Akatsuki Translations

City of Sin, Greed – Grand Plaza, Jaws of Desire 

As Ur arrived at the grand plaza, located at the entrance of the Dungeon of Sin, his eyes were immediately drawn to the demon-repelling stone pillars erected on all sides of the hall. 

Just like Marching Street which he had passed through earlier, or perhaps even more so, the plaza overflowed with vitality. Booths were lined up in the limited space of the hall, and merchants shouted to promote their goods. 

The adventurers, who were observing the scene, were equally serious. None of them appeared to be excited or delighted about shopping. They scrutinized the products they held, trying to discern their quality as they prepared meticulously for their final expedition into the dungeon. 

And beyond the grand plaza, it stood. 

Within this bustling grand plaza, for some reason, only that place felt eerie, cold, and damp. Beyond the weathered gate, deep, deep down, lay a staircase leading from the hall to the underground. 

That was the heart of this city, the largest dungeon among the many that had emerged. 

None other than the “Dungeon of Sin, Greed.” 

“That’s it, huh…” -Ur 

Instinctively sensing the unsettling atmosphere, Ur shivered slightly but proceeded toward the entrance of the dungeon. Along the way, he noticed a gathering of people. As he approached, he realized they were healers from the Sanctuary carrying injured individuals. 

Among the injured, there were unfamiliar faces, but the majority were those he had seen just moments ago. They were adventurers, or rather, a bunch of pseudo-adventurers who had escaped from the training grounds. 

“……” 

“…..uuuuh” 

“It hurts…hurts…” 

Their sorry state was far from the arrogance they had shown to Glen. Well, the healers were only providing basic first aid without using recovery magic, so it seemed they had managed to avoid serious injuries. 

“Ara, it’s you, Ur.” -Healer 

A familiar voice called Ur’s name. When he looked, he saw the female healer who had treated him in the Infirmary. It seemed like she was also on duty, wrapping bandages around the fallen pseudo-adventurers at her feet. Ignoring the men’s cries of pain, she mercilessly proceeded with their treatment. 

“It’s always so noisy here.” -Healer 

“Always?” -Ur 

“Every time. Treating these half-baked adventurers sent from the training grounds.” -Healer 

In other words, it was assumed that those dispatched from the training grounds would get injured. If Glen’s words were to be believed, the intention was to cause injuries that wouldn’t be fatal and then break their spirits. It was a cruel plan. 

“So, are you two going as well? Just so you know, you won’t receive any rings.” -Healer 

“I heard that the best among the participants will receive one though.” -Ur 

“That’s right. By the way, among those charging ahead, there are seasoned adventurers mixed in.” -Healer 

With a quick glance, Ur noticed a woman standing proudly among the groaning injured. She wore two swords at her waist and a cloak that covered her from head to toe. While voices of despair echoed around her, she was in the midst of depositing a large amount of magic stones into the “Exchange Counter” from her “Expanding Bag.” 

“…What terrible circumstances” -Ur 

“Anyway, even if you can’t receive a ring, are you still going?” -Healer 

“…For now, we’re going. In any case, to become adventurers, we have to delve into the dungeon.” -Ur  

It wasn’t because of Glen’s orders, but Ur thought the statement made sense. Regardless of their underlying motives, they aimed to become adventurers. To achieve that, they couldn’t avoid venturing into the dungeon. They didn’t have the luxury of training at a leisurely pace. 

“…Alright. Just be careful not to push yourselves too hard. Aim for about ten monsters as a guideline. Limit your exploration to the first floor. Even if it’s the lower floors of the Dungeon, I’m sure you don’t want to become like these people.” -Healer 

“I don’t wanna turn out like them.” -Ur 

“We’ll be careful. Thank you.” -Shizuku 

Ur and Shizuku bowed their heads to the female healer and turned toward the dungeon. 

It marked the beginning of their first exploration of the Dungeon of Sin. 

　　　　　　　　　　　◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆◆ 

“Ah? First time? Chalk’s, huh? Alright, go ahead and rub your ring against that huge ‘Stele’ over there. It’ll guide you toward the exit. Remember, Chalk’s are only allowed to explore up to the third floor of the Dungeon. All the magic stones must be presented here, as per the rules. That’s all, now go.” -Checkpoint Guard 

The Exchange Counter served as both a point for converting crystals of magical power, known as magic stones, obtained from the Dungeon as well as a checkpoint. However, the explanations given in this place, which were supposed to be both thorough and reliable, were dreadfully lacking. 

“Is it really acceptable to provide such a casual explanation?” -Shizuku 

“It’s fine to enter. They’re lenient.” -Ur 

In contrast, Ur observed the adventurers who emerged from the Dungeon, their possessions meticulously inspected. Not only the magic stones but also everything they had brought back from the Dungeon, including their equipment, was thoroughly examined. 

“They seem to be strict over there.” -Shizuku 

“They don’t want the number of people entering the dungeon to decrease. So, they make the entrance easy. But they can’t have people casually pilfering the magic stones and relics, so the exit is strict.” 

“It’s rational, I suppose.” -Shizuku 

“I think it’s a bit too straightforward… Well, whatever.” -Ur 

Ur wasn’t particularly concerned about how the city managed the Dungeon. Whether the entrance was lax or not, Ur had already passed through the barrier known as the Adventurers’ Guild, so it was highly unlikely that any suspicious individuals would enter. There was a sense of trust in that regard. 

“Now then,” Ur said, checking his appearance and equipment. It wasn’t the shabby casual attire he wore when he explored the mini-dungeon before. This time, despite being dreadfully worn out, it was full-fledged leather armor, along with a small shield. Additionally, he equipped himself with a long spear. It was still somewhat unreliable for delving into the Dungeon, but it was better than being sent on a suicide mission armed with nothing but a single weapon. 

However, these items didn’t belong to Ur. Glen had lent them from the training facility. 

――Accept these weapons and armor left behind by your senpai with gratitude. -Glen 

――Isn’t this just the junk of those that kicked the bucket? -Ur 

――….. -Glen 

――Say something. -Ur 

With that, Ur managed to borrow some weapons and armor that had been stuffed into the warehouse, however… 

“Hey, doesn’t this reek of blood? It’s a bit…” -Ur 

“Well, Ur-sama. That leather armor has dark stains all over the back.” -Shizuku 

“Is this shield growing mold?” -Ur 

“It’s kind of cute with that bluish-purple color, don’t you think?” -Shizuku 

“All I feel is its toxic aura.” -Ur 

He couldn’t complain since it was borrowed for free, but he couldn’t help but wonder if there were any decent-looking ones available. Although Glen assured them that it wouldn’t hinder their dungeon exploration, it still gave him an eerie feeling. 

“You’re still better off… relatively, at least” -Ur 

“I received something rather beautiful.” -Shizuku 

Shizuku’s equipment consisted of a spirit-wood staff that aided magicians and a set of leather armor similar to Ur’s. Although it was just as worn-out as Ur’s, except for the absence of bloodstains, it looked somewhat presentable, perhaps thanks to its appearance. Though this was an inconsequential matter, ultimately. 

Well, at least it was far better equipment compared to their initial encounter with that giant boar. The feeling of anxiety and disgust remained, but the reassurance of being protected by armor still bolstered Ur’s courage. 

10 monsters. Ur had already defeated 10 monsters before. They may not have been in a Dungeon of Sin, but Ur had earned a living for himself and his sister, filling in for their parents who couldn’t provide for them. 

(I can do this. No problem. I’ll be fine) 

 Ur reassured himself with these words.  

“Alright.” -Ur 

“Shall we go?” -Shizuku 

They descended the stairs leading to the Dungeon of Sin in front of them. 

Most dungeons were said to originate from underground, even the Dungeon of Sin. However, as they descended deeper underground, Ur felt a sensation he couldn’t recall experiencing before. It was an indescribable “malice” that seemed to cling to his entire body, as if an invisible, colossal creature was wrapping itself around him, staring at him with hostility. 

It’s just my imagination, Ur thought, forcing himself to keep going down the stairs until they finally arrived. 

“Here is…” -Ur 

The first layer of the Dungeon of Sin, Greed. 

It was a massive underground space. Despite not having descended too deeply, the ceiling seemed unusually high. It was so immense that one could almost mistake themselves for a hobbit. Irregular columns stood tall, and numerous entrances to passages surrounded Ur and the others in the main hall. The faint glow of the dungeon’s magical energy allowed them to see only a short distance ahead, while the unseen darkness stared back at them with an unknown threat. 

Ur stood frozen, and a thought crossed his mind. 

“Maybe it’s not going to be okay after all.” -Ur 

“…It’s spacious, isn’t it?” -Shizuku 

Thus began the exploration of the Dungeon of Sin, Greed.