#536 The Trio’s Hardship-Sequel

Thus completed the formation of a temporary interracial party consisting of a human, a demon, and a mermaid—me (Silver Wolf), Mamoru, and Zoth Syra. 

Golden Bat is following us, seemingly bored, but I’ll try not to mention him as much as possible.

Our focus is cooperation and friendship.

I hope we can keep up this pace and reach the goal safely.

Alas, we ran into a problem right away.

A senior man with a white beard stands before us.

That figure...

“Lord Alexander!”

“Congratulations on making it this far. As expected of an S-class adventurer, Silver Wolf.”

The fact that Lord Alexander is here means... this area must be his domain!

Considering that we’ve encountered dragons and Lifeless Kings thus far, there is a huge possibility I’m right.

“Who is that man? He seems to have a solemn air about him...” says Mamoru.

Right... If you’re unfamiliar with the dungeons in the Human Kingdom, it’s understandable that you wouldn’t recognize him at first glance.

“He’s in his human form right now, but he’s Lord Alexander the Grauglintz Dragon, ruler of the greatest dungeon in the Human Kingdom—the Mountain of the Sacred White Maiden.”

He hails from the strongest race of dragons, but he thinks dearly of humanity and is the only dragon with whom the Adventurers’ Guild has connections.

How fortunate we, the human race, are to have him!

“He is said to be the most powerful dragon because he rules the world’s best dungeon. He’s a highly-respected dragon!”

You must never mistreat Lord Alexander, even by mistake.

He’s a distinguished and wise person, after all!

“Hm, but isn’t this dungeon’s owner more powerful than him?”

“Right? He’s called the Dragon Emperor, which makes him stronger than any other. Similarly, this dragon in front of us should be in a much lower position, no?”

Shush!!!

Don’t open your mouth without thinking!

“It is all right, Silverwolf, you needn’t scold them over such trifles. There is no doubt that Ardheg holds the most dignified position among dragons.”

Oh, Lord Alexander, you’re as broad-minded as always!

“I helped build the new Dragon Emperor’s Castle to honor him. I am in charge of the area from here on. Proceed with caution, everyone.”

I knew it was going to be his designated area...!

“I’ve made full use of the dungeon-building techniques that I’ve mastered in my base. Moreover, I have added a new trap I’m currently experimenting on.”

“A new trap?”

“I shall test its effects on you, who have survived this long. Your abilities matter in assisting me in my endeavor.”

After the formalities, we move on to Lord Alexander’s area.

He controls the largest and best dungeon in the Human Kingdom.

I speculate his trap is highly efficient. 

“We must proceed carefully, everyone. Don’t think he’s the same as the previous opponents you’ve encountered!”

“If a dungeon exploration pro says so...”

“Roger that.”

As expected of these two.

Even though they tend to argue back, they immediately heed my warning.

I wish the other S-class adventurers would follow their example...

Now, if we open the door in front of us and go inside, we will finally enter Lord Alexander’s battlefield full of his special traps...

“All right! Let’s give it our all!”

I turn the doorknob, open the door vigorously, and enter!

At that moment, a voice echoed throughout the room!

“Great job opening the door!”

“Huh?”

What was that voice?

I turn around to check, but Mamoru and Zoth Syra shake their heads as if to say it wasn’t them.

“...”

I regain my composure and head in, carefully and gently walking...

“Great job walking down the pathway!”

“...?!”

I knew I heard a voice!

What was that?

It seems to react to our actions...!

“Great job for having the courage to fight the monsters!”

“Great job opening the treasure chest and closing it properly!”

“Great job, everyone, for working together and trying so hard!”

“Seriously, what is going on?!” I shout spontaneously.

Every time we do something, we keep getting praised!

“Don’t tell me, this is the special trap Lord Alexander was talking about! We get praised for doing a great job?”

“That’s right.”

Lord Alexander reappears and says, “I wanted to do this for a long time! I wanted to give words of encouragement to the adventurers exploring the dungeon day and night, desperately trying to conquer it!”

“Huh?!”

“What you are doing is not something to be taken for granted! However, not many people think of praising you for it! So I thought, why not create a trap to do the same!”

“...”

“What do you think?”

W-Well...

I don’t think this counts as a trap anymore.

It’s simply a sound generator that says, “great job.”

That’s all it is and nothing more...! And yet...!

“My tears won’t stop...?!”

They’re overflowing from my eyes.

When was the last time someone praised me?

I had taken for granted that everything I had done was something expected of me...!

I see. I’ve been doing incredible things.

I’ve been recognized for all the hard work I’ve done for once!

“Stop! Please stop toying with my heart!”

“It’s hard for me to keep my composure upon hearing such kind words at this point in my life...!”

Oh?

It seems the kind words of praise also affected Mamoru and Zoth Syra!

Were their hearts also deprived of appreciation, I wonder?

The more one cares for others, the less they will be cared for, I guess.

But that’s precisely why unexpected kindness hits the hardest!

“Guohhhh! This is bad, my heart is being stripped of its thornsssss!!!”

“A kind world...! A kind world is too much for my strained heartttt!”

“A world where I can say thank you first...!”

Oh, no!

Everyone is being melted away by the gentle praises like vampires in the sunlight!

What a terrifying trap you’ve come up with, Lord Alexander!

As expected of the best dungeon’s guardian!

“What’s so terrifying about that?”

Splat.

The atmosphere, which had been warm like spring sunshine, suddenly turned cold and tense.

That unnecessary statement was uttered by none other than Golden Bat, the other S-class adventurer with us.

“What’s so crazy about hearing a voice? Nothing’s dangerous about it at all.”

“Bastard...!”

“And Lord Alexander... Well, you’re the same as usual. I was expecting a difficult trap since a dragon had put a lot of effort into making it, but I was let down. I expected a more challenging area from you.”

At that moment, the three of us were of one mind.

“SHUT UP, IDIOTTTTTTT!!!”

“Gah!”

Three kicks shot out like arrows, hit simultaneously, sending Golden Bat flying.

“Leave that man to me! Silver Wolf, Zoth Syra, please patch things up with Lord Alexander!”

“Leave it to us!”

You got it!

“Oryaaaaa! It’s because of bastards like you! That the world will never become a kinder place to live innnn!!!”

It seems Mamoru was a typical example of someone who usually puts up with a lot, but when he loses his patience, he goes out of control.

He could almost snap Golden Bat’s spine in half in that arched position, but more importantly, we need to get back to Lord Alexander. 

He looks so dejected after hearing such heartless words from that piece of trash!  

We must do our best to cheer him up!

“Don’t worry, Lord Alexander! Your endeavor reached our hearts!”

“Yes! All the hard things we went through today vanished like bubbles, thanks to you!”

Zoth Syra joins me in pepping him up with kind words.

In the end, we were tired from all that exploring in this area.

I do hope Lord Alexander sets up the same “trap” in his dungeon.