.

"Well, anyway, when I heard that man's excited voice, I knew what he was here for. Although I found it annoying, what could I do after I'd already taken the money... I cursed him to die and lent them the room, and I didn't expect the curse to actually come true. It sent chills down my spine."

Although Willie spoke in a flippant tone, his face clearly showed signs of terrified. He wrapped one arm around his neck and sighed heavily as if he couldn't bear it any longer.

Rivera expressed her condolences and gently covered the mangled head of the body with a cloth. At this moment, Finn raised a question.

"Didn't you see the woman in the long robe's face?"