After seeing Alex killed the huge Water monkey, Isabella couldn't help but raise a question.
''Why did you kill him even though he tried to flee after knowing the difference between us.''
Sighing, Alex explained, ''It where you got it wrong. That monster had enough intelligence to signal a retreat after seeing that our strength was dangerous. He would go back to further prepare before attacking us with a massive force. So, I chose to eliminate it before he could.''
''You have done well. I was exactly thinking the same.'' Artemia said.
''I see. I thought that he wouldn't attack us anymore because he saw we were stronger, how naive of me.''
Looking at the dejected Isabella, Alex said.
''Let's continue.''
The three moved deeper into the forest.
It was about half an hour after leaving the place where the Water Monkeys attacked them. When Isabella used a sword to cut through the bushes, which seemed to be hiding something, they finally found what Alex had been looking for since he saw this forest. It was a fast-flowing river. The water was clear, and fish could be seen swimming inside.
''I'm still surprised that there is a river inside a dungeon; there are even some fish inside it. Alex, where do you think we'll end up if we followed the river upstream?"
Isabella asked lightly while checking the quality of the river water with some chemicals.
''I don't know. You will find out if you tried it, though.' You should stop using your common sense inside a dungeon.' Alex shrugged his shoulders while looking at the surrounding for any monsters that could sneak attack on them, especially Isabella, who was busy testing the water.
''Right. Inspection has been completed. Your highness, there's doesn't seem to be any particular problems with the water's quality, so it's safe to drink.''
''I see, good work. Well then, where should we set up camp?"
After thanking Isabella, Artemia took a look at the surroundings. There was no doubt that the waterside was a place for monsters to drink water; if adventurers camped here without care, it was like asking to be attacked.
Because of that, somewhere near the water source that wasn't conspicuous from the outside was desirable.
Just as Alex was about to start searching for a good location for camping, he heard Silveria's voice.
〖Master, I found the perfect location for you to camp. I'll guide you there.〗She suggested.
'Okay, I will follow.' Alex nodded his head.
It was a few minutes after going back into the forest. The place where Alex had stopped following Silveria's suggestion was a huge tree with a cave-like opening that was wide enough for a few people to enter. It didn't seem like any monsters were lurking inside as dead leaves were piled up. There were no discarded corpses inside either.
''You are a good scout. I never thought there was something so convenient inside the forest.'' Artemia offered honest praise.
''Really, what is with this dungeon? If there was a light-like setting sun, I could still accept it, but I didn't think it could accurately make dusk into night.'' Isabella muttered with an amazed voice as she looked up into the sky that was dyed a fiery orange because of the setting sun.
''As I said, it's meaningless to think about every single thing in a dungeon,'' Alex said while making an exasperated sigh.
Artemia chuckled while Isabella was forced to stop acting like a country bumpkin.
After making a campfire, the three sat around it. They ate and drunk some light vine.
Because Artemia had some devices set up around the camp that would act as alarms, it became unnecessary for them to take turns and guard.
''It seems you are feeling sleepy, Isabella, so go to sleep,'' Artemia suggested after seeing the sleepy Isabella.
Of course, Isabella was going to admit that she was feeling sleepy; if she did that, it would be admitting that she was a failure as Artemia's knight.
''No, your highness, I'm not feeling sleepy at all. I shall stay here and guard you.'' As expected, Isabella's answer was a denial. Artemia could only chuckle.
''What are you thinking about?" Artemia asked Alex, who stayed silent since the moment they finished eating.
''Oh! Nothing important.'' Alex responded.
There was a mischievous glint that passed through Artemia's eyes.
''You are thinking about your fiancée? You missed the feeling of her smooth skin?" She teased him.
Alex looked at Artemia with a blank look on his face.
Artemia ignored Isabella, who had a surprised expression on her face after hearing her words.
''What with that look?" Artemia asked, seeing that Alex was still giving her the blank stare.
''For a dignified princess, you don't act like a one. You seem angelic at first, but after interacting with you, I know you are nothing but angelic.'' Alex said with a smile.
Even though Isabella found Alex's comment to be rude, she didn't say anything.
On the other hand, Artemia, who heard Alex's words, had a blank look on her face for a second before she burst into laughter.
''It's good now that you smile. I don't know what you were thinking about to make such a face, but I know it is going to fine. If you consider me as a friend, then I will gladly help you when you would need me. Don't keep everything for yourself; share it with others. This way, your burdens will feel lighter and easy to carry.'' With a bright smile, Artemia announced.
Isabella nodded her head while Alex smiled at Artemia.
''Thank you, your highness. I will gladly ask for your help when I will need it,'' he promised.
''Can you tell me a bit about your world? I'm intrigued. I want to know how your world looks compared to ours.'' Artemia said she was curious about Alex's and the others' world, a world said without Magic. How fascinating. Being born into a world of Magic, Artemia didn't know how a world without magic would feel.
''Our world? Why not. Earth is...''
Alex told the duo about Earth's history. The girls were excited to learn about Earth's fascinating history.
And with this, the party spent their first night in the dungeon.
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