Arifureta: From Whelp to Dragonlord

Part 29: Guryuu-en Great Volcano

Guryuu-en Great Volcano

It is situated 800 kilometers to the north of the Dukedom of Ancadi. From what could be seen, it was a huge mountain five kilometers in diameter and 3,000 meters in altitude. It didn't have a cone-like appearance similar to those of normal active volcanos. It has a dome-like, flat top made of lava, and it would be more appropriate to call it a gigantic hill than a mountain. However, the altitude and scale were just abnormal.

The Guryuu-en Great Volcano was commonly known as one of the Seven Great Dungeons. However, unlike «Orcus Great Dungeon», it wasn't much visited by adventurers. It was because of the danger inside and how troublesome it was. In addition, unlike the «Orcus Great Dungeon», demonic beasts from whom the magic stones were gathered were scarce... those were the basic reasons, but the foremost was actually because only a few people were capable of reaching the entrance.

The reason was,

"... It looks just like Laputa."

"... Laputa?"

Hajime unconsciously muttered while recalling the scene from that masterpiece anime, which made Yue and the other girls look at him with questioning glances. Hajime only shrugged his shoulders and watched the gigantic swirling sandstorm from on Bahamut's back.

That's right, just like how the floating castle was wrapped by a cumulonimbus cloud, the Guryuu-en Great Volcano was wrapped by a gigantic, swirling sandstorm. The storm's scale was so huge that it completely hid the Guryuu-en Great Volcano, and the tornados of the sandstorm were just like a flowing wall.

Moreover, a large amount of demonic beasts such as Sandworms were lurking inside the sandstorm below, and they would mercilessly make surprise attacks within the place that had a limited range of view. Thus, Hajime could only nod at the tale where people with average ability wouldn't be able to pass through the sandstorm, and into Guryuu-en Great Volcano.

"I am glad we aren't walking here."

"Indeed, even I wouldn't want to enter it with my own body."

"That's a first..."

Looking at the giant sandstorm from Bahamut just like Hajime, Shia and Tio were grateful to the King of Dragon's aura barrier. Smiling wryly, Hajime said, "Then, let's go." and Bahamut flew into the storm. In this case, they didn't come to conquer it leisurely. There wasn't that much Serene Stone on the surface, so it was necessary to go into the untouched depth of the dungeon to obtain the amount needed. And if they go into the deepest part, there should be a shortcut similar to what they have experienced until now. As such, they would be able to immediately return to Ancadi.

Keiji, himself, wasn't interested in the safety of Ancadi's people, but he didn't mind helping them. By doing so, he would at least not feel guilty towards his companion, Kaori, nor would he let Myuu see a spectacle that would bring great shock to her.

While thinking this, Keiji flew into a gigantic sandstorm.

Inside the sandstorm was a world painted in brown. Just like in the fog of Halteena Sea of Trees, it was hard to see ahead. It was also capable of influencing one's physical condition, so it might be more troublesome than that fog. Thus, even using magic, breaking through this place filled with hidden demonic beasts was indeed virtually impossible.

Light coming from Bahamut's blue eyes and markings cut through the dim place where the sunlight could not reach. Their speed was 50 mph. If the information they got before was accurate, they would break through the sandstorm within minutes.

And at that time, Shia's rabbit ears stood straight and Hajime also reacted, one beat after her. "Brace yourself!," Hajime raised his voice, and grandly held onto one of the King's crown horns.