Local Netizen Elf’s Life In Another World

Case 321: Dungeons and their curious dwellers.

''It smells fishy here...''

No, not literally, but the whole thing is suspicious.

Thinking back, why did Eve decide to employ such an effort-consuming and easily counter-able strategy in the first place? If she just let all the fissures explode into whatever right away, it would have dealt much more damage.

The fact that she has allowed us to cook up a response at all is a huge red flag. There is something absolutely wrong about this.

That is why I am reconsidering our approach. Though, I've been doing that for a while, and we're already at the entrance of a dungeon. The reality is that we have to clean these up before they burst. This can be achieved via two paths—either we enter them and wipe out the monsters, as well as the core, or we use a more radical approach of blowing the whole thing away.

The latter is definitely safer, but it requires such an absurd amount of power that is not realistically available to us at the moment.

Of course, we've tried other methods, like vacuuming the dungeons or filling them with smoke, poisons, etc., but nothing really works. It seems these monsters can't be compared to the ordinary ones we know.

''Hah... there's no other way, huh.''

In the end, we really have no other option than to enter them. There are just too many of these things to proceed carefully. We need speed.

Still, this first expedition will involve our whole party, plus Eva. Dividing the team comes after once we have an idea of how dangerous those monsters are, for example.

''Are you guys all ready?''

Before jumping into the rift, I recheck my preparations before turning to my companions. Their expressions vary, but fortunately, none seems nonchalant about this.

''Let's go.''

The insides of dungeons are always unknown.

The biggest variable when diving, aside from the monsters themselves, is the dungeon's environment. Some are favorable for certain species, and some are detrimental. It's quite interesting how previous generations dealt with this.

Either way, the first one we've chosen is, luckily, not a bad one to start with.

It's just a dark, humid cave with a lot of moss covering the walls and the ground. For us demi-goddesses, these things are nothing more than mere annoyances.

The amount of dark mana in the air is not too thick, but just to be sure...

''Tina.''

''Understood.''

Among us, Tina is particularly perceptive. We all have radars built into our divinity, but hers is definitely the most potent. Ah, I mean, Eva is still probably better at it, but we don't count a proper goddess.

''...Nothing dangerous so far.''

''Is that so?''

Hearing Tina's answer after a while, I discreetly glance at Eva. Not a change in expression or mood. This means that Tina's evaluation is correct.

''Let's head further in.''

So, we continue to walk on that slippery floor, taking cautious steps with our weapons drawn. Eventually, at a certain section of the path, we spot several creatures roaming around the space, making some sort of sticky sounds.

''Are those the slimes you mentioned?'' I tap Tina's shoulder.

''Yeah. How should we deal with them?''

''...''

Slimes.

This is the first time I've seen one, by the way. They're unexpectedly big, different from the small and cute images portrayed in many media. The vibrant blue color is the same, though.

Aside from those, there's nothing special about them.

Hmm... but...

''I feel like there's something...''

''Sylvia?''

''Wait a minute. Let me test something.''

This is one of the times I decide to trust my instinct. This whole run is a trial anyway, so it fits the context.

Reaching into my space bag, I pull out a spare 'clone' of myself. It's just an intricate doll made from mana for now, but even then, this Sylvia Everwood is 99.99% similar to me, down to every single hair. In short, it'll fetch an astronomical price if I ever want to auction it.

But this is for science!

''Ei!''

'''' ?! ''''

Using telekinesis, I launch poor Sylvia's body into a slime. Contrary to popular belief, it doesn't bounce away one bit; instead, the two stick to one another so tightly the creature might as well be called superglue, not slime. Before long, the doll has been completely tied up.

The strange part comes after.

Instead of dissolving Sylvia with its digestive substance, the slime only does so to... her clothes. And, just as expected, the usual developments occur.

''What on Earth...?!''

''That's... weird.''

Yeah. I thought it was strange that these slimes somehow exude a faint aura of lewdness, but they do actually 'take care' of females, huh?

With this, one thing is clear—these dungeons aren't designed purely for destruction. Well, this one isn't, at least. But then, the question becomes: What is their purpose?

First of all—

''S-Sylvie.''

''Hm?''

''Are you going to just leave it like that...?''

Ah, my clone... she's still being railed.

As I glance at the others, I notice that their reactions aren't pleasant either, except for Sariel and Eva. I guess the rest aren't used to seeing such brutal intercourse, and by that, I mean brutal. I'm talking ragdoll-level stuff.

Monsters aren't humans. They don't consider their prey's feelings at all. I remember I was also quite surprised the first time I saw these kinds of things portrayed in adult content.

''I mean... sure. Let's save poor Sylvia first. We'll need to take a look at the other monsters, too.''

Nothing is absolute. Maybe it's just the slimes that are acting this way... is what I want to say, but even the different ones deeper inside the dungeon are all the same. If they have the opportunity, they will jump at a vulnerable female to perform unsavory acts regardless.

From strange tentacles and sentient trees to safe-looking ones like chest mimics or moving paintings—all thirst for lust.

And, of course, that leaves me pondering for a while. Just what are Eve's purposes in creating such elaborate... events?

I have a feeling that she wants to lure me in somehow, but even I am not that stupid as to fall for such obvious traps. Puzzling. This is really puzzling.

''There's no other choice.'' Tina intervenes, exuding a cold, wise atmosphere. ''We need to take care of the core to get out.''

''Or we can blow everything up.'' Sariel cracks a smile.

''You're going to burn yourself, idiot.''

''Who knows?''

With that, our trip toward the center of this dungeon begins, with a few bickering from my childish party members. As usual, there is a large room at the end of the path, and that is normally where the core is located. 

This energy lingering in the air tells us we're at the right place.

''...''

''...''

Yeah, but... why is the core shaped like that...?

‘’…This is the first time I’ve seen a futanari orc.’’

Me too, Tina. Me too.