Category: Hazure Skill “Alarm”, jitsuwa fūin kaijo no nōryoku deshita. Ochikobore no shōnen wa, nemuri kara sameta megami-tachi to yasashī saikyō o mezasu

Perhaps because the battle is over, the boss area is now very quiet. The cold wind of the dungeon hits my sweaty skin, making it is terribly cold.

In front of me is a nondescript stone wall. But looking more closely, I can see pillars sunken in on both sides. It looked like some kind of gate was buried here—or so it seemed.

『I feel a strong magical power ahead. 』

Solana’s words made me gulp.

If it had been yesterday, I might have unsealed it and head in without any hesitation. But that werewolf zombie monster we just fought a while ago made me hesitate.

My ability【Unseal】….

Up until now, only good things like Solana, the blue crystal short sword, and the spirits had been revived by that ability. However, considering the mythology of the kingdom, it should be that not all things that are sealed are “good”. Even the villains of the past, whom Odis-sama has sealed, are still sleeping in these dungeons.

So how can I not be hesitant? That’s a very normal reaction, right?

“What’s wrong there, Rion?”

Mia asked, breaking my thoughts

I guess she finished searching for items.

“N-nothing……”

I stood still in front of the wall, unable to move a single step.

What should I do? Should I open it?

The cause of Lu’s dream and the recurrence of the curse. That may be what lies dormant ahead. But the possibilities are endless. For example, it may be an ancient god like Solana. An item like the blue crystal short sword. Or, it may be a terrifying monster like the werewolf zombie.

Anticipation and anxiety filled me. If I turn back here, the next time I come, I will have to fight the boss monster again. I don’t want to take such a useless risk.

But that doesn’t mean I should proceed ahead directly either…

After much deliberation, I decided.

“I’ll open it, Solana.”

Even if I turn back now, one day I will still come back here and break the seal on this wall. In other words, both will be risky.

There is no such thing as a risk-free way to set my family free either.

Skill, 『Alarm 』was used. Executing【Unseal】.

The dungeon awakens.

The whole area shook along with loud rumbling sounds. Then it eventually stopped. Cracks appeared in the walls, eventually forming a hole. As if hundreds of years of old age had come all at once, the stone walls darkened and cracked open, exposing the path behind it.

There is an open path beyond the rubble.

Now it’s truly an unexplored area of the Eastern Dungeon.

“W-what’s this?”

Mia looked up at the entrance dumbfounded. Her red hair is swaying in the wind.

“This is my power, Mia.”

I turned around and told her about my skills.

“My skill, Alarm, can wake a person up feeling refreshed. However, it’s also a skill that breaks the seal of what is asleep.”

Mia seemed to have an idea of my skill. Her eyes went wide open with her mouth agape.

“The seal is the very foundation of the dungeon. Rion, you……”

“I can break it.”

Is this power really a good thing?

I’m starting to lose even that confidence.

So, I have to say it.

“Uhm, well, as you can see, beyond here is a place that no one has ever entered before. Mia-san, if you don’t want to then you….…”

“Idiot!”

Mia-san slapped me on the head with one hand.

“Ouch!””

“Don’t say that with a crying face like that. Besides, even if you tell me to go back, I’m going in there with you.”

Solana joins in.

『Right. Rion, I think that was heartless of you just now. 』

“Hoh~, I think I get along well with you.”

『Yes, yes. 』

They seem to hit it off….

『Now then, Rion. Sorry, but can you let me out? There is something I want to try now. 』

“Eh? B-but….…”

『If you’re concerned about the seal, I think it’s not a problem now. 』

Convinced by her, I used my skill. Solana then popped out of the gold coin in my pocket.

Doll-sized Solana has sparkling golden hair and bangles.

“Mmm. As expected, the area is filled with magical power, probably because we defeated a powerful monster.”

She’s right. There are still sparkling lights floating around, probably because we had defeated the werewolf zombie.

Could this be the magical power that had not been fully absorbed into the magic stone?

“It was a formidable monster after all……”

Thanks to that, Solana seems to be able to get out of the coin even deep underground.

Goddess turned to Mia.

“Nice to meet you, Mia the axeman. I’m sorry for the delay in greeting you. Thank you for helping me.”

Mia-san’s eyes lit up seeing Solana, who is at the size of a fairy.

“T-that voice I just heard before was you……?”

“Yes. I’m Solana, the goddess of the sun.”

Mia-san muttered.

“S-so cute.”

“Hn?”

“N-no, nothing. Nice to meet you.”

Mia-san’s hand and Solana’s small hand exchange an unbalanced handshake.

I cleared my throat and straightened up.

“Alright, let’s go!”

There is no light beyond that point. With just one step, it seemed as if the temperature dropped at once. It’s too cold that I could not smell anything. However, there is a feeling of silence that is peculiar to closed spaces.

“I’ll go first.”

Solana glowed faintly and illuminated the darkness.

“Thank you.”

With our heart pounding, we move forward.

It’s an area that’s been closed off for hundreds of years. It’s rare to find a place like this in a dungeon. Eventually, the cold air intensified. My earlobes start to hurt.

Mia-san’s breath also turned white.

“It’s cold.”

“Yes….…”

We eventually came out into a well-lit space. It was a cave that glowed blue. It is covered with ice on all sides.

“……Wow!”

I knew right away that it was magical ice. The walls and ceiling are encased in ice, and each piece sparkles as if a star is trapped inside it.

“I’ve never seen such a big piece of magical ice before.”

Mia-san seems to have been taken aback too.

The ice itself is glowing faintly so we no longer need a light. We are overwhelmed, but we continued forward.

Then when we got to the innermost part of the cave, it appeared.

“B-bronze statue?”

Sealed in the transparent ice were two giant bodies.

One of them, with fiery hair flying, was holding up a large hammer. The other one was preparing to block it with a large shield, his wolf-like mouth looks ready to let out a roar at any moment. The giant humanoids facing each other looked like rough works of art left behind by ancient people.

“It’s not a statue. They are the real thing.”

Solana’s voice trembled.

“I know them….. I know these people!”

Leaving a golden trail behind, her small figure approaches the ice.

“Trapped in this ice is one of the gods. Thor, the God of Thunder.”

He must easily be over two meters tall. The giant god is brandishing a hammer that is the same size as his height. His rippling muscles make it look like mountains are running through his body.

“The other is Skoll, the general of the monster army that fought against the gods.”

I felt something strange.

Or to be precise, I felt very uneasy.

The frozen giant known as Skoll. I could see something behind him.

As I got closer, I was horrified.

“M-monsters……!”

Wargs, kobolds and skeletons. Almost all the types of monsters that had appeared in the Eastern Dungeon so far had been frozen behind that Giant general.

The ice covered the area up to the ceiling and seems to be connected to the depths and even deeper underground.

“S-so this is where the monsters came from…..”

Mia-san groaned and Solana also circles the space.

“Skoll the Wolfbone. That’s what they call him, the commander of these monsters. He defeated my mother and her followers and absorbed their powers. These monsters must have been led by him.”

The two duelists are so huge that you have to look up to see them.

I can’t believe they are real.

No. In fact, was it really a myth?

“Rion, in the myths, it was said that it was a victory for the gods. But I clearly remembered that we had a hard time. But.…. since the people are thriving in this world and there is a supreme god, I thought that in the end, we had triumphed over the demon army. I believed that.”

Solana added, “I was still optimistic but……”

I felt the same way as Solana.

“You mean it was a draw?”

When I said that, Skoll’s eyes darted around.

I hurriedly pulled out his dagger and stepped back.

But when I came back to myself, the general in the ice didn’t even move a bit. It’s like I was having hallucination.

“Both of them are still alive—with a great deal of magical power left in them.”

Solana’s words reminded me of the scene when I became a believer.

With the sound of horns, the gods fought the demon army. I can still hear the sound of the horn calling to battle.

“The battle is not over yet, and the chief god Odis has sealed the gods and monsters in the dungeon. The reason for this was not to win, but because we are on the verge of losing.”

“……W-what do you mean?”

“It’s just postponement. He sealed everything in ice and put off the conclusion for 1,000 or 2,000 years.”

Then…. could it be that the monsters we fight in the dungeon are the ones who has escaped when the ice melted?

“No way….…”

I’m here to get a hint to cure Lu. But I couldn’t believe that so many monsters were hidden in the Eastern Dungeon.

At that moment, we heard footsteps behind us so we turned around.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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“W-werewolf Zombie?”

My voice is trembling.

All I could do was stare at its transformation. Darkness erupts from the entire boss area and shrinks towards the werewolf. There was a gurgling sound, like something being choked on underwater, and then the werewolf’s face appeared from the darkness, then shoulders, and eventually, its entire body crawled out. Its eyes were cloudy, and the flesh on its cheek looked slightly blistered.

It bared its fangs as if it was smiling.

Mia exclaimed.

“Rion!”

I was stunned. But luckily, I was able to jump backwards.

Just now, the werewolf zombie leapt towards me and its claws tried to pierce me. Thankfully, I was able to dodge at the last minute. Now it only pierced the air.

“I’ve dived a few times, but I’ve never seen a monster like this!”

Mia was right, there was no warning from the guild. Perhaps this is the first time it has appeared.

I’ve never heard of such a monster in the Eastern Dungeon.

『Rion, call me. 』

Solana said.

『It’s strong. Very strong.』

Fear gripped my heart.

I used the <Alarm> skill to escape. But my head started to shake.

“Eh—”

The light of the unsealing overflows from my pocket for a moment and then it disappeared. What I felt was resistance.

『It’s the seal. The power that seals us in this level is far stronger than any of the previous levels. 』

I was stunned.

The dungeon is a place where the gods have sealed monsters and relics. And the lower the level, the stronger the monsters and items become. If more powerful things lie dormant in the lower floors, it only makes sense that the seals would be stronger.

『The world is filled with sealing magic. And there are places where it’s thicker and thinner. I’d imagined it would be thicker, but never to this extent. 』

The first thing that came to mind was the story of the mountains. When climbing a tall mountain, it is said that it is difficult to breathe near the top. The same may be true for seals. The stronger it is, the more God suffers. That’s why the opportunities for them to materialize are getting shorter.

(I’ll try again.)

This time, I tried to focus even more!

『Remember, in this seal, the time for me to manifest outside is shorter. Rion, I only have one chance to unleash an attack.』

After summoning, it is meaningless if she does not defeat the monster.

“M-Mia-san!”

I frantically made a plan.

“W-we’re going to do it in a two-tier stance.”

“Huh?”

“Me and Mia will weaken the werewolf zombie, and then I’ll uhm… I’ll use a special move to kill the enemy!”

“Special move?”

I think that the werewolf zombie also have high regenerative power. All undead monsters have that ability. So, after weakening it, we’ll head straight to it. Deal damage all at once and don’t give it time to regenerate.

It was a plan based only on knowledge, but Mia-san accepted it.

“I never thought I’d meet such an interesting enemy in the Eastern Dungeon.”

With her fluttering red hair. Mia-san grins as she holds her axe. The chain wrapped around her right arm dangled.

“Looks like this will be fun!”

Mia-san swings the axe towards it but the werewolf zombie catches it with both hands. The blade dug deep into it, spraying green bodily fluids in the process.

Smoke rose from the ground where it fell.

“Poison?”

“I guess so. Mmm, it’s going to be troublesome when we get laced by this guy’s blood.”

I took a deep breath.

‘Poisoned’ is a troublesome status. Of course, we have antidote at ready, but to drink it, we need to stop fighting. The first step for an adventurer is to be able to drink medicine even when out of breath in battle. It’s best not to have that kind of opening.

“I’ll use my skill.”

Skill, 『Sun’s Divine Protection』was used. Executing 【Golden Flame】 ―――――――――――――――――――― 【Golden Flame】 …… Improves your physical abilities for a limited time.

I stepped in and accelerated. I swung my short sword at the werewolf zombie, its arm was severed and was sent flying. The werewolf zombie immediately jumped back and looked at me in shock.

But….. is it laughing?

『Regeneration huh.』

The lost arm was quickly woven back together with flesh and bone. It swung its claws smeared with poison, scattering the poison like bullets.

“It’s dangerous! Dodge!”

I dodged quickly, but Mia-san was hit.

Smoke was rising from her right arm, which was wrapped in chains. Her leather armor had also melted, and it must have reached her skin!

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. You too, don’t rub your eyes or mouth.”

Mia-san picks up her axe. She shook her head to wipe the sweat from her forehead.

“T-the longer this goes on, the worse it is for us.”

“Mmm. We have to end this battle quick.”

My heart has been beating fast for a while now.

Was I rushing too much? Was my judgement wrong?

I want to return to my calm self, but the fear of the werewolf zombie won’t let me.

“Calm down. Your sister is waiting for you, right?”

That’s right.

The image of Lu and Mom appeared in my head, and my fear eased a little.

I can’t let any more family members be killed!

“Mia-san, we need to stop it from moving first.”

“……Got it.”

Mia smiled.

“I have an idea too, it’s a little dangerous, but can you get its attention for a while?”

Mia and I exchanged glances and then we nodded almost simultaneously.

The werewolf zombie turns its head this way. Its clouded eyes and bared fangs seemed to be saying. “Come, try and kill me if you can.”

“I just want you to promise me one thing.”

“W-what is it?”

“I want you to tell me as much of your secret as you can when we’re done with this.”

Mia-san added, “It’s just a hunch but…… your skill isn’t just magic or appraisal, isn’t it?”

Mia-san is trustworthy. No, I want to believe her.

Believe in her much stronger than before!

“I understand.”

“Alright. Well then, let me show you the power of my Axeman skill.”

The werewolf zombie pounced on us, and we quickly scattered. The stamina of the undead is inexhaustible. With muscles that seem to burst, its attacks rain down one after another.

I couldn’t withstand all of its attack. They were poisonous, too.

I could only dodge them.

With my physical abilities enhanced by my skill, I will keep it here. I shouldn’t be hit. But I won’t let it go past me either.

I will stop it here.

“Now, Rion!”

At Mia-san’s signal, I moved back at once. In that moment, something was hurled at the werewolf zombie, passing me by.

“Axe……?”

The werewolf zombie dodged the axe, but it had a chain attached to it.

Chain axe.

The iron chains wrapped around the werewolf zombie’s rotten arm, stopping it from moving.

It howled loudly. Mia-san’s skill blocked the werewolf zombie’s movements as it tried to tear it apart.

“Ummm!”

“Immovable” —in short, it’s the ability of the 『Axeman』 skill that allows her to stand her ground, and it’s extremely useful. Not being broken is a great strength in actual battles.

The movement of the werewolf zombie stopped. It’s as if it was tied to a rock.

I kicked the ground. The ability “Golden Flame” has one minute left. Holding the blue crystal short sword, I shot at it like an arrow.

“Haaa!”

The blade of the sword dug into the throat of the werewolf zombie. Using the momentum, I twisted my short sword with force. Green poison splattered onto my arm, causing a stinging pain similar to that of a burn.

In exchange for the damage to both my arms, I was sure that I had dealt a fatal blow to the werewolf zombie, but when I kicked the monster’s shoulder and retreated, its nearly torn head and torso had already begun to regenerate.

“I-it can even recover from that……!?”

There is not much time left for the skill.

『Rion, don’t forget.』

Right.

I’ll leave the rest to the Goddess.

I took out a mana herb-infused magical potion from my pouch and drank it quickly. This was just to be safe, as there was strong resistance to my Alarm skill.

The first thing my father taught me as an aspiring adventurer was how to drink potions in fierce battles. I put a small amount in my mouth, let my tongue get used to it, and then I drink the required amount of one small bottle at once.

Skill, 『Alarm』was used. Executing 【Unseal】

“Well done, Rion.”

Solana jumps out into the air and smiles at me.

Then she looked down at the crumbling head of the werewolf zombie and its body that was beginning to regenerate.

“……Poor thing. You’ve been twisted by the power of darkness into an undead being. Even though you’re a monster, now that the seal has been released, you too are a living being.”

Solana shook her head. Her bangles and her blonde hair sparkled with her movement.

“Nice to meet you. I’m the sun.”

A black shadow erupted from the werewolf zombie, seemingly competing with Solana’s light. But only for a moment. Light pours down from Solana. The werewolf zombie became the original werewolf and then it turned to ashes.

Glittering crystals floated in the air and dropped down.

“Mmm……, I guess that’s my limit huh.”

Solana came down close to the ground, looking a little exhausted. There is no trace of the monster anymore.

“Hey, are you okay?”

“Yes. You did well. I’ll rest in the coin for a bit.”

Solana burst into a flash of light and returned to the gold coin.

Mia-san approached me.

“……That last attack was amazing. With that light, it purified the monster in an instant. Are you from a family of priests?”

“Eh?”

Solana doesn’t seem to be visible to Mia-san.

Then…..

Sure enough, Lu’s eyes are special huh.

I turned to Mia-san.

“That’s my ability.”

“Heh~……ability to purify monsters huh.”

“No. My skill 『Alarm』has the ability to unseal a special being like the light you saw earlier.”

I gathered up my courage and told her about what my skill really is.

“Unseal……”

“The one who defeated the werewolf zombie earlier was an ancient goddess who was sealed like the monsters here.”

Mia-san’s eyes blinked and she looked deeply shocked.

Well, that’s to be expected….

I don’t think she’s an overly devout follower of Oudis-sama so I think it’s okay to use the word like “unseal” but…

“It’s hard to believe, isn’t it?”

“No, it was just a little unexpected. I just thought it was a high-level magic-related skill, like 『High Priest』 or 『Great Sage』. And that you saying that you have『Alarm』skill is just a way to make sure you do not stand out.”

Mia scratched her head.

Then she grinned at me.

“W-well, I understand now. Then, can I see that goddess too?”

『Yes. I can make it so you can see me. 』

“Ah!? W-whose voice is that?!”

“Oh that……well, I’ll introduce her to you later.”

Maybe it was because I was tired, but I feel like my ears are ringing. But I felt a heat that was just as strong as the fatigue.

What is this feeling, could it be―

You have leveled up. You are now level 11.

I was thrilled.

“L-level 11……!?”

Level 10 is considered to be past the beginner level. I jumped over it and went up two levels at once. It took me two years after my father died, and I finally got out of the beginner level of adventurers.

All the hardships, debts, waking-up jobs and many other things came down on me all at once. I am pretty much overwhelmed with emotion.

『Rion, you are going to investigate this floor, right? 』

(Y-yes.)

After we finished healing ourselves, as adventurers, we collected the boss’ magic stone and dropped items. Normally, the boss would also drop fangs or claws, but since it had turned into a zombie, it didn’t drop anything like that.

However—

“What a magic stone of great purity.”

I couldn’t help but blurt out.

The werewolf’s magic stone is the size of a fist, but the color was so deep that I felt like I am being sucked in. It is dark blue in color, the color of dawn, just like the sky before dawn.

I hold it in my hand. It’s chilly and cold. It seemed to be filled with an enormous amount of magical power.

“Shall we head back?”

“No, I want to explore a little more.”

If the werewolf that Lu dreamed of was that werewolf zombie, this might make her feel better. However, I wanted to find out why the anomaly in the Eastern Dungeon affected Lu.

The boss area of the dungeon is basically a dead end. By the way, there are six stairs to descend in at the Eastern Dungeon, and they all lead to different spaces. This means that one can fight up to 6 bosses at a time.

So, the worst thing is that if I can’t find anything here, I’ll have to go down to a different boss area from another staircase.

“Huh?”

I felt a faint breeze from the wall. It was a wind imbued with magical power, much like that of a spirit stone.

“Is there something ahead—?”

When I looked closely, I can see two pillars standing by the wall. It was as if it was an entrance to something.

—Something that was sleeping at the bottom of the dungeon.

There was only one word that came to my mind.

『Unseal』

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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We entered the dungeon. My throat felt tight. I walked down the familiar stairs leading down to the bottom floor. I can’t believe that there is so much tension just because my destination is different.

“Rion, are you serious?”

Mia-san asked me.

I looked at the short sword I held on my left and took a deep breath.

“Yes. Today I’ll be aiming for the boss on the lowest floor.”

There is a boss in the dungeon. As the name suggests, it is the strongest monster in the dungeon. The adventurer first aims for this lowest-level boss. Killing it, one can obtain magical power, making it easy to level up. And sometimes, the boss monster even drops powerful items.

Defeating the boss of the dungeon is also an achievement for adventurers. You could say that a dungeon boss is the keeper of high-priced magic stones and items, and it’s also the keeper of the right for an adventurer to challenge other dungeons.

Above all that, it may also be the key to Lu’s illness.

“Hmm… Well, I think it’ll be okay even if it’s just the two of us.”

Mia-san crosses her arms.

“Rion is level 9 and I’m level 30 after all.”

“………Right.”

I’m sorry for relying on you too much.

The boss of the Eastern Dungeon is said to be around level 10. A level 10 adventurer can defeat it solo, and a level 5 adventurer can win against it with a party of three.

Well, this dungeon is known as the dungeon for beginners, so the boss is not very strong.

“There have been cases where other parties have challenged the boss after the skeletons started appearing. But apparently, the boss was just as good as before.”

“Still, we can’t let our guard down.”

“Right. I know that. That there are no absolutes in the dungeon. Adventurers don’t usually go on adventures because of that.”

Mia-san and I went down the exploration layer and headed straight to the level where the target enemy is.

『Rion, be careful. 』

It was Solana’s voice.

『……I’m slowly starting to remember many things since we came in this dungeon today. 』

(Eh?)

『The things in my head that I couldn’t remember, I’m gradually recalling them. 』

『It might have something to do with the anomaly I’m about to talk about』

Solana added.

『Dungeons are the place where monsters are sealed away, and it is managed by the skills of the Royal family, right? 』

I nodded.

The dungeon has been sealed with a powerful seal. It was said that it’s due to the Royal family’s skills, but that’s just a rumor. Not much information reaches the commoners after all.

『The sudden appearance of the skeleton probably means that the seal has been loosened. 』

(……That’s certainly true, but ….…)

Is there such a thing?

(Ah!)

Such possibility made me turn pale.

Could it be that I “unsealed” it without my knowing?

『It’s not you. It did not look like that. Someone else has unsealed the dungeon. 』

I felt more desperate than ever.

『The founding myth of the country says that the gods won a crushing victory. But…… when I look at the monsters, I can’t help but think that it is different. 』

I glance sideways at Mia-san.

It was hard to respond, but Solana kept talking. It was as if she is venting her anxiety.

『It wasn’t a crushing victory. The gods were oppressed. My…..』

Solana suddenly stopped talking up there.

『Yes, that’s right. Why did I forget all this……the seal, my memory……  Maybe that is also why I am only starting to remember it now. 』

(What’s wrong?)

『……My loved ones have lost their lives in the final battle. 』

(……T-they’re dead?)

『The death of a God, annihilation. 』

I gasped in shock.

Mia-san looks at me suspiciously.

『There’s something about the founding myth and these dungeons where monsters can be resurrected that’s worrying me. I have a bad, very bad feeling about both. Rion, be especially careful today…… Even if you think you can win, I want you have to be extra careful.』

Roger that.

With that intention, I stared straight ahead.

“Rion, what’s wrong?”

“No, it’s just…… let’s be more vigilant.”

“I see. It’s true that the dungeon is awfully quiet today.”

I also found that strange.

Somehow, there is no sign of activity in the dungeon today. May that of the monsters or people. Well, it’s still early in the morning, so there are no other adventurers around.

But monsters…..  

Our footsteps echoed inside the dungeon.

『The sealing magic must be stronger once deeper in the dungeon. My manifestation is also limited in time. 』

My ability, 【Unseal】 does not use magical power. But of course, it puts a strain on Solana.

(I’ll try to do it on my own as much as I can.)

With such determination, we descended the stairs to the boss’ room.

A werewolf has appeared.

A voice from God echoed in my head. Unlike Solana, it was businesslike and lifeless, it’s more like a voice transmission.

There are two red lights in the dark.

They were eyes.

Mia-san crouched down.

“It’s here.”

The boss of the Eastern Dungeon is a monster called werewolf. It was a wolf standing on two feet, and it was the first time I had seen it in person.

It is a head taller than an adult. It is covered in dark fur and I could see bulging muscles undulating in its arms and legs.

Awooooo.

It howled. The air shivered, and my heart felt like it was going to freeze.

“Are you scared?”

Shaking my head at Mia-san, I hold up my blue crystal short sword.

“Wake up!”

The crystal shone and the spirit released its power. A wind blade reaches the werewolf. But I only made a small scratch on its arm.

It’s tough!

Mia-san and I faced the werewolf, keeping a distance that allowed us to cover each other.

『There’s something strange about its presence……』

Solana spoke.

The werewolf did not move even though it was injured. It’s as if it doesn’t feel any pain.

Mia-san also felt suspicious. She readjusts her chain axe.

“It’s strange, it’s supposed to be an aggressive monster.”

Once again, a voice rang in my head. But it’s much darker and murkier than usual.

Werewolf has appeared. 　―――― Human※are※※Ki※※

I had never heard a voice like that before. I feel shiver down my spine. It’s like something tingly crawled all over my body.

It’s fear.

Like that fear when Gideon took me to a back alley and grabbed my throat.

A werewolf zombie has appeared.

The darkness in the area converged towards the werewolf.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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Are there any ideals that remain strong even after 1000 years?

The nobles of the Kingdom of Asgard were a perfect example. As the next head of the family, Gideon is receiving the utmost treatment today as well. The Royal Castle in the center of the Royal Capital has a splendid event every night, providing a time of colorful banquets and music.

However, it’s not the Royal family who are at the center of the excitement. It is the great nobles who had fiefdoms all over the country.

“The East Dungeon, which I control, is developing well.”

When Gideon said that, his cronies laughed. A gorgeous chandelier made of magic stone adorned the high ceiling. To Gideon, the resounding voices and the music played seemed to be for his own sake.

“Wonderful!”

“We need to make sure that the commoners understand.”

Getting out of the festivities, Gideon drinks a fine drink. He looked down to the east of the Royal Capital and gritted his teeth.

Everything is fine. Everything is smooth sailing. Which is why “stains” are so irritating.

“Rion, that bastard……!”

The scum with the useless skills seemed to be making steady progress. For some reason, he found allies in the Western Dungeon and is now steadily working on paying off his debt.

There is a limit to how much pressure can be exerted. There are other nobles and powerful associations to the West of the Royal Capital and his influence does not extend as far as it does to the East.

“Just what kind of trick did he do……”

First of all, he did not calculate that Rion would be able to acquire a rare item that was tradable in the West area. A mediocre item would only have end up with a beat down price after all.

It’s also incomprehensible that someone had introduced Rion to a connection.

“Just who is helping that scum with useless skill?”

Gideon couldn’t help but grit his teeth.

“I have to enslave him……!”

Suddenly, Gideon sensed a presence.

He looked back.

Gideon, who possessed the skill 『Swordsman』, had many abilities that were useful in battle. One of them was presence detection, which was like an announcement for him if there is a visitor.

Before the figure appeared, a voice came from the darkness.

“Are you having a hard time? Is your promise going well?”

Blonde hair peeks out from the hood of the speaker. Underneath the cloak was like an adventurer’s style of leather armor, but the thin jawline suggested that the person in front of him is a handsome man.

Beside the man with the hood is a woman who is similarly wearing a robe pulled down low over her head. There is something creepy about her. Her black hair is curling like snakes, and a bright red tongue occasionally licked her lips.

Gideon pasted a smile on his face.

“……O-of course, there’s no problem.”

“Good.”

It was the man who responded.

As he offered him a chair, Gideon gritted his teeth in his mind.

Gideon’s goal was to turn Rion into a slave. The man and woman were emissaries from a powerful noble and if he could provide them with the slaves they desired, he would gain even more power.

Slaves with unusual skills. That’s what they wanted.

Originally, he was supposed to achieve that goal right away. The inability to repay a large amount of debt is a common reason for enslavement. The best way to get a poor family to fall into slavery is to break the heart of the worker in the family.

In order to let Rion know that he is going to resume his tough work and to rob him of hope, Gideon went to attack and pressure Rion. After all, it would be easier to sneak up on Rion, who is an adventurer in the East dungeon than his mother who served in the Temple of Oudis.

A life of extreme poverty. Harsh collection practices. Refusals to buy his items.

If Gideon, or any of these two, were to show up and offer a contract for forced labor—a de facto slave contract—most poor people would rather see it as a relief. They would enter into unfavorable deals, believing that things would be better than they were now.

But when thinking back, Rion was different from the beginning. He is irritatingly persistent enough. Gideon grimaced as he remembered the pain in his jaw.

The man spoke.

“By the way…… the boy’s father also had a rare skill, didn’t he?”

“Yes. It’s a skill called 『Awakening』 and I’m not really sure, but it was a skill that can awaken one’s physical abilities.”

It’s funny when he thinks about it. His father had a decent skill. But he was just from a commoner’s family lineage.

“It is said that skills can be passed down from father to child. Is it possible that the older brother also has a powerful skill?”

“Who knows…… Kuku, what I know is that he only got a rubbish skill. Hmm, he also has a sister, but I heard that she is sick and hasn’t even activated her skills.”

The shoulders of the man and woman jerked.

“Mr. Noble,”

The woman spoke for the first time. Her tone was seductive yet eerie, like a snake coiling around him and it made Gideon almost step back.

“Can I order more?”

“Huh?”

“I’d like his sister to be a slave too, is that possible?”

Gideon pondered. This is related to a powerful noble family. It would be best to answer carefully.

“Hmm… well, you see, they are a famous adventurer’s family after all. It would be quite conspicuous if we were to kidnap them.”

“Fufu, I don’t like being conspicuous. It would be best to use her as payment for their debt. It’s natural and it’s hard to get away from it because she is trying to work for her family’s sake.”

Gideon had a headache.

Yes, first of all, there’s Rion. He is working on paying off his debts and he even found ways to do it!

“Tch.”

He clicked his tongue.

The man and woman seemed to sense Gideon’s irritation. They asked,

“Is it really troublesome?”

Should I just give up?

Gideon thought so. But then he immediately remembered that he could no longer part ways with the man and woman.

The man opens his mouth.

“If you don’t make a promise, I’ll need you to return what I lent you. That is very clear to you, right?”

“……W-well, it is quite troubling. I tried it in the Eastern Dungeon and it obviously improved the quality of the dungeon.”

His voice trembled. His irritation turned to impatience.

The man’s mouth, peeking out from under his hood, curved into an arch.

“The gods sealed away ancient items and monsters. That is the history of the dungeon and the founding of the nation. Such power lies dormant underground.”

Hearing the man’s words, Gideon falls silent.

“If you loosen the seal, dangerous monsters will awaken, but the items from the dungeon will improve. You’ve already tried your hand on it, right?”

“I know.”

Monsters and items are sealed within dungeons. In the history of the founding of the nation, the Royal family was responsible for protecting such dungeons. The proof to that was that only the Royal family possessed the power to do so—the skill 『Seal』.

It is the power to manage the seal placed by the gods. If the seal is weakened, the power sealed in the dungeon will overflow, and the number of dangerous monsters will increase. On the other hand, ancient treasures are also easier to obtain. In other words, the stakes are great, and the benefits are great.

Of course, once they tighten the seal, the opposite will happen. Monsters become weaker, but it is also harder to find high-quality materials.

It can be thought of as a kind of difficulty adjustment.

Magic stones and relics from dungeons are an important industry. The Royal family’s management of the dungeon is equivalent to manipulating the amount of gold and silver mined thru it—no, it was more than that.

It was said that the reason why there were four dungeons in the Royal Capital was because they wanted to keep more dungeons in the lap of the Royal family.

Gideon mutters,

“But if you can loosen the seal of the dungeon at will……”

The reason for the increase in the number of monsters in the Eastern Dungeon which is a beginner dungeon, is because Gideon used a “certain item”.

The difficulty level has been increased, and the quality of items found inside has also increased. Adventurers are free to shoulder as much of the risk as they want. The reason why he was able to take center stage at today’s banquet is because the Eastern dungeon is on the rise.

“But you see, I can’t really believe that a nobleman can’t enslave a single commoner.”

The woman’s words hurt Gideon’s pride. The woman held up her gloved fingers.

“Why don’t you try to make it rougher?”

“What do you mean?”

“You think that he’ll be able to pay back his debt, right? Then, why don’t you try to make it so that he won’t be able to pay it back?”

With beautiful lips, the woman whispers,

“Cause serious injury or increase his debt. Surely, you can do it that way, right?”

Your frustration can find an outlet.

“Break a bone, destroy an arm, make him unable to work, any number of reasons for not being able to work. Basically, if there’s no hope of paying back the debt, then it’s all down to the original plan.”

“……Is that okay?”

Gideon had also realized that the man and woman were gathering slaves in secret. Their need to “not stand out” was troublesome.

The Royal family condemns the abuse of slaves by some nobles. It is natural that if he collects it roughly, it will catch their eye. Therefore, Gideon believed that the client was sticking to the common form of debt enslavement.

“It’s not the same as hurting them a little, right? Besides, the goods are going to be damaged that way.”

“Fufu. We’re gathering slaves with rare skills from all over the country. So, it’s true that we don’t want to draw attention. It would be hard to move if rumors spread after all. But if there’s a slave we really want, it can’t be helped if we draw attention a little.”

The woman’s eyes lit up.

Her full lips curved into a seductive smile that seemed to draw you in. Sensing the presence of magical power, Gideon came back to his senses just in time.

“……Was that a skill just now?”

“Fufu, this way, I can tempt people to a certain extent. I won’t use it on you, don’t worry.”

Because there is no need to.

The woman added with a laugh,

“However, those who are weak in heart cannot resist it.”

That’s why you have to hurt them huh.

“You mean, Rion is different? Are you saying, he is worth it?”

“Ufufufu, I don’t know if I got it right. Look, just think about it.”

The woman clapped her gloved hands.

“It’s easy, it’s very simple~! If you’re a ‘noble’ then~”

The woman’s entangled voice reveals a vague impulse.

“I see.”

Gideon recalled having a convenient lawless zone.

—The dungeon.

“Hihi, Hihihihi”

Even when Gideon put his hand to his mouth, his grin cannot be hidden.

Now that the client has given permission, there is no need to put up with it anymore.

Attack in the dungeon!

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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The emotions that I had endured and suppressed rushed in one after another like a bubbling spring. My vision blurs helplessly, and I feel like I’m about to burst into tears.

….I must not cry!

『Rion, there’s no reason not to cry. 』

Hearing Solana’s voice, my tears started to flow. Mom rubs my back, and Lu watches over me. It’s like I’m back to the helpless me two years ago, when my father was still around.

It’s pathetic, and I know I shouldn’t cry, but it’s comforting. Peace of mind permeates my whole body.

“Thank you, Rion.”

Mom repeats herself.

I realized that this is what I had wanted. I started crying.

　　　　　◆◆◆

Mom waited for me to calm down, then she quietly left the house. She went to get some water. By that time, my tears had stopped. My eyes were stinging a little.

“Lu, it’s okay, I’m fine now.”

“Oniichan, take your time. I’m going to clean up the second floor.”

Now that my sister is able to do some housework, I’m able to rest after returning from the dungeon. My training in the dungeon is supported by my mother and Lu helps on household chores.

I breathed a sigh of relief when I was alone.

『……Are you okay, Rion? 』

It was Solana. When I used my skill『Alarm』, Solana pops out of the gold coin in my pocket and moves near the ceiling. She floated in the air for a moment, then stepped down to my side with her blonde hair flowing.

I wiped my eyes and smiles at her. I am a little embarrassed.

“I cried.”

“It is okay to cry. I know you’re a strong child.”

Solana patted me on the head.

“The bond between your family is amazing.”

“……Huh?”

“You look a little more comfortable now. My blessing is powerful, but you may have carried it on your back and made you feel overwhelmed.”

She smiles like the sun.

“I also want to congratulate you. Rion, you’re an amazing child.”

Today is a heart-warming day. Perhaps because I was relieved, I was getting hungry even though I had just eaten. When I had my third walnut loaf, I realized something.

I forgot something important!

“S-Solana, you are outside….”

“Don’t worry. You are the only one who can see me now. Besides, I’ll be back in the coin soon.”

I understand that.

But until now, just to be safe, I had never “unsealed” Solana at home. It’s definitely weird if I’m talking to someone out of nowhere.

Well, Mom is not here now, and when Lu comes down after her chores are done, I just need to hide Solana I guess.

But…. what is this uneasy feeling?

“Oniichan?”

Both me and Solana froze when we heard Lu’s voice.

Then, Clang!, the tray fell from Lu’s hand.

“W-who is that person?”

Silence.

Tremendous silence.

With a jerky and stiff movement, I stared at Solana.

“Uh-huh?”

As if receiving the hint, Solana quickly moved to the right. Following Solana’s movement, Lu’s eyes darted to the right as well.

“………”

Solana jumped to the left. Lu’s eyes followed her movement.

Solana’s golden hair swayed wildly.

“……C-can you see me……!?”

G-Goddess!? I still want to hide you!

First, I tried to calm my breathing. Maybe Solana could say something clever —but I was drenched in sweat as it seemed impossible.

Lu was stunned, then she took my hand as if she had made up her mind.

“L-Lu?”

“Oniichan, come here.”

I was taken to the corner of the kitchen. The rest of the charcoal is still burning and it’s warm here. But Lu’s gaze is as terrible as a blizzard.

“O-Oniichan! That person was there when I woke up before, wasn’t she?”

This time, I was the one who was shocked.  It was as if I had been hit in the head with God’s hammer.

“………Y-you saw?”

When Solana first cured her, I didn’t even realize that she saw her…….

Lu pursed her lips.

“Before I woke up, I heard my Oniichan’s voice. It looks like you don’t want me to notice her…… But I could see a little bit of her hair on your back.”

Lu glanced at Solana. She is reading the mood.

She is very perceptive—no, I have to fool her somehow!

“Uh, well, actually, I’ve told you guys that I made friends recently, haven’t I? She…… she is one of them.”

Lu stared at me for a moment. She is looking at me as if finding out what I’m hiding, she’s pretty scary.

“Oniichan, sit there.”

“Yes.”

“Look into my eyes.”

Lu brought her face so close to mine that our forehead almost collided.

“Did you spend a lot of money on me again?”

My sister grips my clothes tightly. Her face looked like she was about to cry.

“That’s…… you’re mistaken.”

“I mean, the disease that even Mom couldn’t cure was cured so quickly. …..I’ve always been worried that you asked a great magician to help you in exchange of something……”

“Uh-, p-please hear me out for a second.”

“Ahem”,  Solana cleared her throat. “I’m not what you think I am. I’m an old go-.”

With her eyes darting left and right, she rephrased it,

“I was saved by your brother.”

“Oniichan did……?”

“Well, we’re now so deeply connected to each other that I can’t do without him anymore.”

“Huh? Eh, eeeeh!?”

Lu jumped up in shock.

“……Y-you mean, you two are…..”

“That’s what it’s all about.”

Solana nodded in agreement.

When she said, “That’s what it’s all about”,  I don’t think she understood what Lu really meant. Well, I don’t know either.

“Oniichan, I…… I’m rooting for you!”

Lu’s eyes sparkled.

What to do? 

I feel like she is misunderstanding something, but I think it’s better to be misunderstood…….

Solana smiled at Lu.

“Anyways, I’m grateful to your brother. But…… you can see me huh. That might be a skill manifestation.”

Indeed. The fact that Solana can be seen by Lu may mean that she has some kind of power. Lu has not yet received any skill from Odis-sama. However, it is natural to think that the mysterious power to see gods that should not be visible to others is related to a skill.

Solana narrowed her eyes.

“But…… If that’s the case……”

Cough. Cough.

The sound of coughing echoed out.

“Lu?”

“I’m sorry Oniichan.”

Lu coughed for a while and then she looked up. Her smile was forced.

“Lu? Do you have a cough?”

“Y-yes….…”

I could feel the blood draining from my face. I thought I already healed her with my skill.

“Solana.”

“Calm down, Rion. As far as I can see, I think she is more likely to feel magic elements. Such an ability existed in ancient times. And…… This child has more magical powers than I initially thought.”

Lu coughs again. Solana gently placed her hand on her forehead.

“Being sensitive means easily susceptible. This child must be sensitive to the presence of monsters emanating from the dungeon.”

“But….. I am concerned about her condition every day. There should have been nothing wrong with her until yesterday.…”

I held Lu in my arms and then I used my skill.

Skill, 『Sun’s Divine Protection 』was used. Executing【White Flame】.

White flames envelop Lu. Her rough breathing gradually subsided, and the cough disappeared.

“How is it? Are you feeling better now?”

Lu nodded slightly. Solana stares at her with a serious expression on her face.

“She might be feeling a magic influence, and if she got worse as suddenly as it is now, it should have had a strong impact on her. I hate to say it, but the monster that caused her body to collapse may have left a mark on this child.”

I wiped Lu’s sweat as I ask her,

“……Did something happen? Was there any change? I mean, you have been at home all the time, right?”

Lu seemed to have gotten tired all of a sudden. Her eyes blurred and her response were unclear.

I felt a tremendous tightness in my chest.

Solana takes over. She said, “Anything is fine.”

Her golden eyes stared at Lu. Solana bent down to meet Lu’s gaze. It was as if she was channeling magical power from her raised hand to my sister.

“It maybe something that came to your mind, or maybe a dream. That’s enough for me.”

Lu opened her big eyes slightly. She grabs her sweat-soaked brown hair tightly and opens her mouth.

“……T-this morning, I suddenly felt cold. I had a dream where a black shadow was closing in on me. I…. I was in a maze-like place, being chased by skeletons and wolves…”

I exchanged glances with Solana.

If it was a monster’s influence, I may have a clue. I am well aware of the dungeon where monsters suddenly became stronger.

“What scared me the most was…… a big man with a wolf face……”

The face of a wolf, and a body of a human being—?

I shuddered.

“Werewolf.”

I muttered.

I spoke to Lu as forcefully as I could.

“Lu, it’s okay. It will be fine. I’ll check again tomorrow. Leave it to me.”

I now have a new goal.

The recurrence of Lu’s illness may be related to the darkness that suddenly appeared in the dungeon —skeletons.

The East Dungeon has been weird lately. Monsters become stronger, they’ve started gathering in groups and traps are even activated. Obviously, the difficulty of the dungeon has increased.

As I carried my sister upstairs to her bedroom, I made up my mind.

The known boss in the deepest part of the East Dungeon is the Werewolf. That is my original goal. Even more now, I need to look into it seriously.

It’s time to go to the deepest part of the East Dungeon.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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In the Royal Capital, there is a saying, “the rush of spring”. As the days get longer in March, it gets warmer and warmer.

I walk back, my breath is white as I step on the shadows cast by the setting sun. Smoke is rising from my house.

“I’m home!”

My mother is arranging dinner. Mom works at the hospital and is wearing a white robe as part of her uniform. Her brown hair was tied up and hangs down beneath her hood. Her hair swayed a little as she turned around.

“Welcome back, Rion.”

Mom looks a little better. It looks like the family is getting together early today.

“Lu is resting upstairs. You should call her over and let’s have dinner.”

The three of us started our meal. Somehow, it’s warm because we don’t have to save firewood. With Spring approaching, the wood is cheaper and besides, we now have money to spare.

The number of dishes on the table also increased. Vegetables are precious during the cold season, but the soup had lots of root vegetables in it. Biting into the potato made my mouth warm, and swallowing it warmed me to the core. When I chewed the bread with walnuts, the sweetness and savory smell filled my mouth.

“Eh?”

There is chicken in the soup.

“This….…”

“I got it for Lu. It is in celebration for her, the person close to us, on getting better.”

Lu nodded sternly. Meat is a precious commodity in the Royal Capital during winter.

I stuff my face with the flavorful chicken.

“It’s delicious……!”

Having the three of us gathered at the table as a family was such a happy thing. Lu hadn’t been able to eat until a little while ago. She had only been shoveling small amounts of barley porridge that had been soaked in water into her mouth.

“I’m glad Lu has gotten better. The medicine is working.”

I nearly choked on the meat I was about to swallow.

They thought that is how Lu’s illness got better.

Even if I say that she has been cured by a Goddess, they probably will not believe me right away. The power to awaken gods other than the main god Odis-sama—the more I think about it, the more cautious I am on speaking about it. This is especially true since my mother is a healer, a healer who serves the main god, Odis-sama.

“Rion”

I was thinking about that, so I was surprised when mom called me.

“Y-yes!”

“Oh my, why are you so surprised? Are you thinking deeply of something again?”

“Ha, hahaha—”

Mom smiled at me.

“Just know that you’re doing great. Thank you.”

“……Dad is not here anymore. I’ve got to do it.”

“Enough with that. Rion, let me tell you, you’re working harder than you think. Don’t try too hard on your own…… It’s a dangerous job after all.”

Mom doesn’t seem to be happy about me entering the dungeon because of Dad. But adventurers who defeat monsters are needed, so I still want to aim to become one.

Mom asked.

“What about your companions?”

Of course, she is not talking about Solana. She is talking about Mia.

“I think she’s a good person.”

“I see. Then please introduce us sometime.”

I answered yes, but I wonder…. I just have a feeling that it might include Solana.

Why is mom so sharp sometimes?

“Hey, I think today’s food are luxurious.”

I said it with the intention of diverting the topic, but Mom just laughed.

“It’s okay. They gave me some extra dried meat and vegetables.”

“E-extra?”

“I heard from the shopkeeper that a nobleman told them that they couldn’t sell things to us. That’s why he added extra things to our daily necessities and food.”

I held my breath.

I knew Gideon has been pressuring me so I could not sell my things easily. I can’t believe that it was the same even in the surrounding shops that had nothing to do with being an adventurer.

But…. did they give Mom an extra instead?

“There are fewer people who sell their goods to me, but there are people who do better for me, it is all thanks to Rion.”

My heart warmed. Even if they know that they shouldn’t go against the nobles, there are still some who helped our family in this way.

“Oniichan.”

Lu pursed her lips. She looks at me with her big sky-blue eyes. Her eyes seem to be thinking about something, as if she is lost.

“What’s wrong?”

When I asked, Lu closed her eyes tightly before speaking.

“Uhm… That, after we pay off our debts and I’m cured of my illness, what will you do next?”

“……What should I do?”

It was a question that didn’t feel real until a while ago.

But now it’s different. Freedom is within reach.

“Oniichan worked so hard for us up until now, haven’t you? So I wonder what you want to do next.”

“……Me?”

“I-, I’m going to be fine! I’ll definitely get better! Once we pay off our debts, we can even move out of town, right? So, Oniichan, you should think about your own dream this time!”

Along with the hot food, her words sink into my heart.

I couldn’t put my reply into words, so I continued eating.

Then it was the common sight. The sound of clinking on the plates, the warm living room, the cheerful Lu.

Suddenly, my eyes get hot.

I’ve always thought that I had to be firm. Now, happiness came back little by little. What is missing may never come back, but happiness can be restored.

“Thank you, Oniichan.”

My vision blurred as I swallowed the hot soup.

Hey self, don’t cry, you are the big brother…..

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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When we arrived to help, a swarm of monsters was chasing the man.

“This way!”

We called out to him then Mia-san and I faced the herd. The man ran towards us.

“T-thank goodness!”

“Hurry up and stand back.”

I faced a kobold. I could read its sword movement perfectly.

“Fuu.”

Father is gone, but he left me a note. It lists the techniques he taught me or planned to teach me. I’ve been looking at it every day for over a year now, reviewing it in the process. Of course, without skills, that is, physical ability, it was all meaningless learning. But it all become a part of me.

I increased my physical ability by using 『Sun’s Divine Protection』skill.

“Gaaah!”

The kobold swirls its sword. I spin in the opposite direction myself. Holding my sword with my left hand, I use my momentum to deflect the opponent’s sword.

I blocked its attack with my short sword. Then I quickly move out of the way of the kobold’s next strike and I stabbed its chest with the short sword.

“Rion, there’s another one coming.”

When Mia-san says that, it’s when she thinks it’s okay to leave the opponent to me.

“Yes!”

I immediately turn around and avoided the sword being swung down at me. Another strike followed after, but I blocked the attack with my arm. After reducing its momentum, I hook it with my foot with all my might.

A fall is a temporary incapacitation.

The movements that I have imagined many times in my head have been brought out in actual battles. It’s like a drawer that didn’t open was unlocked. I was struggling with the hordes of monsters before, but now I can get through them without the Golden Flame.

After stabbing two kobolds to death, Mia-san killed the last one, a giant ant, with an axe throw.

Seeing that we killed all the monsters, the adventurer who has been hiding in the back comes out. It seems that he was alone and not in a party.

“Thank you so much for helping me.”

It is a face that I have seen several times.

Suddenly, his eyes widen in surprise.

“You…… You are Rion the wake-up caller, right? I’ve heard you got a useless skill….”

Mia-san snorts at him.

“Rion, are you going?”

“W-wait a second. Thanks. I’m really thankful that you guys saved me……”

The man rubbed his feet and stared at the scattered magic stones dazedly.

“T-those giant ants…… No, it’s strange. Something is definitely wrong……!”

He is shaking as he held himself. We may not be able to talk properly until he calms down.

“……Huh?”

When I look closely, I can see that there is a purple liquid on his head.

Mia-san points it out.

“That is a giant ant’s pheromone. That is why monsters are gathering towards you.”

“Uwaa.”

The man wiped his head nervously and dropped the purple liquid. It has a pungent smell.

“Uh, -uhm, I’m sorry. I stepped in a pitfall trap on the exploration level.”

I tilted my head in confusion.

There shouldn’t have been such a thing on the first floor……

“A trap? There shouldn’t have been anything like that on the first floor though.”

“I know right? It’s really strange, right? It’s indeed true that the difficulty of the dungeon has increased.”

Apparently, he was dropped down by that trap and he found himself surrounded by a large number of monsters.

This person is an adventurer who specializes in gathering. I can often see him in the exploration level. Even kobolds are no much for him, but if they form a herd, he has no choice but to flee.

His trembling fingers point to a gaping hole in the wall.

“Over there……that’s where I fell!”

I approached the exit of the pitfall. There is a slide inside and it seems to be connected to the upper floor.

Mia-san puts her hand to her chin.

“Hmm, it’s definitely a trap. Giant ants are also monsters from the Western Dungeon. I guess the difficulty level here is increasing fast.”

Suddenly, I get worried.

The difficulty of the dungeons is clearly unusual. I’m making more money, but adventurers like me who used to use this dungeon will be in trouble.

“But why……?”

As I muttered, I heard Solana’s voice.

『……Rion』

(Hmm, what is it?)

『I sense something strange nearby. 』

I decided to look around for a moment.

A little distance away from the scattered magic stones, I found a pouch lying against the wall. It’s not a dropped item. It’s a palm-sized pouch used by adventurers.

The mouth part of it is open and something black, ash-like thing was spilled on the ground.

『……What’s that? I have a really bad feeling about it. 』

When I used the 『Alarm』skill, Solana jumped out of the coin. She is about the size of a doll, and no one could see her except me so I wouldn’t have to worry about attracting attention.

“It looks like ash though.”

“Hmmm, is that so? But……ash huh….”

Solana approached the bag.

“…..It smells burnt…… It’s as if it was on fire just a moment ago….…”

Her small shoulders trembles.

“Huh?……W-what’s this…… I remember a little. …..A big shadow—a giant? Sealed ice…… fire….…”

Just as I was about to ask what she is talking about, I was called from behind.

“Rion”

““Uwaa!?””

It was Mia-san.

Solana and I gasped in surprised. Well, I don’t think Mia-san heard Solana though.

The ashes on the ground glowed red as if they were bursting into flames once again, then they disappeared.

“What’s wrong?”

“N-nothing…… It’s something that fell there I guess.”

Mia-san picks up the pouch. The contents are already empty, and the identity of the ashes is unknown. However, the pouch was made of fine silk, like what nobles use.

Mia-san asks, pinching the pouch.

“Is it a lost item……?”

There’s no point in asking each other though.

After escorting the person who fell down on the trap back up, we decided to train a little more.

I’ve gotten stronger. I can really feel that.

Today, as we leave the guild with our pouch full, the other adventurers look on dumbfounded.

After exchanging it to cash in the artisan district, Mia-san asked.

“Hey Rion, how much money did you owe Gideon?”

It was a question I knew I’ll be asked someday.

As sunset drew closer, it was getting chilly.

Mia-san sighed and scratched her head.

“Actually, I’ve been curious. I’ve heard rumors, but I wanted to hear the truth.”

“It’s 4 million Gent.”

I whispered to Mia-san.

Mia-san’s eyes opened wide when she heard my answer.

“Haaaa~~~??”

“I-it’s for the World Tree Elixir…… Well, the item I bought is worth that much. It cures all kinds of illnesses, so even nobles buy it.”

“Heh~, and he even asked for that much money from a commoner…… What an orc in the shape of humans, no, he’s a demon……”

Sigh.

In the end, Lu couldn’t be cured by that elixir. She was fine for a couple of days, but it quickly turned around.

“You did well paying it back..…”

“Actually, I worked hard for a year and only paid half of it. I worked with my whole family to save up……”

Still, nearly half of the loan remains to be paid back—1.5 million Gent.

Even if it was exorbitant and we knew it was a disadvantageous deal, it was fine as long as they sold it. That was the conclusion our family came to.

I didn’t want to repeat the loss of my family after my father was gone.

I wonder if Lu is doing well.…

“The deadline is two years, so I still have about a year to repay it. But…… I’m worried about Gideon’s behavior though.”

Suddenly, he pressures me to repay the loan or attacks me. For the time being, the Adventurer’s Guild is a witness to the contract. But Gideon’s reckless way of doing things was conspicuous. The power of the nobles may be growing even more.

“But that’s a lot of money.”

Mia-san crosses her arms with a difficult face.

“The blacksmith shop probably doesn’t need so many spirit stones. Hmm…, I’ll recommend you to another shop. There are only a limited number of shops with solid backing that aren’t swayed by nobles though.”

After all, I’m glad I met Mia-san.

A glimpse of anxiety also crosses my mind. I tried not to think about it too much, but Mia-san is going against the nobles, and I wondered if she would be okay.

“Mia-san you….…”

“Don’t worry. Even if they look down on me here in the Royal Capital, I’ll just keep going on the frontier.”

This is what I admire about her. Even if she leaves the Royal Capital, she can be an adventurer freely.

Mia-san is originally from the frontier. She’s saving money for her hometown. She’s apparently raising money to reinforce the wooden fence protecting their village and change it with stone walls.

My father was also from the frontier, so Mia-san probably knows about the “adventure” part of being an adventurer.

“Outside the Royal Capital huh……”

After saying goodbye to Mia-san, I went home.

Mom and Lu are waiting for me.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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Dive and sell.

Dive and sell.

Dive, dive, sell.

“Clink, Clink♪, I hear the sound of coins.”

Mia-san, smiles widely. She accompanies me in my exploration.

It is already the fifth day that the two of us had dived into the dungeon. In the meantime, I’ve been wary of Gideon’s interference, but nothing has happened so far.

I haven’t told Mia-san about my 『Alarm』 skill yet, but I vaguely told her that it’s a “magic-related” skill. Many people keep their skills a secret. Mia-san also hasn’t said anything more about her skills so far.

However, at least in terms of combat, Mia-san is competitive.

『 Rion』

Solana’s voice echoes in my head. I wiped the sweat off my face from the continuous battles.

『I sense a monster.』

(Okay, I understand.)

The monsters in the Eastern Dungeon have become much stronger after all!

Dungeons for beginners are now open to skilled players. The feeling that the difficulty of the Eastern Dungeon has increased, which I had been thinking for a long time, has become a reality.

There are skeletons, wargs and even giant ants. I saw such monsters in rapid succession.

I’m sure Mia-san is also getting more motivated because of this. And this may be why the guild and Gideon couldn’t care about me for now.

I draw my short sword and braced myself.

We are at the fourth floor of the Eastern Dungeon. The atmosphere is tense. We are just above a boss floor after all so there is an indescribable sense of tension.

“Rion, it’s a group again.”

Mia-san spoke.

It was a herd that appeared. There are 3 skeletons, 3 goblins, and 2 wolf-like monsters called wargs.

“Ha! They’re in a proper formation!”

The wargs leading the group immediately leapt at us. Mia-san beats one of them with a one-handed axe and leaves the other to me.

I held my short sword tightly and then I slashed its throat as we passed each other.

Status:

Rion (14 years old, Male) Level: 8 Skill『Alarm』: ➥ 【Wake Up】⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅Wakes up a sleeping person refreshed. ➥ 【Unseal】 ⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅Cancel any type of sleep. Skill『Sun’s Divine Protection』 ➥ 【White Flame】⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅Recovery. The blessing of the sun also exorcises curses. ➥ 【Golden Flame】⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅⋅Improves physical ability. Further effects for a limited time.

I’m currently level 8.

Since I started fighting monsters more proactively, my level has risen rapidly. Level 10 is said to be the point where you leave the beginner stage. I’ve also been defeating powerful monsters such as hordes of skeletons, which is a big part of the reason. Normally, those are monsters that people who can clear the Eastern Dungeon would face.

The reason why I am able to fight well is because of my improved abilities due to the 【Sun’s Divine Protection】 and because of this person.

“Mia-san!”

“Yeah. Stand back.”

Mia-san wields a chain axe and blows up the shields of the skeletons all at once. Taking advantage of the reach of the chain, she threw it and swept them away.

Also taking that opportunity, I aimed for one of the goblins. I slashed it with my short sword and incapacitates it. After doing that, I jumped back and stood with my back to Mia-san.

“Rion, there is only one skeleton left, do you want to try it?”

“……Yes!”

We quickly swapped places. I left the goblins to Mia-san and then I aim for the only skeleton left.

The skeleton was surprised that its opponent has changed—it unleashed a sword skill without any hesitation.

However, Mia-san has weakened it, so it moves slowly.

Even if I use my saved trump card, the 【Golden Flame】skill, I know that I won’t be able to win against it yet.

“Alarm!”

I used 【Unseal】on my short sword. A green light then shot out from the crystal on it, sending a gust of wind crashing into the skeleton.

The skeleton’s stance was thrown into disarray. The opening that was created was like a hole in its defense. Not wasting that opening, I jumped up and then I quickly plunged my short sword into its sternum. The skeleton’s torso was destroyed and then it was reduced to ashes. Magic stones scattered everywhere.

“Woof!”

The spirit that I first used the 【Wake up】 skill lives in the blue crystal short sword and lends me its powers. After I wake it up with my skill, it immediately used wind magic. It’s like a thank you for unsealing it.

I have Solana’s protection, Mia-san’s support, and this child as well.

“It’s all thanks to you.”

The spirit spun around like a dog and returned to the crystal short sword.

You’ve leveled up. You are now level 9.

God’s voice warms my heart. I raised my clenched fist.

“I did it!”

“Yeah, you did well. The skeleton swarm is equivalent to level 15, so even with that much, you’ll level up.”

I nodded my head in understanding.

We’re also making money even faster.

Ideally, it would have been nice if 『Alarm』 skill, or 『Sun’s Divine Protection』 skill had also grown in ability. However, till now, there is no change to them.

As if reading my mind, Mia-san talked about it.

“There’s a lot of different ways to develop skills.”

With my ears perked up, I picked up as many stones as I can on the ground. Some of them would become glowing crystals and spirit stones when I use 【Unseal】.

Mia-san looked on in amazement as a light appeared in my hand and the stones turned into green crystals.

“Ah, ahem. Say for example, my Axeman skill is the type that gains more skills as I level up. But it also grows with the number of times I use it. So you see, there are various ways to it. You just have to be patient and observe ways how to do it.”

“That’s right……”

In my case, I have two skills.

As for the 『Alarm』 skill, the “number of uses” message that I had heard before has stopped recently.

Does that mean that the next condition for growth is no longer the number of times I used it? 

Or, has it stopped growing entirely?

“Hmm……”

I’m worried.

I feel like asking Solana about 『Sun’s Divine Protection』 but I’ve been struggling with this as well.

『Seal…… It reminds me of something. 』

“Hmm……”

『Hmm……』

Well, even though I was worried, I am seeing results. My level is rising, and the savings I needed to pay off my debts were steadily building up.

We split the magic stone rewards between the two of us. Since I could defeat more than twice as much I can by myself, I didn’t mind. As for the spirit stones, Mia-san was understanding of my debts and gave me a much larger share.

I feel sorry for her, but this division is very helpful to me.

Just as we are about to return to the surface, a scream echoed through the dungeon. It was a man’s voice, but the situation reminded me of a certain person.

Mia-san muttered.

“……It’s like when I was with Parine.”

“No way….. right?”

Mia-san and I looked at each other and then we rushed out to help.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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After we finished exchanging the money, Mia and I walked around the artisan district.

Although we had already accomplished our purpose, it was rare for me to wander around the town in the daytime, so it felt refreshing. Unlike a pouch full of magic stones, my pouch bulging with silver and gold coins had a pleasant weight.

“It’s not just the nobles who have power in the Royal Capital.”

Mia turned around, her red hair swaying in the wind.

“Merchants have what they called merchant connections. Besides Gideon, there are other nobles in the west. If you know how it works, there are many ways to exchange money.”

I guess it would have been something that Father might have taught me. It’s what they called, “How to get along in Life.”

I stopped in my tracks. I want to say thank you properly to Mia-san.

“Thank you very much.”

“Fufun!”

Mia-san looks away proudly. Before I knew it, we are already approaching the exit of the artisan district.

Mia called out to me,

“Rion”.

Then she added,

“Would you like to team up with me?”

Surprised, I looked up and met her brown eyes.

“With me?”

“Yes. The guild is a gathering. A gathering of adventurers. Speaking of gatherings of adventurers, forming a party is also a way of getting by in life.”

Things are going smoothly. It’s certainly something I could only hope for.

I want to earn money for my family, but it’s hard to rely on the guild when exchanging my loots to cash. With Mia-san’s help, I can make connections in the west of the royal capital where Gideon’s influence is less.

Above all, this person has something that I don’t have: experience.

“I-, I’ll….…”

I was tempted to promptly say I’ll be in your care, but I restrained myself.

I just learned about making a deal after all. I have to ask questions first before I decide. I need to confirm the negotiations and prerequisites.

“I’m very grateful for the offer. But, why though?”

I asked Mia-san.

“I’m only level 5. How about Mia-san?”

“I’m level 30.”

As expected, our level is quite far apart.

Is there any benefit to Mia-san doing this?

“……First of all, as of the moment, I can only enter the Eastern Dungeon. In this case, Mia-san would be left with an unsatisfying adventure.”

The Adventurer’s Guild ranks adventurers and limits the dungeons they can enter. Well, I think it’s a decent way to limit reckless challengers.

As far as my rank goes, I can only enter the Eastern Dungeon.

There are a few conditions for escaping the beginner level, that is, being able to enter other dungeons. Of course, there are various ways to do so, like by completing guild-specified quests, take exams, and you can pay money. But the most important requirement is to defeat the monster at the bottom of the Eastern Dungeon – the werewolf. Defeating the boss of the first dungeon will be a proof beyond a doubt that you’ve escaped the beginner stage.

Defeating a boss also requires a lot of magic stones. I can’t let my guard down when it comes to interference, but as long as the situation allows, I intend to raise my rank by slaying a werewolf.

“Fufu, so you’re saying that there is no benefit to me, is that it?”

When she laughed mischievously, she really looks like a cat. I think she is about three years older than me though.

“Haha, thank you for your concern! But there are benefits in me doing this. There’s two in fact.”

Mia stretched her hand and raised a finger.

“First is that there are dangerous monster appearing in the Eastern Dungeon. It is dangerous, but in dungeons where the difficulty has started to increase, it is easier to find rare items.”

“.…Is that so?”

“Yes. There are rumors that the difficulty of a dungeon is controlled by the Royal Family. The Eastern Dungeon will soon be the center of attention. I’m interested in it, so if I’m to explore the Eastern Dungeon, it would be helpful to have you as you are used to exploring it.”

Mia-san gestured a 2 with her fingers.

“Second, Rion, it’s your ability.”

“My ability?”

Mia smiles wryly.

“I saw it. You used magic in the dungeon, didn’t you?”

It was the power of the spirit though—but I couldn’t say that. If I’m to say it, I would end up talking about my 【Unseal】ability which I want to keep a secret for now.

“And those spirit stones. It looked like the rocks turned into spirit stones in Rion’s hand. The same was true in the dungeon and in the workshop earlier.”

I see.

I guess the reason she showed me to the workshop was to wait and see before inviting me to be her party member.

-Uh… I was so busy fighting and negotiating that I didn’t even think about hiding anything…

Mia pursed her lips.

“……My gratitude is real.”

“Uh-, I know.”

I found it funny that she looked so upset, so I laughed a little too.

Mia-san continues.

“I’m not saying you have to reveal your skills. It’s normal to keep rare abilities a secret. But I’m also saving up money. I want to form a party with you because it looks like it will be profitable, and that’s my benefit.”

Mia looked my way and paused.

“In addition, it is because you picked my interest.”

It was a proud and dignified adventurer negotiation.

Indeed. I just felt the danger of going solo when I fought with skeletons. Plus, in dungeons, it’s much safer to party up with people you trust. I think it would be okay to put Mia-san in that trusted person.

At least, that’s what I’d like to believe now.

The rest depends on the feelings of the dear goddess that Mia-san doesn’t know of.

(Solana, what do you think?)

I heard a voice coming from the gold coin.

『I agree with you in everything.』

I looked up and smiled back at Mia-san. Although we are of different heights, as fellow adventurers, I wonder if I look a little more reliable.

“I’ll be in your care!”

“Okay!”

We then shook hands. The chain wrapped around Mia-san’s right arm sways wildly.

At this time, I never thought that our relationship would last such a long time——it is what I hope.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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It seems that Mia-san and Parine-san’s relationship was purely based on a request. When we stepped onto the main street, Parine-san raised her hand and said, “Well, thank you again!”, then she walked away.

Just when I thought that she has turned to the corner, the next moment, a horse-drawn carriage took off from the same path at high speed. It was a sturdy two-horse carriage that seemed out of place in the poor streets of this area.

I watched in shock as it left.

Did she ride that?

“Rion, this way.”

Mia-san called out to me, so I hurried over to catch up to her. Because she is tall, she takes long strides. My pouch, which was packed with magic stones that were supposed to be sold, shook greatly as I walked in a hurry.

『You are going to convert it into money, right? 』

“That was the plan but….”

As we whispered, Mia-san turned around.

“Rion, do you have a Master? Or a senior adventurer?”

I felt a prickling pain in my chest.

“……I don’t have any.”

In reality, it was supposed to be my father.

Beginners in the Royal Capital aren’t allowed to enter dungeons without an introduction from someone. Because the population is so large, if there’s no limit on the number of people who can come and go inside, the exploration area will become filled with people.

Usually, the person who introduces you will then act as your senior and teach you all sorts of things. But now that Father is gone, I don’t have anyone to turn to.

“What about your father’s friends or acquaintances?”

Mia-san seems to know about my father’s death. The fact that she doesn’t ask about father is proof of that.

“In the battle in where my father died, all of my father’s companions died too—they are all gone. I was familiar with some weapon and armor shop owners, but when the nobles took charge of the Eastern side, they either left the Royal Capital or went out of business.”

“The bloody sunset huh. A lot of people I know got killed then too.”

Two years ago, there was an incident in the wilderness. From a place where there is no dungeon, a sudden outbreak of monsters occurred. Adventurers and knights went to suppress it, and Father and his companions died there.

The direction was west of the Royal Capital, and the sunset looked blood-stained due to the number of casualties there. That’s why it’s called bloody sunset.

The fear the adventurers have about monsters “coming out one day” became well-founded. Just like in the battle where my father died, there are now many monsters roaming outside.

Did they come from an undiscovered dungeon? Or is there a monster nest in the forest or wilderness?

Various people are still investigating that.

“I’m sorry, that was a dumb question. Alright, you should remember where I’m going to take you now.”

Mia-san took me to the west side of city. That’s where the Western Dungeon of the Royal Capital’s Four Labyrinth is located. The monsters there are stronger than in the Eastern Dungeon, and I’ve never entered it.

But I like this area.

It’s because there’s a lot of vitality here.

Compared to the stagnant feeling in the East Dungeon, everyone walks around with their heads held high. Perhaps it’s the tension of risking one’s life and the good money that makes them feel that way.

“This area is near the canal, isn’t it?”

I pass by muscular backs carrying barrels and wooden boxes. They are likely loading and unloading luggage from the canal. The voice of the vendors are painful to the ears. It’s like gathering all the bustle of the Royal City in one place.

“Oh? As expected of a wake-up caller, you know the area well.”

The Royal City is sometimes more of a maze than the dungeon. When I looked up, I saw a rope to hang laundry. A blacksmith’s apron is fluttering in the wind.

“Are we going to the artisan district?”

“Correct.”

Mia-san winked at me.

We then turned a corner. I saw a row of shops selling weapons, armor, and medicines suited for adventurers.

“Wow……!”

There is a similar town in the East Dungeon, but the selection of products and the cleanliness of the streets are different. Men with colorful armor wanders around, and a party bragging and chatting about the results of their battle passes by.

This is a scene where Father had longed for but ended up being left behind.

Mia-san entered a shop. It was an impressive structure taking up the floor space of several houses, with multiple chimneys.

A blacksmith’s shop —or was it more of a “workshop” at this size?

Regardless of my hesitation, Mia-san stepped in.

“Hey, old man. Can you buy some magic stone for me?”

“Oh, if it isn’t Axe cat girl! Don’t say that out loud you know.”

“It’s fine, right?”

“……Tch. Come inside.”

She went straight to the point.

I turned pale and I hurriedly pulled Mia-san’s hand as she tried to go further in.

“W-wait, are you buying and selling directly with a merchant?”

Materials from dungeons are usually sold to guilds. Medicinal herbs and magic stones are sold by guilds to merchants, and the quality is guaranteed because they include appraisal fees and refining fees. It was also advantageous for adventurers because the purchase price does not fluctuate much.

On the other hand, it is also allowed to wholesale to merchants you find yourselves.

Or rather—it’s a gray area.

It’s not forbidden, but there’s an unspoken understanding that the materials from the dungeon will be sold to the guild.

In this case where there is no involvement of the guild, the adventurer can negotiate the price on his own. In other words, if you are not recognized as a “good adventurer” who is worthy of a deal, you cannot even get in to negotiate.

Long ago, before there were guilds, there were a lot of experienced merchants who would buy magic stones at bargain prices. The Adventurer’s Guild then became an association where adventurers can band together and negotiate prices.

If you’re willing to lose a lot of money by buying and selling outside the guild, feel free to do so—that was probably the guild’s position on cases like this.

On the other hand, it is rumored that if you do it well, some materials can be sold for the same or even more than in the guild.

“Ah….…”

I belatedly realized why we are here. As a thank you for rescuing them, Mia-san connected me to a store that would buy it for me.

“Once I recommended it, this store will buy your magic stones.”

I can’t look Mia-san in the eye.

“We can exchange it at the Guild in the West Dungeon…… It was just that I don’t know much about the higher-ups on the guild over there. Besides, even if I ask to exchange it on your behalf, it’s a small industry, so you can’t fool that guy for long. In that sense, this kind of introduction would be better, right?”

“I-, I see.”

“By the way, this place is under the protection of the Royal Capital’s Chamber of Commerce. Gideon doesn’t have much influence on the west side to begin with. The Warburg family is only the ruler in the ‘Eastern Dungeon’ after all. He probably wouldn’t expect you to be coming and going here, and even if he did know—he probably wouldn’t be able to do much.”

Mia-san’s eyes sharpened.

“The selling price here is up to your negotiation, it’s not like in the guild.”

Mia-san is really skilled in this.

I squeezed my pouch tightly.

“Y-you’re right.”

The reason I’m hesitant isn’t just whether I can or can’t do it. Father has also taught me that it’s better to put it in a guild.

“Adventurers help each other. So, it is better to keep them in the Adventurer’s Guild as much as possible huh….”

“Yes. Well, that’s the official reason.”

Mia-san scratched her red hair. She closed her eyes and guessed what I’m thinking.

“The earnings of the guild are also used to support beginners. To help each other out, adventurers should give as much as they can to the guild –that’s what it’s about, right?”

“Yes.”

“But—”

Mia-san pulled her face closer to me.

“This time, the guild betrayed Rion first. Do you really need to be that loyal?”

That……

She might be right.

“Rion, there’s a difference between being sincere and putting on a sweet face.”

Mia-san crosses her arms and looks at me as if to test me.

I closed my eyes tightly and lifted my chin as hard as I could. I made up my mind. The “power” of decision-making is also a form of strength.

“……I’ll give it a try.”

“Then I’ll buy it.”

The blacksmith beckoned towards us.

“I thought it was Mia, but you boy is the seller huh. You can put your goods on the table over there.”

This uncle has an intimidating presence that was even more than that of an adventurer. He has bulging muscles like the dwarves in the story, and his big nose and eyes make him seem like a formidable opponent.

Standing next to him was a well-dressed young man in black clothing. In his hand is a quill pen and a ledger. The word “Transactions” was written boldly in it.

“Please have a seat.”

As prompted, I sat down at a desk.

The uncle’s eyes looked up at Mia-san.

“Axe Cat girl, he must be a valued customer, right?”

“You’ll have to wait and see to find out.”

“Heh.”

The blacksmith snorted and looked at me. With just a quick glance, I feel like he could see through a lot of things, such as how old I am and whether I’m new to negotiations.

I opened the pouch and placed all the magic stones on the table. The younger man rearranged them by size, as if to say, “This is how you do it.”

“……. I’ve seen it. They are all normal magic stone. With a size like this, it can be used in a furnace before it’s refined by the guild, and it should be good for blessing weapons. All in all, 3000 Gent.”

Sure, it’s a lot higher than the one offered to me by guild a while ago. But it’s half of the usual purchase price.

Mia-san is watching from the sidelines. I guess she is leaving it up to me.

“……Fo-, 4000, what do you think?”

When I ventured to say that, the uncle raised his eyebrows.

“Boy, don’t be too greedy. The guild refused to buy it anyway, right?”

He was right. The younger guy is also shaking his heads.

“That’s where we look at the risk first. Is the quality good enough? Are there any flaws?”

Closing the ledger, the young man continued.

“The reason we buy magic stones directly is because sometimes we find bargains on magic stones and materials that the guild does not put a price on. For example, this one.”

Taken out from the platform behind him was a snow-colored silver bar.

“This is a magically imbued mithril ingot. It once looked like scrap metal after the dungeon was sealed away. But when polished up, it looks like this. The guild’s appraisal is not perfect either. Of course, we sometimes trade with promising adventurers to build relationships with them, but on the other hand……”

After saying that, the young man stopped speaking.

There’s no reason to buy a no name adventurer’s magic stone at a normal price……

That’s what he meant.

I squeezed my voice out.

“I…… I couldn’t sell it in the guild.”

“Hah! What, you’re in trouble? Well, we might get caught up in this. I think, 3000 is too much, so 2500 it is.”

I shivered. The purchase price is steadily decreasing.

For Lu’s sake, for my mother’s sake, I have to sell it at a higher price!

『Rion』

I heard Solana’s voice.

『It’s okay. You have amazing power that helped me. 』

The warm breeze blew away my anxiety.

“N-no!”

There’s no point in holding back.

I reach into the depths of my pouch and pull out a certain stone. Just to be on the safe side, what I took out are three completely weathered spirit stones.

Skill, 『Alarm』was used. Executing【Unseal】.

“T-that’s…”

The man’s eyes widened. I added the glowing green stones to the magic stones on the table. One of them had already been unsealed in the dungeon, by the way.

“…..Wow, this is amazing. Isn’t this a spirit stone? Where did you get it from…?”

The old man finally laughed. The young man was stunned for a while, then he quickly opened the ledger again.

“Boy, this is interesting. What a hidden gem. What do you want to get out of it?”

“Please add this to your appraisal. This is my first deal, and I will continue to do so—I won’t let you lose money.”

“Hmmm, you want to say that not being stingy will be my advantage in the long run?”

I nodded my head.

“I—, I think I can continue to bring this same thing to you.”

Words are armor. In formal terms, without flinching, I conveyed my worth to the other person.

The uncle raised his eyebrows in amusement. Mia-san also smiled.

The young man picked up the spirit stone, held it up in the air, and then he moved the quill.

“Very well”

The uncle’s potholder-like hands gripped my shoulders.

“Very good, I like you boy! Those guild guys turned down such a fine guy! Are they blind, or are the nobles just stupid?”

The young man handed me some money.

“Six large and small magic stones cost 5,000 gent, and three spirit stones cost 15,000…… What do you think?”

20,000 Gent in one day is a huge surplus that I have never earned. In particular, the income of spirit stones is large. It’s calculated to be about five times as valuable as the skeleton magic stone.

The uncle grinned.

“Don’t lose, fledging. Actually….. I’ve heard rumors about you, wake-up caller guy.”

“Yes!”

I responded vigorously.

I have to thank Mia-san. If I simply took out the spirit stones, they might get suspicious.

—However, my relationship with her didn’t end there.

After leaving the store, Mia-san held out her right hand and made a surprising suggestion.

This is translated by Yume Neiji. Kindly read at yumeineijiworks.wordpress.com.

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