CH 353

C353: In a Deep, Deep Hole

The journey to the research facility of the ancient civilization was smooth. We were not attacked, the weather was not rough, and we were able to arrive on schedule.

“This is a research facility of the ancient civilization?”

Nagisa reacted like it was impossible. It certainly didn’t look like a research facility. The only thing we could see was a large pit with no visible bottom.

“Feri, are you sure it’s down here?”

“Yes, sir. The coordinates are right here.”

“I’m sure we’re in the right place, but how are we supposed to get down?”

“Viktor and Arleo-2 can fly down.”

When Linnecarlo said this, Jean lightly brushed it off.

“There’s no point in you getting off by yourselves. We have to think of a way to get down with Mirai.”

“Feri, what do you suggest we do?”

“Considering the fact that people used to come and go, I think there is probably another way to the research facility besides this pit. Let’s look for it first.”

I guess we’ll have to, so we searched the area around the pit.

“I think we can get there from that cave.”

After a full day of searching, we were exhausted when Jean found a cave. The place was a stream about a kilometer away from the pit, and it was a rather large cave. It was so high and wide that even Mirai could easily make its way through it.

“There’s nothing else worth seeing, so let’s go in.”

Nagisa said irresponsibly, probably because she was tired from the search. Well, we certainly didn’t have any other options, so we decided to check out that cave for now.

Since there might be danger, Linnecarlo and I took our magicrafts ahead to make sure it’s safe. Of course, the cave is completely dark, as there are no lights. We proceeded cautiously, illuminating our surroundings with the lights for nighttime activities.

“That’s pretty deep……it might actually lead to the research facility.”

“I hope so. I don’t want to search all over again for the entrance.”

After an hour of listening to Linnecarlo’s endless complaints, we came to a large underground space. It was too dark to see what was ahead, so I couldn’t tell exactly how big it was, but it seemed to be quite a vast space.

“Damn……that’s too much to search. I’ll leave it at that for today and do some serious research tomorrow.

Jean decided that we would rest in the cave today. We were certainly tired, so it seemed like a good idea.

Once the Mirai docked, Jean began to cook the meal. Without saying a word, Kiyone and Nagisa helped him, but Linnecarlo and I, who understood our skills, just stood idly in the name of keeping watch.

“This underground cave looks like a giant beast’s nest.”

“Yes, it does. It’s not that big, but it sure looks like one.”

Talking about this reminded me of the fight with the giant beasts, when I had to blow up Arleo. It wasn’t a good feeling, probably because I could have died if I hadn’t done that.

It’s no wonder they look alike. This is probably one of the pathways of the giant beasts. Moreover, there are ruins of an ancient civilization nearby, so the situation is very similar.

Feri, who was listening to us, explains.

“Wait, wait. Is it possible that there are giant beasts here too?

“Of course it’s possible, but even if there are, they’re probably only a few survivors and not something that would be a threat to Arleo-2.”

Arleo-2 won’t be killed by a small number, but I’m not sure if it’s because the image of giant beasts attacking in packs is stuck in my mind.

“Hey, dinner’s ready.”

Jean calls out to me. I want to eat, but the thought that there might be giant beasts makes me a little nervous. Perhaps sensing my feelings, Feri’s pseudo-body smiles and says,

“It’s all right, sir. I’ll keep an eye on the surroundings and let you know if anything happens. Please eat in peace.”

It makes me feel better to hear that. Feri wouldn’t miss the approach of a giant beast. I made my way to the table where the meal was being prepared.