Chapter 94, Dormancy

Translator: Barnnn

 

If there was hope left in this kingdom, it wouldn’t come from the Gods, nor from Heroes or Sages.

It would be instead within those who studied each and every Dungeon, measured their cycles, made predictions, and carried out their missions.

It rested with the thousands of ordinary people who called this land home.

 

“…Mind if I ask how you plan to reset the cycle?” Hal asked.

“It’s simple,” Wardon replied. “You just have to trigger another resource depletion before the Magicite’s color stabilizes.”

 

Another depletion… he made it sound easy, but in the past, it had taken the power of Heroes and the limitless capacities of their Magic Bags to make it possible.

And now… they wanted to do it with the people of this world alone?

 

“You’ll need to maintain the resource depletion state for several months, maybe even years,” Wardon continued. “When you do, the Dungeon enters Dormancy.”

“Dormancy?” Ize parroted.

“Yeah. It stops accepting people entirely. The Magicite turns clear, and the entrance seals itself. The duration depends on the Dungeon’s rank, but for Rank 2 Dungeons, it’s been proven to last twenty years. Jasted went dormant once long ago; when it reawakened, its cycle had reset.”

 

A dormant Dungeon would eventually reset its cycle — hope, once thought extinguished, would begin to flicker back to life in a despairing land.

Unaware of it themselves, Ize and Hal found they couldn’t look away from Wardon as he spoke.

 

“The Hero Summoning happened around two hundred years ago. Not long after, small-scale Dungeons began to Deluge simultaneously all over the kingdom. Soldiers and adventurers fought for years to contain them. When a Deluge ends, the Dungeon returns to normal. But small-scale Dungeons don’t yield the kind of resources the nation needs. The depletion continued. It wasn’t until a hundred years ago that we finally discovered how to induce Dormancy.”

 

As he spoke, Wardon gently brushed his massive fingers over the stack of documents he had initially slid aside: papers that recorded the few Dungeons known to have returned to normal cycles. The tenderness of the gesture didn’t match his formidable bulk.

 

“You can’t put all Dungeons into Dormancy at once. The kingdom still needs to function, and we don’t have the manpower to maintain that kind of effort. That’s why, over the last century, we’ve slowly begun restoring the cycle one Deluge at a time, selecting Dungeons based on loot and geography.”

 

He left only three sheets of paper on the table, tucking the rest back into his Magic Bag.

 

“The first full-scale assault on a Rank 2 Dungeon is set to begin later this year. It’ll take about two years to drain the Magicite completely.”

 

Then, pointing to another document — the Dungeon expected to Deluge next, a Rank 3 — he added:

 

“This one will go critical right around the time the first operation ends. We’ve decided to let it Deluge. We’ll reduce the internal resources beforehand, but that’s it.”

 

Finally, he laid a hand on the last remaining page.

 

“This’ll be the final Deluge, expected within two years. After we contain it, we’ll begin a resource depletion strategy for this Dungeon as well.”

“…Sounds like you’ll be busy,” said Ize, brows raised.

“Busy doesn’t even cover it,” Wardon replied with a grunt. “No matter how many bodies we throw at it, it won’t be enough. Every high-ranking adventurer’s going to be stuck in this region. We’ve built in some safety margins, but attrition’s inevitable.”

“Do all A-rank adventurers know about this?” Hal asked.

“They do. You have to agree to cooperate in some way before you reach A-rank.”

“I see…”

 

Hal gave a small nod.

They all knew where this conversation was headed.

Three Dungeons, all located in the eastern region of the kingdom — and it just so happened that their planned route cut straight through them.

 

“The first Rank 2 Dungeon’s known for its hordes of undead,” Wardon said, throwing a glance toward Ize. “And the second has a nickname: Magekiller.”

 

He turned, grinning now, as his eyes met Hal’s.

 

“…Magekiller?” Hal parroted, scowling.

“Yeah. The terrain’s just brutal for anyone who can only use magic. I’ve got a mage in my party — she got all fired up about the challenge, went in all bright-eyed, and burned out halfway through. Came back later with a lot more stamina, and finally made it. Screamed like a war goddess when she cleared it, too.”

“…Sounds like a colorful friend,” Hal said, half-laughing.

 

Wardon also let out a dry chuckle.

 

“So,” Hal continued, “you want us to help with one of these assaults?”

“Exactly. Ideally the first one. A light Mage is worth their weight in gold for this. Makes all the difference. We’ve reached out to the Church, but it’s not like they can move like adventurers do.”

 

Ize, Hal, and Fieda all understood the implication.

Light magic worked against Mystic Beasts, but it was especially effective against the undead, which made a light Mage indispensable.

Unfortunately, going by clichés, anything involving the Church was… unappealing.

Ize glanced at Hal, and he met her eyes and gave a look that said, “Yeah, same.”

 

“And Hal,” Wardon went on, “you’re a Water Mage, right? Some water spells count as Holy, though it takes a lot of practice to pull them off. Either way, water magic’s still plenty useful in there.”

“Holy water, huh?” Hal mused. “Like… actual holy water?”

“Drawn to the sound of holy water, are we?” Ize teased. “That’s some serious edgelord energy right there.”

“Oh, shut up,” Hal muttered.

 

While the two of them bickered, the adults got back to business.

 

“How far is it from Jasted to that first Dungeon?” Fieda asked.

“Speaking from experience with my team, a bit under four months if you’re heading straight to it,” said Wardon. “Five by standard horsebus. Maybe longer if you stop by the capital, which you probably will.”

 

It was true. Anyone heading east had to pass near the capital, nestled in the kingdom’s center.

Hal and Ize both turned hopeful eyes toward Fieda.

Please let us stop there, they silently pleaded.

Sensing their enthusiasm, Fieda pressed on.

 

“You said the assault starts within six months?”

“That’s the plan. But it’ll begin with the upper floors. Local adventurers will handle that. The tougher undead are lower down.”

“So we just need to arrive within the year?”

“That’ll be fine, yeah.”

 

Hal and Ize exchanged grins and quietly high-fived.

Meanwhile, their ever-hardworking leader kept taking mental notes.

 

“Will we need to stay until the Dungeon fully enters Dormancy,” Fieda asked, “or can we move on once things are stable?”

“You can leave whenever you like,” said Wardon. “No one’s going to stop you. Stamina runs low fast in those conditions, and doing the same thing day after day eats at your soul.”

“Sounds like the perfect recipe to awaken my inner corporate drone,” Ize muttered.

“…Corpo-what?”

“Nothing. Don’t worry about it.”

 

Wincing at her own slip, Ize went quiet, choosing instead to listen for now.

It seemed Fieda had gathered the last of the information he needed.

 

“…So. Will you help us?”

“You’re terrible, you know that?” Fieda said with a smirk. “You ask that, knowing full well we’re headed for Adoghan.”

“Well, there was always a chance you’d decide to head back to Lazulseed.”

“Not happening,” Hal said at once.

“Good to hear. I’ll be joining the operation myself within the year. Just need to regroup with my team first.”

 

Wardon’s companions were currently recovering in a town about a month’s journey from here.

Though the poison had already been neutralized with the detoxifying potion, they’d said they still needed to recover stamina. Ize wondered how that was going.

 

“Is the recovery going well?” she asked.

“I’m not worried,” Wardon replied. “I’ve seen the effects of Sugar Mandragora before, and the poison’s already out of the system. They’ve been receiving healing spells regularly, too, so they should be nearly back to normal by the time I meet up with them.”

 

He smiled as he spoke, and for the first time, a deep sense of relief softened his features.

That expression, for some reason, reminded Ize of Odelya.

If she told her that, Odelya would no doubt deny it with every ounce of her being.

Since the conversation had gone on for a while, Ize pulled out some tea from her Magic Bag and poured it into their cups. She laid out a few cookies that paired well with the brew and promptly helped herself to one.

A large hand reached in from the side and grabbed a handful. Without hesitation, Wardon tossed several into his mouth at once.

 

“Mmh! These are good,” he said, chewing with obvious satisfaction. “Anyway, that’s about all I have to share. There’s no real reason for me to stay in this city any longer. I’ll be heading out in a few days. Next time we meet’ll be in Sooryab, the town with the Rank 2 Dungeon.”

“Sooryab?” Ize tilted her head. “That’s the name?”

“Yeah. It’s actually known for a traditional dance passed down from an old Hero. They chant ‘Sooryab, Sooryab!’ as they parade through the streets. When there’s a crowd, it’s quite the sight.”

Hal’s eyes narrowed. He turned to Ize. “Uhh… this is…”

“…Exactly like Haradory.”

 

They stared at each other for a beat before groaning in perfect unison.

 

“”Sōran Bushi…””

 

Their enthusiasm for Sooryab plummeted in an instant. Wardon blinked at their visible dismay.

 

“Wait, why the long faces? I just said it’s famous for dancing.”

Fieda gave a helpless shrug. “It just reminds them of something where they’re from. Don’t worry about it.”

“Now I’m really curious, but… fine, I won’t ask.”

 

Wardon chuckled, then brushed the cookie crumbs from his hands with two loud smacks. After that, he planted both hands on his knees, leaned forward, and bowed deeply to the three of them.

 

“I said it before, but… thank you. For harvesting the Sugar Mandragoras. You saved my comrades’ lives. I’ll make sure to repay that debt. If you run into them in Sooryab, I’m sure they’ll want to thank you in person. So be ready for that.”

 

Then, lifting his head, Wardon fixed each of them with a steady gaze.

 

“And as an A-rank adventurer of this kingdom…” His tone deepened with sincerity. “Fieda. Hal. Ize. Even though you weren’t born here, you’ve chosen to help us with the Dungeon operations — I’m grateful. Once those three are stabilized, it’ll ease the burden on all future campaigns. It’ll give this kingdom its future back. So thank you. Truly.”

 

He bowed again, this time so deeply his forehead nearly touched his knees.

Ize stared, wide-eyed. She figured it wasn’t often anyone got to see the top of this towering man’s head.

 

“We haven’t even gone into the Dungeon yet,” she said at last. “Isn’t it a bit early for thanks?”

“Yeah,” Hal added. “We might not even be useful.”

“I plan to be useful,” Ize muttered. “Light magic’s effective, remember?”

“But it sounds like one of those Dungeons where EDIBLE meat won’t drop,” Fieda reminded them.

“Ugh… yeah, no thanks on undead meat.”

“Please don’t,” Hal groaned. “Rotting meat’s the last thing I want on my plate.”

Wardon raised a hand, palm open. “No need to worry about all that. Just be your usual selves. But I’ll hold you to your word. I look forward to seeing you in Sooryab.”

 

The moment of seriousness unraveled at once as Hal and Ize bantered their way out of it. Fieda, though smiling, nodded firmly toward Wardon.

 

“We’ll be there.”

Wardon laughed, short and rough. “Man, you’ve got your hands full, don’t you? Dragging around two descendants of a Sage… you really do look like the long-suffering attendant of some eccentric noble.”

“Ghh…”

“Oof…”

“You two, quiet.”

“”Yes, sir…””

“Ugh, why do I even bother? You’re only obedient in words…”

 

As the pair grinned mischievously at Fieda’s resigned muttering, Wardon gave them a look of fond exasperation.

 

“Try not to give him too much trouble.”

“We don’t, right?”

“Not really. Right?”

“I’m constantly worried about you both,” Fieda grumbled.

“There you have it.”

“He said he’s fine,” Ize said with a straight face. “We’re doing great.”

“You are absolutely putting words in my mouth,” Fieda sighed.

“Heh…” Wardon chuckled. “Anyway, I’m heading out again. You three coming?”

“Yeah, sure. Let’s go,” said Fieda.

“Kekyo!”

 

From a patch of sunlight in the corner of the room, Sato suddenly stirred, its chirp bright and cheerful.

 

“Whoa–! I forgot you were even here!”

 

Wardon flinched so hard he nearly fell backward.

Hal couldn’t help but laugh at the reaction — startled squeak from a man built like a fortress. He crouched and held out a hand toward the round creature, who waddled over and nestled into his arms like a sleepy child.

Meanwhile, Ize gathered up the cups and cookies, gave the room a once-over to make sure they hadn’t forgotten anything, and followed Hal and Fieda out the door.