Dungeon Sherpa

　To celebrate their safe return from the labyrinth, Rowe and Berii being discharged from the hospital, as well as Berii levelling up, a dinner party was held at Rowe’s place. 

　Though, it wasn’t a formal affair.
It was a homely thing where ingredients and drinks were brought in and prepared by Rowe. 

　At Rowe’s home, drunk Sherpa seniors occasionally barge in, so having to suddenly provide hospitality was something he was good at. 

　At first, given her tendency to go slightly wild, Yuika had gotten a little out of control and tried to dress Mariete like a princess so they could eat at the most high-class restaurant in Tyros, but was told, “I can’t let her be extravagant while she’s a child” by Rowe and dismissed. 

　There was also another reason.

　Even just having a meal in the presence of adults she didn’t know was enough to place a huge burden on the shy Mariete.
Putting her in a dress she wasn’t used to wearing and taking her to a grand high-class restaurant would probably make her even more withdrawn. 

　In fact, Mariette, who ate at her seat sandwiched between Rowe and Yuika had remained quiet from start to end, and in response to Yuika or Berii’s questions, only either nodded with a “yeah” or shook her head.
Even so, Yuika’s lips couldn’t stay closed at the sight of the girl happily eating the feast that her brother had prepared. 

　After the meal, Mariete was taken to her room, and they proceeded with a meeting for the upcoming labyrinth exploration. 

　Rowe, who had finished the washing up and prepared tea also participated.

　Yuika’s tone when she opened the conversation was somewhat cold.

“Actually, there’s a proposal from the Adventurer’s Guild.”

　It was a direct request from the Adventurer’s Guild Guildmaster, who wanted the “Twilight’s Sword” to join the expedition planned by the advanced Adventurer parties. 

“Because ‘Twilight’s Sword’ is the only one with experience of the path from the 48th to 50th Floor.
So it’ll be helpful if we can accompany them, that’s the gist.” 

　The ones that planned that expedition were five Adventurer parties — “Profound Association”, “Meteor Slaying Demons”, “Mud Lizard”, “Achievers” and “Spiral Formation”. 

“Darling, do you know anything about them?”

“I’ve been with several of these parties.”

　Sherpas have a duty of confidentiality regarding the abilities and party strategies of their employers, the Adventurers.

　Knowing that, Yuika probably asked because she wanted to know about their personalities and impressions that Rowe himself had of them.

　To be honest, their reputations were not particularly good. 

　In the labyrinth, they got into disputes with other parties and opposed the Sherpas, on the surface, they got drunk and fought — so-called ‘Adventurer-like’ thugs. 

　And there was one from “Mud Lizard” possessing a nasty Gift. 

“Their strength, is guaranteed.” 

　Without giving away any unnecessary information, Rowe answered briefly.

“Eh~, our motto is solo challenge.
Let’s refuse.”

　Berii complained with genuine disgust. 

“Black Princess.
Since this is a request from the Adventurer’s Guild Guildmaster, are there any penalties from rejecting?” 

　The one who asked for confirmation was Nuuk. 

“No, there isn’t.
It’s not a compulsory request.” 

“In that case, I don’t think there is any need for us to force ourselves to accept it.
There is also a chance that we might end up inadvertently exposing our methods.” 

　When Adventurers want to sell themselves or conversely, want to attract talented people, they might proactively publish their Status, skills, party strategies and the like. 

　However, for a party with the reputation of “Twilight’s Sword”, this had no meaning.
On the contrary, they would only start to get a greater number of annoying, dubious proposals. 

“How about Magikan?”

“Either way is fine with me.”

　The current opinions were 2 against and 1 abstention. 

　Yuika asked Rowe.

“What do you think, Darling?”

　They were challenging unexplored floors.
Normally, there would be no role for a Sherpa. 

　In the first place, the Sherpa’s part was to convey information about the labyrinth and not to give advice to Adventurers regarding matters related to party strategy.

　However, after the past two labyrinth explorations, Rowe’s position within the party had soared dramatically. 

　Regarding that, Rowe was aware. 

“I think you should join this expedition.”

　To the unexpected opinion, Yuika blinked.

　Nuuk and Berii, who had opposing opinions, looked doubtful. 

“May I ask for the reason?”

　With a nod, Rowe explained.

　The cornerstone of “Twilight’s Sword”’s party strategy was no matter how you put it, Yuika’s [Phantasmagoric Needle].

　While Magikan’s magic was certainly powerful, because it consumed a large amount of magical power, it lacked sustainability. 

　In that respect, since Yuika’s [Phantasmagoric Needle] was an active Gift, its consumption of magical power was low, and as long as her consciousness was not cut off — unbelievably, even for 10 days — she could continuously control monsters. 

　However, within that limit of 10 days, was it possible to clear the labyrinth? 

　The stakes were too high, Rowe argued.

“Therefore, we will make use of the expedition.”

　Before the 50th Floor’s Dungeon Oasis that would serve as their base for labyrinth capture, they would cooperate with other parties and guard against exhaustion. 

“Until then, I’ll seal [Phantasmagoric Needle], is that what you mean?”

　Yuika showed she was considering it, but shook her head. 

“No, I can’t.”

　The existence of Yuika’s [Phantasmagoric Needle] was to some extent, known. 

　The nickname of “Spirit Messenger” was not for show. 

“If I don’t use that skill, the other parties would definitely realise that I’m holding back my strength.
It wouldn’t be a good thing to have to cooperate while suspicious of each other.
Especially in the deep layers, even a small mistake in coordination will be fatal.”

“It’s not that you won’t be using it at all.”

“What do you mean?”

“Inform them that to control monsters, Yuika’s willpower is required, and so once a day when she sleeps, the monsters will have to be disposed.” 

　In fact, this was even the correct information.
There would definitely be no one that could imagine her capable of the feat of not completely sleeping and being able to maintain a thread of her consciousness. 

　With this method, suspicion from other parties could be avoided, and Yuika could also retain her sleep time.

“The request this time is from the Adventurer’s Guild.
If we show that we’re not very enthusiastic and propose the condition that we’ll only be guiding them one-way down, surely they’ll accept.” 

“The Guild may agree, but what about the other Adventurers?”

“If they have any complaints, what about if we renounce our rights to any drop items obtained while guiding them — how does adding this condition sound?” 

　Since the ultimate goal of the “Twilight’s Sword” is the Labyrinth Core, even if the amount of monsters’ magic cores or drop items are slightly reduced, there should be no problem. 

“I think the proposal has merits for both sides.”

“……Hmm.”

　After that, the members exchanged their opinions.

　Ultimately, Yuika and Nuuk agreed with Rowe’s plan.
As for Magikan, “to engage in mutual deception, it seems interesting”, and he appeared inclined to the idea. 

“What about Berii?”

“I… if the Princess is fine, then I don’t mind.” 

“Then, it’s decided.”

　One concern remained.

　Regarding cooperation between the parties.

　Yuika, the commander of the “Twilight’s Sword”, had no experience with expeditions.
To take overall command and specify the actions and range of each individual party was something that required arrangements with the other parties, but there was no time for that. 

“If we divide the chain of command, I think there will be no problem.”

　Rowe suggested again.

　For the 5 parties that originally planned the expedition, the division of roles would have already been decided between them.
Adding a new party to that would give rise to the possibility of confusion. 

　That’s why, as “Twilight’s Sword”, they would be progressing on the same exploration route, but when battles began, they would move independently. 

　Though with the premise that they would be assisting each other. 

“In the end, the objective is the capture the Labyrinth Core.
It’s better if we can avoid paying attention to unnecessary things.
When camped, we will also be acting separately–”

　And as insurance to accomplish his own job, Rowe casually added. 

“–so for managing consumables and meals, should we do that all on our own?” 

　The next day, reporting to the Adventurer’s Guild were Yuika and Rowe. 

　Though with conditions, the fact that “Twilight’s Sword” would be agreeing to the expedition was something that Joe, the Guildmaster, looked surprised about. 

“Then as soon as possible, let’s inform the other parties.
After this, there will be a leader’s meeting regarding the expedition, so might the two of you also participate?” 

　6 parties of Adventurers, 33 people.

　7 Sherpas.

　40 people in total.

　With that, intertwined with various motives, a large-scale expedition team was formed.