Local Netizen Elf’s Life In Another World

Case 323: Dungeon with Camellia.

Okay, so here's the deal—Camellia is sulking again.

''Grr...''

Ever since I teased her about her still not having a girlfriend and whatnot, she has been growling like this. You know, she actually looks quite adorable, inflating her cheeks and all, but I'd rather see my cat. Besides, it's awkward knowing she used to crush on Tina.

The only reason I'm even staying within ten meters of her is, of course, business-related.

In short, aside from Adele, who is already strong enough to fare on her own, Nick and Camellia are here to gain experience. Intern stuff. For that, they need a good level of supervision during dungeon raids and such.

It was fine until that point, but my idiot dad thought we were getting along so well that he assigned me to her team.

''Hah... what misfortune...''

...Well, seriously speaking, I was kind of interested in this dungeon's concept, and that's the main reason I didn't refuse. Even though I am still on the fence about becoming a perverted elf giving herself to the monsters, seeing them in action sure helps.

Since I am with a bunch of strangers, not my party members, I can't throw my clones around carelessly anymore, but I sure can kidnap some of the enemies. In fact, that's what I've been doing pretty early on.

Having several specimens of various monster breeds locked up can serve many purposes. First of all, Eva can take a look at them and get info on their exact origin while, in my case, I can develop ways to deal with them... or 'deal' with them, if I want to.

This time around, I'm entering with three other members, all established fighters, aside from Camellia. Unlike the girl, they are respectful and professional.

''You ought to learn from them, Lady Camellia. Or else...''

''...Are you threatening me?''

No, I was about to say, 'or you won't get girls,' but decided not to. 

In any case, the world we're entering this time is essentially a vast jungle—a tropical one at that. With monsters roaming around in addition to the millions of insects and venomous abominations, I wouldn't set a toe on it if I didn't have magic.

Ah... at times like this, I start to appreciate even a barebone shield.

''Ahem.'' I clear my throat, belatedly remembering my role here. ''Focus, everybody. Keep your guard up at all costs. This is the most basic rule anyone needs to comply with.''

Three of the four members immediately heed my words and deploy a fighting stance, but, expectedly, the idiot seemingly wants to complain about something.

''Why aren't you doing it, then?'' She grumbles. ''Rule for thee, not for me, huh?''

''Hey.''

With a stern expression, I turn to the idiot.

''Am I the supervisor, or are you the supervisor?'' 

''W-Well, that...''

''Use that brain of yours before speaking, okay?''

Tch, tch. Youngsters these days, I swear...

''Your Holiness, how should we proceed from here on?''

''Let me hear your plans.''

''...I thought we could use the environment to our advantage. Cutting down those trees and letting them fall onto the enemy should make a great ambush.''

''Not bad.''

Befitting the professionals, the trio appears very efficient and smart with their moves. I guess there's a reason they're here aside from just to fill the combat power. That's right. They're here for this little idiot, Camellia, to learn from.

Fortunately, she has been surprisingly cooperative ever since, but her open disdain toward me stays the same regardless.

Well, ignoring that, we have certainly progressed quite a bit, yet the enemies here aren't as diverse as I'd expected. So far, there have been golems, snakes, slimes, sentient vines, ghosts, and... hm... I mean, it's not that bad.

Just, I thought there would be something more... special since we're talking about a fissure with such a rare biome, but I guess not.

''Mhm... let's just head to the core.''

So, with little of the enthusiasm I initially had, I lead the group to where the dark energy is the most viscous. Looming behind the carpet of trees is an old, mossy-looking temple. It seems as though it has stood for thousands of years, yet the sheer height those cobbles stack up makes it intimidating nonetheless.

''Let me do it.''

This time, without me even reminding them, they perform a preliminary scan of the whole area before proceeding. Even the idiot is trying to help. 

I feel like a mom watching her children accomplish great things. So proud.

Though, just to be sure, I'll do my own sweep as well. It doesn't hurt to be cautious.

''...Hm?''

And, just like I've expected, something is a bit wrong with this building. Of course, similar to other dungeons, the final battlefields that host the cores are unpredictable and sometimes bizarre, but this one in particular...

''Huh...? For some reason, my search isn't working...''

''Of course, it doesn't work.''

''Your Holiness?''

Simply put, this temple's energy structure is similar to a maze, with many layers and irregularities. I suspect it is designed to deter scout efforts like this. If I weren't here, these people would be clueless.

Regardless, my senses still don't pick up anything that dangerous inside, but that is by my standard.

''Hah... you guys. This place is dangerous. Let's get out of here first.''

Thankfully, they immediately realize the severity of the situation and, without questioning, follow me back to the overworld. Once confirming their records and such outside, I quickly send a text to our saint party's group chat, informing them of my next move, which is to explore the core area alone.

''Let's see... if someone has time, please enter with me afterward... and send.''

I don't think anything serious will happen since my divinity is now heavily linked to Eva's, which is the only reason why I can access her other dimension in the first place, but once again, it doesn't hurt to be cautious.

So, with my guns loaded up, I leap into the fissure again, breezing my way toward the core area.

''These guys again...''

The entrance is guarded by several gargoyles, who are actually manipulated by a cluster of tentacles underneath that layer of stone, but a few bullets can take care of them just fine.

Past that, I enter a long hallway. Here, moss and vines are just as prevalent, and the air is so moist that my clothes become damp regardless. And, just as I have guessed...

''Heheh... such rare ones...''

Although they have disguised themselves quite immaculately, blending in with the environment, I can still decipher their true nature. For instance, that stone tile of the floor over there is actually a pit, in which even more tentacles are waiting down there for their prey. That town-down guillotine over there is designed to capture and trap the prey for those vines to violate.

Even the random spots along the walls and ceiling have some sort of living creatures inside them. It's almost as though the whole building is alive.

''Fascinating...''

Walking along the hall, I use my divine power to send those specimens into Eva's dimension, one by one... unaware that there is someone following me.