Rance has burned through most of his money on women and his household is drowning in taxes and bills. Sill convinces him to take a job through the Keith Guild, and wanting to keep Sill out of danger, Rance brings Athena 2.0 as his partner instead. The assignment is at Happiness Pharmaceutical: two weeks ago a cave opened beneath the factory and monsters began attacking workers. The company's security guards offer 150,000 gold to whoever stops the attacks — but Rance and Athena 2.0 are the ninth adventuring team to accept, with only four of the previous eight still active. Rance explores the office, dormitories, and the two-floor underground complex, gathering clues from guards Conan and Kontama, scientists Rose and Joseph, and the president's daughter Eline. Among rival adventurers: the monk Genri, Bird Lithfie and his partner Kisara Copri, and the reserved Arnie Rolento. The mysterious Pink Mask intervenes at critical moments to help them escape danger. When one adventurer is murdered, Rance and Athena must clear their names and uncover the truth behind the attacks.