Chapter 17: The Sandwiches
After defeating the Giant Earthworm, we took a rest.
We had only just entered the dungeon and weren’t tired, but setting up camp early was a habit from my adventurer days.
Exploring a dungeon with an exhausted body is the height of folly; if you run into a powerful monster, you’ll be in deep trouble. Also, when your brain and body are extremely fatigued, you can fall for simple traps that you would normally see through.
Many adventurers have died by falling into a simple trap after defeating a legendary dragon.
It was an ironclad rule to take frequent breaks so as not to become a laughingstock for future generations.
Besides, in a dungeon you’re visiting for the first time, it’s also important to set up camp early and check for water and fuel in the surrounding area. We carry water with us, of course, but it’s not infinite, so procuring it locally is the basic rule. The same goes for fuel.
So, we quickly set up a tent and went to search for a water source with Fina.
Since it was a dungeon in a hot spring area, there was an infinite supply of mineral-rich hot water, but finding regular water was proving difficult.
Hot spring water is still water, but it’s the hardest of hard water, so it’s difficult to drink directly.
“Well, in the worst-case scenario, we can just use the ‘Purify’ spell.”
“Indeed, and there’s also the option of asking the water spirit Undine for help.”
“Yeah. But, well, it’s also fun to look for a regular water source. We have plenty of time.”
“That’s true. It’s not a problem that needs to be solved today or tomorrow.”
“Exactly. Our basic policy is to slowly head for the deepest part while looking for a new source.”
As we talked and searched, we found a spot that didn’t smell of sulfur.
It seemed my wife had sensed the presence of a water spirit.
“So there is a regular spring here after all.”
“Yes.”
“This used to be a large public bathhouse. I thought there would also be facilities to quench the thirst of the masses soaking in the tubs.”
“You have a keen eye.”
“That small room we found earlier was an ancient freezer. They probably made things like ice cream, too.”
“Oh, my.”
“Really, the people of the ancient magical civilization were happy.”
With that conclusion, we arrived at the spring.
What we found was an ancient drinking fountain.
There was a statue of a beautiful priestess carrying a jar on her shoulder. Water was gushing out of the priestess’s jar. I licked it, and there was no sign of contamination. It was fresh, soft water.
“Alright, with this much fresh water, we can stay in the dungeon for as long as we want.”
“That’s right. The fact that there are monsters means there’s an ecosystem. In other words, we can secure food as well.”
“Exactly. Fina, do you know the urban legend of the worm burger?”
“…I don’t want to hear it.”
Fina turned her nose up at me, seeming not to even want to imagine it.
“Well, I’m just kidding. I saw a cluster of mushrooms growing on the side of the path earlier. Since it’s a hot spring area, there’s probably Unohana mushrooms and the like. Those are quite delicious.”
“They’re a little gamey, but they’re full of nutrients.”
“Exactly. At least you don’t have to worry about starving to death, so let’s push on deeper.”
“Yes.”
And so, Fina and I secured a large amount of water and returned to the tent.
There, we ate the sandwiches Mia had prepared for us.
I had the tuna and egg, and Fina had the mushroom sandwich.
The sandwiches we ate underground were very delicious.
