These Demons Do it for Free

Chapter 62

“So, Luke, why were you wandering around alone?”

Apart from novices, from the regular rank onward, explorers are evaluated based on their ability to survive solo on each floor.

In other words, once someone is deemed capable of surviving alone on the first floor, they officially receive the regular rank as a true explorer.

Therefore, a senior explorer should be more than capable of navigating the second floor alone.

But that’s the standard for typical circumstances.

In unusual situations like this one, those standards may not apply.

“I was out investigating the current situation.”

“Investigating?”

“Yes, I’m directly affiliated with the Alliance.”

Being directly affiliated with the Alliance could mean two things.

One, it could mean that the person hasn’t joined any other group or has no intention of joining one, so they work solely for the Alliance.

The second possibility is that the Alliance has specifically contracted them, assigning them various tasks.

While Ray and Leif were examples of the former, Luke was the latter.

“Hmph... Would they really entrust such an important task to someone of senior rank?”

Ray openly expressed her doubts.

Luke, however, remained calm, not showing any signs of offense.

“I understand. It’s natural to be skeptical. But the truth is, the Alliance doesn’t have as many resources as you might think.”

According to Luke, the number of people the Alliance could rely on was limited, and even fewer were available for immediate dispatch because many were already deployed elsewhere.

That actually made sense.

From an explorer’s point of view, there’s no real need to work for the Alliance, especially for high-ranking individuals.

While the Alliance offers stability and good support, the higher the rank, the more those benefits start to feel like shackles.

Besides, support isn’t exclusive to the Alliance. Large guilds or schools often provide similar resources.

Some say that guilds operating on the front lines have a better understanding of the needs in the field and can offer more appropriate support.

“And though it’s not exactly my style to say this, I’m fairly capable. From the Alliance’s perspective, I was the optimal choice.”

He sounded convincing.

Plus, rather than fleeing when he sensed a battle nearby, Luke chose to help.

If he were some scavenger looking to loot the bodies of dead explorers, his equipment wouldn’t be so professional.

‘His gear is too focused on combat.’

Scavengers usually pack light, prioritizing escape and evasion.

They’d carry smoke bombs and other tools to avoid fights rather than confront them.

Luke’s loadout, however, was the standard setup for someone expecting combat.

“Alright, I understand.”

When I accepted Luke’s explanation, he brought up another point.

“By the way, are all three of you novices? If you’ve just graduated from the training center, your probation period for regular promotion shouldn’t be over yet, right?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

There’s a mandatory three-month probation period.

No matter how skilled someone is, they aren’t allowed to apply for promotion until this period is over.

Apparently, there have been too many cases where overly confident novices rushed into the Abyss after promotion, only to die tragically because they didn’t fully understand the dangers.

That’s why the probation period exists—so they can learn through experience.

“No matter how skilled you are, this place is dangerous for novices. Sometimes, situations arise that can only be dealt with through experience, no matter how much skill you possess.”

Luke was firm in his warning, especially considering the current situation.

“You should head back up. I’ll guide you. I’ve already secured a gate leading to the first floor.”

Compared to the muscle-brained beastfolk beside me, who saw toxic tolerance as a strength test, Luke wasn’t so bad.

As we continued down the path, Luke commented,

“There are fewer monsters around here, probably because the area was recently cleared out. This strengthens my theory.”

“Your theory? About what?”

“Hm...”

Luke hesitated, as if unsure whether to share this information.

But after a moment, he spoke up.

“I suspect this situation is due to a layer outbreak.”

“A layer outbreak?”

The term referred to when monsters moved from one floor to another, something that wasn’t supposed to happen.

Layer breaches occur through hidden paths rather than gates, making them a natural disaster that explorers can’t prevent.

“But is that even possible? The third floor...”

“Damn.”

“What is it?”

Before I could finish my question, Luke suddenly spoke, followed by a sigh.

He pointed to a section of the wall.

A deep gouge was carved into the stone, with faint, glittering dust left behind.

“It’s the mark of a Sentinel. This wasn’t its territory before, but it seems someone provoked it.”

“Sentinel? You mean the Ceramic Centaur?”

“That’s what it’s also called.”

No, “Ceramic Centaur” is its official name, while Sentinel is just a nickname used by explorers.

Wasn’t this the same guy who was so keen on emphasizing the importance of foundations? How can he mess this up?

‘Actually, considering that the official name was given by scholars who study the Abyss and that Sentinel is a term coined by explorers who actually venture into the Abyss, maybe the latter has more credibility.’

My internal debate was interrupted by Ray’s excited voice.

“A Sentinel! That’s one of the strongest creatures on the second floor, right?”

“Not the strongest, but it’s definitely one of the toughest. Their strength varies from individual to individual.”

“Still! It’s strong, right? I really want to fight one. Roman, what do you think?”

As the team leader, the final decision rested with me, not Luke.

Although Luke acted as something of a guide, he was still just a guest member.

“Think carefully, Roman. Sentinels are formidable opponents. There’s no guarantee we can defeat one with just the three of us. I know a way around it. It’s safer to avoid a fight. Curiosity is the essence of exploration, but sometimes it can cost you your life.”

Luke’s words flowed smoothly, revealing his reluctance to face the Sentinel.

I was torn.

Rationally, I knew Luke’s advice was sound.

But the desire to face a powerful enemy tempted me.

‘If I defeat such a strong opponent, could I elevate my rank?’

The fastest way to improve your rank is through battle with powerful foes.

You can also rise through meditation and self-reflection, but that’s a much slower process.

“Um... Roman?”

“Yeah?”

“Well...”

Leif approached me carefully and whispered something in my ear.

Her words tipped the balance in my mind.

“We’re going.”