Chapter 10
Adventurers gathered to check their Equipment, and citizens flocked to escape the heat at the Dungeon Front Square.
Its actual name was literally the Dungeon Front Square.
I didn't know who named it, but it couldn't get any more intuitive than that.
-Splash!
"It's so refreshing."
A cool Water Stream flowed down from the grayish-white statue of a Goddess, her hands clasped toward the sky.
Sitting close together on a bench in front of the fountain, the Contractor and I were enjoying a leisurely moment, looking up at the small rainbow created by the water and sunlight.
"I wonder what principle allows water to be generated out of thin air."
"Can't you create water with Magic, Raven?"
Magic? I suppose it was a basic skill for a Demon?
However, I wasn't exactly lacking either.
Just as highly advanced science is indistinguishable from Magic, a highly refined character is indistinguishable from a De?mon.
"I can make hydrochloric acid instead."
"...What on earth is that?"
"Let's just say it's a very useful liquid for separating flesh from bone."
Was it like tomato ketchup sprinkled on a Meatball? If you sprayed a little on those noisy friends screeching Kieeeek!, they'd die of happiness.
They'd literally die.
"Hearing that explanation, I don't particularly want to see the real thing."
"There's nothing good about seeing it anyway."
Munch.
Munch munch.
The Contractor was happily munching on the Lizard Skewer bought for a mere two talents at a stall near the square, acting as if it were a chicken skewer.
A strange brown seasoning—perhaps a secret sauce—was thoroughly slathered over its golden-brown, roasted Shell. Honestly, it wasn't a very appetizing visual.
It looked exactly like a soy sauce-glazed Lizard tanghulu.
However, our Contractor seemed to like it quite a bit. Right now, they were chewing it right down to the bone.
"I see it's edible, thankfully."
"It has a lot of small bones and smells a bit fishy, but it's decent enough, like chicken tossed in sweet spices. But are you really okay not eating? I heard Demons were very interested in Human food."
Of course, I was very interested.
But if you keep reaching for something unattainable, you're bound to get exhausted eventually.
I was a special case where my arm had completely fallen off from the exhaustion.
It meant that I had long forgotten physiological desires like hunger or appetite.
However, I didn't particularly want to drag out such a story.
Since I had no hobby of sharing my misfortune with others.
'Still, thank you for caring.'
Feeling grateful for the thought, I carefully stroked the Contractor's Head and spoke.
"Don't worry about it. I feel full just watching my Contractor eat."
"...That's somehow a very heartwarming thing to say. I've never heard words like that in my life...."
Saying so, the Contractor deeply lowered their head. Seeing their reddened ears made me feel a bit strange for no reason.
'I really did say something embarrassing.'
To shake off the awkwardness, I carefully pulled my hand away from the Contractor's soft Head and quickly brought up another topic.
A strange sense of regret flickered in the Contractor's eyes as they quietly looked up at me.
"Ahem. So, about tomorrow's training plan."
"Umm...."
The Contractor creaked like an un-oiled machine, turning their head and munching on the Lizard's tail to avoid the conversation.
I let out a dry laugh at the reaction, which resembled a Middle Schooler being told to study.
"Do you really hate doing it that much?"
"Haa...."
A weak sigh. A wavering gaze. There was no life in their self-deprecating lips and apologetic eyes.
This was a new expression.
"...Actually, I do think I need training. Since an Adventurer should know how to protect their own body at the very least. It's just that it was so sudden.... Haa, I'm sorry. If I say any more, it'll just sound like an excuse."
"It's fine. Don't blame yourself too much. I understand what you're trying to say."
"...Thank you for understanding."
I think I have a rough idea of the Contractor's current state.
They understand the need for training, but their motivation is so weak that their body refuses to follow.
Moreover, they seem to mistake me for quite a capable Demon, looking to lean on and depend on me.
Like a bespectacled Kid clinging to a blue Cat with a pocket.
However, I'm not omnipotent like that Cat who suspiciously loves red bean bread, and such a one-sided relationship isn't good for their growth.
'It can't be helped.'
I made up my mind.
If you trap a Child in your embrace and raise them preciously like a greenhouse plant, their two legs won't take root in the ground and function properly.
They'll be unable to move forward.
Therefore....
I'll just throw them right off a cliff! Because a Human is a creature that struggles to reach the best possible outcome when faced with the worst possible situation.
If you want to live, melt wax and make wings.
Or try grabbing onto even the smallest root and hang on.
Life isn't about hanging from a rope, waiting for someone to pull you up.
There is a scenery that can only be seen when you stand at the summit under your own power.
It's fine if you fall. I'll catch you so you don't get hurt.
Correcting their mistakes by their side, and patting their Shoulder when they break down.
Isn't that what the role of an Adult is?
I took the long way around, setting broken bones and stuffing spilling innards back in all by myself. But you will be different.
Because you have me.
Just get ready to bawl your eyes out while feeling the firm cushioning of a Senior in life.
"Now that I've eaten something, I feel like I have a bit more energy."
"If you're done eating, let's get going."
"Are you saying we should head back to the Base?"
A dual expression where self-deprecation and relief coexisted.
However, not a chance.
"No, we're heading to the Dungeon right now."
"Please spare me."
"Don't worry. You won't die."
Instead, you'll taste shock and terror. And then, you will awaken.
As a Combat Black Magician who freely wields guns and Black Magic!
***
The Contractor and I were heading toward the Dungeon via Central Avenue.
The closer we got to the Dungeon, the more the stalls selling Equipment and Magic supplies outnumbered the Inns or Taverns, and Adventurer Parties with a sharper atmosphere began catching my eye more frequently than regular residents.
'It's a classic.'
While I was walking, letting out a small sigh of admiration at the ruggedness of a Two-handed Sword hanging on a stone wall, the Contractor's slightly nervous voice rang out.
"You do have a plan, right?"
Well, of course.
Having no plan could also be called a plan in a way.
"A Demon always has a plan. Even if it doesn't lead to the path of success every time."
"You're so reliable it makes me want to cry."
"Save those tears for when we're inside the Dungeon."
"...."
I slowly turned my head away from the Contractor, who had begun glaring at me with dead eyes.
It wasn't because I was scared; I just had things to think about.
'What should I do with our pathetic Contractor?'
I did talk big to the Contractor about 'showing them the bitter taste of terror!', but the Contractor was such a weak super Newbie that they would trip over their own feet (I caught them twice today alone).
Excessive pressure could actually become poison.
Therefore, the important thing about this trip to the Dungeon was to maintain an appropriate level of tension and fear while simultaneously letting them feel the hope that 'I can do this too.'
If there was one problem, it was that I was also a Newbie in this world. I had absolutely no information about the Dungeon.
However, this fatal problem was somewhat resolved thanks to the Contractor having completed basic training at the Guild.
No wonder they didn't come downstairs for over two hours.
"So the Dungeon categorizes its difficulty by color?"
"Rather than difficulty, it might be more accurate to express it as the danger level per floor."
The Contractor might be clumsy, but their memory was extraordinary.
To the point where they memorized the entire Adventurer basic training that lasted for over an hour during the Adventurer registration.
"But then, why couldn't you memorize the geography near our Base?"
"I was just too tired that day...."
Putting that aside.
The Dungeons of this World supposedly categorize the danger level of each floor's zone by a unique color.
"White Zone was safe, Green Zone was caution, Red Zone was danger, and Black Zone was unknown, right?"
"Well. To be exact."
The Contractor's explanation grew long and complicated, so I summarized it simply enough for even a Cat to understand.
White Zone
A Safe Zone where an 'Entity' doesn't spawn, receiving Protection from outside invasions under the Guardian's blessing (the Contractor says they don't know what a Guardian is either).
It is one of the few farming areas in the Dungeon predominantly occupied by 'Gatherers' who mine Magic Stones that regenerate on the inner walls, or collect and capture 'Arcane Creatures' and medicinal herbs.
Green Zone
: As the boundary between the safe zone and danger zone, caution is required due to the possibility of an Entity appearing.
Most Beginners safely build up their combat experience here.
Red Zone
: Exploration has progressed to some extent, but it's a dangerous area that is difficult to approach as numerous higher Tier Entities exist.
Higher Tier Adventurers temper themselves at the entrance of this place.
Black Zone
: An unexplored region. Even God doesn't know what dangers lurk here.
Those who step foot in here first are called Pioneers, and they can supposedly obtain great wealth and honor or something.
That was it.
"Since my Contractor is a Beginner, you can just build up combat experience at the entrance of the Green Zone."
"...Could we not just safely make money through gathering?"
Gathering? Ga-ther-ing? We aren't entomologists, so what do you mean gathering in a Dungeon? Are you planning to follow in the footsteps of Jean-Henri Fabre?
"If you want to keep living in that cramped room, that's not a bad method either."
"...As expected, we need to go on an adventure to make money quickly."
"Exactly."
"...Sigh."
'Then, shall we set today's modest goal as catching just one Entity or whatever it is?'
However, it was close to impossible for my soft and squishy, inexperienced Contractor to hunt something on their own from the very start.
So as their hunting Senior, I'll have to teach them well from the side and occasionally assist them too.
'I'm a little nervous.'
I was more confident than anyone when it came to taking care of my own body, but protecting someone else.... I'm honestly a bit worried.
'There must be no mistakes.'
Recall the time I possessed someone in that damn game.
I need to return to my original mindset, where I cautiously crossed a stone bridge only after shooting it thousands of times with a Minigun.
'Haa, why am I getting so nervous over this.'
The closer we got to the Dungeon, my blood ran cold with tension.
With every step I took, the principles for Survival were engraved in my heart.
-Click.
Do not let your guard down.
-Click.
Do not be careless.
-Click.
Do not overdo it.
-Click.
Do not be arrogant....
-Click.
Give them a chance to gain experience, but step back without delay if there's any sign of danger.
'I lack information. I must prioritize safety over efficient growth.'
Because this World isn't some game; it's a stark reality.
There is no second chance for 'us'.
Read more at https://noveldex.io/series/novel/i-became-the-demon-of-terror-in-the-dungeon-city