Mobuseka:Leon's Adventure

What is known about dungeons in this world?

For some, they are mysterious places filled with treasures from ancient, long-lost civilizations. For others, they're an opportunity to achieve fame—conquering even a single dungeon can make you a star, someone the entire kingdom talks about.

But there are those for whom dungeons represent something entirely different: a threat, nests of monsters that periodically launch raids. Hundreds of powerful creatures attack nearby villages and towns, leaving behind destruction and death.

At the same time, the world is home to ordinary monsters, unconnected to dungeons. However, the difference between them is stark. Monsters from dungeons have neither blood nor internal organs. After their deaths, no bodies remain—only special crystals highly valued on the market and worth a fortune.

Despite their material value, dungeon monsters bring more harm than good. Their raids wreak havoc, and for this reason, the kingdom places great emphasis on supporting adventurers. They are the main shield against the growing population of dungeon-born creatures.

To keep adventurers, especially noble groups, under control, overseers are often appointed. These individuals track the number and types of monsters killed, ensuring tasks are completed properly.

Nevertheless, most venture into dungeons not to fight threats but for treasures or the thrill of danger. For some, it's a matter of honor and respect for the kingdom's founders, as adventuring has long become part of the culture in the nation of Holford.

But our heroes… They didn't come here for wealth, fame, or duty. You could say they were simply looking for fun and a way to take a break from their daily routine.

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"Are you out of your mind?!" shouted Barcus, glaring at his younger brother. "Why did we come to the Tskhin Dungeon? It's the most dangerous place in the entire kingdom!"

Standing next to him was Nyx, his older brother, who nodded in agreement:

"Barcus is right. This place is way too dangerous, and we've even brought Colin along…"

"Exactly," Barcus continued, "especially since we brought Colin. This is madness!"

"Oh, quit whining, you cowards!" Leon, the youngest of the brothers, scoffed. "The most dangerous dungeon, you say? It just has a few more monsters. You're blowing this way out of proportion!"

"You clearly have issues with rational thinking, Lord Viscount," Arthur chimed in, displeasure evident in his tone. Like Barcus and Nyx, he wasn't thrilled with Leon's decision. "That dungeon has ten times more monsters than any other! It's suicide when there are only five of us. It would barely be manageable with fifty…"

Leon just smirked, pointing behind him.

"Do you think I dragged all this gear for nothing?" Behind him, six massive backpacks were piled high, stuffed to the brim.

In comparison, the others had brought only small bags with essentials: food, water, medicines, and a few other necessities.

"How do you even plan to carry all that?" Nyx asked skeptically, eyeing his brother. "Even with strengthening magic, moving around with all that will be a nightmare."

"Who said I'd be carrying it?" Leon grinned, pulling six small round objects from his pocket that resembled metallic plates.

"And what good are plates supposed to do?" Barcus frowned. "Planning to have a picnic?"

"Oh, speaking of which, I'm kind of hungry," Colin, the youngest of their group, suddenly piped up. "We haven't eaten anything since morning…"

Leon patted his younger brother on the head, smiling warmly.

"We'll eat in an hour, Colin. Hang in there."

"Fine…" the boy grumbled reluctantly.

Meanwhile, Leon returned to the backpacks, placing one of the "plates" under each. A few seconds later, the backpacks slowly floated into the air and, as if guided by invisible servants, began to follow him.

"Amazing!" Arthur exclaimed, clearly impressed. "Any chance I could buy one of those gadgets?"

"We'll discuss that later," Leon replied, rubbing his hands with a satisfied expression.

"Wow, that's so cool!" Colin exclaimed with genuine admiration.

"Maybe you could carry my bag too?" Nyx joked, glancing at the levitating loads.

Barcus, however, said nothing. His face remained serious.

"Well then," Leon declared, heading toward the dungeon's entrance. "No time to waste. Let's move!"

The others, including Colin, reluctantly followed. Arguments and pleas to turn back ceased as they reached the dungeon's entrance. There, they were greeted by a group of sixty goblins.

"Get ready!" Barcus shouted, drawing his sword. The others quickly followed suit, preparing for battle.

But before the fight could begin, a small bundle flew toward the goblins. Moments later, a powerful explosion echoed through the air. Half of the enemies were killed instantly, and the rest were seriously injured.

Everyone stared at Leon in shock as he lowered his hand after throwing the explosive. His face showed no joy, only cold determination.

"Goblins are goblins, no matter where they are," he said.

Before this, long before Leon had "joined forces," the second heir to the Leor family had spent a lot of time in the library. There, he had come across a book titled The Monster Encyclopedia, which detailed goblin behavior.

There are two types of goblins: dungeon-born goblins and regular ones. The difference lies in how they reproduce. Regular goblins breed naturally, often by abducting women of other races. Dungeon goblins, on the other hand, have no need for offspring, but they still commit acts of violence against their victims.

Staring at the goblin corpses, Leon added,

"A good goblin is a dead goblin. Or one that was never born in the first place."