Akatsuki Translations

【Dungeon of Sin: Greed】 

Category: Underground Floor-type Dungeon 

Situated on the “edge” of the Isralia continent, in the southeastern region, adjacent to the Apas Mountains, lies the Dungeon of Sin: Greed, a colossal dungeon that emerged a century ago during the Great Dungeon Flood Turmoil. It stands as one of the largest dungeons ever witnessed. With its regular fluctuations and the rampant spawning of massive-scale monsters during its “active periods,” it remains unconquered to this day. It is said to comprise a minimum of 30 floors, with some speculating that it extends even further, surpassing 50 floors. However, the truth of these claims remains uncertain. 

Since the day a solitary adventurer of the Gold rank vanquished a dragon in the dungeon’s depths, no record of surpassing their accomplishment has emerged. 

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The Dungeon City of Sin: Greed Adventurer Training Facility, Day 1 of Classes 

Ur and the other trainees gathered on the training grounds. 

Ever since the unfortunate five casualties, or rather, dropouts occurred, the atmosphere among the participants in the training institute had become considerably more subdued. There was not a single person daring enough to hurl insults at Glen, the scruffy man before them. Nobody wanted to become a decoration on the ceiling, it seemed. 

Of course, Ur felt the same unease. But on the other hand, he also felt a sense of relief. 

Glen was undoubtedly strong. 

“Since Glen-sama seems to be strong, maybe we can become stronger too.” -Shizuku  

“Being strong doesn’t necessarily mean having good leadership skills, but yeah.” -Ur 

Shizuku’s words were simple yet true. At the very least, there must be something they could learn from someone who was unquestionably stronger than Ur. 

– You must have strong ambition and perseverance in your efforts – 

 Ur recalled Jiiro’s advice. Currently, Ur had absolutely nothing. No talent, no effort, no possessions, no knowledge, no skills. As a drifter, he had no familiarity with the land, no acquaintances. Regardless of the incident involving the Golden Phoenix and Akane, Ur needed the power to survive. The power to live alongside Akane and find happiness. 

He encouraged himself with such thoughts. At the very least, he would need to possess the same level of optimism as Shizuku beside him to make it through. 

“Alright, gather ’round, you bastards!” -Glen 

Glen, the source of the trainees’ anxiety, called out satisfactorily. Despite being met with gazes filled with anxiety and fear, he gazed at the trainees as if nothing bothered him, calm and composed. And with a single statement, 

“You lot are gonna dive into the dungeon right away.” -Glen 

“Hold on a moment” -Ur 

Immediately, Ur called for a halt 

“What the hell, brat?” -Glen 

“Isn’t it too soon?” -Ur 

Ur hadn’t imagined that they would charge into the dungeon on the very first day in order to gain the power to delve into it. 

“Normally, we start with basic training and instruction, right?” -Ur 

“Just runnin’ around here won’t make you capable of diving into the dungeon. If you wanna learn about the dungeon, you hafta there. Earn magic stones, since the guild is gonna bleed you dry in exchange for guidance fees.” -Glen 

“I heard a shitty reason there.” -Ur 

Ur recalled Rozz’s words about it being free with conditions. So this was what she meant by “conditions.”  

(It wasn’t free at all, that bitch,) thought Ur 

Naturally, Ur wasn’t the only one dissatisfied. The discontented voices resurfaced. 

“Don’t fuck with us! You ain’t even providing proper guidance! If you’re going to take our earnings from the dungeon, then I’ll quit this damn training facility right now and go delve into the dungeon on my own!!” -Student 

It was an extremely valid opinion. If it weren’t for the reward of the ring, they would have left this place immediately. Ur, too, was prepared to do so if he couldn’t receive proper guidance from now on. 

Glen nodded, acknowledging their outburst. 

“Alright then, let’s do this. I’ll give the ring to the one who obtains the most magic stones among you.” -Glen 

In the next moment, the complaints immediately ceased as the ruffians simultaneously rushed out. They flew out of the training facility at an astonishing speed, leaving Ur behind. 

“……….Is it really fine to use the ring as easily as dangling a carrot in front of a horse’s nose?” -Ur 

“As an adventurer, strength lies in using whatever you can and blah-blah something-something.” -Glen 

“At least try finishing your excuses.” -Ur 

“And, what about you guys?” -Glen 

Upon Ur being called “you guys,” he looked to his side and saw Shizuku standing next to him. It seemed she had decided to stay as well. Well, that was fine, but Ur let out a sigh. 

“You don’t even intend to give them the ring anyway, do you?” -Ur 

“Of course not. Who’d give it to those dumbasses?” -Glen 

While uttering words that made him unfit to be an instructor, Glen casually flicked the ring with his finger.  

(Treating it like a damn toy, even though the Nameless would do anything to get their hands on it) 

Despite thinking that he agreed inwardly with what Glen said. Ur honestly didn’t want those street punks to acquire the adventurer’s ring and spread throughout the city. 

“So, is your purpose to crush their spirits?” -Shizuku 

This time, Shizuku asked the question. 

Alongside those slightly disturbing words, Glen cheerfully cackled. 

“That’s right. You got it.” -Glen 

“Because everyone seemed so energetic and uninterested in listening.” -Shizuku 

“Because?” 

“I thought it would be better for them to calm down.” -Shizuku 

Glen laughed heartily at her response. Then he gazed intently at Shizuku with a curious expression. 

“You’re a strange girl. Why do you want to become an adventurer? With that face and disposition.” -Glen 

“I want to become stronger. As soon as possible.” -Shizuku 

Ur could feel the strong determination in her words. Glen snorted and said, “Sounds troublesome.” 

“Most Nameless usually have some kind of chip on their shoulder. Besides, since they live outside the city, many of them have already had experience with those tiny, stray dungeons.” 

I see, Ur nodded. He himself had experience with dungeon exploration. Even before the incident with Akane, he had occasionally swung his sword recklessly at the entrance of a dungeon, robbing monsters of their magic stones to earn his meal for the day. 

“That’s why those people are overconfident and underestimate the dungeons. And those types are more prone to accidents and troubles.” -Glen 

“So you take them down a peg.” -Ur 

“Exactly. Under my supervision, though. If they lose their confidence once, they’ll become more cautious.” -Glen 

It was an incredibly rough method of personality correction. Ur couldn’t help but be amazed that the Adventurer’s Guild would resort to such measures. But perhaps that was the treatment befitting adventurers. 

“That way, they lose some of their confidence, get scared, and end up becoming convenient slaves who collect magic stones on the surface every day, which we can easily take back to the city. Smart move, ain’t it?” -Glen 

Well, it’s pretty messed up. 

“Those who break down after one failure are just that kind of person. I’ve simply given them a safety net so they don’t die. They should be grateful.” -Glen 

“But some may succeed right from the start. Dungeon exploration might boost their confidence even more.” -Ur 

“If they can do well from the beginning, then that’s fine. It means they have the ‘skill’ and ‘intelligence’ to handle the higher levels of the【Dungeon of Sin】… and if everyone is like that, it makes things easier for me.” -Glen 

Glen’s words carried an air of certainty. The Dungeon of Sin. This was Ur’s first time stepping foot into it as well. The same went for the pseudo-gangsters from earlier. The Dungeon of Sin, the largest known dungeon, was under the jurisdiction of the Grand Federation and “the Temple that governs the city’s politics.” One could not enter it without going through the Adventurer’s Guild. 

However, if they wanted to rise as adventurers, they couldn’t avoid it. 

“Now, you guys need to hurry up and go.” -Glen 

“But, a peg that wants itself to be taken down doesn’t exist ” 

As Ur said that, Glen poked his forehead and said, “Shut up.” It hurt. 

“Even if you’re not staying here for the sake of the ring, don’t you still wanna get stronger?” -Glen 

Ur nodded. Shizuku standing beside him nodded as well. 

“In that case, there’s no choice but to go to the dungeon first. Experience real combat. Cross the threshold of death. Consume magic power and transform it into your flesh and blood. Instruction on how to fight can come later. Go.” 

With that, they were kicked out by Glen, and Ur and Shizuku headed towards the Dungeon of Sin: Greed. 

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City of Greed – Marching Street. 

This name was given during the time when armies and adventurers would venture into the dungeon day after day, suppressing the onslaught of monsters overflowing from within. However, such scenes are no longer witnessed today. With the increase of dungeon explorers and the advancement of barrier magic, the concern of monsters pouring out from the dungeon has become almost nonexistent. 

In exchange, various establishments now line this Marching Street, enveloped in a vibrant atmosphere day in and day out. This street, adorned with abundant resources and processed goods harvested from the dungeon, can be called the finest shopping district on the continent. 

～A Guide to Walking the Continent of Isralia～ 

Marching Street 

It was a considerably spacious main street, but one wouldn’t feel that way. The bustling crowd of people, the line of shops and street vendors that attracted them—it was overwhelming. And it wasn’t just the sheer number of people passing through; there was an intense energy emanating from them. 

The merchants at the street stalls called out to the passersby. Their incredible energy turned into a fervor that affected the people walking by, creating even more energy, and transforming into an overall liveliness and fervor. 

During his wanderings, Ur had visited various cities, but he had never seen a place as vibrant as this. The enormous magic stones flowing in from numerous dungeons, with the Dungeon of Sin at its center, elevated the industry, attracting people and generating vitality and wealth. The never-ending magic stones illuminated the night, and the residents indulged in their desires. 

This was the City of Greed, the City of Sin. This street was like a microcosm of the city. 

“Everyone seems lively and full of energy.” -Shizuku 

“It’s not for nothing that it’s one of the Great Sin Cities.” -Ur 

Ur nodded in agreement with Shizuku’s relaxed observation. She was full of energy… 

“You don’t seem energetic.” -Shizuku 

“To be honest, I’m feeling down. I never imagined I’d become an adventurer.” -Ur 

“Do you dislike adventurers?” -Shizuku 

“I dislike ‘em and I’m not good with ‘em. They’re obsessed with money, alcohol, and violence. Crude hedonists. I don’t want to get involved with them.” -Ur 

Since long ago, Ur had always felt a pure physiological aversion toward adventurers. He knew, of course, that not all of them were scoundrels. There were kind-hearted adventurers who occasionally helped Ur and Akane, showing concern for them. Ur knew that not all of them were idiots or fools. 

The point was, apart from all that, Ur simply didn’t get along well with the concept of being an adventurer. It felt like a way of life that didn’t suit him, who wished for a stable life. It was something fleeting to risk one’s life fighting monsters. 

“So you will become that kind of adventurer?” -Shizuku 

“No way…” -Ur 

Once again, Shizuku pointed it out, and Ur became dejected. It was extremely difficult. 

“So, what about you? I understand you want to become stronger, but why do you want to become stronger?” -Ur 

From the almost accidental encounter in the dungeon, he had ended up accompanying her, but he still had no idea about her true intentions. She had discarded her overly blessed appearance and seemed determined to become stronger, but that was all he knew. 

However, Shizuku looked troubled in response to the question. 

“I’m sorry, but I can’t explain my circumstances.” -Shizuku 

“I see. Well, if that’s the case, then it’s fine.” -Ur 

Ur accepted her words and ended the conversation. At that moment, Shizuku tilted her head. 

“Is it really okay?” -Shizuku 

“There’s no point in prying into something you don’t want to talk about.” -Ur 

Ur knew people who didn’t want others to delve into their circumstances. They were often criminals or individuals who had committed acts that violated the laws of the Temple. It varied. As a result, Ur had learned to maintain a certain distance. If told not to ask, he wouldn’t ask. He wouldn’t pry. It was something he was used to. 

However, it seemed different for Shizuku. She smiled and her face brightened. 

“Ur-sama, you’re so kind.” -Shizuku 

“Even if you see it as kindness, in a situation like this…” -Ur 

Shizuku smiled happily with a cheerful expression, causing Ur to feel uneasy. 

“Is it a problem?” -Shizuku 

“If you start feeling indebted all the time, you’ll eventually be deceived and sold.” -Ur 

He wasn’t joking. In this day and age, human trafficking was one of the more common crimes. While the city itself was safe, outside the protection of the Grand Federation’s jurisdiction, such crimes could still occur. It wasn’t uncommon to hear stories of city dwellers who had been oblivious to the dangers and ended up becoming slaves outside the city. 

Moreover, Shizuku was a strikingly beautiful woman. The risk of her being kidnapped was significant. 

As Ur explained this, Shizuku nodded in understanding. And then… 

“Can you teach me about various things then?” -Shizuku 

“Huh?” -Ur 

“Ur-sama, Ur-sama, what is that stall over there selling?” -Shizuku 

Why me? Ur was about to ask, but before he could, Shizuku pointed at a stall that had opened on the street with sparkling eyes and asked him. Ur hesitated for a moment, contemplating ignoring her, then fell silent, looked into her eyes, and groaned. Finally, he gave up with a sigh. 

“…It’s children’s snacks. They’re called Mina, soft fruits coated with honey and baked.” -Ur 

“What about those sparkling things over there? Are they magical tools?” -Shizuku 

“They’re toys. When you hold them up to the sky, they shine in seven different colors. They’re called Myriad Light Flowers or something like that.” -Ur 

“And what about those squiggly ones?” -Shizuku 

“…Those are… adult toys. Don’t sell ‘em out in the open like that. Ah, I’m being dragged along.” 

“Well…” -Shizuku 

With conversations resembling a sightseeing tour, the two of them continued walking down the street. 

And soon enough, before their eyes, Dungeon of Sin: Greed manifested itself.