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Catgirls And Dungeons (Yuri)-Chapter 69: Registering the quest
As we approach the registration counter, we're greeted by a cute Fox Furren in a professional Adventurer's Guild uniform—a dark green suit paired with a neatly tied black bowtie. Her fluffy orange tail sways slightly behind her, and her long, perky ears twitch at our arrival. Her short bobbed hair frames her face perfectly, making her look both sharp and approachable.
Her name, Emma, is displayed on a small golden nameplate pinned to her suit.
"We'd like to take this quest, please," Eris says, handing over the quest paper we pulled from the board.
Emma flashes a polite, professional smile. "Of course. May I have your ID, please?"
"Sure," Eris replies, casually fishing out her forged ID from her pocket and passing it over.
Emma takes a moment to examine both the quest paper and Eris's ID. However, as expected of an experienced Guild staff member, her eyes immediately flicker with suspicion.
Not with the ID though.
But the quest itself.
Her fluffy tail stiffens slightly, and she leans forward, lowering her voice.
"Erm… are you sure you want to take this quest? Lake Vanessa isn't exactly the safest place…"
There's a genuine concern in her voice.
Eris remains unfazed. "Yes, is there a problem?"
Emma hesitates, glancing around to make sure no one else is listening before subtly gesturing for us to come closer. She leans out of her booth, lowering her voice to a near whisper.
"I'm breaking Guild policy by saying this, but… this quest is a scam!" Her eyes flick between us anxiously. "It may be labeled as a D-rank quest, but honestly? I wouldn't take it unless I was at least C-rank! Ms. Eris, you're only E-rank. If you go to Lake Vanessa, you might not make it back."
Wow…
That impresses me, my heart feels a bit warm.
To think there's a guild receptionist like this… genuinely caring about other people.
I hope Guildmaster Karl gives her a raise soon.
"Thank you," Eris replies smoothly, "but there's no problem."
"Huh?"
Emma blinks, her fluffy ears twitching in confusion.
"Wait… didn't you hear what I just said? Lake Vanessa—"
"Actually—" Eris suddenly leans in closer and whispers something directly into Emma's ear.
…
I can't hear a word of it.
But whatever she said—
Emma's entire expression shifts.
Her eyes widen, and she gasps slightly.
"Ahh, I see!" A bright smile replaces her previous concern, and she straightens up cheerfully. "Then, I'll register you for this quest right away!"
Huh?!
WHAT???!
Just like that???
I'm dumbfounded!
"Thanks!" Eris grins as Emma rummages beneath the counter for the necessary paperwork.
And then, within minutes, everything is sorted.
"Thank you for taking the quest! Please stay safe, and good luck!" Emma chimes with a renewed enthusiasm.
After exchanging thanks, we step out of the Adventurer's Guild and into the open air.
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Moments later, as we are now outside.
"Eris, what did you say to Emma earlier that makes her change her attitude?" I ask.
My tail is being restless.
My curiosity is eating me alive!
Eris just winks. "Hehe, it's a secret."
"Aaaah! Eris!" I pout dramatically, crossing my arms as I glare at her.
Stareeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee...
Eris snickers, shaking her head in defeat. "A-alright, alright! Geez, look at you, staring like that."
She leans in close and whispers, "It's nothing special. I just told her that I wanted to take you sightseeing, that's all."
Eh?
Sightseeing?
Oh!
"Right! You told me that Lake Vanessa is really pretty!" I exclaim, feeling a spark of excitement.
"Yup, it really is," Eris nods.
From Emma's perspective, it must have seemed like we were only taking the quest to admire the scenery, not actually fight anything.
No life-threatening battles. No monster ambushes. Just a casual stroll through a beautiful, scenic lake.
But… something about it still doesn't add up.
Did Emma really believe that?
I narrow my eyes further. "Reeeally?"
Eris tilts her head innocently, wearing a smug little smile. "What? You don't believe me?"
She ruffles my hair, laughing.
"It… can't be that simple right?"
"Haha, look at you, when did you get so smart?" she laughs. "Alright. Sightseeing aside, the main reason I took the quest is to prevent other E rank adventurers taking it!"
My ears perk up.
"OOoooh! Now that's a good answer!"
"I know, right?" Eris winks.
I grin.
So, the real reason for Eris to take this quest is so that some poor, unsuspecting newbie wouldn't be walking straight into a death trap.
Honestly, that's kinda cool.
But then—
"Hey," I squint, "what do you mean 'when did you get so smart'?!"
Eris bursts out laughing.
"Haha, yes, yes, you're always smart, Felicia."
"Hmph! That's more like it!"
She then smirks mischievously. "Alright then, smart girl, do you remember the ten dungeon safety rules?"
"Nn!" I nod enthusiastically, puffing up my chest before proudly reciting everything I've learned.
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Earlier, on our way here, Eris already told me about the rules.
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10 Essential Dungeon Safety Rules
It's to ensure survival and success for all adventurers venturing into the depths of unknown dungeons:
1. Never Go Alone
Dungeons are unpredictable and can be filled with hidden threats—ambushes, traps, or deadly monsters. A lone adventurer is easy prey. Always venture with a balanced party to cover individual weaknesses and boost survival odds.
2. Double-Check the Dungeon
Because new dungeons appear constantly, confirm you're entering the correct one. Carefully read any posted signs or ask nearby Knights and Guild staff. If a dungeon is missing its sign or seems unmarked, do not enter—report it. It could be newly formed, unstable, or far more hazardous than expected.
3. Have an Escape Plan
Before stepping inside, make sure you have multiple ways out. Mark pathways, keep teleport scrolls at the ready, or memorize key landmarks. Adventurers who charge in without a backup route tend to become another grim statistic.
4. Study & Prepare Thoroughly
Knowledge is power. Research the dungeon's layout, monsters, and potential hazards beforehand. Talk to seasoned adventurers, review Guild intel, or buy detailed maps. Also, maintain your gear in top condition, checking for damage and stocking up on essentials. Always double-check your inventory—small oversights can be fatal.
5. Don't Touch Unknown Objects
Mysterious artifacts, glowing flora, or random items on the ground can be cursed, trapped, or even hidden monsters. Always be cautious when interacting with unfamiliar objects; a moment's carelessness can spell disaster.
6. Manage Resources Wisely
Your supplies—food, potions, mana reserves, torches, and weapon durability—are limited. Conserve them, and don't waste healing items on minor injuries. Save your energy for times of true peril.
7. Be Aware of the Dungeon Ecosystem
Dungeons have an internal balance. Killing too many weaker creatures might draw out more powerful predators; stealing rare materials could awaken guardians. Using excessive magic can trigger hidden consequences. Understand these dynamics before rushing in.
8. Trust Your Instincts
If the atmosphere suddenly feels heavy, or an unnatural silence sets in, heed the warning. Many adventurers perish because they ignore that nagging sense of danger screaming at them to retreat.
9. Watch Out for Other Adventurers
Not every threat comes from beasts. Rival parties, bandits, or criminals often lurk within dungeons, posing as allies or waiting to ambush. Be cautious and only trust those with proven reputations.
Lastly, rule 10. Nothing Is Worth Your Life
No treasure or relic justifies losing your life. If a situation looks grim, abandon greed and focus on surviving. The dead don't spend gold, and no artifact is worth becoming just another skeleton.