CH 88

Chapter 88 The Haves and the Have-nots

The adventurers glared at us, so I glared back at them with anger.

Then, most of the adventurers quickly averted their gazes.

「…… What’s wrong with them?」

「Jink-san, it’s been a while!」

「Huh? Ah, you’re the one from <Elder Tree>!」

「Yes. I am Leon, the leader of the third army of <Elder Tree>. Thank you for the delicious meal you served us the other day!」

When I was confused by the attitude of the adventurers, I was approached by a member of <Elder Tree> whom I had met on the 15th floor before.

Leon (28)

Level: 147 (873/1470)

Job: Adventurer (Swordsman, A)

HP: 1470/1470

MP: 24/24

Skills: Swordsmanship 98, Body Strengthening 18, Unarmed 6, Housework 3

Gift: _

Others: Title, Aptitude list

「Me too. I’m thankful for the information you taught us the other day. By the way, what’s with this situation…?」

Why is the atmosphere like this?

「This safe area is the base of the clans that explore the 31st floor and beyond, but… various things happened due to the appearance of Dorc, so everyone is on edge.」

I see, so there is a faction war going on.

We came to an unpleasant place, huh….

It’ll only waste our time, so I don’t want to get into trouble with those guys.

That said, Esther and Nina clearly look sleepy, so we can’t just rush to the 31st floor without resting.

What should I do….

「If you don’t mind, should we make space for Jink-san’s party?」

「Has the place been decided yet?」

「The unspoken rule is that the top four clans have their bases in the four corners, and the rest of the clans will set up camp near the walls.」

Hmm, what about unaffiliated ones like us?

「If you are unaffiliated, it’s either near a clan you’re close with or in the middle of the room.」

「I see…」

Yep, factions are bothersome.

「Should we move away?」

A rough voice came from the opposite corner.

「They are the fourth power in the labyrinth city, but Jink-san is higher in the hierarchy, so I think they will move away if Jink-san wants to.」

According to Leon-san, <Beyond the Purgatory> and <Emissaries> are the two major clans, and <Elder Tree> is the third that can compete with them….

It seems that there’s a big difference from the fourth and below.

「No, we’re going to rest only for half a day, so it’s okay!」

I don’t want to stay there for too long, and I don’t want to get into trouble over something like this, so I declined their offer.

「If that is the case, how about staying near our place? If it is Jink-san’s party, I’m sure Leader wouldn’t say no.」

「Yes. We don’t belong to <Elder Tree>, but please allow us to stay with you since we will get in the way if we stay in the middle of the room.」

I stated our position loud enough so that it could be heard by the adventurers who were listening.

Staying near the members of <Elder Tree> is more comfortable than in the middle of the room, but… it’ll be troublesome if they think we joined the faction.

We set up a tent by the wall near the base of <Elder Tree>.

I let Esther and Nina sleep, and I have Ian watch over the surroundings.

Originally, our plan was to eat before resting, but there was no way we could have a delicious meal in such a dangerous place.

I mean, it would be a problem if Nina caught their attention.

Considering the strength of the adventurers in the room, Ian alone is enough to keep watch.

So, I’ll visit the camp of <Elder Tree> to gather information.

「Leon-san, would you like to make a deal? I’ll give you some potions, so please give me some information.」

「…… Sure.」

According to Leon-san, this room seems to be the base of operations for the three major clans.

The first army explores the 46th floor and beyond, the second army sets up camp in the safe area on the 45th floor and acts as a backup for the first army while operating on the 31st to 45th floors.

The third army sets up camp on the 30th floor… moving back and forth between the 1st and 30th floors to transport supplies and such.

「I think it is mostly the same for other major clans. Our members who are at the base now are those who are in charge of communication and the members who are taking a break.」

「I see.」

No wonder everyone is stinky.

Not only Leon-san, but all the adventurers in this room are dirty and stinky.

There are only men in the labyrinth and they stay for several days, so it’s natural that they are dirty.

「I can guess what you are thinking by looking at your expression…. Normally, precious water is not used for that kind of thing, you know? Besides, we wipe our bodies every few days. …… We are not that dirty, right?」

No, that’s dirty enough!

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When I ask him, knowing that it’s rude… it seems that not only food, but water is also a precious commodity for them.

There aren’t many magicians who can use water magic, so it seems that they can’t afford to use water for baths.

「It’s fine as long as we don’t worry about getting dirty!」

I’m sure one of the reasons is that there are no women….

「You taught me a lot of things, so I want to share some water in return. Fortunately, we have plenty of water….」

「Really!? We’d love to have some!」

Leon-san and the others were extremely happy when I shared three large barrels of water with them.

It seems that their butts are itchy because they didn’t use water even after taking a dump….

I can’t let Esther and Nina hear about it since it’s bad for their education….

I’m really glad that we have water magic and item boxes.