Catgirls And Dungeons-Chapter 169: New S rank dungeon?

On our way to the Adventurer’s Guild, we weave through the bustling morning streets of Mistvale, the air alive with the chatter of vendors and the sizzle of street food. My fluffy catgirl ears twitch at every sound, and my tail swishes as we pause at a stall to grab breakfast—a quick snack of grilled fish on sticks, then dried squid dusted with fiery spices, and finally, a big ice cream cone drowned in sticky syrup.

Compared to yesterday, my sense of taste has perked up a tiny bit, like a faint spark in a dim room, but it’s still not enough to savor the full burst of flavors. After yesterday’s chili disaster—yowch!—I’m careful not to overdo the spices.

Now that I think about it, the salt is such a sneaky trap. If I add enough to taste it, it might be too much for my poor heart to handle. So, ironically, the safest thing I can eat right now... is sugar.

Ice cream, piled high with syrupy sweetness, is my best bet.

But that brings a whole new problem...

"Aaaaahhhh... Eris... I’m crashingggg~~~" I wail, my voice dragging like a weary traveler’s, my body slumping against her as if my bones have turned to jelly. My tail droops, limp as a wilted flower, and my ears sag, too heavy to perk up. The world feels sluggish, the vibrant streets blurring into a hazy watercolor.

Just moments ago, the sugar rush had me buzzing like a hyperactive orange cat! I was ready to sprint through Mistvale, leap over carts, and climb every lamppost in sight. My ears were perked to the sky, my tail flailing like a banner of chaos, and I was practically bouncing off the cobblestones, giggling and twirling as Eris laughed beside me. I felt invincible, like I could take on a dungeon single-handedly!

But now? Daaaaang.

The crash hits like a boulder dropped from a cliff, and my eyelids droop, heavier than a dragon’s hoard. My legs wobble, each step a monumental effort, and all I want is to curl up in a sunny patch of grass and nap for a week.

"Come on, Felicia, we’re almost there!" Eris laughs, her voice bright and teasing as she loops an arm around me, keeping me from face-planting onto the uneven pavement. Her tail flicks playfully, and her warmth steadies me, like a lifeline in my sugar-induced fog.

"Alright, let’s grab the ID, then take a nap!" I mumble, forcing my wobbly legs to move, my tail dragging behind me.

"Sure thing!" Eris chirps, her grin as sunny as the morning sky, giving my arm a gentle tug to keep me going.

And with that, I push myself forward, one sluggish step at a time, my head swimming in a haze of sugar and sleepiness. The promise of my Identification Card—and a nap—keeps me moving, even as my body begs to flop onto the nearest bench.

Oh god...

High on sugar, low on energy... that’s literally the worst feeling ever!

I promise to never touch ice cream again!

———————-

As we approach the Adventurer’s Guild, my tail sways lazily, still heavy from my sugar crash, and my fluffy catgirl ears twitch at the lively hum of Mistvale’s streets. But before we can step inside, we skid to a halt.

For some reason, a massive crowd has gathered—thousands of people swarming in front of the Guild like a festival gone wild! Adventurers in glittering armor, merchants with carts, and curious townsfolk chatter loudly, their voices blending into a chaotic buzz that makes my ears twitch.

"Eris, what’s happening? Is there a festival going on or something?" I mumble, rubbing my sleepy eyes, my tail flicking in confusion as I scan the crowd, catching glints of armor and the flash of swords and spears and many other weapons.

"Oh," Eris says, her voice suddenly sharp. Her tail stiffens, and her eyes narrow, scanning the throng. "Seems like something’s up in the dungeons. Let’s go check it out."

"Nn!" I nod, my ears perking up as my sugar fog clears, replaced by a spark of curiosity.

I shuffle closer to Eris, my tail brushing her leg as we wade into the crowd, dodging elbows and stepping over scattered gear, the air thick with the scent of sweat, leather, and metal.

On our way, Eris spots a nearby adventurer—a wolf Furren man with long blue hair cascading over his armored shoulders, his fluffy tail swaying. He’s clad in gleaming steel, a small shield strapped to his arm and a short iron sword hanging at his waist.

Eris grabs his attention with a quick wave.

"Hey, mister, what’s going on here?" she asks.

"Haven’t you heard?" the wolf Furren replies, his golden eyes glinting with excitement. "There’s a new S-rank dungeon!"

"What? An S-rank dungeon?" Eris echoes, her brows shooting up.

"Yeah! It’s got everyone riled up!" The wolf Furren nods eagerly, his tail wagging.

And immediately, my stomach churns, my heart rate spikes, jolting me awake from my sleepy sugar crash.

Oh shit....

I clutch Eris’s sleeve, my claws digging into the fabric as I tug her closer, my voice a shaky whisper. "Wait, Eris..." I stammer, my eyes wide with panic. "You think... this is Morvena’s dungeon?" My tail quivers, and I bite my lip, my mind racing with dread.

Eris told me she sealed Morvena’s dungeon entrace back with a massive icy boulder.

But what if other adventurers found it? What if they broke through?

If this is Morvena’s dungeon, we’re in big trouble—catastrophic trouble!

"Hmm, let me ask," Eris murmurs, her voice steady as she turns back to the wolf Furren. "Do you know where this dungeon is?"

Meanwhile, my mind races, and my claws dig into Eris’s sleeve as I pray.

Please not Vanessa! Please not the Vanessa Dungeon!

"Oh, it’s to the north!" the wolf Furren says, his voice bright as he gestures vaguely toward the horizon, his shield glinting with the motion. "Somewhere in the Starspire Range, up on the highest peaks!"

Phewww!

I heave a deep sigh, my shoulders slumping as my tail uncurls, swaying with relief.

The North! Up in the mountains! Morvena’s dungeon is way out west of Mistvale, so this new S-rank dungeon is definitely not hers.

So we’re safe—for now. My ears perk up, and I let out a shaky breath, my heart slowing to a steadier rhythm.

"So it’s on the Starspire huh?" Eris murmurs. "Do you know what it’s like inside the dungeon?" she asks again.

"No idea," the wolf Furren admits, scratching his ear. "It was just discovered yesterday by the Celestial Hounds. No one’s dared to enter yet, and the guild’s recruiting folks for an exploration team."

"Oh, I see..." Eris hums, her voice thoughtful, her gaze drifting to the crowd.

Right... This should be the proper response.

This is an S rank dungeon we’re talking about.

The more dangerous the dungeon, the more preparation it demands. An S-rank dungeon is no joke.

I chew my lip, my tail swaying nervously. Now that I think about it, maybe only someone as reckless as Alter—that crazy catgirl—would dive into an S-rank dungeon without a plan!

My body shivers as I think back about what happened.

Damn, what a nutcase!

"But the Celestial Hounds?" Eris mutters, her brow furrowing.

"Aren’t they the top guild in the whole Eldenwald Kingdom? What the heck are they doing in our Löwenberg Duchy?"

"Well, come one, who knows what those big shots are thinking!" the wolf Furren chuckles, his tail wagging as he grins. "All I care about is the jobs this brings! Ladies," he adds, his voice brimming with excitement, "if you’re above D-rank, you could snag a spot on the expedition team! They’re paying handsomely—especially if you’ve got support skills!"

"Right," Eris says, nodding politely. "So you are signing up to join the expedition?"

"Absolutely! I’m actually a C rank adventurer! I’m hoping to bring back some good money to finally get rid of our mortgage payments!"

"Haha, what a great husband you are! Your wife must be so happy!" Eris ."Well, thanks for the info! And good luck with your quest!"

"You’re welcome!" the wolf Furren calls, waving as he melts back into the crowd.

As the conversation ends, Eris tugs me gently by the hand, her fingers warm and steady, and we slip deeper into the throng, the buzz of voices washing over us. My tail flicks nervously, and I squeeze her hand, my ears drooping slightly.

"Eris... are you gonna join this expedition?" I ask, my voice small, barely audible over the crowd’s clamor.

Knowing Eris, she might be thinking to go, to explore that S rank dungeon and get stronger.

Part of me wants to go with her, to prove I’m not just a weakling tagging along. But deep down, I know I’m not ready. I’d only slow her down...

My heart sinks, and I bite my lip, my claws tightening around her hand.

But then, unexpectedly...

"Nah," Eris says, her voice light and firm, like a sunny day breaking through clouds. She flashes me a grin, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "I’m not going anywhere. I’ve gotta train you and wait for Alter to wake up! Plus, I’m way too excited about our new house!" She gives my hand a reassuring squeeze. "So let’s just grab your ID and get outta here!"

Hearing that, relief and joy floods my chest.

"Nn!" I nod, my tail swishing, a smile blooming across my face.

So Eris is not going... I’m happy!

My ears perk up, and the weight on my chest lifts, replaced by a flutter of excitement.

A new house! Our new house!

I can’t wait!

"But still... to think another S rank dungeon has appeared..." Eris murmurs, her gaze drifting upward, her eyes scanning the sky as if searching for answers in the clouds.

"Why do I have a bad feeling about this..."