437 Dungeon Conqueror Zero (1/2)

Furious. That was the only word Zero could use to describe his friends when he returned.

”I'm sorry,” Zero apologised but Truen was still angry. Bob held his breath and so did Jermine. Nobody said it aloud but Zero stank badly. What had he been doing in that dungeon?

Truen was angry at Zero's attempt to ditch them for an adventurer of his own. He wasn't happy when they got locked out of the dungeon and had to evacuate the camp area when it started to collapse. He was more furious at the audacity Zero had to block out communications. One side of him was proud that his friend conquered a dungeon all by himself. Zero was definitely mature enough and strong enough to handle dangers on his own. However, old habits die hard and the archer was worried sick when he didn't hear anything from Zero.

He was sorry, truly sorry. Truen had all the right to be angry but Zero just wanted to keep his friends safe. He didn't want to hurt the archer's pride by telling him the truth about the mana-siphoning dungeon after witnessing Bob become incredibly weak after dealing with some low-level scorpions. Truen was strong but unlike Zero, he was still vulnerable. Sure, nothing might happen to the archer if they entered the dungeon together but Zero thought it was easier this way. He would rather get nagged about this than risk his friend's safety. That sandfish shaman would have been tricky to handle even for Truen who was only a B rank adventurer.

Truen sighed. Zero was starting to zone out. Maybe he was being too harsh on the kid. With a slight smile, he placed his hand on Zero's head and patted him.

”Regardless, I must say that you've done a good job. Officially clearing a dungeon all on your own is quite the feat. You should be proud of yourself, Dungeon Conqueror Zero.”

The praise came rather unexpectedly so Zero didn't register it until a few seconds later. Then, a rosy pink appeared on Zero's cheeks.

”I-I'm going to take a bath!” he announced and swiftly ran away to build his bath underground with earth and water magic.

Truen shook his head at how flustered Zero was. Then again, it wasn't too surprising. The doctor stank quite badly as if he had been wrestling in poop all day. The only time Truen remembered Zero willing to take a bath was when he had to look presentable. The boy had really grown up and it was now time that the archer resolved himself to stop treating Zero like a child.

”How many beetles did Zero kill?” Jermine couldn't help but ask. These scarabs just kept pouring out from Zero's inventory and they never stopped coming. Mii was very productive even though Wii and Lily were slowly dying in the mindscape. The smell was so bad that both fairies had opted to use nose clips while they worked and breathed through their mouths.

Truen came to help them out and checked on the grilled sandfish. The monster must have been at least five times bigger than Zero because the doctor only gave them a portion of lizard fillet for the grill. Yet, it was enough for a feast. Just how many enemies did Zero fight in that dungeon? Truen might never know.

Dinner was more relaxed and Zero kept checking on the sandstorm above them. It was still going strong so they would still be trapped for a few more days. With enough excitement and adventure for a while, Zero decided to take things easy. He now had a new summon and there was the introduction of Penelope to the village.