《My Room Has Become a Dungeon's Rest Area (LN)》


 Book 1: Chapter 1

    Book 1: Chapter 1


    <b>1 When the discounted apartment was connected to a dungeon.</b>


    A 2LDK apartment for 30 thousand yen.Is it possible that.this room.is haunted by ghosts or something? Hahaha [1. TL Note: A 2LDK apartment in Japan is an apartment with two rooms in addition to a living, dining and kitchen area.]


    I used the wordghosts, which I admit is unrealistic. A bit embarrassed, I yed it off as a joke.


    Being naturally bad atmunication, I couldnt be confident in whether I yed it off well. But it seemed that the real estate agent took it as a joke.


    Hahaha, Sir, there you go again with the jokes. Theres no way there would be something like ghosts, right?


    Hes right. There was nothing to worry about. I think I remember hearing that tenants were required byw to be informed about any crimes or other past incidents that have urred in rental buildings like apartments or rooms.


    Sure, the real estate agent seemed kind of fishy, even though he was dressed in a suit. But this being Japan, there was a possibility that he could be punished byw, so he probably wouldnt just thoughtlessly lie about something like this.


    I guess youre right. Hahaha


    Whispers (Although they did say some goblins and slimes might show up)


    Wait a second. I heard that.


    In response to my cordial smile, this man spoke softly, but there was no doubt he said something really strange.


    Umdid you say something?


    Well the, please write your namergely on the contract here. Please kindly ce your seal here~


    This definitely gave off the feeling that something was wrong.


    Goblins? Slimes? Werent these the names of the monsters that appeared in the games and light novels that I liked?


    This is bad, this is bad, this is bad! Thats what my sixth sense was telling me. But, even if this was a first floor apartment in the suburbs of Tokyo, this was still a 2LDK apartment within the city for only 30 thousand yen. It was just too attractive for me to resist.


    Thats right. I quit university because of that incident. I was a sad part-time job warrior. [2. TL Note: A part-time job warrior is with reference to the nickname of a character in the game steins:gate ] The cheaper my rent is, the better.


    I took a quick nce at the man who stood in front of me.


    He was a man wearing a gangster-style suit who came from a dreary-looking office that seemed to be brimming with a sense of reality. There was no way the word goblincould havee out of this mans mouth.


    There was a time when I thought that.


    I pressed the seal with my name on the contract.


    Suzuki Tooru.


    Allright. I see thats how it is.


    Once I got of the front door of my apartment, the corridors became


    dungeons.


    What is a dungeon, you might ask?


    When I opened my front door it waspletely dark, so I used the torchlight function of my smartphone to light things up. When I did, the corridors looked just like a pavement of natural rocksisnt that basically a dungeon?!


    Something definitely happened in this building. Or rather, this was on a whole new level. No, no. Wait a minute. This might be some sort of mistake. Lets think about this calmly.


    I came to the apartment with the fishy real estate agent in the afternoon. He gave me the key


    Ah, thinking about it, that guy left like he was running away!


    The real estate agent definitely knew about this.


    After the workers from the movingpany who cameter were done moving my belongings, I had been busy unpacking my luggage and tidying up all by myself the entire time.


    It was already night and I was starting to get hungry. I was trying to go to the convenience store to buy my dinner.


    And, when I tried to go out from my front door, my corridor had be a dungeon.


    In the end, my conclusion stayed the same even after I calmed down. No wonder I was rushed to sign the contract.


    I guess it makes sense, because I also heard that they didnt have to inform tenants that something happened in the property as long as someone lived in it before you.


    That fishy real estate agent probably was trying to warn me when he whispered that thing about goblins.


    Can I evene home alive if I go out there? Ah.Im already thinking if I cane homealive. This really is my home now


    I quietly closed the front door and locked it with a key.


    The front door seems sturdy enough.


    It should serve its purpose well if there were to be a thug.


    But even if it can ward of thugs, I wonder how it would fare against goblins and slimes, ah, or maybe evendragons.


    I had checked out the area left and right of the corridor of my apartment, or to be more urate, this dungeon walkway. From what I saw, there werent any goblins or slimes nearby.


    But this felt like a world where it wouldnt be strange even if I find not just a goblin, but a dragon, at the turn of a corner.


    I couldnt seem to feel at ease at all.


    I sat down on a chair in the living room cum dining room of my 2LDK apartment and held my head in my hands.


    Thinking about it, I had forgotten to turn on the lights in my room after panicking around since the evening.


    The light from the streemps entered my pitch-ck room through the windows.


    Lights from the streemps!?


    As I lifted my head and looked out the windowThere were streemps on the utility poles and the unmistakable scenery of Japan.


    Whats going on? Could it be?!


    I took my shoes from the front gate and left the house through therge window of the Japanese-style room that I was nning on using to store my otaku goods.


    It was the amazing smell of exhaust fumes found only in the city.


    There was light from the buildings as well as the streemps, the headlights of cars and the light from the convenience store and the general discount store, Tons Quijote [3. TL Note: Tons Quijote is a spin-off of the name Don Quijote, the biggest discount store in Japan] which was right around the corner. All that light made the glow of the stars in the night sky seem much dimmer.


    It lookedpletely different from the world with the stone pavement, that lookedpletely consumed by the darkness.


    Its the normal Japanthe streets of Tachikawa city. What on earth is going on with this apartment?


    I returned to the Japanese-style room of my apartment through the window I went out of just now. Everything had returned to normal.


    Could it be that the front door is connected to that dungeon? But what does that mean? In other words


    Did it mean that this 2LDK apartment, located in the city, cost only 30 thousand yen just because of the disadvantage of being only able to leave and enter the house through the window?


    Maybe this wasnt just some crime-scene apartment. This might just be a good apartment.


    Actually, wouldnt a dungeon actually be a lot of fun?


    Isnt exploring a dungeon every mans dream?


    I was surprised myself by how calm I was in this situation.


    Maybe the only reason Im so calm now is because Ive been drowning myself in too many games and light novels. If it were that gangsterI mean that real-estate agent, he probably wouldve just peed his pants. He could never be able to stay in this room for an entire day. Fufufu.


    In high spirits, I headed to the convenience store and Tons Quijote.

 Book 1: Chapter 2 (1)

    Book 1: Chapter 2 (1)


    <strong>2 When I brought home the Female Knight who fainted in the Dungeon.</strong>


    For people who call themselves gamers, the reason they explore dungeons is probablybecause there is a dungeon there.


    Though, they dont really have to have to try so hard to act cool. Dungeons are only found in the world of games.


    I really cant do this. Ill move again. Those are conclusions I maye to in the end, but nevertheless, I wanted to explore around a little before I jumped to any conclusions.


    But as expected of discount stores, Tons Quijote really is amazing. I cant believe they sold helmets with headlights and pickaxes made for mountain climbing


    Naturally, Tons Quijote didnt sell protective equipment like iron armour or anything, but these are more than enough for light and as a weapon for exploring a dungeon.


    Especially the helmet equipped with headlights. If this were a world where people used torches andnterns for exploration, this would probably be on the same level as a legendary item.


    I stocked up on a bunch of food ingredients and other items at the convenience store and Tons Quijote before returning to my apartment.


    I took a breath before I faced my front door.


    Lets gointo the dungeon!


    First, I ced my ear on the front door. I checked if there were any strange noises.


    I dont think therell be a goblin attacking me once I open the door, for now. Do slimes.make any noises?


    I quietly opened my front door.


    My headlights lit up the dark.


    It was a brightness iparable to the light from my smartphones torchlight function.


    Hm? I thought there was a pathway here, but I guess I was wrong


    It seemed that there was arge pir right in front of my apartments door. And behind it, there seemed to be arge empty space, or to be more urate, it looked like another room.


    If the space was about the same size lengthwise and breadthwise, then this space would probably be asrge as a 25 metre swimming pool.


    It seemed that I had thought that the pir was a wall surrounding the pavement.


    Could it be that some goblin will suddenly greet me from a blind spot behind the pir? Although thats probably not possible.


    Without going out of the front door, I desperately tried to pick up any sound I could from the dungeons air.


    !


    I dont think its a big army of anything like that. Is what I thought butI heard some breathing sounds from some far behind the pir.


    C-could it be goblins?


    Right now, I had half my body in the dungeon, and half of it still within the house. If I spotted a goblin. I would have no choice but topletely pass through my front gate and show my face, without hiding behind the shadow of the pir.


    Even if there was a goblin, itll just be one of them. And if there really was one, I could just run back through my front door. Lets go!


    Ah, I should just stop doing whatever this is. That real-estate agent would never do anything like this.


    WIth the thought that I was probably just yed too many games in my mind, I stepped out into the dungeon.


    The front door didnt disappear.


    Ensuring that my escape route was still kept open, I carefully moved forward. Staying in the shadow of the pir, I peeked to look at the direction where the soft sound came from, at the end of the room.


    Eek! There it is! The Goblin!


    On the rock-faced walls and floor made of mineral matter,y a body evidently made of flesh.


    I immediately retreated back into the shadows of the pir.


    I was really surprised. I was really surprised but


    The goblin might have been really weak


    The goblin didnt bare its fangs at me or anything. It didnt even look in the direction of the light from my apartment. It just lie down on the floor.


    I was surprised to see something copse in front of me, but the fear was much less intensepared to when I first heard the sound of breathing.


    This might be a trap, but the moment I saw it, I could immediately feel how weak it was. What should I do. Should I go check on it one more time?


    Ivee this far. I have to do this.


    Carefully, I snuck a peek at the goblin, remaining in the shadows of the pir.


    I observed the goblin for a much longer time than I did before. After which, I slowly returned back to the shadows of the pir.


    Actuallyis thateven a goblin?


    It seemed that the part I thought was obviously made of flesh was the goblins thigh. Its skin was mysteriously very shiny.


    Looking at it closely, it was wearing armor on its upper body. Up close, I saw that it was lying on a shield. And when I shined my light on it, its golden hair that was spread across the stone ground gave off a beautiful golden reflection.


    This isnt a goblinit looks like a human femalewhats more, could it be that this was one of those people who alwayse up in gamesoh, could she be a female knight?


    I only checked from a distance away, but I couldnt help but think that the thing that copsed behind therge pir in the dark wasnt a goblin, but a female knight.


    I reached the conclusion that she was a female knightrather than a female warriorbecause she gave off an aura of elegance, even with her thighs spread open.


    She was a beautiful female knight who looked like she came straight out of some story about a hero being summoned.


    At least the possibility was there.


    My heart was beating loudly. But it was not from nervousness, but rather, from excitement.


    But could I really be sure that this really wasnt a goblin?


    It would be a lie to say that there waspletely nothing suspicious about this current situation.


    Could it be that that female knight was just bait?


    Everything that led up to this current situation had been suspicious. But.


    Theres no way a human would sleep on such a cold, stone floor normally. If that were really a human, it would mean that they were in danger.


    I had to help her.


    Myte grandmother told me that I should treat people with kindness.


    This was ady, furthermore, one who looked like she was on the brink of death.probably. All the more because she was a female knight.


    I have to be brave here. Even a normal viger A from Japan can do it when they want to!


    I repeatedly told myself as I strengthened my grip in the hand that was holding onto the pickaxe. I went up fearfully, making sure that I didnt miss out on any sudden sounds around me.


    I used the pickaxe to hit the floor a few times before I stepped forward.


    I moved beyond the pir and checked my surroundings. There were no goblins in the blindspot behind the pir.


    The female knight wasnt moving at all, but I could hear her weeping, ever so softly.


    Gulp. That sound came from my throat. I notice myself having just swallowed my saliva. What on earth was happening? Was this female knight lying on the stone ground and crying?


    I shone my bright headlight on her a countless number of times.


    Why wouldnt she look here?


    Was this a trap? Or could there be danger nearby?


    The excitement I had just now hadpletely faded and I was struck with an intense tension.


    But if danger was really approaching, it might cost her her life if I didnt help her right now.


    I finally stepped out from behind the pir into therge room.


    Obviously the thing I was most curious about was the female knight, but I couldnt just focus on that.


    I shined my headlight on the wall, the ceiling, the floor and checked any and everything around me before proceeding carefully.


    I was about a 100 times more nervous than I waspared to when I entered the office of the fishy real estate agent.


    I had gotten quite close to the female knight. At this point, there was no way I could mistake her for a goblin. She was definitely a female knight. Moreover, the possibility that she was wearing a disguise was very lowI think.


    I could start to see her face, which I imagined was probably very beautiful.


    But there was no mistaking it. The sound that was bing increasingly louder was the sound of her crying.


    Sniff, sniff


    Why was she crying? Moreover, she still wouldnt look in my direction. She just faced upwards.


    Having shined my headlight thoroughly throughout the entire room, I was sure that there was no one in this room other than the female knight.

 Book 1: Chapter 2 (2)

    Book 1: Chapter 2 (2)


    But there was something else. A few steps away from the female knight was the end of the room, where there was a stone wall. And in that wall, there was a sturdy-looking iron door, as well as a stone button that looked like some sort of switch.


    Was this indeed just bait?


    Were arge number of goblins going toe out of there?


    Carefully. Carefully. I had to act more carefully than I have my entire life. If not, this would be a immediate death ending for me.


    Before I tried calling out to her, I picked up a small stone and threw it at the female knight.


    Surprisingly, I hit her armour in one shot.


    Sniff, sniff, stop


    What? Japanese? [1. TL Note: Novel is written in japanese]


    Wait, no. This wasnt japanese.


    This wasnt english or anything. It was some mysterynguage. But somehow, my ears picked it up as Japanese


    This increasingly felt like a trap, but at the same time, the fear that the girl in front of me was showing was so life-like and vivid. I could no longer believe that it would be just an act.


    I decided to call out to her, gathering all the courage I had.


    U-umare you alright?


    D-donte here!


    I-if you dont tell me if youre alright, I wont know if we each understand each othersnguages.


    J-just donte near me! Please!


    I had somewhat calmed down a bit. At least I was able to get some information from her.


    I found out that we could mutually understand each other, with me speaking Japanese and the female knight speaking thenguage I had never heard before.


    I also found out that the female knight couldnt seem to move.


    I-im going to move toward you now, alright?


    I-I told you not toe near me!


    But you cant move right?


    I can move! Of course I can move!


    But you cant really move right


    No matter how I looked at her, it didnt seem to be an act. If this were an act, then this female knight must be a really skilled actress.


    Well, it was certainly true that her face was beautiful, even when I looked at her from afar. Actually, she looked more beautiful than an actress.


    Ignoring her cries for me not to go closer, I carefully move forward.


    Im going to help you now


    S-stop, dont vite me, dont kill me


    W-what? This female knight just said something really weird.


    The female knight was only a few steps away.


    What did you just say?


    Ill clean for you! Ill do yourundry! Ill do anything! Please dont kill me! Goblin-sama!


    G-goblin!?


    So thats what it was. It seemed that somehow, in this pitch ck dungeon, both this female knight and I mistook each other for goblins.


    But I immediately realised that the female knight was not indeed a goblin. It was a bit saddening to think that she mistook me as a goblin until now.


    Even though I looked like this, my grandmother used to tell me that I was cool.


    Please dont lump me in with goblins.


    Oh, I got it. Its the headlight!


    Thinking about it, I was looking at her with the lights on my helmet.


    From Her perspective, it was probably really bright, and my face was probably just a shadow so she couldnt see me probably.


    Moreover, it seemed that she wasnt able to move her neck for some reason, so she could only nce to the side to look at me.


    I took of my helmet and moved my face directly in front of her to let her get a good look of my face. I used the light to light up my face from below.


    E-eekkkkk!!!!!!


    That beautiful face of hers twitched before she seemed to lose consciousness.


    Thats so rude!


    Is what I said, but I realised that shining a light from below my face in a dark ce must look pretty scary.


    She was already pretty scared and yet II screwed upbut it looks like shes still alive.


    From what I saw, she didnt seem to have any external wounds.


    The movement of her abundant chest was obvious even through the steel te of her armourI mean, her pulse seemed normal and she was breathing.


    Then, why? Ah


    That was when I noticed something.


    From around her thighs, a golden yellow liquid that was being reflected by my headlights was flowing out.


    I didnt know if it was a danger signal from her body or because of fear so intense it caused her to lose consciousness but.


    Itd probably be dangerous if I just left her here. And itd probably be embarrassing for her too


    Ambnces probably wonte to a dungeon.


    I carried her to a safe spot.


    Thats right. It was my new house, the apartment.


    I stuck my pickaxe in my belt and piggy-backed her.


    ce the female knights arms around my neck..oof, now let me lift her up from her thighs. Oh, this is heavy! I cant possibly carry her shield so I guess I have no choice but to leave it behind.


    I firmly grabbed her by her thighs and unsteadily returned to my room.


    At first, I thought that this was the best sensation in the world, but in the end I found it really hard to hold on to her with the golden yellow liquid.


    Not only that, even my clothes gotpletely drenched.


    Woahhhh! Ahh!


    I somehow managed to carry the female knight all the way to the front gates and locked the door behind me with my keys.


    I wanted to lock the U-lock [1. TL note: A type of lock] too, but itd be impossible without putting the female knight to sleep first.


    I was proud to say that in my 2LDK apartment, there were 2 more rooms other than the living room.


    One was a western-style room and one was the japanese-style room.


    I guess the problem now is which one I should let the female knight sleep in


    The japanese-style room was where I stored my otaku goods. And it was the room that would help me step back into the real world as a new me.


    I had nned to sleep in the western-style room. The unassembled bed, as well as the mattress had already arrived.


    I opened up the box with my otaku goods first so I dont really want to use the japanese-style room, but itd be impossible to assemble the bed right now. Ill just have to let her sleep on the tatami of the japanese-style room I guess


    Illy the female knight to sleep on the tatami and cover her with some bedsheets.


    Im so tired from the nervousness and physical work


    After I pressed my ear against the front door to check whether there was any noiseing from outside the door, I locked the U-lock.


    What should I do now? Ok, Ive decided.


    Lets return to the Japanese-style room.


    Maybe to my surprise, when I return to the Japanese-style room, Miss Knight would have disappeared into thin air and everything was just a dream.


    But of course, she didnt disappear.


    The female knight was still unconscious in the same position as when Iy her to sleep.


    I did think about calling an ambnce for her, but I wouldnt know how to exin the situation anyway. Moreover, I was scared that the paramedics would get sucked into this whole situation with the dungeon.


    Her condition didnt appear to be deteriorating. The up and down movement of her chestI mean her breathing, didnt seem to beboured.


    I want to help her take off her armor and her wet clothes, but that would probably be sexual harassment. But she really is


    Beautiful. Moreover, she looked dignified.


    Her face looked like one of a beautiful dolls.


    I wondered what would happen when she opened her eyes.


    Wow but from all the moving and intense nervousness and physical work Im getting really sleepy.


    As I watched the female knight whoy on the tatami, I suddenly became sleepy.


    If she werent here, Id definitely be sleeping right now.


    But there was no way I just could sleep here when I just brought I woman in.


    Id definitely.get misunderstood


    Oh wise sage, wise sage


    I could hear a sound that sounded like a harp from afar.


    Did I know how a harp sounded like, you ask? I dont


    What Im trying to say is that it was a sound as beautiful and as gentle.


    I wanted to listen to it forever.


    Wise sage!


    Eek!


    The sound of the harp suddenly got really loud.


    Ah, have you awoken?


    It seems that I identally fell asleep, and I feel like I had a weird dream about going to a dungeon and carrying a female knight.


    I rubbed my eyes to clear up my blurry field of vision. Ah, it was the japanese-style room of the apartment I just moved ino.

 Book 1: Chapter 2 (3)

    Book 1: Chapter 2 (3)


    It seems that after I moved and made my shelves, I fell asleep arranging my figures, thin books and manga.


    But did I always have this amazing pillow?


    It was soft and warm. It felt reallyfortable.


    It smelled kind of bad, kind of like pee, but it was still really, reallyfortable


    Eek! Its not a pillow! Its the female knightsp!


    I jumped up and looked down. The female knight had woken up.


    It wasnt a dream or anything. I really did carry a female knight from a dungeon. And after rxing I just fell asleep like that.


    Whats more I did it on the female knightsp.


    Its probably for her to move around more easily but they really shouldnt discriminate against thighs and cover it up more!


    S-s-s-s-sorry. I just identally fell asleep.


    I-its alright. I get it. I apologise as well, for waking you up even though you were sleeping sofortably.


    It seemed that she wasnt angry. And she didnt have any weird misunderstandings


    You were lying on me so I called out to you even though I thought it would be slightly rude. But I can understand how Mr. Wise Sage would be sleepy in such afortable ce to sleep in.


    Shes having some weird misunderstanding.


    What did she mean by wise sage?


    And was she referring to the tatami or herp when she was talking about thefortable ce to sleep in?


    N-no Im not a wise sage or anything. Although its much better than being mistaken for a goblin.


    Aaah, Im so sorry. I was unable to see your face, wise sage. Moreover, you were speaking in monsternguage, so as rude as this is, I thought that you were a goblin


    Hm? Monsternguage?


    Yes. You are speaking it right now, am I wrong?


    Ok. I immediately understood what was happening. In other words, based on the female knights understanding. or rather, the dungeon worlds understanding, Japanese was the same as Monsternguage.


    No wonder she mistook me for a goblin.


    And now she was mistaking me for a wise sage.


    But Im also not a wise sage


    A-am I mistaken? But you were able to create such a mysterious ce to live in, so deep in the dungeon. I was sure you were a retired wise sage.


    I see. So thats her exnation.


    Judging from her protective equipment, like her shield and armor, the world on the dungeon side probably had technology equivalent to what we had in the Medieval Ages.


    Protective equipment in the modern world would probably be something like bullet proof vests made of Ker fibre.


    I probably isnt that strange for her to think that this room was made by a great sage, seeing as this room in Japan was filled with modern conveniences.


    The floor is of perfect hardness. I could probably sleep anywhere on this. It really is amazing. Not only that.it gives off a nice smell. Ah.I want to sleep on it forever


    .The female knight caressed the tatami in fascination. It seemed that out of the modern conveniences in the room, she had taken a liking to the tatami. Rather than a modern convenience, it was more of a traditional Japanese handicraft.


    Dont get me wrong. I loved the smell of new tatami too.


    And there are so many of those borately made dolls. There are some who are holding swords as well. Theye across as more magical ones to me butare you really not a wise sage?


    Nowise sage! I am a wise sage! Of course the dolls are magical. Theyre not anything suspicious at all! Ahahahaha!


    Y-youre right. Actually, I was slightly worried that you were, as the humans nicknamed, the wizard of darkness. Your dolls seemed kind of.um.half naked and all.


    Not at all, not at all. After all, Im a wise sage who fights for justice!


    As I tried to y it off, the female knight gave me a beaming smile.


    Youre right. You carried me all the way here and saved my life. Thank you so much.


    O-oh no. That smile


    Ever since I quit university, I had not properly talked to a woman, other than the short interaction I had with them during my part-time job.


    The female knights smile shone brightly, like she was an angel who had descended from heaven.


    .Although, she was still lying on the tatami and she still wasnt moving. After I jumped up, I was still looking down at her.


    By the way, why are you still lying down?


    It seems that I was struck with some strong paralysing poison in the dungeon just nowbut I think I should be able to move in a while.


    I see. I had thought it was something like that, but I guess I was right.


    If you had not helped me just now, I would have probably been dead by now. Wise sage, I owe you my life. Ill do anything to pay you back!


    What!? Youll do anything!?


    Does that mean shell do something like what g-goblins do? No! What are you thinking about Tooru?!


    Your grandmothers going to be disappointed in you!


    Yes! Although I might not look like it, I am still a knight!


    I mean, I can tell just by looking. Of course knights possess a strong sense of duty and have great market value. It probably was the same in the other world.


    Although Im an ex-knight


    Ah, shes an ex-knight. I see. So does that mean her sense of duty wasnt as strong?


    I appreciate the thought, but you can just forget about it


    Although I did risk my life to save her in a dungeon where monsters may or may not have appeared, in the end, nothing happened and I waspletely unscathed.


    Still lying down, she puffed up her chest.


    No, as an ex-knight, I will not forget your kindness for as long as I live!


    Did she just say that she wouldnt forget, as long as she lived?


    Kindness she wont forget as long as she livedshell do anything.


    I was happy that such a beautiful person said those things to me. I felt like I really lucked out but.. Was it really alright for this female knight to promise these things to a person whose name she didnt even know?


    She gave me a smile, as if she didnt have a single worry or doubt in her mind. Maybe she just had a personality where she didnt doubt others goodwill.


    We still dont know each others names


    I unconsciously let those words out.


    I-I-I apologise. That was rude of me. My name is Aria Eldlux.


    Miss Aria, Eldlux? Thats quite a tough name, isnt it?


    You can just casually call my Ria


    Even if you tell me to call you casually.


    It was pretty hard to call such a beautiful person by their given name. I barely had any memory of that, other than Shan. Thinking about it, that was also a nickname. There was no way I called her Sachiko.


    Ria looked like she was trying to move her upper body. It seemed that she was able to sit up now.


    Haa.it seems that most of the paralysis poison has disappeared.


    Is that so? Thats good.


    By the way, would you like to tell me your respected name, wise sage?


    Respected name? Oh you mean my name? Its Suzu


    Its Suzuki Tooru. Is what I was about to say, but I stopped halfway.


    Her name was Aria Eldlux. Inparison, a name like Suzuki just seemed so ipatible.


    I apologise to all the Suzukis in Japan.


    My name is Tooru, I mean, Thor


    Sir Thor. What a nice name


    I definitely didnt want a female calling me by my given name.


    No, thats a lie. I wanted her to call my name.


    I apologise again to all the Suzukis in Japan.


    But at any rate, Sir Thor, you appear rather young for a wise sage who has developed so many artifacts, are you not?


    What? Arti-?


    Ah. I didnt really understand what she was suddenly saying, since we were in the real world, but thats the thing that oftenes up in the games and light novels I often dabble in.


    In other words, she was talking about the magic items created by magicians.


    If someone from the Medieval Ages saw this room, they would probably also think that it was filled with artifacts too.


    However, the topic wasnt about the artifacts.


    We were talking about how young I was, despite being a wise sage living in secret in the depths of a dungeon.


    I had to cook up a story for her, before her angelic, nk expression turned into one of suspicious fear.

 Book 1: Chapter 2 (4)

    Book 1: Chapter 2 (4)


    U-m so, umafter quitting the former imperind then


    Do you mean the royal court?


    Ah, yes yes. I became a Royal Court Magician at the age of 6!


    In reality, I did enter the Former Imperial University in the region I lived in. [1. TL Note: Former Imperial Universities is the name of the 7 national universities in Japan that existed before the war, including Tokyo University and Kyoto University. They are considered the best few universities in Japan. ]. But because of a certain incident, I was forced to drop out. Thinking that I could somehow get by if I went to Tokyo, I moved to Tachikawa city.


    And that was how I moved into this apartment, with its cheap rent even though its located within the city.


    But I dropped outI mean I quit. Then I devoted myself to my hobbies, I mean my magic


    I see, so thats what happened.


    So yeah, Im still 21 years old.


    Youre so young! Then wed only have a 3 year age gap!


    Hm? Is Ria 24 years old?


    Wait, no. Seeing how beautiful and elegant she was, I thought that shed be older than me, but her smile was adorable. There was still some childishness left in that smile of hers.


    Are you 18 years old, Ria?


    Yes!


    Heh, heh. 18 I see.Thats nice.


    Im d I saved her with all my might. Talking about that.


    Are you feeling alright?


    Yes. Its paralysis poison so I think it should heal by itself with time.


    I see, so paralysis poison heals by itself with time.


    That was important information for me, since I lived in an apartment connected to a dungeon. Ill remember this.


    It might work in my favour to learn more information from Ria.


    In a situation where I could have gotten attacked by monsters at any time, I was still conscious, but all I could see was darknessand my body couldnt moveI was so scared


    Ria shuddered.


    Of course thatd be terrifying. Maybe that was why she wet herself.


    Oh yes, thats right.


    She probably felt really ufortable while her body still wasnt able to move.


    Ill go prepare a bath


    What? A bath? In a dungeon? But Id feel bad for doing something like that.


    Its fine, its fine


    I never imagined that the first person to use the bathroom in my new home would be ady, no, a girl.


    I had thought that I would let the girlfriend I got someday to use it, but I never thought that I would have a girl use it on the first day of me moving in.


    Thank you, dungeon.


    Lets see here. The bath can be reheated but its the type where I can only fill up the bath with the tap, so I guess its not automatic. So Ill just fill it with water


    Now lets go back to the Japanese-style room where Ria is.


    Maybe the paralysis poison wore off enough for her to start walking around again.


    Wait what!? Why are you kneeling down!?


    When I returned to the japanese-style room, Ria was there, kneeling down at me.


    Moreover, she was still trembling. Why was she trying so hard to kneel down to me when the paralysis still hadnt worn off!?


    I, I-I-I-I-Im so sorry. When you talked about the bath I finally realised butwhat a disgraceful thing I have


    It seemed that my urging for her to take a bath caused her to realise that she had wet herself.


    Nobut you couldnt have been able to go to the toilet because you were paralysed right? And it couldnt have been helped because I scared you right?


    As I said those words, she vigorously lifted her face up in my direction. Her face waspletely red. She then reached her hand out to grab me near my waist area.


    W-w-what!? What are you doing?


    I-Its wet


    I was surprised. It seemed that her strange action was to check whether my clothes were wet.


    AhIts because I carried you, Ria


    H-how could I have made.a wise sage do something. like that


    T-there, there, its not that umon


    Thats not true at all!


    Well, shes right.


    It probably isnt everyday that one wets a wise sage with pee. I think.


    Ria suddenly started to cry out loud.


    I-Im sorry. I shouldnt have raised my voice all of a sudden


    No, its alright.


    Even if you forgive meI cant get married anymore at this rate


    Ah, ahII see. So that was the reason she raised her voice, and why she started to cry.


    I guess that is something that happens in a strict family of knights.


    If you cant then I would dly take you


    What?


    Oh, o-o-o-o-oh no.


    I just let that slip out because I wanted to cheer Ria up, after seeing how dejected she was..


    She probably hates me now. In the worst possible situation, this might even cause the magician of darkness to be resurrected.


    Right now, she was wearing an expression much more nk than just now. And when she finally internalised the meaning of what I said,


    W-w-w-w-what are you saying!? Wise sage


    She said, as her face turned bright red and she looked away.


    Oh no. She might avoid me now.


    No, I-I mean. Its a joke.maybe..hey.


    She suddenly turned around to look at me.


    Her face was beautiful, but she looked at me with the fierceness of a carnivorous animal.


    Are these the true colors of a female knight?


    Is it. a joke?


    I guess there are jokes that can be said and those that shouldnt


    Sheughed.But it was a somewhat intimidating smile.


    Thats right. Boys cannot go back on their word, you know?


    T-thats right. Boys cannot go back on their word.


    At any rate, Ria wsughing.


    My brain couldnt really catch up in understanding the situation, but the rational choice here was to agree with her.


    Her face turned red again as she looked away.


    I will go take a bath now. Where is it?


    Ah, wait a while. Theres a lot I need to teach you.


    I grabbed her arm and helped her to stand up.


    Even as she looked away, she didnt push my hand away.


    T-thank you very much


    I brought her to the bathroom.


    By the way, I was only exining how to use everything, so of course, she was still fully clothed.


    W-wow. Just how amazing is this room in the dungeon that you live in, Sir Thor?


    I mean, if she was impressed by the tatami, this was only to be expected.


    Ria looked around the bathroom curiously and was surprised.


    At this point, I didnt even know what she was surprised at.


    Its supposed to be a mansion rather than a dungeon though. But I guess it does sound very simr[2. TL Note: Apartments are called  in Japanese which is pronounced man-shon and can be directly, albeit less urately, tranted as mansion]


    Hm?


    Ahno. Its nothing. This is the bathtub. Youre supposed to go into this, understood?


    Got it! They have this in the houses of nobles and the royal pce anyway.


    Hmm, I see. So rich people have bathtubs in the dungeon world too.


    But is it really alright? Letting someone like me use your bathing quarters, wise sage?


    Dont sweat the small stuff. Rather than that, do you know how to use the shower?


    Bathing quarters. Is that the old word for bathroom?


    I mean, in the first ce, I was kind of understanding Rias words through some sort of telepathy.


    Ria was making an apologetic face.


    Ahits all right. Its only natural that you dont know


    I-Im sorry.


    Ria shrank inwards and her face looked terrified.


    No, no, no! Its really alright if you dont know. I just wanted to show off to you the amazing artifacts I made as a wise sage.


    Is that so?


    Yeah, especially because I never get visitors when I live so deep in the dungeon.


    I see. But I wont know if its amazing or not if I dont know how to use it.


    It seemed that she was a very straightforward person. She seemed to be the type of person who didnt try to tter others. But its better that way.


    Then Ill teach you how to use it. When you twist this faucet, the hot water wille out. Its set to the perfect temperature already, so its convenient for washing your body right? Its separate from the bathtub so its hygienic too


    I turned the shower on and let the water flow to show Ria.


    She didnt react. She waspletely expressionless. She was frozen.


    H-hm?


    Was it nothing special to her?


    Shall I spray her with a little water for fun?


    Ria suddenly flinched.


    Oh no


    It, i-i-it really is hot water. How does this work? There isnt even a fire.


    I mean even if she asked me how it works, I guess it was just the heat energy from the pressure of the water and gas?

 Book 1: Chapter 2 (5)

    Book 1: Chapter 2 (5)


    Um, fire magic and water magic?


    Why is the person who made it asking the question? But it really is amazing. There are a lot of sages who make artifacts for war and other fights, but an item for bathing. Ah, I want to try it as soon as possible


    It seemed that Ria liked baths.


    And I felt like I understood the fact that although she was a female knight, she was still very gentle.


    Wait a second. Dont rush. Do you know what this is?


    What could it be? It looks so smooth, but its a material Ive never seen before


    A smooth material, I see. Thats to be expected, since she probably didnt know what stic was.


    Rias eyes sparkled in excitement.


    Fufufu. So to use this. When you press here, you get soap for your body and your hair. Soap that makes your hair really smooth wille out.


    Oh, really? Is it alright if I try it?


    Ah, of course. Here. Gently.


    Ah, ah. Its the liquid type of soap, I see. Its very bubbly and it has a very nice aroma. Could this be the smell of flowers?


    I knew that soap had been around for really long. But it probably wasnt the bubbly type that we put in stic bottles with push functions like we use now.


    Whats more, it was flower-scented.


    Ria waspletely fascinated by the bubbles in her hand.


    It might be mean to keep her from the bath any further.


    Ive exined mostly everything so Ill just be in the living room alright? You can just leave your armor outside the frosted ss pane after taking it off. Ill bring you a change of clothes from outside in a little while.


    Thank you very much!


    It seemed that in front of the bathing area was thevatory, and the washing machine was located around there too.


    Shell probably take off her armor in thevatory after a while, so all I had to do was bring a jersey and a T-shirt for her.


    What should we do about her bra and panties


    UnfortunatelyI mean, fortunately, theres a top portion to the jersey as well, so I probably wouldnt be able to see the shape of her chest even when she wears the T-shirt and it directly touches her skin.


    .Should I just tell her that I only have a T-shirt for her top? What am I thinking? Get a grip on yourself, your grandmas going to cry if she sees you like this.


    Ria~, I brought you a change of clothes. Are you already in the shower? I guess you wouldnt understand even if I saidvatory. Is it alright if I enter the ce where you took off your clothes?


    Yes. Its alright.


    It seemed that Ria was fully enjoying herself in the bathroom.


    Ill just leave the jersey beside her armor.


    I only realized it just now, but it seemed that, although this apartment had a Japanese-styled room, it was strangely trendy in really weird ces. For example, the frosted ss in the bathroom wasnt the fake kinds made of stic. Rather, it was real frosted ss.


    Moreover, the frosting was rather thin and it wasnt all that translucent.


    Or at least, to the extent that I could tell that Ria wasnt soaking in the bathtub, but washing her body with the shower.


    And I could also tell that her highly-trained body had very distinguished proportions.I think.


    I wanted to look at her more, but any more and we might reach the point in which I really became the magician of darkness.


    I-Ill just leave your change of clothes here, alright?


    Yes. Im really very grateful for all the things youve done for me.


    Her voice sounded lively. It seemed that she was having a rxing time in the shower.


    As my grandmothers smile appeared in my head, I was about to leave thevatory, patting myself on a job well done.


    Hya-hyaaaaaaaaaaa!


    Wai-what!? Just as I was about to leave thevatory, I heard Ria screaming from behind.


    Whats wrong!?


    Ahhhhhhhhhh!


    Even as I called out to her, Ria was just screaming at the top of her lungs.


    Could it possibly be goblins? Or possibly even slimes?


    Even if she was a knight, she didnt have her sword or her armor with her.


    Damn it! Even though I thought that it would be safe inside the apartment!


    Oh ya, I had a pickaxe! It was still hooked on the belt around my waist.


    Im going in!


    Riaaaaaaaaaaaa!


    I opened the frosted ss door as I screamed her name.


    Something transparent suddenly came charging towards my face.


    Ahhhhhhhh-its-so-coldddddd!


    In the bathroom, the showerhead moved around violently, as if a snake, as it spewed out freezing cold water


    Ahhhhhhhhh!


    Ria continued to scream.


    As the water surrounded my vision, I understood the root of the entire situation.


    It was a goblin or a slime.


    Ria must have adjusted the water volume to the maximum and in her surprise, set the temperature to the coldest setting.


    Or it could have been the other way round.


    I turned the faucet to stop the water froming out of the snake-like showerhead.


    Ahaha. A lot of wateres out when you adjust it to the highest setting in this apartment. Adjust it slower next time alright? And also this is where you adjust the temperature.


    As I continued to exin how everything worked, I regained my sight by wiping my wet face with my hand.


    Gehhhhhhhhhhhhh!


    There stood Ria, dressed only in her birthday suit in its full glory.


    N-no, um dont get me wrong! I, um, this is! I just came to save you so!


    I immediately turned around and made an excuse to Ria.


    I was probably toote even if I just turned away at this point.


    It wouldnt be weird even if she hits me right now.


    Actually, Id be lucky to just get away with a beating.


    But contrary to my expectations, as I stood there freezing cold from the shower water, my body was surrounded by a warm sensation.


    I-I was so scared


    What? It seemed that Ria was hugging me from behind.


    I could hear her crying softly.


    I could probably feel two.sensations on my back, but I didnt care about that right now.


    This girl was in a dungeon where she didnt know when shed get attacked by enemies. She had just experienced the fear of death, being left there powerless even though she was still conscious.


    It couldnt be helped that she would get scared from just a bit of panic.


    She was trembling.


    Ria. Are you alright?


    Im sorry. Just a little longer


    I felt warm and fuzzy inside.


    She should probably still rest in my room for a while.


    Thats right. I should probably go fetch the shield she left in the dungeon.


    She was probably still afraid of the dungeon.


    There werent goblins there anyway, so it should be fine.


    Be kind to the cute girl and umte affection points from her. That was the standard tactics in games


    And I could have a small adventure too.


    Cant wait to see more? Want to show your support? <strong>CLICK HERE</strong> to be a patron and get additional chapters ahead of time!

 Book 1: Chapter 3 (1)

    Book 1: Chapter 3 (1)


    <strong>3 When the first earthling learned about their own stats and leveled up.</strong>


    I was about to go retrieve a shield from the dungeon. But here I was right now, sitting down with my back facing the frosted ss of he shower.


    Why had ite to this? I wondered.


    Sir Thor, are you there?


    Yeah, Im here!


    Ever since the mess with the shower, Ria would be afraid without me close by. And so, here I was sitting.


    Japanese dailymodities were typically nothing to be afraid of. But to someone who only knew of technology from the Medieval Ages, they were probably terrifying.


    That was why I decided to stay close by until she was done with her shower, if that would please her.


    Itd be great if she could take her time in the bath and warm up her chilled body in the water.


    Hows the temperature of the showerhead?


    Its just nice. The soap for hair is also really bubbly. If I dont use it wrongly, your artifacts really are the best arent they, wise sage?


    Is that so? Thats good.


    As Ria soaked in the bath, we were having a conversation through the frosted ss.


    It didnt seem like I could go retrieve her shield right now.


    As the thought suddenly came to my mind, I asked RIa.


    Ria, what monster struck you with the paralysis poison?


    It was goblins. I thought that I had defeated it but a blowing dart suddenly hit me


    Ah, so it was goblins, as I expected


    Maybe the tone of my voice made it sound like I thought that goblins werent all that strong.


    The goblins in this dungeon are special!


    I-is that so?


    Theyre probably nothing for you, wise sage, but there are rumors that these underground ruins of this ancient kingdom, the Dungeon of Yomi, are dangerous for any adventurer, you know?


    I see. So the dungeon connected to this apartment was called the Dungeon of Yomi.


    I got that this dungeon was the underground ruins of an ancient kingdom, and that it was very dangerous here.


    Even I never thought that something like a goblin would attack me with a blowing dart with paralysis poison with itsst breath. This dungeon really is special. The monsters here are quick-witted and smart


    Are they different in different dungeons even if theyre the same type of enemy?


    I havent really entered many other dungeons before, but to say the very least, the monsters outside arepletely different.


    I see. So it meant that this dungeon was an especially dangerous difficult dungeon. Curse the real estate agent. So this really was a super incident prone piece of property. This really was the most defective out of all the defective apartments.


    Even though Im a knight, my agility stats are pretty high too. But in this dungeon, there are even slimes which run away immediately and I cant catch up to them at all. And yet the rumours that the experience points you get here for levelling up would be good was fake.


    W-what did you just say!?!?!?


    What Did I say something strange?


    There was a part in what Ria said that piqued my interest a lot.


    Werent the slimes that immediately ran away and were uncatchable the really good monsters in that particr game? That definitely piqued my interest. But more than that!


    H-hey. Im a wise sage so I have a special way to know my own statusbut how do normal people like you know your own statuses, Ria?


    It was possible to know your own status in numbers. Maybe it would be possible to urately know ones affinity for certain skills.


    To Japanese people, that was really juicy information.


    With that information, we could take as many shortcuts to useless hard work as we wanted.


    Although, there was a possibility that I might feel that my future was actually really bleak.


    What? What? Was there another way.to know your own status!?


    There is, there is! There is so! Please tell me the way you do it Ria!


    Y-yes. If I think about it in my heart, the stats appear in your head in numerical values right? I thought that that was just part of gods divine creation


    Bingoooooo! What an amazing divine creation it was!


    H-hm? Why wouldnt my stats appear in my mind! Why?


    As I celebrated my new found knowledge, Ria was panicking that her status was not appearing in her head.


    I knew what the reason was. I told Ria with a convenient exnation.


    I cast a spell so that you couldnt check your status in the area I lived in. I think youll be able to do it once you return back to the dungeon.


    But in reality, it was probably because the way god made the world or maybe the rules was different because my room was located in Japan.


    And if we went to the dungeon, we would probably.


    Thats a relief.


    The sound of Ria showering stopped. And I think I heard her enter the bathtub.


    Oh yes. Ria, here was an iron door behind where you fainted, but would I be right to say that monsters wonte in as long as thats closed?


    I was thinking that the reason there were no monsters in thatrge room in the dungeon was because that iron door was closed shut.


    I-Im sorry. I closed that door when I was escaping before I fell because of the paralysis poison. It was so I wouldnt get attacked by more monsters. There should be a switch in the wall.


    As I thought. Thats why there werent any monsters there.


    Ria! You know. When I carried you in, I left your shield in the dungeon. Ill go retrieve it for you alright?


    What? Its alright! Im already so thankful to you for just saving my life. I couldnt possibly trouble you any further, wise sage.


    Its fine, its fine. There wont be any monsters anyway right?


    Y-yes.I think


    The-then, please enjoy your time soaking in the bath alright?


    At this point, retrieving the shield was not my sole objective anymore.


    Rather, my main objective was to check my status!


    Ill check out what talents I have in the dungeon.


    I put on the helmet with headlights attached on that I left on the dining table.


    I held the pickaxe that I hooked around my belt on my hand.


    I ced paper and a pen in my pocket.


    If I could find out what my stats were, I was going to use the pen and paper to take down a memo.


    I carefully checked whether there was any noiseing from behind the door before I slowly opened it.


    I then stuck my face out and checked a countless number of times whether there were any monsters in the area.


    Nice! There doesnt seem to be any.


    At this point, I barely felt any nervousness when stepping into the dungeon.


    More than that, I was much more nervous about the stats that I was going to see when I checkedter.


    Could I check my status? Could I not?


    If I could, then I wonder what my stats were


    Was my future going to be bright? Could I see what was beyond my current life? Or was everything going to be pitch ck>


    Heaveho


    Before I checked my status, I couldnt help but take in a huge breath.


    Lets go!


    Status open!


    I shouted out, as I thought in my head.


    By the way, no one said anything about needing to shout out loud. [Name] Suzuki Tooru


    [Race] Human


    [Age] 21


    [upation] Unemployed


    [Level] 1/


    [Health] 19/19


    [Magic] 27/27


    [Attack] 114


    [Defence] 45


    [Strength] 10


    [Intelligence] 18


    [Agility] 12


    [Skill] No maximum growth


    Wo, woahhhhh!


    There it is.it really is my status


    From what I saw, I didnt seem that strong or anything, but it really did appear as an image in my head!


    No, everyone is probably weak at the beginning. Rather than focus on my status now, what was important was my potential for growth. Thats what I wanted to believe in.


    As I took down a memo of my skill, I thought about how I was going to find out more about it.


    Firstly, for my [Name] and [Age], there was nothing special to note.


    My name and age were just factually written there.


    What did they mean by unemployed under [upation]? I was properly supporting myself through my part-time job.


    Maybe the [upation] was referring to the effect of my skill or the direction I was heading in gaining skills.


    And what was the most eye-catching here was probably my [Level].


    I could understand why it was currently at 1, but the denominator was infinite.


    It was probably interlinked with the skill that I had, No maximum growth.


    This may or may not just mean that I could still dream.


    Cant wait to see more? Want to show your support? <strong>CLICK HERE</strong> to be a patron and get additional chapters ahead of time!

 Book 1: Chapter 3 (2)

    Book 1: Chapter 3 (2)


    Then there was [Health]. It was indeed a very terrifying number.


    It was probably equivalent to what we call HP.


    Right now, it was 19/19, but once the numerator reaches 0, it might just mean death.


    It was easy to understand. But in turn, it was terrifying.


    Magic, in other words, was probably simr to MP. I was also hopeful about this part.


    I wasnt hopeful in the sense that I could gain a lot of powers oro anything. I was filled with hope just by the existence of these numbers.


    I wonder if I could use magic too somehow


    But just like how neither Ria nor I could check our statuses in the room in my apartment, I probably couldnt use magic in Japan anyway.


    But if its in the world on the dungeon side, the possibility that I could use magic too was..there!


    Now it was getting exciting!


    Next lets analyse my [Attack]


    Right now, the value of my [Attack] was much higher than all the other values.


    I had a theory for why that was so.


    Let me just test it out


    After I checked whether there were any monsters around me with my headlights, I hooked the pickaxe I was holding on my hand back into my belt.


    When I did, my [Attack] went down to 10.


    I then held up the pickaxe again. [Attack] 114.


    I hooked it on my belt. [Attack] 10


    I picked it up. [Attack] 114.


    Yes! It was just like I predicted!


    When I let go of the pickaxe, it was 10. When I held it in my hands, it was 114.


    In other words, the attacking power of the pickaxe was 104, and when I equipped myself with it, that value would be added to my attacking power.


    There was probably no doubt that my raw attack power of 10 was the value of my [muscle strength].


    Let me try taking off the helmet with headlights attached.


    When I took it off, my [Defence] fell from 45 to 25 and when I put it back on, it returned to 45.


    I see, I see. Interesting. So this is how it works. I would wanna test this out with a kitchen knife or a bat made of gold. Not that I have a golden bat.


    I guess the analysis of my statuses up until now kind of covered the other statuses like [Strength], [Intelligence], [Agility] and [Skill].


    What interested me particrly was my [Strength] being 10.


    What would happen if I started working out? I wondered whether it would change without me levelling up.


    I actually did have a hand dynamometer [1. TL Note: A hand dynamometer is used to measure grip strength] that I bought from an online store that could be used for strength training. But usually, my dominant hand could go up to 40kg and my left hand could go up to 37kg.


    There was a variation of about 1kg, but I was also very interested to know whether my grip strength would change if the value of my [Strength] changed.


    After I was done writing my memo, I was pretty much satisfied with the disy of my status.


    I guess thats all I can do for now. For now Ill just go retrieve Rias shield.


    There were still things I didnt understand and there were things I wanted to try out, but that was about all I could do right now.


    Whats more, I promised Ris that I would get her shield back for her.


    I was really interested in my status, but of course, I wanted to increase her affection points for me.


    Carefully, carefully


    Even though thats what I said out loud, it was already my third time stepping foot into the dungeon.


    No matter how big the room was, I estimated there being about 20 metres between where I was and where the shield was.


    If I just walked straight there without keeping my guard up, it probably wouldnt even take 3 minutes in total.


    My nerves started to settle down and I was filled with curiosity and excitement.


    But at the same time, I didnt n topletely forget the tension.


    There it is, there it is. Its her shield.


    Thats right. Even ifthere was a light blue, jelly-like substance hidden under the shield I was about to pick up now, Ive already predicted that much so.


    The shield was huge, and it was a warped shape. It wouldnt be strange even if there was a space underneath for a slime to be hiding in.


    I held up the shield, using my headlight to illuminate it.


    Puru!


    The light blue colored, jelly-like substance which resembled Rias boobs that I saw just now came out from under the shield as I picked it up.


    Hurrahhhhhhh!


    As I screamed out loud, I swung the pickaxe down on the small, light blue being the fastest I had ever moved in my life.


    The same time that my cold sweat started to break out, the light blue-colored boob, I mean slimes flesh scattered everywhere with a jiggle.


    That was when my body started bing hot for some reason.


    I could feel power overflowing in my entire body. In other words, could it be that thing?!


    I immediately picked up the shield and carefully escaped back into my apartment at top speed.


    And I didnt even get to take it down on my memo, but I also checked my status as I ran. [Name] Suzuki Tooru


    [Race] Human


    [Age] 21


    [upation] Unemployed


    [Level] 2/


    [Health] 20/20


    [Magic] 30/30


    [Attack] 115


    [Defence] 45


    [Strength] 11


    [Intelligence] 20


    [Agility] 13


    [Skill] No maximum growth


    As I charged into the room, I mmed the front door behind me shut.


    Haa, I thought I was gonna die


    I whispered under my breath as I locked the door with the key.


    I didnt think there would really be a slime under the shield. I really got some unpleasant sweat on myself.


    I wanna take a bath after Rias done too.


    I threw the shield and my helmet around the front gate as I sat down to catch my breath.


    ButI really did it. I leveled up by defeating a slime.


    It might be possible that I was the first Japanese, no, Earthling who ever defeated a monster and levelled up.


    I was sure that I saw that my [Strength] increased from 10 to 11 from levelling up.


    For now, Ill go check up on how Ria doing before i go search for my hand dynamometer.


    What kind of results could I possibly get from the hand dynamometer by my [Strength] increasing by 1?


    There was a possibility that she was changing in the dressing room so I called out to Ria from the living room.


    Ria, Im back~. Are you still in the bath~?


    Ah, wee back~. Could.iI just get a little, little bit longer?


    Her voice echoed in a way specific only to someone in a bathroom.


    Although we had that terrible incident when she got doused in cold water, it seemed that Ria had taken quite a liking to the bath.


    It was more convenient for me like that. I could avoid having her see my using the hand dynamometer.


    Yup, yup! Please slowly enjoy your bath~!


    I-is that so? Understood~


    Yes. Lets go look for some cardboard boxes.


    I had barely touched the sealed cardboard boxes from moving.


    Which one was it again? Its not this. And its not this box either. Oh, is it this one!?


    I finally found the hand dynamometer.


    Yes. Should I try this out? Heaveeeeeeeee.how did it go?


    44kg! Is this real? No matter how hard I tried, I never got past 40kg up until now.


    In other words, it seemed that the increase of my [Strength] by 1 was corrted to the grip strength of my dominant hand by 4kg.


    C-could this be real? So would that mean that if I leveled up by 10 levels, my [Strength] would increase to 20 and my grip strength would reach 80kg?


    I heard that if your grip strength was 80kg youd even be able to crush an apple with your bare hands. That was the dream of any man.


    Lets do it. Maybe Ill level up so that I can crush an apple with my bare hands (LOL)


    Whats more, I didnt even need to go through any painful weight training.


    Moreover, I didnt have a cap on my maximum level, which I assume that other people must have.


    There were still factors that I was still unsure of and didnt understand, but there was a chance that anything might be possible.


    I really need to ask Ria more about the other world and research a lot of things.


    Fufufu


    Sir Thor? What happened? You seem to be having fun.


    Hm?


    Damn it. It seemed that Ria hade out of the bath.


    Cant wait to see more? Want to show your support? <strong>CLICK HERE</strong> to be a patron and get additional chapters ahead of time!

 Book 1: Chapter 3: (3)

    Book 1: Chapter 3: (3)


    As I hid the hand dynamometer behind my back, I gave her a smile to distract herhm?


    The apparel that you have provided for me is veryfortable, wise sage. But just as I thought, it must look weird on someone like me, doesnt it?


    .


    There was nothing weird about it. Never did I think that someone could look so elegant in thoseme jerseys that I wore in high school.


    I was stirring up a n to go slime-hunting, but just looking at Ria like that, my ns suddenly didnt seem to matter anymore.


    Her golden yellow hair was tied up in a french braid and then bundled upwards. From the side, some strands of her hair fell loose and were sparkling under the light. Actually, it was all shining so brightly.


    Is it weird?


    I was so entranced by what I saw that I wasnt able to give her an answer. Seeing me like that, Ria looked dejected.


    Ah, no no. Its nothing like that! Your hair is


    So beautiful. Is what I wanted to say, but I couldnt say something like that.


    My hair?


    Y-yeah. That hairstyle is really nice.


    Rather, I chose topliment her hairstyle.


    That was a good move for me.


    R-really? Im happymy hair came undone when I fainted but its usually done up like this when Im fighting so that it doesnt get in the way.


    Ah I see. But wouldnt it take quite a bit of time to tie it up like that?


    Sir Thor, I saw you doing something with the artifact you have hidden behind your back so I thought I wouldnt intrude any further.


    Guess she saw it. But it seemed that she didnt understand what I was doing. I mean, of course not. There was no way someone from the Medieval Ages could know what a hand dynamometer was.


    Especially because it wasnt the analog type, but a cheap digital one.


    The hair soap that you created was really nice, Sir Thor. My hair is all smooth now.


    Ria used her finger to twirl up the straight hair that fell down at the sides.


    Nice! Really nice!


    It has a very pleasant aroma as well


    Ria moved her face slightly towards the hair that she had twirled up.


    It was just some conditioner I bought at a 100 yen shop, but I wanted to smell it too!


    By the way, would you like to enter the bath as well, Sir Thor?


    A-ah. Youre right.


    The reason that Ria came out of the bath so fast could have been that she thought that I would want to take a bath too.


    And she was right, I did want to take one.


    And I got to sit in the bathtub that Ria sat in too. Ufufufu


    As I thought those wicked thoughts, she said somethingpletely unexpected.


    Would it be alright if I read your grimoire while waiting in the room that I slept in just now, wise sage? I really took a liking to how the floor felt.


    Ahyes, yes. The tatami. Thats some good stuff.


    But what was a grimoire. The Japanese-stlye room was supposed to be my otaku room, so I had nothing but some manga and some dubious doujinshi books.


    Gyaaaaaaaa!


    Whats wrong?


    I guess you wouldnt understand even if I asked you to wait in the living room. Stay here!


    I rushed into the Japanese-style room and stuffed all my manga and doujinshi in the closet.


    I returned to where Ria was and stood in front of her.


    Ria! I have something serious that I have to tell you! Please listen carefully!


    S-something serious? Y-yes!


    Ria made a nervous face. That was what I needed.


    That book contains information that is extremely dangerous for an amateur to read. In other words.yeah! Its a forbidden book! Its a forbidden grimoire!


    In reality, there was some stuff that was kind of pirated in the doujinshi so it was probably too dangerous for someone who didnt know better to read. In terms of their tastes!


    A-a forbidden grimoire.what have I.


    Its alright. You didnt know any better. But you should never touch it. I hid it somewhere so that youll never have toy eyes on it.


    G-got it!


    Please do not touch anything else as much as possible either.


    U-understood


    Phew. This was probably best for the both of us.


    Ah, but is it alright if I just ask one question?


    P-please do


    Could it possibly be a question like: why is there a cover picture of a naked girl with some sort of weird substance on her body?


    The books were leaning against the bookshelf so she probably couldnt have seen anything other than the back cover. So it should probably be fine.


    It might be toote to ask this, since I already used a lot of the water in the bath, but isnt it a very valuable resource in a dungeon?


    Ah, ahh~. Its alright. It alles from an underground water pipe.


    That was a lie. Since we were in Tachikawa city, it probably came from somewhere like the Okutama Dam [2. TL Note: Okutama Dam is a dam found in Tokyo in a town called Okutama] or the Tama River [3. TL Note: Tama River is a major river in Tokyo]. Not that I knew.


    But werent there some municipalities using underground water too? Maybe I was actually right.


    Is that why it was so clean?


    Yes yes. Thats right.


    T-this may be a lot of trouble, but if its drinkable water, could I get a cup of it from the artifact that produced water like rain?


    What?


    I see. I realised now that drinkable water was probably something really valuable in the dungeon.


    I was mainly thinking that I would ask Ria to tell me more about levels and statuses but it having her ask for water, it made me want to ask her about the lifestyle aspect of dungeon exploration too.


    The reality was that Ria, who had just fainted, didnt have any water on her.


    She was probably really thirsty, which made sense why she would want to drink some water after seeing all that water while she was showering.


    It was a rather strange thing to ask considering she had used the water to wash her body. But being as serious as she was, Ria probably wouldnt drink the water without getting permission beforehand.


    I-I guess not right.


    Of course it was a big OK from me. This wasnt a dungeon or a desert. It was Japan, where we had an abundance of water.


    No, no, of course its alright. But normal water isI know!


    I sat Ria down on the tatami in the Japanese-style room before I ran towards the refrigerator.


    ck tea, c and milk. I guess those might not suit the tastes of someone from another world so I guess Ill bring her some normal water too.


    I had bought them at Tons Quijote just now.


    I ced the four types of drinks in front of Ria as she looked in amazement.


    W-what is this?


    Why, theyre drinks, of course. You know what milk and water are, right?


    I-I do!


    This is ck tea. But I guess you wouldnt know.


    I-I know what it is! Its a really high-quality good!


    Ah, is that so. But you probably wouldnt know what this is. Its c.


    I dont know that one. Can you drink this? If the rest are drinks then this must be a drink as well right?


    As usual, there were ck bubbles in the c.


    Well, you can just leave it aside if you cant drink it.


    I-is this really alright? To give me all these precious drinks


    Its fine, its fine. Im a wise sage! Well then, Ill go take a bath so please give me your thoughts on the cter, alright?


    As I thought about how I could just change into a long T-shirt and some cks after I was done, I headed towards the shower.


    I was about to dip my head in the bathtub that Ria had just been in, but I stopped myself when I thought about how sad that would probably make my grandma.


    This is a rare opportunity, so I should probably do something to make her happy. I havent had dinner so Im starving too. I should probably get some dinner after Im done with my bath.


    At any rate, it was good that I protected my forbidden grimoire.


    I quickly finished up my bath and changed into my long T-shirt and cks in the dressing room.


    The armour was arranged neatly in a corner of the dressing room.


    You could really see how conscientious Ria was.

 Book 1: Chapter 3: (4)

    Book 1: Chapter 3: (4)


    PhewI feel so refreshed. I guess the long T-shirts fine but it would probably be pretty ufortable to sleep in cks. Ill go buy a jerseyter.


    As I entered the Japanese-style room, the cups that were set in front of RIa had been pretty much emptied out. But just as expected, above half of the c was still left in the ss cup.


    As our eyes met, Ria spoke.


    Oops


    It seemed that she was embarrassed that she was staring straight at the cup of c, struggling.


    Her face turned a bit red.


    Hahaha. Its alright to leave some behind. Its a matter of whether it suits your tastes. But it tastes quite good once you get used to it.


    No. Im not some child who cant drink her medicine so Ill drink all of it.


    Hm? Sure, c does have a bit of a medicine-like taste but


    It seemed that she thought that the c was some sort of medicine.


    My paralysis was cured the moment I drank it, so Ill drink all of it!


    W-what did you say?


    What? The little bit of paralysis left in my hands and legs recovered immediately when I drank a bit of this so this is medicine right?


    Could it be? Was it possible? In the dungeon world, c was


    What might be wrong?


    Ah, its nothing. Nothing at all. Youre right. C is medicine. You dont need to force yourself to drink it but its good for your body.


    Nevertheless, your artifacts really are amazing, wise sage. Even intermediate-level poison neutralisation magic barely worked on this paralysis poison.


    Is that so?


    There was a possibility that c was able to neutralise poison. And it seemed that it was pretty strong too.


    I took out the memo pad which I recorded my stats on from my pocket and wrote there is a possibility that c can neutralise poison


    Well then, should we have our meal soon?


    What should I make? I bought some ingredients from the ingredients section at Tons Quijote just now.


    It might be good to ask RIa what she likes to eat.


    I was pretty good at cooking. I mean, I worked in the kitchen at a family restaurant as my part-time job.


    Alright, so that I can continue to talk to her while I cooked, Ill have Ria sit in the living room.


    Ria, pleasee here


    Yes?


    I made Ria sit down on a chair in the living room.


    I then asked her while I looked at the refrigerator.


    What do you usually eat in the dungeon, Ria?


    Probably the same as what any normal adventurer does


    No, um, likeyou dont really know what a normal adventurers like when you be a wise sage so.


    Ah, Im sorry. An example would be bread as dry as rocks or some dry salted white fish.


    It seemed that the meals they had were kind of gloomy, or more urately, not good.


    Do those taste good?


    Im thankful as long as theres food to eat butit doesnt really taste that good. Thats why I usually boil them in hot water to make them softer. If I do that, it bes soft and actually quite edible!


    Ria said with a wide smile on her face.


    I-is that so


    But for a certain reason, I lost all of my foodand fainted in the dungeon so


    What a poor thingI could feel the tears well up in my eyes.


    I put back the cheap yakisoba noodles that I was about to take out back into the fridge. Instead, I grabbed the premium hamburg steak I bought at the convenience store.


    Of course, it would taste better if I made the hamburg steak from scratch myself, but if I just heat this up in the microwave, itll be done faster. Shes probably already starving.


    And there was this. Having thought of a way to make it taste even better, I took out an egg too.


    For now, I just put the hamburg steak and pre-packaged rice in the microwave to heat it up.


    As I heated up arge amount of oil in the fry pan, I made a sd with lettuce and cherry tomatoes.


    Caesar dressing is a really delicious dressing. Is the olive oil all heated up?


    RIa then came to ask some questions.


    It smells so good. What are you making?


    Im making dinner. Youre going to eat too right, Ria?


    I-is that alright? Ingredients in a dungeon must be really valuable right? Even the drinks you gave me just now were


    Dont hold back. You wont regain your strength if you dont eat, you know?


    But


    I already started making enough food for two people, so if you dont eat itll all just go to waste. Whats more, I couldnt possibly eat alone when Im sitting in front of someone else whos starving.


    That was the truth. Moreover, I was making this hoping that it would make Ria happy.


    As I insisted strongly, Ria stood up all of a sudden.


    I just remembered. Please wait a moment.


    Ria headed towards the dressing room.


    As I was left there wondering what happened, she came back holding a small cloth bag.


    With one hand, she flipped the cloth bag inside out. And on the palm of her other handy the contents of the bag


    There were a few coins.


    And the coins were shiny gold and silver.


    Are those gold and silver coins!?


    Whats more, they were pretty big. And they looked pretty heavy too.


    2 pieces of gold coins and 3 pieces of silver coins from Gadheus. Embarrassingly, this is all I have. I do think it probably isnt enough at all but


    It seemed that they really were gold and silver coins. I was surprised.


    No, its fine, its fine. Im doing this for free.


    I cannot allow that!!


    I-I surrender. She probably wouldnt listen no matter what I said.


    Should I just take it? I dont know about silver, but Ive seen signboards around town that said that they would buy gold off of you.


    No, I cant. Your grandmothers going to be so disappointed in you Tooru. Taking money from a girl in trouble youre trying to help.


    Quick, think of some reason to turn oher down. Ah, got it.


    Ms. Ria. Im not short on money at all, being a wise sage who sells his artifacts at a high value. Rather, Im quite interested in whats happening above ground so could you tell me about that instead? Since Ive been shut in this here dungeon for so long


    In reality, I was thinking that I could probably just make a fortune out of selling c to adventurers in the dungeon.


    I mean I was interested in stories from the dungeon world. I wanted to learn more about statuses and skills, and about monsters.


    Of course I wouldnt mind doing so but it really doesnt match up to your kindness, as well as the valuable resources that you have shared with me


    It seemed that I convinced her slightly by asking her to share with me things that happened above the dungeon. But that didnt seem to be enough. Oh yeah!


    Then could you please help me to make my artifacts?


    But of course, I wasnt going to make her help me to make artifacts.


    Recently, a lot of cheap furniture required you to assemble everything by yourself.


    I had bought a bed frame when I moved here, but I was expecting that I would struggle assembling the entire frame myself.


    To be fair, it was written on the box to assemble it with 2 people.


    Ill get Ria to help me with making the bed.


    Are you really OK with something like that! I apologise for not being able to do more, but I shall help. Actually Ive been struggling a bit with money so


    Mhm mhm


    Ria spoke with her face turning slightly red.


    Since she was a knight, it meant that she was probably a noble, even if she was a lower ss one. Well, its not like I havent heard of nobles having trouble with money.


    In the first ce, there was probably a reason she came underground into a dungeon.


    Thinking about it, I was all the more d I didnt take her money.


    Well then, I can make food for 2 people without any worries now


    Thank you! Please do!


    That was good. I thought, as I poured the egg into the heated olive oil. I made a fried egg.


    I measured the amount of time taken so that only the white parts would harden up, before I ced it over the premium hamburg steak. There, it was done!


    On the table, Iid out two of each thing. There was the hamburg steak with egg on top, the lettuce and cherry tomato sd and the pre-packaged rice on a te.


    I had instant miso soup too, but I decided against it, seeing that Ria looked more like someone who came from an idental area.

 Book 1: Chapter 3: (5)

    Book 1: Chapter 3: (5)


    A-are you already done? That was really quick for such intricate dishes. And it looks so deliciousand it smells so good


    Hahaha. Lets eat, lets eat.


    Ria prayed to a god who I had never heard of.


    Maybe she was poor now, but she probably did have a good upbringing.


    Lets eat! I thought silently in my head as well.


    How should I eat this?


    Ah, I guess you probably dont know what rice is. So youdle it in your fork like this. But itll taste better if you eat it together with the hamburg steak. Did you know that?


    Yes


    Lets see. Its alright to eat anyway you like, but the way it tastes the best is if you split the fried egg over the hamburg steak.


    I cut the fried egg open with my knife.


    The unhardened egg yolk drizzled out from inside and mixed into together with the demi-ce sauce on the hamburg steak.


    It tastes really good when you eat this egg yolk and demi-ce sauce together with the meat underneath.


    To demonstrate, I took a bite of it. Yup, it was delicious.


    Wow. Ill try eating it too!


    Even if she didnt know what a hamburg steak was, Ria probably used the fork and knife better than I did.


    Ria broke apart the fried egg on the hamburg steak and skillfully mixed the melted egg yolk and demi-ce sauce together with the hamburg steak before she brought it towards her mouth.


    Mm! Mm~mm~mm~~!


    It must have been pretty delicious. She probably tried to control herself but her body was bobbing up and down, ever so slightly.


    I-Ive never eaten something so delicious in my life.


    You dont need to exaggerate. Or could it be that youre just really hungry from that incident in the dungeon


    Im telling the truth! I used to live in a mansion too but even then, I never had anything as delicious asmm~~~and it tastes even better with this thing called rice


    When you say it like that, I guess it was really worth making it


    Even if it was just ttery, I was happy to hear those things.


    Although I only actually made the fried egg and the sd.


    But it was certainly true that I felt like the fluidity of the egg yolk of the fried egg was done better than usual today.


    I probably did well because I wanted to make Ria happy. I felt a wave of happiness rush over me as I watched her eating so happily. Food really did taste better when you eat with someone else.


    After we finished eating dinner, I went to wash the dishes, with Ria helping me out.


    In the cramped sink area, we washed the dishes huddled beside each other.


    Today was the only day that I wouldnt have minded even if there were 10 times more dirty dishes than usual.


    Here you go


    Ok!


    I was in-charge of getting rid of the dirt on the dishes with the sponge and detergent and Ria was in-charge of washing the soap off.


    Everything was cleanly eaten off of Rias te. And the same went for mine.


    It really was delicious. Especially the dish you call the hamburg steak


    I see. It was worth the effort making it then. Thats good.


    Mixing in the creamy egg yolk together with the sauce, just, wow!


    I was d that I made what I did. From the bottom of my heart.


    By the way, are the hamburg steak and rice, as well as the sd, some sort of artifact with special effects like the c just now?


    W-what They werent artifacts of any sort, at least to my knowledge. They were just made of normal ingredients cooked in a normal way.


    I think its probably temporary but I can somehow feel my strength and magic growing stronger! I know that those sort of really valuable medical artifacts do exist, but is the food you make simr to that, Sir Thor?


    Is it? Is what she asked. But I had no idea It was true that, in games, some dishes that you made had those sort of special effects.


    I wouldnt know because I cant check my status here but Im right, right~? Hehehe


    Ria said, as she gave me a face withI know what youre up towritten all over her face, as she smiled at me.


    But she probably didnt know. Worse, she was misunderstanding it.


    As I smiled back at her with a vague answer, Ria started to talk about other things.


    Your cooking is great too but the artifacts you use for your daily life really are very very amazing, Sir Thor.


    What? Artifacts for daily life?


    Yes! As I said before, most artifacts we usually see are made as tools for fighting


    I see.


    Thinking about it, no matter what the time period was, the field that demanded thetest technology is always war.


    And the budget poured into that research is always disproportionately big. It was probably the same for the other world.


    Thats why I love artifacts used for daily life. I was scared that you were experimenting with some terrible artifact, since you lived so deep in the dungeon, Sir Thor.


    Well, I do have some dangerous artifacts.


    What?


    Shock was written all over Rias face.


    There were guns on Earth. And there were missiles and even nuclear weapons.


    Not that theyre anywhere near here.


    Thats good~Im relieved.


    We were mostly done with washing the dishes.


    I sat Ria down and we started having the conversation she promised me. I wanted to learn as much about the dungeon world as possible.


    Ill bust out the ck tea and potato chips.


    What is this?


    Ria held up a single potato chip, carefully and fearfully.


    You could kind of call it an after-meal dessert. But I guess calling it a snack would be more urate. Just try a piece


    After nibbling a bit of the potato chip around the corners, Ria stopped for a while, before she started eating the second piece, then the third.


    This is delicious. I even sort of feel like my body became lighter.


    Ooh. It seemed that it made her happy. That was good.


    Andthis was just a guess but it was possible that potato chips boosted your [Agility] temporarily.


    I made a memo. Ill experiment with itter.


    Although she already ate everything.


    Ah, what a shameful thing I have done


    No, no, its alright.


    It made it easier for me if she let her guard down a bit too.


    Trying to match with RIa, my posture was improving quite a bit today.


    Her back was alwayspletely straight.


    For now, it seemed that she was ready to have the conversation. There were a lot of things I wanted to ask her butfirst, I wanted to ask her about statuses more than anything!


    By the way, I kinda want to ask you about the stuff thats happening above the dungeon soon


    Yes, of course. I did promise you.


    Ria answered cheerfully.


    Nice. First I wanted to ask her about skills.


    What are some examples of rare skills up there?


    What? Rare skills? There are a lot of different types. But the super rare ones would probably be those likeThe fate of the Heroor Darkness Magic


    The fate of the Hero? The more questions I asked her, the more questions I had.


    But first, let me ask her the question I originally intended to ask the most.


    Is the skillNo maximum growthconsidered rare up there?


    Oh, No maximum growth! Its a very rare skill!


    Yay! Woohoo!


    Butpared to the skills I mentioned just now, The fate of the Heroor Darkness Magic, it is moremon. Its just like how some people have Unemployedunder their upation


    Buargh! Cough cough


    Hearing the word unemployed, I identally spit out the ck tea I was drinking.


    A-are you alright!?


    Some tea just got stuck in my windpipe.


    As expected, things arent going to be so convenient.


    Is No maximum growthconsidered a strong skill up there?


    Rather than how rare it is, its probably more important how strong the skill is.


    Of course it is strong. But there are very few people who can use it well because levelling up is so hard


    It probably wasnt that hard at the point I was at. But there was a possibility that it would get increasingly harder the stronger I got.


    Thats how it works for levelling up in games too.


    As expected of Ria. Being in abat upation, she was knowledgeable aboutbat skills.


    It would be the strongest skill for someone who can keep winning battles that are a matter of life or death. I guess one could say that its a type of skill where being ate bloomer is taken to the extreme and where theres a possibility that you might fail.

 Book 1: Chapter 3: (6)

    Book 1: Chapter 3: (6)


    It sounded like a pretty inconvenient skill to me.


    Buton the other hand, didnt it also mean that this was the skill that was filled with the most possibility?


    In other words, it just meant that all I had to do was keep winning forever.


    Hm? Sir Thor, why are youughing all of a sudden?


    It seemed that I had startedughing without even realising I was.


    If I remember correctly, there was a pet corner in Tons Quijote. And that meant that they definitely sold cat and dog cages and food there.


    If I use those pet supplies, there was even a possibility that I could rear some slimes. Slimes are pretty weak, so it would probably be safe to keep hunting them down. And if I do that, wouldnt I be able to keep levelling up forever?


    If were talking about slimes here, I already defeated one before. So my n was undoubtedly going to work.


    I continued to ask Ria about life in the dungeon, with some small talk mixed in here and there. Before I knew it, it was already night time.


    I had told my workce beforehand that I would take a short break after I moved in, so it was alright for me to stay upte. But I wanted to make a trip to Tons Quijote to buy a set of jerseys to sleep in.


    Shall we go outside for a bit?


    What?


    Surprise was written all over Rias face. Thinking about it, it was only natural. After all, we are in the middle of a dungeon.


    Joking. Just joking.


    I thought so. Sir Thor, you really like to tell jokes dont you, hehehe


    H-hm? Wait, whats this?


    W-whats wrong?


    I stared at Rias face. It didnt seem to me like she was ying dumb. And she didnt seem to be the type of person who would lie, based on her personality.


    We had been in the Japanese-style room for quite a long time right? Theres a huge window that can easily let a person go in and out of the room right there.


    You could get aplete view of everything outside. Had she just been blindly agreeing with me that we were in a dungeon this whole time?


    Hey? Is there a night sky where you can see stars and stuff above the dungeon?


    What are you talking about Sir Thor. Are you making fun of me? Of course there is


    Of course!


    I was suspecting for a moment there that the night sky waspletely different in the dungeon world but it seemed that it was the same as on Earth.


    Then why on earth was this happening? Could it be possible that she saw the city scenery as an extension of the dungeon>


    But we could totally see the night sky here.


    I grabbed Rias hand and brought her to the Japanese-style room.


    Whats this, all of a sudden?


    Juste with me


    Y-yes.


    With all my might, I stood RIa right in front of the window where you could see the scenery outside


    What do you think of this?


    I mean, even if you ask me what I think about this


    C-could you give me thoughts about it?


    Ria tilted her head.


    To go through the trouble of putting a ss window here even though theres a dungeon wall here, you really are very trendy arent you, SIr Thor? You could have just used that mysterious material you used for the rest of the walls here too. Did you ce a ss window here in particr because you wanted to see the stone wall of the dungeon?


    !?


    W-what did this mean? DId it mean that to Ria, it just looked like a stone wall behind the window?


    Without saying anything, I stuck half my body out of the window into the outside world.


    Of course, it was just Japan as usual.


    But Rias eyes widened in surprise.


    A-amazing. Did you use magic to pass through the wall!?


    Not really. I just went outside, is what I wanted to say, but I stopped myself before I did.


    In the end, I asked Ria to wait for me as I went to Tons Quijote by myself.


    There might be a way for her toe with me, but for now, it was better for me to go alone.


    But thinking about it, it was good that Ria was there, but that apartment really didnt know when to stop with the problems.


    Curse that real-estate agent. Im going toin to him once I gain a few levels.


    Just in case, I bought some drinks and food ingredients. And of course I couldnt forget the potato chips.


    It was so that I could test out whether eating potato chips really could help increase your [Agility].


    And it was probably better to have 2 toothbrushes at this point. I already had mine so I bought one for Ria.


    And finally, although I didnt n to buy it yetI went to a particr section of the store to browse.


    It was the crime prevention corner. I could probably find better products if I shopped online, but the stuff they sold at Tons Quijote was more than enough as samples.


    Something that could be connected to myptop would be ideal.


    Wouldnt this type that connects to the front gate be perfect?


    Thats right. I was thinking that I could install a surveince camera in the dungeon to keep patrol of the area.


    And someday, I would be able to watch the footage from the camera in a safe room, killing monsters with a single click. Yes, that was the ambition I had!


    Next, I searched through the pet corner. Tons Quijote really had everything.


    I wonder if only a metal framed cage would work for me to keep a slime. Maybe a big acrylic water tank would be better. But it;s not like Ill be testing this out in my room. Ill be testing it out in the dungeon so I guess I could just test out with a bunch of different types.


    What I was investigating in the pet corner was how I should be domesticating monsters.


    For me to fully utilise my skill, No maximum growth, I was going to use stuff from Japan to make sure that I kept myself safe, while thinking of ways to destroy as many monsters as I could.


    Magic is great too, but scientific development really is amazing, isnt it?


    As I was about to leave Tons Quijote, the cosy corner caught my eye.


    At that moment, a lightbulb lit up in my head.


    Could it be possible that wearing a cosy costume in the dungeon would cause my status to go up? No, no, that probably didnt


    But just in case, let me just go explore the cosy corner for a bit.


    Just in case.


    If I am to survive in the dungeon for as long as possible, there was no limit to how careful I should be.


    The gothic lolita costumes and maid costumes, as well as the uniform costumes in the cosy corner all had skirts so short that you could probably see your butt.


    O-oh yeah, Ria was probably wearing my jersey right now, without any underwear.


    Since her panties were wet.


    The maid costume caught my eye. On the package were the wordsShow off your pantieswith a picture of a model winking while turning around.


    The price was..398 yen! Surprisingly cheap!


    T-this would probably work really well in the dungeon


    The model was already cute enough, but her cuteness was no match for Rias.


    If I could get RIa to wear this costume and do the same posenot to mention that she was missing some undergarments.


    I giddily reached my hand out to take the maid costume.


    N-no! I cant! Your grandmother would be so sad if she found out! What are you thinking, Thor!


    Idiot! I pped myself.


    What an indecent man you are. How could you even think about tricking a girl who you know nothing about and make her wear some immodest clothing? H-hm? Couldnt this be a recement for Rias underwear?


    I got out of Tons Quijote and ran back home. In my grocery bag was some food ingredients and the jersey I was going to wear to sleep. Besides that was a school swimsuit and a gym uniform (bloomers).


    When I returned back to the apartment, RIa wasnt in the Japanese-style room.


    H-hm? Im back!


    Wee back!


    It seemed that Ria was in the washroom room cum changing room.


    I randomly ce the school swimsuit and bloomers on the stack of cardboard boxes.


    Ria? What are you doing?


    Im doing theundry.


    Ria was washing her underwear in a bucket in the bathroom.


    I guess thats what someone from the Medieval Ages would do

 Book 1: Chapter 3: (7)

    Book 1: Chapter 3: (7)


    What? Did you say something?


    No, its nothing. What did you use as soap?


    I used this soap for washing your body, but should I not have?


    Body soap, huh? Well, there wasnt anything wrong with that.


    Actually, there is an artifact for doingundry. And theres a soap used particrly for that.


    W-was that so? Im sorry! Im already done with it


    Ah, its alright.


    As I answered her, Ria pulled out her panties and bra from the bucket and wrung them dry.


    Is there something that I can dry them on?


    Ahyes there is. Ill bring it over.


    I opened up a cardboard box and took out clothes pins and a hanger.


    When I returned to the washroom, Ria was still wringing the clothes dry.


    What?


    Is something wrong?


    Ria was wringing out the water from another set of panties.


    But those werent the cute type of panties that girls wore. They were the boxer types, for men.


    Are those my underwear?!


    Ah, I found what I believe to be Sir Thors underwear in this cargo box, but am I wrong to say that they were meant to be washed?


    Ria washed the underwear even though she knew they were mine. Maybe it was natural for someone from the Medieval Ages.


    No, I did mean to wash them. Thank you.


    Yes!


    Ria smiled back at me cheerfully.


    I wanted to hit myself for buying school swimsuits and bloomers all while she was helping me wash my underwear.


    Its a bit cold since I dont have any underwear that I can change into.


    Ria looked down, embarrassed.


    Theyll dry by tomorrow.


    I wanted to punch myself for not being able to bring out the bloomers, telling her that I had something like this.


    I could still see my grandmother in my memories smiling at me.


    By the way, do you have olive oil and a piece of unwanted cloth? You dont, right?


    What? I do.


    Really? Could I please have them?


    I definitely had olive oil because I used it for cooking.


    I cut up a torn-up T shirt using scissors to get the cloth.


    Is this alright?


    Thank you. This really helps.


    Ria soaked the cloth in olive oil.


    As I wondered what she was going to do with it, she started to wipe her armour.


    I see. It was to prevent rusting.


    Rias expression was the very definition of serious.


    She looked cute when she smiled, too, but right now her face looked dignified and beautiful.


    Seeing her like this, it really made me think that she really was a knight.


    Well then, there was also something I had to do.


    I went to the Western-style room that I hadnt really used since I moved in.


    I nned to make this myputer room cum bedroom.


    Well then, lets get on with building the bed frame.


    The cheap bed frames recently were the types where you had to assemble it yourself. It was the type that included even the tools you needed.


    The rtively big and different pieces of the bed frame were spread all around the room.


    They did write that you need to build this with 2 or more people.


    That was why I thought that I would ask Ria to help me with this when she said that she wanted some way to repay me, but she was busy maintaining her armour.


    I shouldnt interrupt her. Ill try to do this by myself.


    I tried to work quietly, but I slowly began to understand the reason why they asked you to do this with 2 people.


    I see. When you need tobine one big part with another big part, its a bit hard without another person supporting one of the parts. Damn it.


    If I could somehow make the parts lean on the wall and sandwich the parts between the wall and theputer desk, then I would be able to do it alone.


    Hm? Could you be making furniture?


    In the end, I got Ria to help me. I guess beds obviously arent considered artifacts.


    But it seemed that she was surprised at the mattress.


    Wow, this is amazing! Its just the right amount of bouncy and its stic. It looks morefortable than even feathers! This is a bed artifact, right?


    When I opened up the ttened mattress that waspressed and packaged in stic, it immediately turned into a springy mattress.


    Once I put on the bed sheets, you could immediately sleep on this.


    There we go. Im already tired, so shall we sleep soon? Ria, you can sleep on the bed.


    Whattt? Me? Where will you sleep then, Sir Thor?


    Ill probably sleep on the tatami.


    B-but, Id feel bad doing something like that.


    But we only have one bed so.


    Ill sleep on the tatami! I love the tatami!


    Nah, youre probably more tired so itd be better for you to sleep on the bed.


    I insisted on letting her sleep on the bed, but her insistence was stronger.


    In the end, I ended up on the bed in the western-style room while Ria slept on the tatami in the Japanese-style room.


    We both brushed our teeth and prepared to go to sleep.


    I had a towelket and a nket so I gave those to Ria. It was still a pretty warm season so I slept with a bath towel.


    I spread the towelket over the bed in the western-style room and ced a pillow and the nket.


    Ill turn off the light artifact, alright?


    As I was about to turn off the switch for the nightlight, Ria let out a sound.


    Aa.


    Hm? Whats wrong?


    Ria appeared a bit anxious.


    No, its justgood night.


    Y-yeah. Good night.


    As I wondered what that was all about, I turned off the light in the Japanese-style room. I then headed towards the western-style room to go sleep in the bed that I just made.


    I thought that I would be able to fall asleep immediately once I turned off the lights, but was too excited to sleep.


    That was only natural. Ever since I moved into this apartment, Ive been having great adventures even though its only been my first day.


    Man, I cant fall asleep. Maybe its because I gave Ria my pillow and I dont have one now.


    Umwould youlike to use the pillow?


    I heard a voice from the pitch ck room.


    As I turned to look in the direction of the voice in surprise, I saw the silhouette of a girl under the faint streetlights that entered the window.


    Ah, Ria. W-whats wrong?


    The pillowdo you want to use it? I dont need it.


    Ria handed the pillow to me. Without thinking I just epted it.


    In the darkness, I identally grabbed onto her hand while I was taking the pillow.


    Its trembling?


    Ah!


    That was when I realized it.


    All this time, I had been looking at the side of her who was the dignified, elegant knight.


    But in reality, Ria had been waiting to get attacked by monsters in the dungeon, somewhere pitch-ck dark, while she was still conscious.


    We had talked about this just now.


    Hey, Ria. This mattress artifact is reallyfortable so would you like to sleep on it together? Actually, yeah, lets do it. Let me show off the artifact Im really proud of.


    After a few moments of pause, the small silhouette that was Ria nodded slightly.


    The bed was a semi-double bed, slightly extravagant in size, so we were able to sleep separately if we tried our best.


    But seeing how Ria continued to tremble, I wrapped my arm around her as we slept. Ria jerked a bit at first, but in the end she ced her arm around my neck too.


    She stopped trembling.


    Its so warmIm not scared anymore.


    Thats good.


    Ria ced her forehead on mine.


    Thank you, Sir Thor.


    Even a knight whos usually so elegant also has her cute moments, I guess.

 Book 1: Chapter 4: (1)

    Book 1: Chapter 4: (1)


    <strong>4 When I lived with a female knight for a while</strong>


    Good morning, Sir Thor.


    For some reason, I felt like I heard a very warm voice call out to me.


    When I opened my eyes, I was met with a scene that I was not used to seeing.


    Oh yeah, I just moved into this apartment


    Beside me, there was a beautiful girl lying down and smiling at me.


    Uwaaaaaaaaaaah!


    W-whats wrong?


    Thats right. I slept with Ria yesterday. This was the first time I had the chance to have a girl sleep next to me in my entire life. For someone whos never been popr, I couldnt help but let out a scream when I realised I had forgotten such an important event.


    Those jewel-like eyes of hers looked at me in concern.


    I-Im sorry. I have some trauma from when I was fighting against the prejudice I faced as a wise sage.


    There are rumours on the inte that unpopr men became magic-users when they became old. It seemed that that rumour has slowly be more and more true for me.


    I-is that so? Are you alright?


    Yes. Im alright now.


    Sunlight entered the room through the windows.


    Its already morning, huh?So many things happened yesterday. .Although it was obvious that many thingsdidnt even begin to describe what happened yesterday.


    The ce I moved into became a dungeon. Even though it was just a slime, I actually faced a monster and defeated it. I checked my statuses and I even levelled up.


    But the biggest thing that happened was that a beautiful female knight, Ria, actually stayed over in my house.


    But what should I do about her? She IS from another world.


    The morning sunlight made Rias golden hair glow. Sitting close to her, I started to get flustered.


    Hm? But, somethings off, isnt it?


    Ria, how did you know that it was morning?


    I still hadnt ced a clock in the room. In the first ce, did people from the other world understand the concept of a clock?


    Moreover, it was strange that Ria knew that it was morning even though all she saw was a stone wall through the window.


    Wise sage, are you still half-asleep?


    Ria pointed towards the small window in the western-style room.


    Isnt the stone wall shining just like sunlight?


    I got it. So that is what Ria, no, people from the other world, see.


    This is an artifact that you made so that you can live healthily even in a dungeon, right, wise sage? Youre a genius alchemist.


    AlchemistI guess that was the term for people who made magic items or artifacts.


    No, I guess


    Ufufu


    Ria giggled. But since she was so near, I was too flustered to deny what she said. Somehow, the situation ended up being that this was an artifact that I made.


    I didnt really want to lie to her, but there was a reason why I thought it would be better to let her think that I was a wise sage.


    That aside, the both of us got out of bed and went to wash our faces.


    For breakfast, I made ham, eggs and toast. Although it seemed that ham, eggs and toast also existed in the dungeon world.


    I never thought that I would be able to eat something so delicious inside a dungeon.


    I-Is that so?


    Yes. This jam is really sweet and so delicious. Is it something very expensive?


    She was moved by the jam that I spread on her toast. I couldnt remember exactly but I think it was some jam I got at the supermarket for like 200 yen? But maybe the jam had some special power too.


    After eating breakfast, we went to brush our teeth and cleaned up the room for a bit. Ria helped too.


    I had just moved in so everything was still strewn everywhere.


    I feel bad for making you help me clean up, or more precisely tidying up my things


    Could it be that you just moved in?


    Thump. Ria asked me that all of a sudden. She waspletely correct.


    I guess you found out. Actually Im just a normal


    I knew it. Everything is nicely packaged in these easy to carry around and really light boxes. This box really is an amazing artifact.


    What?


    Was she talking about the cardboard boxes? It seemed that they looked like artifacts in the eyes of people from the other world. Actually I started to get the sense that Ria saw all these things as artifacts.


    You moved from some other ce in the dungeon heren right? It was because you were living here that you saved me, Sir Thor. Thank you very much


    No, its fine. By the way, this box is called a cardboard box.


    Oh~Its really light and easy to carry. Its very convenient


    Ria smiled at me cheerfully. It seemed that this girls personality caused her to interpret anything done to her as good-willed.


    As we tidied up, I asked RIa about different things regarding the other world.


    It seemed that Rias world was one that was still under imperial rule. And it was not the type where power waspletely centralised to a certain party like in an absolute monarchy. Rather, it was a society where nobles and the church ownednd and hence power, where power was decentralised.


    By the way, it seemed that Ria was working as a knight in the mansion of a count named Count Kache.


    Although the Kache family has fallen and was wiped out


    I guess thats why she said that she was an ex-knight. Why was this ex-knight doing something like going on expeditions in dungeons? Thinking about it logically, it was probably for economic reasons. I decided against asking her about it.


    Actually, there were other things I wanted to ask about.


    U-um, so. Are the dragon people kind of things living in volcanos up there still doing well?


    Thats right. What I wanted to know was whether demi-humans like elves, dwarves and beast people that we always see in fantasy worlds existed in the other world.


    Dragon people probably werent all thatmon so it might just be alright to ask her if I asked about it vaguely enough.


    D-dragon people? They rarely show themselves to people so I would not know


    I see


    I mean that would make sense. I couldnt expect much since I just randomly came up with it.


    Did you interact with the dragon people in the past, Sir Thor? Which volcano are you referring to?


    Umthe west? The one on the west side?


    A volcano on the west side.could only mean Mount Kiriman, right?


    I-I think thats it. I dont know the name of the volcano


    Yes, it has to be that one! Theres a legend that says that theres a dragon of wisdom who eats people there, so it has to be it.


    No, thats definitely not it. I mean I never interacted with the dragon people in the first ce.


    Its amazing that you went there even with the cat beast people who hate humans in the forests at the foot of the mountain.


    I see, I see. Just as I thought, there were cat beast people.


    W-which are the demi-humans who get along with humans recently?


    Demi-humans that get along with humans, you ask? Let me think. Elves as well as the cat beast people I mentioned just now are both friendly to humans, as long as you dont enter the forests.


    Ria exined to me as she sealed up the cardboard box.


    There really were elves! And not forgetting the cat beast people!


    Ah, I just happened to find a book about elves. It seems that you packed your resources in this cardboard box.


    What? A book about elves?


    Ria took out a single book and showed it to me.


    It really is rare to find resources with an elf being attacked by a tentacled-monster as the cover. May I look through it?


    I snatched the book from Rias hands and put it back into the cardboard box filled withresources. I then stuffed it into the cupboard in the Japanese-styled room.


    It seemed that some of my treasure had been mixed in together with my clothes in the cardboard box.


    W-what might be wrong?


    Ah, you were in danger. That was also a kind of forbidden book


    I-Is that so


    Both the facts that it was a dangerous situation and that it was a forbidden book of some kind were true.


    But thinking about it, it was only expected that these things would keep popping up all around right after I move in.


    Ria~, shall we take a break?


    Shall we?


    Yeah


    We decided to take a break while drinking some beverages.

 Book 1: Chapter 4: (2)

    Book 1: Chapter 4: (2)


    What do you want to drink? I have the ck tea, milk and c from yesterday


    I-Is it alright if I get a c?


    Ahaha. Just as I thought, its addictive, isnt it?


    Y-yes. The fizziness and sweetness are very nice.


    Thats right! And if you squeeze in some juice from this thing, itll taste even better


    Ah, thats a lemon, right?


    Correct!


    It seemed that there were lemons in the other world as well. But she probably didnt know what happens when you mix this into c. Of course, she didnt. Since she didnt know what c was.


    Mm~ The vor of the lemon will make the sweetness of the c even more refreshing, right? Sounds delicious.


    Ria immediately drank all of it. After which, she looked really sad.


    We have seconds. Ill squeeze some lemon, all right?


    Her face brightened up in an instant. It was fun, seeing how easy to guess how she was feeling.


    As we continued drinking the c, we continued our heated discussion about monsters.


    There really are a lot of different types of monsters thate out in the Dungeon of Yomi


    Based on what Ria said, there seemed to be a lot of dangers in the Dungeon of Yomi that my room in Japan is connected to.


    By the way, if there are certain types of dangerous slimes that have been appearing in the dungeon recently, could you please tell me?


    The purple poison slimes carry very strong poison. And the yellowish-brown acid slime spits out a really strong corrosive substance. I think thats about it for the very dangerous slimes. Of course, I think you already know about them, Sir Thor


    No, I didnt know about those at all. I wanted to take this information down in my memo pad.


    I havent been fighting monsters at alltely, so


    I see


    Yes. I havent fought anything other than that blue slime.


    After our break ended, the two of us continued to tidy up the room.


    Ah~!


    Ria raised her voice.


    W-what was it this time. Could she have found another of myresources?


    This! These clothes are so cute!


    Hm? Cute clothes?


    Ria showed me what she had found.


    Its this. This.


    Geh! The bloomers and the school swimsuit!


    Thinking about it, after I came home from Tons Quijote, I just randomly left them on the tower of cardboard boxes that RIa was clearing out now.


    Could this be another dangerous thing?


    N-no, its not but


    It was certainly dangerous in a way. But it was not physically dangerous in any way.


    Ive never seen clothes like this so it must be some sort of special artifact, right?


    No, I meanits a swimsuit and


    It was true that the school swimsuit was a swimsuit. But what should I say about the bloomers?


    And thats home clothes cum nightwear, I guess


    I said words of prayer.


    Is that so? Its so cute~. But this is meant for females, right? Could it be that


    N-no. I have requests for female clothing sometimes, too


    Is that so.


    If youd like it then Ill give it to you as a present, Ria


    Is that ok!?


    I bought it thinking that it might have some special effects in the dungeon but no matter how I thought about it, I probably couldnt wear them.


    Yeah, please ept it


    Thank you so much! Could I wear it now?


    W-what did she just say?


    The bloomers? Here?


    Dont tease me.Sir Thorplease lend me your changing room.


    Ah, no, yes. Of course I will


    Ill go change, alright?


    What? Is this really happening?


    Ria came out of the changing room immediately. It would probably be suitable to say that she looked like a goddess wearing her celestial navy blue clothing.


    H-how is it? Does it suit me?


    That navy blue hipline had a healthy volume and roundness to it. And those slender thighs would probably make anyone


    I want to make you my pillow


    What? A pillow?


    Ah, I-Im sorry. Its nothing


    She asked me whether it suited her. And yet I answered that I wanted to make her my pillow. It was no wonder that she gave me a puzzled look.


    It suits you really well.


    R-really? Well, since this can also be worn as nightwear, I guess it wouldnt be weird for me to sleep with you in bloomers tonight, right? Ehehe


    W-what did she just say? Todayin bloomers?


    She did sleep on the same bed as me yesterday night. But yesterday she was wearing a jersey.


    Mansion + Dungeon. In other words, mangeon. Thank you..


    In her bloomers, Ria cleaned the area where we were done packing happily with a vacuum cleaner.


    She was using the vacuum cleaner thinking that it was an artifact. WIth her golden hair, she didnt really look like a Japanese, but she looked just like a modern person doing some cleaning.


    In the end, we had spent most of the day cleaning up.


    After eating a mapo bowl for dinner, Ria was enjoying her c float.


    its so cold and so~ sweet! And the bubbles from the c ismm~~~!


    I felt bad interrupting her having a good time but I thought that it might be good to at least ask her.


    By the way, what are you going to do after this, Ria?


    She looked down hopelessly.


    I could kind of sense what the reason was. Thinking about it logically, she had already recovered from the paralysis poison and had probably gotten back her strength after sleeping for a night.


    If that was true, then the logical thing for her to do would be to try to return back to above the dungeon. But.


    Could it be that theres a reason why you cant go back up from the dungeon immediately, Ria?


    Yesactually, I did have apanion butum, sobut we got split up, and I lost my sword as well. It is rather impossible for me to go back up alone


    Just as I thought, I see. And she herself might not notice this but I could sense that she had a bit of trauma from lying in the dark dungeon alone all that time while she was paralyzed.


    But how did she intend to return back up there?


    If she said that she wasnt able to go back up alone, it probably meant that she wanted me, the wise sage, to bring her up.


    It was true that I was able to defeat the slime using the pickaxe, but if we were to meet a goblin or even a dragon along the way up, I wasnt confident that I would be able to protect Ria at all.


    I would think that some adventurers are bound to pass by here when theye to explore this dungeon, so I will join them when they doe


    Ah, that was a viable method too.


    But will anyone pass by here anytime soon? And theres also a chance that the adventurers might reject you when you ask to join them


    Depending on the situation, there is a possibility that it might take quite a long time. If I wait in the dungeon every day, theres bound to be someoneing through here in a week


    A week, huh?


    I guess it was only natural to help someone out when theyre in a pinch. Although I waspletely fine with Ria staying for one more week.


    What should I do when Im at work? I guess itll work out somehow.


    Would I be causing too much trouble by staying in your house until then, wise sage?


    Thats right. If she found out that I was just some poormoner, someone like Ria would definitely think that she was causing me too much trouble by staying here. If that happened, she would probably try to leave this ce as soon as possible, by any means possible.


    And this time, Ria, without her weapon, would definitely get done in by monsters. Not to mention, she might even get attacked by a horde of goblins andshe might even get I would never forgive them  !


    So that Ria can continue to stay here without any hesitation, it was probably better to remain as a wise sage.


    Youre not causing any trouble at all! Why, Im a wise sage after all!


    Really? Thank you so much! Cooking,undry, cleaning, Ill do anything.


    It kind of felt like I suddenly got myself a beautiful, golden-haired wife.


    Of course, she wasnt my wife or anything like that.


    She was still going to go home in the end. To be honest, I would be really lonely.


    If you want toyou can stay here forever


    I was surprised myself by the words that I suddenly let slip out of my mouth. She didnt even have a passport. Thinking about it logically, it was impossible for someone from another world to stay in this world forever. Moreover, there would be problems financially as well.


    Yet, the words just came out of my mouth so naturally. In my head, I knew that I was, to a certain extent, prepared to face those challenges. Part of me was prepared to take responsibility for my words.


    Im really happybut I have to return up there no matter what so


    I-I guess youre right


    It was a disappointing answer, but it was only natural. Ria definitely had rtionships with other people from the other world. Even I, someone who practically cut off all rtions with his biological parents, have some people I care about. Her rejecting the offer to stay here probably didnt mean that she hated me or anything.


    I was able to ept that fact because I watched her wipe the corner of her eyes as she smiled at me.


    But, could Ie to this room.to meet you again, Sir Thor?


    Ria looked down, embarrassed, and nced up at me.


    Of course you can! Come back anytime.


    Fufufu


    Ehehe


    For some reason, it felt a bit awkward to look at Rias face.


    And it seemed that it was the same for her.


    O-oh yeah. Is it alright if I take a bath?


    A-ah. Of course


    Thinking about it, it was already that time.


    Ria went to the changing room. She then peeked her head out.


    Whats wrong?


    Oh yes, Sir Thor. One of the pieces of clothing that you gave me was a swimsuit, right?


    Clothing that I gave her? Ah, the bloomers and the school swimsuit.


    Y-yes. Its a type of swimsuit called a school swimsuit.


    What was she going to say? Ria didnt speak a word.


    ?


    Its nothing!


    It seemed that Ria had already entered the bath.


    Notes:<ol><li>As mentioned before, apartment can be loosely tranted as mansion.</li></ol>

 Book 1: Chapter 5: (1)

    Book 1: Chapter 5: (1)


    <strong>5 When Im not a bad slime, puru puru</strong>


    Ria entered the bathtub.


    There was something that I was determined to do while she took her bath. I gently took a deep breath.


    Hooha! Lets go!


    Obviously, I was going to go to the dungeon!


    The dungeon was dangerous but I just couldnt resist the urge to level up, as well as the pure curiosity in me.


    As long as it existed, it was too attractive to resist exploring it. That was what a dungeon was.


    Moreover, I didnt think it was a bad idea to get stronger for Rias sake too.


    There might even be a chance that we could start dating and we could travel to and fro between Japan and the other world.


    Even though I was the one talking about it, it still sounded depressing. To be not unpopr was just a fantasy of a magician, or more urate, a sage.


    The helmet with headlights attached. A pickaxe. A memo pad.


    Potato chips and sd drizzled with Caesar dressing in a Tupperware box, as well as c.


    Other than that, I also put a few things, including some portable cheese-vored fish cake, rice balls from the convenience store and cream bun, among other things in a rucksack.


    I also decided to bring the hand dynamometer.


    I ced my ear on the door of the front gate and carefully listened for any noisesing from outside.


    It waspletely silent outside. But slimes probably didnt make that much noise to begin with anyway.


    I carefully opened the door.


    There werent any slimes nearby.


    To be honest, I wasnt worried about goblins anymore.


    I asked Ria about monsters during our chat after our meal. Based on what she told me, there usually arent any monsters that could pass through walls or appear out of thin air.


    Exceptions included only monsters that had stealth-like skills which allowed them to suddenly appear.


    So why was it that a slime appeared in the closed room, which I had confirmed to be free of monsters before?


    It seemed that even slimes the size of an eraser could grow big enough to attack people given enough time.


    For a slime that was able to hide in the shadows of a shield, it was probably somewhere in between a fully matured and an adolescent slime.


    So the logical exnation would probably be that I had overlooked the small slime, which grew a bit afterwards.


    Apparently, certain types of slimes were able to grow big in a short amount of time.


    But anyway, it doesnt seem like that slime is anywhere near the front gate. If thats the case, then theres only one thing for me to do. Status open! [Name] Suzuki Thor


    [Race] Human


    [Age] 21


    [upation] Unemployed


    [Level] 2/


    [Health] 20/20


    [Magic] 30/30


    [Attack] 115


    [Defence] 44


    [Strength] 11


    [Intelligence] 20


    [Agility] 13


    [Skill] No maximum growth


    There it is. Visualising it in my head, the numbers appeared. Although it happened each time I tried it, I was still surprised.


    I hadnt taken down my new stats since I levelled up so I slowly took them down.


    My [Defence] decreased. Maybe its because Im wearing different clothes than I did in the afternoon. Maybe the jeans are stronger than the jersey.


    After I finished taking down the memo, I started wondering whether there were any slimes nearby.


    I never thought that Id feel so happy levelling up from level 1 to level 2 in real life. Especially since my strength visibly increases too. But anyway, before I start looking for slimes


    I opened up the bag of potato chips and ate some.


    Mm! Is this for real? Just as I thought, its just like what Ria felt just now.


    Checking my stats, my [Agility] became 19 (+6 increase).


    This is amazing. Whats going on with food from Japan? The one I just ate is salted seaweed vour. I wonder what will happen if I eat the pizza voured one.


    I tried eating the sd drizzled with Caesar dressing too.


    When I did, my [Magic] became 30/45 (+15 increase)


    So the sd affects magic. Ria said that she felt better just now, so Hamburg steak must be for health. Just in case, Ill drink some c


    Nothing seemed to change. I guess c is the antidote for paralysis poison.


    The percentage of increase for both the stats was probably 50% rounded off to the nearest whole number.


    The effect didnt seem to be cumtive but an increase in 50% is already really strong isnt it


    I randomly started eating the cheese-vored fish cake, the rice ball and the cream bun too.


    The cheese-vored fish cake waswoah!


    It seemed that it had an effect on my [Strength]. The rice ball and cream bun didnt have any effects.


    Maybe they all had the same effect. Or maybe they were for health recovery.


    Alright. Next was trying on the cosy gym clothes.


    I took off the T-shirt I wore under the jersey jacket and wore the cosy costume instead.


    When I took off the T-shirt, my [Defence] decreased by 1 and when I wore the cosy costume, it increased by 1 again. It was probably simr to the T-shirt. It caused a +1 in [Defence] and didnt have any special effects.


    No, no. We cant be sure just yet. Maybe itll have some special effect when Ria wears it.


    Lets not lose hope about that just yet.


    I wrote down the temporary increase in stats that urred after consuming the food. [Name] Suzuki Thor


    [Race] Human


    [Age] 21


    [upation] Unemployed


    [Level] 2/


    [Health] 20/20


    [Magic] 30/45 (+15 increase)


    [Attack] 120


    [Defence] 44


    [Strength] 16 (+5 increase)


    [Intelligence] 20


    [Agility] 19 (+6 increase)


    [Skill] No maximum growth


    This is good. This is good. But the problem now was whether these stats had any effect in the real world.


    And I brought a certain item to test just that. Thats right, the hand dynamometer.


    If my [Strength] increased by 5, then my grip strength should increase by about 20. Lets do it. Hngh!


    The value that appeared on the hand dynamometer was 64 kg.


    Yes! Just as calcted! Just as I thought, the increase in stats causes an increase in my abilities in real life too!


    With that settled, all thats left to do is to level up.


    Were there still slimes in this closed room?


    I tried searching for slimes throughout the entire room. If there were small slimes, I could just raise it until it became bigger.


    ording to Ria, it is also said that they were capable of reproducing by dividing themselves so it might also be possible to cause them to increase in numbers.


    But no matter how hard I searched, there werent any slimes to be found.


    I guess there arent any left~. Was that really thest slime here?


    Ah! I want to get stronger! Arent there any more slimes left?!


    I searched high and low in therge room in the dungeon but I couldnt find anything.


    It cant be that there isnt a single one right?


    Couldnt there be just a single young slime anywhere?


    I opened my eyes wide and searched again.


    There!


    On the stone ground, a slime smaller than an eraser was crawling around.


    But even if I defeated a slime as small as this, it was obvious that I wouldnt get that many experience points.


    Ill raise this slime to be bigger before I defeat it! No, if it goes well, I could even get it to reproduce to form more slimes. This is the first step in my Monster Raising n!


    I put it in the Tons Quijote stic bag that I just happened to have and brought it home.


    I found a clear Tupperware box in the kitchen.


    There. This one is packaged sturdily so it should be fine.


    I put in a small te filled with water and another small te with some vegetable scraps.


    Ill open some holes for air to enter.


    Complete. But looking at it again, this slime is so white.


    She said that I should be careful of the purple and yellowish-brown slimes so this one should be fine, since its white.


    I nned to grow it in the dungeon but for some reason, I wanted to admire it for just a little longer.


    Ria was taking a long bath so it was probably alright to stay a little longer.


    I looked at it as I drank some ck tea in the Japanese-style room.


    I continued to look at the white slime move around in the Tupperware box. No matter how long I looked at it as it continually changed in shape, I never got tired of it.


    Hm. Its starting to look pretty cute to me


    The moment I said the word cute, I could feel the slime reacting happily.


    It just gets cuter and cuter.


    I was slowly losing the will to destroy it.


    Notes:<ol><li>Im not a bad slime, puru puru is a reference to the popr game Dragon Quest.</li></ol>

 Book 1: Chapter 5: (2)

    Book 1: Chapter 5: (2)


    What would Ria think if I showed it to her? Actually that might not work. I get the feeling Ria is scared of monsters.


    And it was probably because she fainted in the dungeon while being paralysed by poison.


    But right now, I was thinking of something that I would have never dreamed of thinking just a few moments before.


    Could I possibly raise this slime as a pet, rather than rearing it to kill?


    That was when I heard someone getting out of the washroom.


    It was definitely Ria. Shell probably be looking for me.


    O-oh no! I have to hide the slime somewhere! Thats it!


    I stuffed the Tupperware box in a cupboard that I warned Ria not to open. It was where I kept the cardboard box filled with the forbidden books (pornographic doujinshi).


    Hide here for a while and read some forbidden books, alright?


    The slime jiggled a little, as if answering me.


    The doors to the Japanese-styled room opened. In a panic, I quickly closed the cupboard.


    Standing there in her bloomers, Ria made a confused expression.


    Sir Thor, what is the matter?


    N-nothing. Its nothing.


    I-is that so? The bath is empty now so you may use it now


    Y-yeah, thanks


    I headed to the bathroom in a hurry. Please grow up quickly, white slime.


    After rinsing my body, I soak in the bathtub.


    But really I guess itd be a pretty bad idea to keep an animal from another world in Japan as a pet. Although I cant really tell if this room is considered to be in Japan.


    Alright! I should follow my original n and move the slime back into the dungeon!


    Although Im kind of sad about it


    When I got out of the bath, I saw Ria sitting on the tatami, wiping her armor and shield with olive oil.


    Ah, Im sorry. Am I being a nuisance?


    No, its alright. Actually, I was thinking of doing my research for my forbidden books here


    Is that so?!


    Yeah. So could you please continue in the living room for a while?


    I understand


    In her navy blue bloomers, Ria went out of the Japanese-style room.


    It seems that shes taken quite a liking to the bloomers, hasnt she? No, its not the time for that right now!


    I opened up the cupboard and checked on the slime.


    Nothing had changed about it. It was just jiggling like it had been the entire time.


    It really is cute.


    Hm? Wait? A side of the lid is open?


    Could it be that part of its body reached out through the air holes and opened it up?


    No, that cant be. I made these holes with the tip of a knife. Theyre tiny.


    The slime itself was still in the Tupperware box, so I must have just forgotten to close it.


    Im sorry, Im not allowed to raise pets in this apartment. Ill raise you in the dungeon.


    For some reason, I felt like the white slime was jiggling sadly now.


    I braced my heart and headed towards the dungeon while hiding the Tupperware.


    Where are you going?


    I-Im just going to the dungeon. Ill be right back.


    Escaping from Ria, I went to the dungeon.


    I ced the Tupperware box in a corner of the closed room in the dungeon.


    Stay here obediently alright? Ill bring you some more delicious food and a bigger water bowl


    After talking to the white slime, I returned to the apartment.


    Im home!


    Wee back. What were you doing?


    Still holding on to her armour, Ria asked.


    Ah, just a small errand. By the way, do people find white slimes in dungeonstely?


    I casually started asking her about white slimes.


    What? White slimes? I heard that they were already extinct


    Really!?


    Yes. I heard that they were the rare monsters that didnt attack humans but they were decreasing in numbers and no one has seen them for about 20 years.


    It seems that I just found a super rare slime.


    If it doesnt attack then I should just raise it in the apartment.


    Give me a second, Im going back to the dungeon.


    What? A-alright. Be careful


    I went to where the white slime was in a hurry.


    Hm? The Tupperware box is open!? And the white slime is gone!


    I searched around the area but I couldnt find the white slime anywhere.


    The headlights alone werent enough. I turned on the torchlight function of my smartphheres something on the ground.


    I moved closer and shined light on it.


    What? Why is there a Kokorone Miru figure here?


    There was a Kokorone Miru figure on the floor in a dungeon.


    Could it be that the figure was caught on my clothes when I was in the Japanese-style room and fell off when I came here?


    Well, I cant think of any other good exnation I guess. I picked it up.


    Woah! This figure. Its so jelly-like. It feels so nice to touch~


    It kind of just looks like a normal Kokorone Miru figure that wasnt very well made but it really feels so nice to touch.


    Did I ever buy a figure like this? I dont remember. But I guess I cant really think of any other reason this would be here if it wasnt me who bought it.


    I ced it in my pocket and resumed my search for the white slime.


    But the white slime was nowhere to be found. Instead, I found a blue slime the size of an eraser.


    Sigh, I cant seem to find the white slime anywhere so I guess Ill keep this instead.


    Although for some reason, it wasnt as cute as the white slime was. But it couldnt be helped, since the white slime disappeared.


    I picked it up and tried to ce it in the Tupperware box.


    Ouch. Did it just bite my finger?


    As I tried to pick it up to ce in the Tupperware box, it attacked me. Just as I thought, it wasnt cute at all.


    Whatever, I guess. This is also another way to earn more experience points. Ill hunt it down when it gets bigger


    The fact that I wouldnt hesitate to kill a blue slime may mean that they were better than white slimes. I left the Tupperware box in the dungeon and left.


    Im home!


    Wee back~. That took a while, didnt it?


    I took quite a bit of time trying to find the white slime.


    I might have made her worry.


    Im sorry. I was just doing some research for my forbidden book. Ill be in the Japanese-style room, OK?


    I took out the figure I picked up in the dungeon out of my pocket. Yup, this was a pretty good figure.


    All things aside, it just felt so nice to touch. I wanted to admire it more but it was already time to sleep.


    I dont remember having this, but for now, I positioned it in the same way I did my favourite dolls.


    For some reason, the figure looked a bit lonely there. Leaving it be, I turned off the lights in the Japanese-style room.


    I went to the living room where Ria was.


    If I guessed correctly, she was probably going to ask to sleep together tonight as well. The fear of being in the dungeon was probably still there.


    If so, then itd make sense that she would want to sleep together. I was sure of it.


    Ria. Its gettingte so shall we brush our teeth and go to sleep soon?


    Youre right. I am getting sleepy.


    We stood side by side as we brushed our teeth.


    U-um, Sir Thoris it alright if we sleep together tonight too?


    Y-yeah, of course.


    Im sorry. It must be a nuisance.


    No, its alright. But are you still scared?


    Still a little, especially of dark ces.


    We slept together yesterday too, but today, she upgraded(?) from jerseys to bloomers.


    We didnt wrap our arms around each others necks like we did yesterday, but our legs were touching today. To be urate, they were interlocked.


    This is important so I feel the need to mention this again. Ria was wearing bloomers so her legs were bare.


    I was regretting wearing jersey pants tonight. I should have worn short pants, or at least knee-length pants.


    I didnt n to wake up and sneak out to the dungeon today.


    All that was left to do was to sleep to get ready for tomorrow but the question was whether I could actually fall asleep?


    I-I cant sleep!


    Notes:<ol><li>Kokorone Miru is likely a word y in reference to the popr vocaloid character Hatsune Miku.</li></ol>

 Book 1: Chapter 5: (3)

    Book 1: Chapter 5: (3)


    Quite some time had passed, but I just didnt feel sleepy at all.


    Ria probably couldnt sleep either.


    But I could hear the faint sound of her breath as she slept peacefully.


    I opened my eyes and looked at Ria by shining the light from my phones screen on her.


    She was lying on her back. I could see her profile as she sleptfortably.


    The time disyed on my smartphone showed that it had been 2 whole hours since Iy down on the bed.


    Foo~


    For a moment, I closed my eyes before opening them again. Ill just y the social game that I hadnt yed in a while, since I cant fall asleep anyway.


    But when I opened my eyes, I saw Ria awake beside me.


    RIas eyes were open.


    Oh. So you were awake


    Something was off. Ria was standing uppletely straight on the bed.


    But she was only as tall as my head as I was lying down. In other words, she was extremely small.


    But no matter how I looked, this small Ria was still Ria. From how she looked in the bloomers to her hairstyle, she looked exactly like Ria.


    Beyond small Ria, Ria was sleeping on the bed.


    What is this? Whats going on?


    Is this a dream? Am I dreaming? Am I just half-asleep? There was no doubt that I was tired.


    I tried an appearance that you would like, Master. How is it?


    The small, doll-sized Ria asked in a small voice, befitting of her size.


    Was she asking me?


    W-w-what on earth are you?


    I asked back. My voice got really sharp but I somehow managed to keep it soft enough so that I didnt wake Ria up.


    What? Dont I look like her? I think its exactly the same even under the clothes, you know? Here


    The doll-sized Ria took off its bloomers and panties.


    Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!


    Therge RIa jerked awake and slowly got up sleepily.


    I quickly grabbed the small Ria (its so soft) and stuffed it in the pockets of my jersey.


    W-whats wrong? Sir Thor


    I-Im sorry. I just had a bad dream about being in the army as a wise sage in the Fifth Magical War


    Oh dear. Is that so? I did not know that there was a war like that


    Of course, I didnt know anything about the Fifth Magical War or anything like that either. But what I had just experienced was more terrifying than even a Fifth Magical War.


    Ill sleep with you, OK, Sir Thor?


    I decided not to make a tactlesseback that we had been sleeping together this entire time. Ria went back into the bed.


    Ria sang to me as she patted my head gently but she somehow fell asleep before I did.


    I pressed down on the pocket of my jersey as I crept out of the bed.


    It seemed that Ria was already in a deep sleep. She didnt notice at all.


    I quietly relocated to the Japanese-style room.


    I then carefully took out the contents of my jerseys pocket.


    As expected, what came out felt so soft. It was the doll-sized Ria.


    Do you not like this appearance, Master?


    It was crying sadly. It was crying.


    F-for now, just wear the bloomers


    Yes. Sniffle sniffle


    The doll-sized Ria wore her bloomers as it continued to cry.


    Right now, my theory was that this Ria was actually the white slime.


    Butwhat was I supposed to do now that it turned into a small Ria? And what did it mean by Master?


    U-um, so you are?


    It seems that you already found out that Im a slime. But


    The small Ria jiggled as it delivered the punch line.


    <strong>Im not a bad slime, puru puru</strong>


    Seconds of silence ensued. The white slime started to cry out loud.


    Wa, waaaaaaa, uwaa~~~~~~!


    Wa-wait a minute. I want to talk to you without crying


    I tried my best to speak as gently as I could to small Ria


    Alright. Sniff


    For starters, are you the white slime?


    Yes I am.


    Just as I thought. Then the white slime must have also been the one who turned into the Kokorone Miru figure.


    The reason it didnt speak when it transformed into Kokorone Miru was probably because dolls dont talk.


    Um, so why did you transform into Kokorone Miru and Ria?


    I just wanted you to like meI thought that those were the appearances that you would definitely like, Master


    It was right to say that I definitely liked both of them. I couldnt find a reason to argue back.


    It was probably right, I thought. But just in case, I had to check something very important.


    Are you referring to me when you sayMaster?


    Yes! Master!


    I understood that butwhat made ite to that?


    Why am I your Master?


    Yes! Its because you are the first person I saw!


    So its because Im the first person you sawI thought that it would be because of something like me giving you food causing a contract to be formed, or maybe because you liked me


    Yes! Its not because you gave me food causing a contract to be formed!


    I was disappointed that the reason was because I was the first person it saw. Maybe it was simr to how new-born baby chicks think of the first thing it sees as its parents.


    But I love you!


    What? R-really?


    Yes!


    Even though it was doll-sized, I couldnt help but feel a bit embarrassed being told that by something with Rias face.


    But this is weird.


    What do you mean when you say you like me? Do slimes even know what liking is?


    What? Oh, hm. Let me think


    The white slime who had been answering my questions lightheartedly up till now suddenly was lost for words. Maybe I identally asked too harsh a question.


    But it answered me cheerfully again after that short moment of pause.


    Its the feeling where I feel all warm and fuzzy in my heart, and where I feel like I would do anything for my master!


    The doll-sized Ria said, with a cheerful smile.


    Ohthis is bad. That was adorable. But I need to keep in mind that in the end, Im still talking to a slime.


    U-um hey


    Yes!


    Are white slimeslikefemale?


    I asked just in case. I didnt really care about whether slimes were male or female.


    But I asked, just in case, because I would be kinda sad if they were male.


    Are you asking whether were male or female? Slimes are hermaphrodites so were neither male nor female.


    I see. Just as I thought.


    I wonder if my expression made it look like I was disappointed. The white slime continued, trying to cheer me up.


    Im neither male nor female, but its all right. Give me a moment.


    Small Ria melted down in an instant and turned into a white-colored ball shape, and then into an even more amoeba-like form.


    It really is a slime, huh? I thought, as the white slime continued.


    This might be a bit ticklish, but please bear with me


    What?


    The white slime went into my jerseys through my ankles and started climbing upwards.


    Wa-wa-wai-wait a second! Ah!


    The white slime had its fun fiddling with my thingbeforeing out of my clothing with a jiggle.


    W-what are you doing!


    I-Im sorry. As ufortable as that might have been, I was doing a light scan.


    What exactly did you scan?


    The white slime transformed back into the doll-sized Ria.


    It was small, but it was definitely Ria wearing bloomers.


    Even its face looked like a beautiful, dignified girl.


    Ehehe. Well, just look


    So what exactly did you scan??


    As I asked it, the white slime acting as Ria took off the bloomers and panties together again. And I covered my eyes with my hands again.


    Hey stop that!


    Just look at it, even if for just a bit


    I couldnt help it when it asked me to look.


    I peeked through my fingers that I was using to cover my eyes. When I did, I saw white slime Ria with its bloomers taken off.


    Uwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!


    I let out a loud scream.


    Protruding from white slime Rias groin was thatthingthat I was used to seeing!!!!!!!!!!!!!


    I sensed someone dashing out of the Western-style room. It was Ria.


    I shoved the white slime in the pocket of my jersey.


    After a short timeg, the sliding door to the Japanese-style room slid open with a loud bang.


    Did something happen???


    I-Im sorry I had a nightmare about when I had to stop a super magic furnace from exploding as a wise sageand I also sleepwalk so thats why Im in the Japanese-style room


    Ill sleep with you so!


    I slept with Ria in the bed as I listened to her singing.


    Notes:<ol><li>Hermaphrodites are life forms with fully functional male and female reproductive organs and secondary sexual characteristics; depending upon how these areid out they may be able to self-fertilize as well as breeding with other members of gicallypatible species.</li></ol>

 Book 1: Chapter 5: (4)

    Book 1: Chapter 5: (4)


    After a few minutes, I returned to the Japanese-style room again.


    Im sorry, Master. I wanted to prove to you that I could be any gender


    I-I beg of you, please just choose one


    After Ria fell asleep, I decided to talk to the white slime again.


    Of course, I asked it to get rid of that thingand wear the bloomers.


    I understand! Ill be a female when Im a female and a male when Im a male! Also, I be bigger immediately when I eat human food!


    I-is that so. Do you mean that youll be as big as a human?


    Yes. If I transform I can be as big as a human being. Ill fulfill anymand that you give me, Master! Even dirty stuff!


    No, that parts fine. Why will you listen to mymands?


    Because Im a white slime.


    What? Is that what white slimes are like?


    Thats right


    Could you please exin to me what that means?


    The white slime started telling me about its species.


    It seemed that white slimes used to be species that lived together with human beings.


    They transformed into things that the humans that owned them liked, and spent their days loved by humans. That was how white slimes lived.


    But some of the people who knew about it started to use the white slimes for misdeeds.


    The love-like feelings that white slimes had for their masters, as well as their power to transform into anything was good prey for bad people.


    In the end, all the white slimes dove deep down into the hard dungeons where humans couldnt reach them, transforming into walls and the ground to survive.


    It was so that their feelings and powers wouldnt be misused by the first human beings they saw.


    So thats what happened.


    But I really just cant believe that all humans are bad. Thats why I didnt listen to my friends when they tried to stop me and I climbed higher and higher up the dungeon.


    And the first person you met was


    Yes! Its you, Mr. Thor! Im so happy I got to meet you, Mr. Thor!


    But sorry. Im not from the other world. Im from Japan.


    I tried to tell that to the slime, but the white slime, dressed like Ria, looked at me with a sparkle in its eyes.


    Hm? Wait a minute? What about that thing where you can transform into anything if you grow bigger?!


    Are you talking about dirty things? If I grow bigger I can do that too! I can make internal organs and stuff as well!


    No, not that!


    I came up with an idea. It might just be possible that I could make use of the white slimes transformation powers to do that thing.


    Hey, hey. If thats so Ill give you a lot of food. If I do that, can I ask you to do some things for me?


    Yes! Of course! Even if you dont give me food, Ill listen to anymand that you give me, Master!


    No, Id feel bad about that so lets do this give-and-take style. For starters, what kind of foods do you like?


    Any human food tastes good to me. And I heard from the adults that they are all very nutritious.


    I see. It seemed that the white slimes shared information among themselves about humans.


    I guess that was only natural. There was no way that one wouldnt share information among themselves about species that were closely rted to themselves.


    Especially since they seemed pretty smart.


    Well then, is it alright if I just go with the canned miso mackerel fish I bought for


    dungeon exploration, some rice and some instant miso soup? Ill make a sd for you too


    Ive never eaten those things, but I think it should be fine


    I see. I have rice being kept warm so I can serve up the food right away.


    I ced a small cardboard box in the Japanese-style room. I then put some miso mackerel, rice, miso soup and sd on some small tes and serve it up for the slime.


    Thank you so much!


    The doll-sized Ria slime started to eat with a small fork.


    Mm~ This really is delicious!


    I see, I see. Thats great. What do you usually eat?


    I usually eat the moss in the dungeon, or the dead bodies of monsters. Although I dont get to eat the dead bodies of monsters that much. Since the monsters deep in the dungeon rarely die


    Thendoes it taste good?


    Yes!


    The white slime gulped the food down happily, but even though it was using a small fork, it was still too big for something the size of a doll, and it was struggling to eat.


    If its hard for you to eat like that then its alright if you just turn back into a slime as you eat


    B-but I heard from the adults that masters will be angry if we dont take the shape that our master likes the most.


    AhI see. So thats how it is.


    I wont get angry so you can just turn into a white slime


    Whats more, it might be pretty bad if Ria finds us like this, with the white slime looking like Ria.


    There probably werent a lot of people who felt positively about people who yed with a doll version of themselves.


    I understand


    The white slime who had turned back into its slime form sat on the food and started to absorb it.


    It was translucent so it was interesting to watch the food enter its body and suddenly disappear when it got absorbed.


    By the way, do you have a name, white slime?


    Itll probably be pretty inconvenient if it didnt have a name.


    The white slime stopped eating.


    I dont


    So it didnt huh. But I wonder what the matter was. For some reason, it seemed to suddenly be really sad.


    Is it alright if I give you a name?


    Youre going to give me a name?


    The white slime suddenly cheered up.


    Hm? Well I was just thinking that itd be more convenient if you had one


    Im so happy! I heard that we all received names when we got along with human beings!


    The whtie slimes body jiggled to express its joy.


    O-oh, is that so. Well then, what shall we name you? Hmoh. Since you usually turn into a droplet-like shape, how about Shizuku as your name?


    The slimes from a certain game were essentially drops of water, so I thought that itd be rather befitting.


    Shizukuthats such a cute nameI love it


    The white slimeI mean Shizuku started to jiggle.


    Thats great. Then from now on, Ill call you Shizuku, alright?


    Yes!


    Oh, but that aside, Shizuku, is it just me or have you already gotten bigger?


    Ah, youre right.


    Shizukus body had visibly gotten bigger.


    So its like, when you eat, you grow bigger proportional to the amount that you eat.


    I-Im sorry. They didnt tell me that I would grow bigger so quickly.


    Food from Japan had mysterious effects so it might be possible that it was also especially nutritious for slimes.


    No, its alright. Its better for me if you could grow bigger so


    Really? If thats the case, I can still eat a lot more, so I can grow much bigger!


    Even though it was true that both Ria and I already ate, the rice cooker with 5 cups of rice was nowpletely empty.


    And Shizukus size increased from that of a softball to that of a basketball.


    Wowyou really have gotten bigger


    If Im this big, I can transform into something the size of a human


    ording to Shizuku, if we added a lot of bubbles, it could be the same size as a human being.


    Or I could also just take in a lot of water


    Then lets go to the bathroom!


    And thus, two people, I mean one person and one slime, had arrived at the bathroom.


    Is the water from the shower alright?


    Yes! I will transform now!


    W-woahhhhh!


    It was able topletely replicate how RIa looked like, down to the size. And the navy blue bloomers made a re-appearance as well.


    My body is a bit heavy but I think I have perfectly transformed into Miss Ria.


    Your body is heavy?


    Theres a lot more water in my bodypared to before so I shall just adjust that by taking in more air


    I see. So it meant that it would be alright if it just became bigger.


    Can you still eat?


    Yes! Masters food is delicious. And I can eat as much as I want as a white slime!


    Really? Well then Ill go make more food


    I went to the kitchen and opened up the refrigerator.


    Notes:


    2. Shizuku is the Japanese word for droplet


    3. This is likely also in reference to the game Dragon Quest

 Book 1: Chapter 5: (5)

    Book 1: Chapter 5: (5)


    I happened to see some natto with soba dipping sauce, kimchi, and diced green onions. I was also pretty sure I had some frozen udon noodles as well. With all of these ingredients, I can make -that-!


    My In Your Face Stamina Deluxe Udon!


    Perfect on a hot summer day, chilled kimchi natto, and diced green onions on top of udon noodles.


    So goooood! Its really tasty!


    Shizuku gathered around and started eating. Looks like all my effort making it really paid off. Served with some ttened and thinly stretched out bread that has been lightly drizzled with olive oil, then onion, cheese, bacon, and basil sprinkled on top. Then after that, all I have to do is bake it in the oven. There was some noise and good smellsing from the kitchen, but the western style rooms door was still closed, so I thought that Ria might have still been asleep.


    My original homemade pizza!


    By taking ordinary bread and lightly ttening it and stretching it out, you can pour some olive oil on it and bake it to make it really seem like authentic pizza.


    I can eat as much as I want! I can really eat as much as I want!


    With that, Ill cut some corners but


    Redbean filled bread with milk!


    Thisbinationes straight from god in the heavens.


    This sweetness, and a refreshing drink! Amazing! Butwhat did you want again?


    Huh?


    There was something that Master wished to request of me?


    Thats right. I got so carried away with cooking I nearly forgot. There was something I wanted from Shizuku, I forgot that I was making her bigger.


    The thing is, I work at a family restaurant. But its just a part-time thing.


    Family restaurant? I understand part-time though.


    Do you understand part-time jobs?


    Yes! They are written in the doujinshi!


    Oh, okay


    Although her part-time job knowledge might be a little different.


    Well thats fine. A family restaurant is kind of like a dining hall.


    I understand! I have heard about the human world from some of the adults I am friends with.


    That makes sense. And I guess from hearing that kind of stuff, she got an interest in the human world. Shizuku seems to have the same knowledge of the medieval world they both live in. Of course, the other world would also have dining halls.


    So  while I am at work, I want you to turn into me and spend time together with Ria. Just having fun together is fine.


    If that is what my Master desires! I understand! Shizuku will do my best!


    Alright, thank goodness. Honestly, I thought that leaving Ria alone could be dangerous in a bunch of different ways.


    Then, can I have you transform into me really quick? Make it look just like me okay, exactly like me.


    Okayyyy!


    After Shizuku replied, Rias form appeared and started clinging onto me.


    Uwa?! What?!


    Please allow me to scan you, Master. I will copy you exactly, so I have to do this very well.


    Ah, ah?! Do you have to do it down there too!? Please be gentle


    Ria, or rather Shizuku, seemed to merge with my body, or maybe melted into me, or maybe I was melting. As she did that, my entire body was covered with slime jelly, and it felt like I was being attacked and groped.


    W-Wait a sec, it tickles! Hehehehe


    It seemed like Shizuku was under my arms scanning me.


    Im sorry. Please endure this for just a bit longer.


    If thats what it takes, nothing else I can do. This is all so she can change into me.


    But


    I felt that Shizuku was getting closer near myher regions. Or rather my entire hip area.


    Wait wait wait, thats embarrassing! Uhu


    Okay! I havepletely finished scanning Master!


    Looks like it was finally over.


    O-Oh. It felt pretty good actually. You should have said something before going to that area though


    M-My bad.


    After Shizuku apologized, shepletely took on my appearance.


    Whoa! This is me? Something about me seems kind of different though.


    Actually, seeing myself was kind of disgusting for some reason.


    S-So cool!


    Huh? Shizuku suddenly said that I was cool.


    T-Thats not true, right?


    Its true! Ive transformed into a lot of things but, Master is the coolest one so far!


    She really insisted on it. But white slimes are the type to hold feelings of love for their master, so I thought it was probably just that. It didnt feel bad though.


    For the time being when I head to my part-time job, y with Ria, okay? Ria is cute like a kid, so shell believe anything you say. If you just act and talk like a Great Sage, you should be fine.


    I felt a little worried, but this was infinitely better than leaving a girl from another world alone in my room.


    But Master


    Huh? I feel like thats the first time Ive heard Shizuku sound like that. I wonder if shes going to get cold feet after all.


    Is it really okay for me to just y with Ria all day while Master is at work? Wouldnt it be better if I went and worked at this dining hall instead?


    What did she say? Is this some kind of dream where someone else will go work my job for me? No, wait. It may be a good idea, but Shizuku is still a slime. I dont think she could work any job for me. Im just thankful that she can stay here and entertain Ria.


    Thats nice of you but Theres no way I want to make you work for me.


    But I ate so much of your food Ive heard that the fee for eating food is rather high in the human world, correct?


    I guess thats kind of true.


    I do not have any money, I want you to allow me to pay you back.


    Im really thankful she feels that way but its really not a big deal.


    ying with Ria is one thing, but I wonder if doing my job might be impossible for you. You might get the hang of it after time but


    I think I could do it immediately.


    As soon as Shizuku said that she went into the kitchen.


    Hey hey, wait a sec, where are you going?


    May I use some ingredients?


    Thats fine but


    While I wondered what she was trying to do, she took the remaining loaf of bread, ttened it, and started stretching it out. And then she drizzled it with olive oil, sprinkled on some pizza sauce, and put a bunch of other ingredients on it.


    No way, was she!


    She baked it in the oven and took it out and started imitating even my voice.


    My original bread loaf pizza!


    It looked exactly the same as the food I had just made earlier.


    The vor is good too


    My ability to copy thingses from having a good memory. I can also copy movements and actions.


    So thats how she did it. But after watching Shizuku do all these things, I could see she was really clever. There might be a time where I would be unable to go to my part-time job because of something happening in the dungeon. My family restaurant is open 24/7, so if we go right now there wouldnt be many people there. I could try going there and teaching her a few things. Tomorrow is one thing, but there might be a time where I need her to go instead of me.


    Well, how about we go and have a little look then?


    Yes! Thank you very much!


    But it was then that I realized there could be one problem with this n.


    Come to think of it, youre still big, so I cant fit you inside of my pocket What should we do?


    Would it be okay if I went in Rias form?


    I dont want anyone to think anything suspicious, so Ria might be kind of bad.


    Plus, if I take a beautiful blonde girl like Ria to my work with me, there would be a huge uproar and misunderstanding.


    So in other words, as long as you are able to hide me it is fine. Very well, then I will be your clothes, so please wear me.


    What did she say?


    Or more urately, I will be the one wearing you, changed into your clothes, and attached to your body. I will have you be naked, please.


    Y-You can do something like that? Wont you be stretched out too much?


    Shizuku probably had less volume than clothing, she would have to be pretty big.


    There is a lot of empty space between bodies and clothing. Ill be directly glued to you, so it should be fine.


    S-Shell be glued to me? It seemed interesting, I guess theres no problem giving it a try. But before that


    Before we start, I wonder if you could transform into Ria for me? It would be a little weird to have myself get intimate with myself after all.


    I understand!


    I went to the bathroom with Shizuku in the form of Ria.


    Okay. Please get naked.


    O-Okay


    This is a little embarrassing. Shizuku, in the form of Ria, clung onto me and wore my body. After a few moments, it looked just like I was wearing normal jeans and a t-shirt. Although on the inside, it just felt like I was wearing slime jelly all over my body.


    Ahhey wait!


    Shizuku squirmed over my lower area.


    I-Im sorry. This part is so cute that I identally


    C-Cute?! I dont want to be called cute there!


    Uwah! Its bing bigger! Just like it says in the doujinshis! It was so cute early but now its be rather frightening


    Dont say that kind of stuff to me!


    Okay this is a bit embarrassing, so lets just have the bottom half of my body be empty space okay?


    Okay, I apologize.


    Alright, slime clothes are pretty good, actually. In the beginning, it felt weird and there were some idents, but after you get used to it the texture is pretty nice.


    I can also adjust the temperature. The warmth frombustion, cooling from vtilization. However, only by 1 degree.


    Changing by 1 degree is pretty pointless.


    I will also require food and water ordingly.


    So, adjusting the temperature means the amount she needs to eat will increase. In other words, my food expenses are going to rise.


    In any case, since Ive moved here, Ive been on break for 2 days, I should just try showing my face there really quick.


    Okay!


    With that, my slime clothes and I went outside.

 Book 1: Chapter 5: (6)

    Book 1: Chapter 5: (6)


    T-This is very different from the above world that myrades had described to me.


    Uhm, actually, about that, this is a different world. But Ill exin it to youter, OK?


    I understand!


    She didnt ask me for any details or follow up questions or anything. Thats proof that she was clever.


    For the time being, Im going to tell you some stuff I want you to memorize.


    I pointed at a car.


    Thats called a car. Its kind of like a horse-drawn wagon, but the speed is different. Oh and, If you get hit by it, youll die, so be careful.


    Yes! This is also written in the doujinshis!


    But I feel like the kind of cars shes read about in doujinshis are probably the type that takes you to hotels. I taught her about sidewalks, roads, traffic lights, and other things while heading to the family restaurant I worked at.


    Alright, so this is my workce.


    I understand! From the Japanese style room, Master takes 20 steps to the left, then 123 steps to the right, crosses at the first traffic light


    That surprised me. I didnt know the exact distance by steps, but she got the general directions and everything else correct. Because its 3 am right now, there probably isnt anyone around. Itd be the perfect time to stop in and mess around for a bit.


    Okay! After we head inside, I want you to stay quiet and pretend to be my clothes.


    Okay!


    I opened the front door of the family restaurant that I worked at and then I rang the bell at the front of the restaurant to let the staff know we were here.


    Wee! Heyisnt that Suzuki?


    Ms. Kuno came over and weed me into the shop.


    Sorry about dropping in so suddenly. I even went to the effort of getting time off, but Ill be able toe in starting tomorrow.


    You were moving, after all, cant help that. Speaking of, how was the apartment? Was it really haunted?


    N-No. There arent any ghosts


    Huhhhhh, really? Thats sooo boring.


    But there are slimes and female knights. Ms. Kuno was a 30-year-old woman who worked here part-time. She was brash and had a bad mouth sometimes, but she looked after me. She was often here at this time because thete hours of the night paid more money.


    So anyways, Iming back again tomorrow, so I thought I shoulde over and organize my locker in advance.


    Hoo, Im impressed. Were you always so diligent with your work, Suzuki?


    You know me. After all, I really enjoy cooking.


    Fair enough, you do like cooking.


    It seemed like she was convinced with that.


    By the way, is there anyone in the kitchen today?


    Just the manager. It was Segawa earlier, but he had some urgent businesse up suddenly. Knowing him, it was definitely about a girl, right?


    I see. Segawa has the tendency to take time off because of women. And the one who had to make up for it was always our poor manager.


    Im going to go say hi for a second.


    Oookay. Catch yater.


    I walked away from Kuno and called out to the manager from the hall near the kitchen.


    Ah, Manager. Good evening!


    Oh, Suzuki? Werent youing in tomorrow? Are you finally ready to start working again?


    Yep! Just like the shift schedule that I turned in.


    Thats good! You moved to such an interesting ce after all. There was a rumor going around you probably wouldnt be able to make it back to work alive.


    I wasnt sure what to think of that rumor. These kinds of strange things always came up at work.


    Hahaha, its just an ordinary apartment, I swear.


    Oh? You can get an ordinary apartment for only 300 a month? Thats lucky~ maybe Ill save up some money and we can be roomies!  I wish hah!


    By the way, this manager here is the only management we have at this family restaurant. Hes the top guy, but hes surprisingly really nice. Before I started working, I thought the manager was really cool, but hes always picking up the ck and cleaning up after other peoples messes, so I feel really bad for him. It feels like Kuno is more in charge around here.


    Anyways, youve got it rough tonight. I cant believe youre working here thiste at night to cover for Segawa. Werent you also here in the afternoon?


    Yeah thats right. But Segawa is a college student, you know. Rather than working at a family restaurant, girls take priority. Plus, Id be in more trouble if he quit on me.


    This might be my chance. Hes feeling used and abused right now!


    Oh, thats right! I know I said Id be on leave until tomorrow, but how about you take a quick break for a bit? Ill take over the kitchen for an hour or so if youd like?


    The manager gave me a relieved and happy smile.


    R-Really? B-but I cant pay you anything


    Its fine, its fine! Theres some stuff I want to prepare for tomorrow anyways. Ill go get changed.


    After saying that, I headed to my locker and showed Shizuku the kitchen uniform.


    I should transform into this, right?


    Exactly. Youre pretty smart.


    Shizuku became my kitchen uniform in a sh, and I headed back to the kitchen.


    Alright, go take it easy, Manager; Ill take over from here.


    O-Okay. I have to do some office work, so I guess Ill leave it to you. Ille back in 30 minutes okay?


    The manager is a pushover, so I thought hed give up after I changed clothes and came back. Ill have to leave in a little under an hour then. I watched the manager exit the kitchen and then spoke to Shizuku.


    Alright, watch the food I prepare and dish out carefully. Also, how you make it is written right here too.


    I guess the main thing about my family restaurant is, everything is made and prepared in this central kitchen. And the oven is an induction style one. So, all you really have to do is remember how to prepare stuff. You didnt have to worry about the equipment and being seen. I trusted in Shizukus memory and went and identally taught her everything in one go. She was listening quietly.


    Well?


    Yes, I have memorized everything.


    Really? Thats pretty impressive Shizuku.


    Im so overjoyed to be praised by Master!


    Hehehe, if thats true Im really thankful, bute on, theres no way you were able to memorize all of this cluttered information I gave you in one go. And as I was thinking that, something happened.


    Suzuki! The Late Night Kids Group just came in!


    What? What about the Manager?


    He stepped out for a smoke or something I think. Ill have to leave it to you!


    The Late Night Kids Group isnt hostile or violent or anything like that, but theyre sometimes really discourteous ande in annoyinglyrge numbers.


    They arent exactly the type of customers I want to handle while Im unpaid, but I said Id do it so might as well


    I will handle this!


    Huh? My kitchen uniform, or rather Shizuku, had said that in a rather positive and uplifting voice. Before I had a chance to react, my body started to move on its own.


    Wait wait wait!


    Please watch me, Master.


    Shizuku moved my body on her own. I was thinking about what I should do when my body started automatically cooking orders with ease.


    S-Seriously?! The food is all being prepared wlessly!


    Ehehehe~


    It looks like she seriously remembered everything after seeing it just one time! I thought I would just leave everything to her, but then I suddenly saw something and had to speak up.


    Ah, wait a sec before you put that gratin in the oven


    P-Pardon me. Am I making a mistake, Master?


    No, its right. But sprinkle on two more pinches of cheese and leave it in the oven for 10 seconds longer.


    I do not recall these procedures being listed in the manual though


    That customer always orders the gratin. They like it when the cheese is a little more browned. If you leave it in a little longer, the customer will be really happy and theyll keeping back, so in order to insure they keeping back, you have to adjust the recipe properly.


    I understand! I knew it, Master is really kind!


    Ehh, you think so?


    Yes, it is wonderful!


    With that, after a long night of cooking and exnations, we were finally able to head home around 5 AM.

 Book 1: Chapter 5: (7)

    Book 1: Chapter 5: (7)


    I stepped into the bathroom and took off Shizuku, or rather we separated.


    Tomorrowor I guess today, my work is from 8 to 3and I still havent slept at all yet.


    As I thought, please stay home and enjoy the day with Ria, Master


    I already told you, I cant let you do something like that. Its my job so I should do it.


    Above all else, I thought I should try to get as much sleep as I could before work, so I hopped into the bed that Ria was already sleeping in. Shizuku who had returned to her slime form also crawled over.


    May I sleep together with you as well?


    Yeah sure. Just dont let Ria see you, okay?


    After Shizuku jiggled with glee, she hopped into the bed with us.


    Yes! To be in bed with my Master its so warm and feels very pleasant.


    Oh?


    The stone walls of the dungeon were very cold. Im so happy I was able toe up through the depths of the dungeon and meet you, Master.


    I see. Im happy too.


    Thank you!


    As Shizuku was speaking, I slowly became more and more tired before I was finally embraced by sleep.


    In the morning, Shizuku was making breakfast for me. One by one delicious smells filled the room, but it reached the point where I thought I wouldnt be able to eat everything she was making. Hamburgers, beef stew, fried shrimp, gratin, it was like she was making me the entire menu of my family restaurant.


    Ria, who was wearing her school swimsuit, was bringing a fork to my mouth and feeding me delicious food. It was like an amazing dream but wait a second, this is too good to be true, this is a dream isnt it? Is this what they call lucid dreaming? I want to enjoy this, but I have to go to work today


    JIRIRIRIRIRIRIRIRIRIRIRIRIRIRIRIRI


    Ugh, so loud


    It sounded like the old-fashioned ringer rm I have set on my smartphone. I reached over to stop the rm. There was a message written on the screen. Thats weird, I dont use that feature on my phone at all.


    It says Master, please sleep well. Huh? Im already sleeping well. Its only 10 after all WAIT ITS 10?!


    But Im certain that todays work was from 8 AM to 3 PM! I could have sworn I set my rm for 7. Dont tell me that Shizuku?! She must have gone to work at the family restaurant instead of me! Its okay, calm down, theres no way someone from the other world can exit out into Japan.


    Wait Shizuku can extend her body cant she? What if she could tten and lengthen herself out, hold a part of me, and then exit out into my world


    I suddenly jumped up out of bed. Ria was in the living room, so I spoke to her.


    Master Thor, is your condition doing okay?


    Huh? My condition?


    Yes, you awoke a few hours earlier, but told me you werent feeling very well, so you went back to sleep. Are you feeling alright?


    I was asked some more questions by a concerned Ria. But that person earlier was definitely Shizuku disguised as me.


    H-ha, Im fully healed!


    I-Is that so?


    While saying that I started shaping four onigiri. And then while eating one of those, I spoke out to Ria again.


    Ria, have you already eaten breakfast?


    But Master Thor, are you not the one who made a sandwich for me earlier?


    Oh, did I?


    Sandwiches are also on the menu at my family restaurant. We dont have all of the ingredients, so she probably just made something simr to it. Looks like she didnt just have a copy ability, but amazing adaptability as well.


    Theres a Great Sage council meeting happening soon, so I have to head out using teleportation magic. I feel bad but, for lunch please eat these things called onigiri.


    O-Okay.


    I made preparations to exit out through the washroom.


    Ill be backter!


    For a moment, I made it look like I would head out into the dungeon from the front door, but I just grabbed my shoes near the entrance and went out through the window. The sun shined down on me. It was definitely lunch time.


    I started running to work. It was about 10:30 now. I guess since I hadnt gotten a phone call from work, Shizuku must not have been discovered yet. I dont know. I finally made it to the family restaurant. I was about to walk into the shop, but then I realized something.


    WAIT WAIT! If they see two copies of myself in there, people are going to start freaking out!


    For now, it would be safer to look into the restaurant from the window on the outside.


    It doesnt look like its too busy yet. I cant really see all the way to the kitchen, but the customers are all receiving what looked to be normal orders.


    I wonder if I should just go home after all. It doesnt seem like theres any trouble going on with the shop or with me but I just feel really bad about having someone take my work and do it for me. I cant just let the slime who trusts and loves humans do these kinds of things for me, its like taking advantage of her.


    Okay, its decided!


    Wee~


    That reminds me, today was Saturday, wasnt it? I remembered, a high school girl named Tatsuishi was working the front of the restaurant today. Her greeting kind of died down midway through. But that was to be expected with how I was dressed. I was wearing giant one-dor sunsses, a mask, and arge hat.


    J-Just one person today?


    Despite being a high school girl, Tatsuishi was more of a clever, cool beauty rather than an energetic cutesy type, so she surely must have realized how suspicious I looked. Im sorry Tatsuishi, please forgive me.


    Why yes! One person!


    T-Then please follow me this way.


    I was seated at the end in a really well-lit area. It was the perfect spot for my investigations. I ordered at the same time I was seated.


    Ill take the mixed grill set please!


    Okay, well have that out to you in a few minutes


    After a bit of waiting, the mixed grill set arrived at my table. A Hamburg steak, some teriyaki chicken, and sausage arrived at my table all on a hot te. The vegetable garnishes were also presented quite beautifully.


    Theyre presented exquisitely!


    I took a few bites and pushed the button used to call over the waitress. It was still early afternoon, so the peak time hadnt arrived yet. Tatsuishi came immediately.


    What can I get for you?


    This dish, it is simply wonderful!


    Huh? Uhh, thank you?


    This is it. I decided to be the type of awkward customer who wants to give his thanks to the staff. But my objective was to go even beyond this!


    The chef, you simply must call the chef over here for me!


    Uhthe chef?


    Her well lit face had the confused look of this is a fast food restaurant on it. But no matter what awkward situation or face she shows me, I had to press on!


    This meal is amazing, I simply mussssst give my thanks to the chef! Puhleeeeease call them for me!


    O-O-O-Okay. Im going to get them.


    This kind of event will be one month, no, three months, this kind of awkward customer will be the topic of conversation for at least three months, Im sure. From the kitchen, I saw myselfing over and smiling with a grin. Shizuku definitely had the grin of my food was so delicious that someone wants topliment my work. Its a relief though, if someone else hade out this might have ruined my n.


    Sorry to keep you waiting wait Master?


    For Shizuku, even if I was wearing big sunsses, a mask, and arge hat, I guess I was identifiable immediately.


    The mixed grill was really tasty. Ive been really wanting to make this for about 3 months now, but you definitely created this dish while thinking of the customer.


    T-Thank you so much!


    Anyways, ill be waiting in the bathroom stall.


    Huh? But-


    Before I could hear what Shizuku was saying, I headed to the bathroom. After a few moments Shizuku joined me. The two of us were in the bathroom stall together.


    Seriously! Shizuku! What are you doing?!


    I-Im sorry. I wasnt discovered by anyone though


    Thats not the point! But its fine, Im going to take over from here on.


    Did I cause some trouble for you?


    Thats not it either. For now, lets just trade ces.


    I said it to Shizuku nicely and smiled as much as I could. She was working for my sake after all. I handed over the mask, sunsses, and hat.


    Im going to head out first, so I want you toe out a little bit after me okay? You can go back to the table and eat the rest of my mixed grill set. And then head home after that and be with Ria.


    I also handed over the $12 that would pay for the mixed grill set.


    Ahthank you, Master


    Okay, Im leaving it to you now.


    After that I headed to the kitchen.


    After a long day, I finished up my work and was about to head home.


    Ahh Im so tired. But for some reason I feel like my reputation here has somehow increased. Even the normally cold Tatsuishi was unnaturally nice to me for some reason.


    I wonder if Shizuku did something. Im afraid to ask. To think, all this stuff that happened to me after going to this weird discount apartment. Eventually I saw my apartment building.


    Thinking about it, if I enter right now, there will be two of me.


    If it was Ria, I didnt necessarily care if our secret was exposed, it would be easier to exin to her anyways. I opened the window to the room and peeked inside. There was no one inside. When I stepped on the tatami floor, I lost my footing on something squishy.


    Uwah!


    When I let out a shriek, the door to the tatami room opened and Ria appeared.


    Ah, Master Thor. This is where you were hiding?


    I see. Shizuku must have transformed into the tatami mat. She must have estimated when I woulde home and hid herself somewhere. And then she made me step on her so that I would understand.


    Ahahaha, sorry sorry!


    Youre quite adept at disappearing, arent you, Master Thor?


    Ria and Shizuku must have been ying around before she hid herself. That was probably also part of Shizukus n preparing for me to get home.


    Well, Im going to go polish my armor now!


    Ria went to go do her daily polishing in the living room. The transformed Shizuku talked to me in a quiet voice.


    Master, I apologize. Did I selfishly decide to do something and cause problems for you earlier?


    No, its nothing like that. Its fine. But from here on out, if things get really desperate, I might ask you to do something like that for me again, so its fine, dont worry.


    I understand. But why did you do that, may I ask? I asked mypanions, they said it is normal for humans to make us work. And I even eat and make your food expenses go up.


    If I hadnt heard about this from Shizuku earlier, I also might have taken advantage of her. But among all the white slimes who dont trust humans that much, there is just Shizuku, who actually does believe in and love us.


    Shizuku. My job is something I should do. Ill ask you to do other things, but not that.


    Master


    Half of my consciousness stems from my grandmas teachings.


    I wish that everyone could be Masters!


    Huh?


    When she says everyone, does she mean the other white slimes?


    Everyone they live deep underground, in a harsh environment. I wish that you would be master of all of them


    I-Im just one person. I cant see and look after every single one of the white slimes like that.


    I see that is unfortunate.


    I made Shizuku a little depressed. I will eventually explore the dungeon, but I dont even know if I can make it that far down there. It would be nice if we could find all of Shizukus friends ande live with them above ground though. After meeting Ria, I knew that not all of the other worlds people were bad. They surely arent all the type of people to abuse the white slimes. I got into the same bed with Ria again today. And after Ria fell asleep, Shizuku joined in with us.


    Notes:<ol><li>Onigiri are balls of rice (usually with something inside) that are formed by cupping your hands and molding the rice into shape.</li></ol>

 Book 1: Chapter 6: (1)

    Book 1: Chapter 6: (1)


    <strong>That Time Where I Met an Elf Wizard</strong>


    My smart phones vibration feature had started to let me know that it was time to be getting up. Nevertheless, it was still dark outside, around 3 in the morning probably. I managed to untangle my arm from the Ria sleeping next to me. Even after shifting and moving her around, she was stillpletely sound asleep. When I thought about getting up off the bed, I suddenly heard a faint sleepy voice.


    Where are you going, Master?


    The sudden voice caused me to jump.


    Oh, Shizuku?


    Im sleeping together with Ria in this bed, but ever since Shizuku decided to live with us, she(?) also started sleeping in the same bed with us. Well, after we start sleeping, she just copies the sheets and futon cover, so that her existence wont be discovered.


    I just thought about heading into the dungeon for a bit, is all.


    I wanted to grind to get some early level ups so bad that I couldnt stand it.


    Please be careful out there, Master.


    Well for the time being, the iron gate is closed so its probably fine. Safer than the other thing at least.


    Other thing?


    Until I get back, its fine for you to turn into me and sleep in the bed.


    Understood! I will make sure that Ria does not get frightened when she wakes.


    Exactly.


    Shizuku immediately transformed into me.


    Ill be back in a bit okay.


    Good luck, Master.


    I went over to the front door and grabbed my heamp off the shelf, equipped it, grabbed my ice axe, and opened the door.


    Whats this?


    The secret passage between the dungeon and my room had be filled with nothing but slimes. I immediately closed the front door. Come to think of it, I did leave a blue slime in some Tupperware and left it as is. I wonder if it broke through the container and multiplied. Or maybe some other tinier slimes all broke in and made their way here somehow. Well, either way, I should start by eliminating all of these blue slimes.


    I opened the front door and started swinging my ice axe. One after another, the blue slimes jiggled and separated. The blue slimes were really slow creatures. I had already eliminated 14 of them, but I couldnt lose my focus here. One time I was bit by a small slime and it really hurt bad, so if I get bit by one of these bigger ones, I might get heavily injured and lose a lot of blood.


    Hah.hahAlright, I wonder if I was able to get all of them. I also think I might have leveled up. Huh? No, waitugghh.


    After pondering about it, I killed all these slimes, but now there wont be any more to gain experience points from. After going through all the effort of getting this ready too. But whatever, its fine. For now, Ill just check my status.


    [<strong>Name</strong>] Suzuki Tooru


    [<strong>Race</strong>] Human


    [<strong>Age</strong>] 21


    [<strong>Job</strong>] None


    [<strong>Level</strong>] 3 /


    [<strong>Stamina</strong>] 22 / 22


    [<strong>Magic</strong>] 33 / 33


    [<strong>Attack</strong>] 116


    [<strong>Defense</strong>] 44


    [<strong>Strength</strong>] 12


    [<strong>Intelligence</strong>] 21


    [<strong>Agility</strong>] 14


    [<strong>Skill</strong>] Unlimited Growth


    Alright, looking good. My progress ising along nicely now. Lets keep grinding and level up some more! But, no matter how much I looked, there were no more slimes around.


    None here. I guess I must have really killed all of them


    I guess the only thing to do now is to open up the steel gate and let new monsterse inside. The gate was thick and massive, made of steel, and it only had a hole to look through. The entrance was designed so that when you pressed the button on the stone wall, the gate would start to rise up slowly, and then, when you pressed it again, the door would start to lower. Ria found this button, and we have been keeping the door closed so that the number of monsters thate in doesnt get too high. They were easier to defeat like that too.


    We could preserve peace inside this room of the dungeon as long as the door was closed, and it seemed like adventurers would sometimes set up camp in here. In the deeper parts of the dungeon, past the door, there were traps andrge quantities of slimes. You could overstay your visit and run out of food and water easily, there were also countless dangers there. Ria had entered the room and barely was able to close the door, where she was then overpowered by the paralyzing poison. So, for now, its a closed room situation where there was nothing but tiny slimes to attack.


    So I guess that the slimes that were helping contribute to my level grinding are all gone now. But if I were to open up this iron gate


    What should I do? Should I open it? The feeling of wanting to level up won out over the feeling of danger.


    Thats it! Because this gate rises slowly upwards when it opens after I push the stone button, I can look underneath the gate, and if I see any really strong looking monsters, I can go and immediately push the button again to lower it.


    At least by doing this, I could guarantee a certain margin of safety. And with that, I pushed the stone button. I got ready to peek under the gate and take a quick look around to see whether there were monsters there. The gates contraption made some noises and started to rise.


    Huh? Whats this?


    I quickly pressed the button again. On the other side of the gate, was just another stone wall. There was literally nothing on the other side. The gate closed.


    W-What the hell is this? Ria said that she came from the other side of this gate, I dont think shed tell a lie like that though to me. Something isnt right.


    Actually, now that I think of it, I thought of something that was simr to this situation. When Ria tried to exit out my window, she could only see the stone walls and wasnt able to go out into Japan. Dont tell me, could this be simr to that? I wonder if it would be too dangerous to check it out one more time.


    I was kind of conflicted, but in the end, I decided to try it out once more. The rising and lowering of the gate was pretty slow, sost time I only opened it so that it was a little above knee level. If the gap is only knee level, then even if there were strong-looking monsters, they might have some troublesing inside. I pushed the button once more and the gate started to rise slowly. I quickly examine the stone wall on the other side of the gate. If it was an illusion, I would probably be able to pass through it, but it was an ordinary stone wall.


    Shit. I knew it, its the same thing that happened with Ria. I really thought that it looked like it would just be some dumb trick.


    I tried attacking the wall with my ice axe. And when I did that, I heard a distant sound like something was running over to my direction.


    This is bad! Its a monster!


    I thought that a monster wasing and started to panic, so I pushed the stone button to close the gate. And then, the thing that I thought was a monster started to call out to me in the same weird telepathynguage that Ria had used.


    Get out of the way!


    I thought it sounded like a human, and suddenly a white leg came out towards me and sent me flying with a kick. When I tried to see what was happening, a ck pointy hat, a ck cloak, and a wooden staff being carried by a girl came sliding in through the gap of the gate. By looking at her she seemed to be a wizard. And it feels like she might have kicked me in the face.


    The wizard girl was on one knee and ring towards the direction of the gate. It looked like she was injured. And gravely at that. The color on her face was bad, and she had something red dripping down the edge of her mouth. Dont tell me that was her blood?!


    Hurry and close the gate! A giant centipede ising!


    A giant centipede?! Thats when I realized it, no doubt about it. The next thinging in was definitely a monster! I quickly stood up and ran over to push the button. The gate started to lower. I wasnt sure if Id make it on time. The gate was lowering so slowly. I was nearly at the end of my rope and got irritated at how slowly it was moving. The gap was nearly at ankle height by now. Just when I thought that we might be okay, thats when the monster finally showed its face.

 Book 1: Chapter 6: (2)

    Book 1: Chapter 6: (2)


    The giant centipede was long and t, and the width of its body was about the same as a telephone pole. About a meter of the monster was alreadying from underneath the iron gate, and it looked like he had a lot moreing. With how things were now, I had no doubt we couldnt win against this beast, but then the iron gate finally started to lower down, catching and cutting off the rest of the giant centipede froming inside. Luckily for us, he was now pinned between the gate and the stone floor. As the iron gate tried shuttingpletely over the giant centipede, it shrieked in agony.


    By some crazy luck, we did it!


    When I started to celebrate, the female wizard shouted out.


    This thing wont die from just that. Move away! Inferno!


    The giant centipede that was being crushed between the gate was suddenly engulfed by hellish fire. And then it turned crisp ck and almostpletely burned up. I had thought stuff like this existed in this other world, but to actually see magic upfront, it was amazing. But even with that, the charred ck giant centipede started to weakly move around and coil together. It made some more painful shrieks and squishing noises, signs that it was still alive. The female wizard had used an amazing fire spell, but she lookedpletely spent after that. So, I took my ice axe and started to strike the head of the giant centipede.


    Take this, you bastard! Die!


    If this thing still had energy left over, this would be way too dangerous. I bashed its head until itpletely stopped moving. After a while, power suddenly welled up inside of me. The thought hadnt even been in my head, but from defeating this giant centipede, I had finally gained the level ups that I had desired. In other words, the centipede was finally dead.


    I was really happy that I leveled up and I wanted to immediately check my status, but this wasnt the time to be celebrating. The wizard that had just unleashed that amazing magic looked pretty messed up from the fight. I cant waste time and check my own status right now. I turned around so that I could see how she was doing. But when I did, she waspletely passed out on the floor.


    A-Are you okay?


    I called out to the wizard that was on the floor facing upwards towards the ceiling.


    I got hit by the poison used by the giant centipede.


    Poison? Paralyzing poison?


    The giant centipede doesnt use paralyzing poison. Its a deadly poison. If you have any kind of high-level poison cleansing magic, Id be really happy right now.


    Of course, I couldnt do any high-level poison cleansing magic. It looked like my face was enough to tell her I couldnt do that. The wizard girlughed.


    From that rough disy of an attack you did a minute ago, you cant do anything like high-level poison cleansing magic, can you? Ahhh . It was a lonely life.


    When the female wizard sadly closed her eyes, it looks like she lost all the ability to speak. She kept her eyes closed shut and a cold sweat came over her. She could only make out a tiny, sad groan. It looked like the poison was acting fast. I needed to do something and quick. But for an ordinary Japanese guy like me, what could I do?  Wait Japanese! Thats it!


    Its crazy, but maybe some c will!


    Just in case, I quickly took out the c I had ced in my rucksack in advance. C worked against the poison that paralyzed Ria. Maybe it would also work against the deadly poison the giant centipede uses.


    Please drink this, and do it quick!


    Even when I called out to her, there was no response. I turned the cap of my bottle and tried pouring the c onto her mouth from the tip, but it wasnt working.


    Its no good. She doesnt have the ability to drink anything right now. I have to try that then!


    I had no choice but to put some of the c into my mouth and then force the c into hers. I took a big gulp of c and looked at her lips. This is what they call mouth to mouth, Ill push the c into hers. Theres a chance that it might get into her air tract, and it might not have any effect on the poison, but if I do nothing, then she will certainly die. This was no time to falter. Speaking of which, this was the first time Ive ever kissed a girl in my life, and I could taste the blood on her lips. After a few moments, it seemed like I was able to somehow get the c to flow down her throat.


    Cough cough, Uhhg No waymy body is


    The female wizard was able to talk. For now, it seems like shes recovered a bit.


    I made you drink some cure-all medicine. Dont talk too much, drink some more.


    I really wouldnt call c a cure-all medicine though. But at times like this, it was important to talk confidently. Plus, it really did seem to work. Maybe its because I said it really confidently, but the female wizard drank up the rest of the c with only a bit of hesitation.


    It seems like this ck liquid really helped clear the poison away. It has a weird taste like medicine, but is it actually medicine? Its sweet and has this stimting effect and even more so, Ive never heard of a magical poison clearing medicine like this


    After a while, the female wizard was able to stand up shakily. Even when she was standing, she wavered on her feet.


    Thank god it worked, but even if the poison is removed, the injuries you sustained are still there. Theres a safe ce we can rest nearby, Ill show you the way so follow me.


    As I said it, the female wizard just looked at me with skeptical eyes and didnt move an inch. I guess thats a normal reaction in this kind of situation. Shes from the other world, and shes probably never seen a person this deep inside a dungeon wearing a jersey, a heamp on their hand, and equipped with an ice axe. Not to mention I just gave her mouth to mouth with some suspicious wonder medicine.


    If youre nning to assault me, just get it over with here.


    Huh? What are you talking about?


    Rather than it being done by an entire group, at least with you theres only one person, its infinitely better. You probably prefer it that way as well, correct?


    W-What is this conversation about?


    I dont have any kind of food or valuables left, so thats what your goal is, right?


    The female wizard shed her thigh from under her ck cloak. It looked like she was also wearing a ck, dyed leather leotard under all that. Her thigh was oddly seductive. I wondered if the people from the dungeons world had a habit of shing their thighs to people. What a wonderful custom.


    Getting a good look at her, even though she was just attacked by a giant centipede, almost died to poison, and her clothing is almost shredded and ripped to pieces, shes quite beautiful. Ria is beautiful too, but more of the cutesy type. This female wizard gave off a stronger feeling, but she was definitely a beauty. And I just stole a kiss from her seductive lips as well. Speaking of the kiss, I now remember I just gave her my first, in my entire life. That was it. The first one. I dropped to my hands and knees on the ground.


    Ahhhhh it was my first! Why couldnt it have been a more normal first kiss Ria, grandma, its not what it looks like Er, wait, Ria has nothing to do with this. But that was totally wrong!


    While I was telling myself excuses and rationalizing everything, the female wizard just stared at me with her mouth wide open, totally confused.


    What was wrong? That mouth to mouth stuff earlier? Youre worried about it that much?


    I was startled. This is bad. That time. She was conscious. She knows. That person knows.


    I-I apologize. That was to remove the poison from your body.


    Huh? Uhm? What are you talking about? Werent you going to assault me after you saved me, because it would be boring if I was already dead?


    What do you mean by assault??


    The female wizards face turned bright red and she spoke.


    Arent you a fugitive from above ground whos living down here to escape punishment? Seeing someone live on this floor deep in the dungeon is really rare.


    W-what are you talking about? Youve got it wrong!


    Then what exactly are you? And with such a strange appearance!


    It was no use. I was identally mistaken for someone weird and suspicious again. Rather than talk about me, this person should just get some rest already.


    I-I-I-I-I grew tired of living the life of amoner, so I came and hid myself here as a great sage and


    After some deliberating, I went and decided to use the theory that Ria used and misunderstood so that I could exin everything. After a while, it looked like the skeptical eyes that the female wizard had been looking at me with turned to a more tentative trust. She extended out her hand toward me.


    Whats with your arm?


    Youre going to take me to a safe area where I can rest, right? I cant walk well yet, so lend me your shoulder.


    Oh, uh yeah okay.


    With that, the two of us turned towards my apartment and started to walk.

 Book 1: Chapter 6: (3) **Bonus Chapter**

    Book 1: Chapter 6: (3) **Bonus Chapter**


    As we were walking back, the female wizard muttered something in a tiny voice.


    About earlierthank you. Even though you saved my life I said a bunch of weird stuff and


    What, that? Its fine, dont worry about it. Like my grandma used to say, were all in the same boat.


    Youre a really nice person, you know that? To think I even said youd enjoy it more just being one on one


    I felt like ever since earlier, there was something I wasnt quite picking up about what this female wizard was saying.


    To be done inor do inyou know.


    I dont really get it, but anyways, for now, Ill just take you to the safe area where you can rest.


    Okay. But you know With an objective like that, if it was you Id be fine with it.


    The female wizard smiled to herself and leaned her entire body on me.


    A-Are you okay?


    Sorry. Thanks to you, it seems like the poison has been removed, but Im nearly at my limit now. Ill leave my body to you, so you can take me anyce you want to.


    Like always, I still had no idea what she was implying with her statements. The thing that really made me happy was because I ate the Chikama or because my strength level had gone up, she wasnt heavy at all! Rather I had so much strength that I was actually kind of nervous.


    I was carrying her in a way that our faces were side by side, she was really beautiful. On her chest, she wore a shiny broach that seemed to illuminate the cavern. It was different from my heamp, there were less directional lights and more of a dim illumination that radiated and made her chest visible. On her chest, she was wearing ck leather clothes with a giant bust that was filled with mens hopes and dreams.


    Come on Ill let you look as much as you want afterward, so please lets go to the safe area quickly.


    Ah! S-s-s-s-s-s-sorry! Were almost there. See, theres a strange door over there, right?


    When I pointed to the stone wall that outlined the entrance to my apartment, the female wizard let off a puzzled face.


    Huh?


    Whats wrong?


    You said theres a strange door, but I only see a stone wall over there.


    What did you say?


    Wait! I knew it, you actually are a bandit! Youre going to do what I mentioned earlier! Let me go!


    The female wizard started struggling with what little strength she had left, but it didnt really affect me in any way. I forcibly arrived at the area in front of my door.


    Look again. You see right? Its right in the wall here.


    No matter what you tell me to look at, all I see is a stone wall there!


    I opened the door and the inside of my apartment became visible.


    Still? Just a stone wall?


    Look I already told you, even if you say that


    I carried her and forcibly entered the room.


    W-What are you doing?! Wawawawawa! Im being sucked into the wall!!. Huh?


    The female wizard opened her eyes wide and looked around the room. I see. So thats how this works then. The time when Ria first came here, she was unconscious, so I couldnt have known this. But it seems like the people of the other world can only see a stone wall until they actually manage to make it inside my room. But now, because I entered together with this female wizard, she was able toe inside.


    I wondered if, with this knowledge, I would be able to take Ria outside the window and out into Japan, or if she would be able to take me beyond the iron gate in the dungeon. So, we would each need a person from the other world to be in contact with us.


    W-What is this? Where is this?


    Ill have to exin everythingter.


    Master, wee home! Who is that you have with you?


    This thing, dont tell me its a white slime?!


    The female wizard was surprised after getting a look at Shizuku. Were white slimes rare monsters or something?


    Why, yes! Hello! I am a white slime!


    H-hello.


    Shizuku greeted the female wizard cordially. I also should tell Shizuku about this girl and what happened.


    This was a female wizard that was almost killed by some poison out there. But it looks like shes nearly cured now.


    My! How awful!


    Shizuku was worried too. But for now, it was best to get this female wizard some rest. I wanted to make her use my bed, but Ria was already asleep there.


    Well, lets head to this room then.


    T-Thank you


    I turned off the heamp so that there was only the faint dim of the girls broach. I carried her all the way to the Japanese style room andid her down. Iid down my best bath towel instead of a futon for her toy on, and a cushion instead of a pillow to rest her head. I squatted down and put my hand on her forehead. She didnt appear to have a fever. Shizuku, who was also worried, helped me assist her.


    How are you feeling?


    Im okay. Im really surprised though with this whole type of room Ive never seen before, and the white slime


    That would be obvious, I guess. For some kind of ce like this to exist inside a dungeon, that thought would be hard for anyone to wrap their head around. Vice-versa, no one from Japan would be able to understand that theres a dungeon inside my apartment.


    Are you really a Great Sage?


    N-No. Thats just


    Earlier I told a lie so that I could help her out easier, but for now, theres no necessity for it. After all, it was only something that Ria identally misunderstood. Plus responding to someone who calls me a great sage makes me feel weird.


    Well whatever you are, I guess it doesnt really matter. Fufufu


    Oh really? Well, that makes it easier on me I guess.


    Thank goodness. She seemed blunter with her mannerisms. It made me feel more at ease, but then she suddenly removed her hat and cloak.


    Ufufu, it looks like you suddenly got interested in something, didnt you?


    She was scantily d in clothes that almost looked like a ck one-piece swimsuit, I didnt know where I should look anymore. Losing a bit of myposure, it seemed like my face became very embarrassed.


    I thought so, but youre a bit inexperienced, arent you? Youre going to sleep with me wearing that outfit?


    Well now that she mentions it, she had a good idea. I should probably nap here with her. After all, she isnt fully recovered yet, she might need my help. I should stay here and make sure she sleeps to recover properly. I rxed again and looked at her. Its only for her health. Wait a second, now that I got a closer look at this female wizard, her ears were kind of pointed.


    Huh? Huh?? Miss female wizard, you wouldnt happen to be an elf, would you?


    Yes, I am? Well, a high elf. You didnt notice? All human males like elves, right? Well then, hurry and get over here.


    I was shocked at her sudden invitation, and before I knew it, she had wrapped her hands around my neck and pulled me into her chest.


    Wait wait! What are you doing?!


    This could just be my misunderstanding but, you saved my life after all, so I want to show my thanks to you.


    Show her thanks? Show me her what? I didnt really understand why she was doing all this, but this elf wizard was beautiful and had serious sex appeal. Despite Ria sleeping in the room next to this one, this might lead to another situation that will be heavily misunderstood. The elf wizard was below me with her hands wrapped around my back, and before I knew what was happening, she was now on top of me. Though her upper body was covered with tight ck leather clothes, her huge breasts were pushed into my face.


    Eeeeee?! What are you trying to do exactly?!


    You dont like it?


    I dont dislike it! I just dont know why youre doing all this! And Shizuku is watching us!!


    I forgot to mention, but Shizuku was sitting right next to us and happily jiggling around.


    Perhaps, you two will do the things that are written in my doujinshi? Shizuku will continue to watch, so please pay no heed!


    Huhhhhhh!?!


    Shizuku was happily jiggling while me and the elf wizard were struggling with each other. Suddenly, the door to the Japanese style room opened.


    Master Thor, where did you head off to-AHHH! Im sorry! You suddenly went out and I got worried that, I got worried that!!


    Ria had started crying. Speaking of which, Shizuku who usually sleeps with Ria and I, had suddenly melted into the walls or floor and was no longer here. After a moment, Ria and the elf wizard made simr Huh faces with wide eyes and stared at each other.


    Ah, ah, uhm, Ill introduce you! You see, actually both of you were copsed in the dungeon and


    I panicked with my exnation, but the second that I started saying that, the elf wizard started looking at Ria with sharp intent. Why was she doing that?


    Is it that meddlesome knight Aria? Why are you here?!


    Huh? Wait, did the elf wizard know who Ria was??


    The lone wizard Deet?! What are you doing with my Master Thor!?


    Ria had also raised her voice in question to the elf wizard. Or I guess, to Deet, which is her name, I guess? Then it hit me. I had barely escaped this dangerous situation, doing something like that with someone whos name I didnt even know! Inquisitive, I decided to ask them some questions.


    Oh? Are you two acquaintances?


    Notes:<ol><li>Chikama is a Japanese treat made of fish paste in a cylindrical shape with cheddar cheese in the middle.</li></ol>

 Book 1: Chapter 6: (4)

    Book 1: Chapter 6: (4)


    Before long, dawn had broken, and the living room table in my newly upied apartment had somehow turned into a conference table.


    So basically, you are both from the town above the dungeon and belong to the Adventurers Guild there. And you two arent very close I take it?


    It seemed like the two of these girls were acquaintances, but their policies and style of exploring the dungeon were fatally different, and they wouldnt even talk to each other. Even now, they are at the same table sitting across from each other, but they refuse to meet the others eyes.


    But take a look. Youre both the same here. Both of you copsed in the dungeon and came to this room, so lets get along, okay? And were all tired, so lets get a good rest and go to sleep. You two should rx.


    Ria opened her mouth. It seemed like she wanted to speak her displeasure to the female wizard, or rather to Deet.


    If that is what you say, Master Thor, then I have no issue getting along with her. But she was doing some weird thing with you and!


    But Deet soon intervened, and I could tell she was more versed in speaking.


    Hmm? We werent doing anything I would call weird. We elves dont really do it, but you humans are always doing such things with each other, arent you? You mean you havent done something like that with the Great Sage yet?


    !


    Ria replied to herment in a voice that I couldnt understand. How many times now have I seen this back and forth from these two. The conversation keeps devolving back to this point. I decided to ignore their bickering and advance the conversation forward.


    Miss Wizardor rather Deet, because you appear to be the most injured person here, you can go ahead and use the bed. Ria and I will sleep on the tatami mats.


    Thats fine! That is fine with me!


    Rias whole face smiled as she fiercely nodded in agreement with my proposal. But Deet argued against the idea.


    Ria! You cant do that! That thing is!


    What? Why?


    Theres no way I can steal the best sleeping area from our host, the Great Sage. You understand, dont you; youre a knight after all. The Great Sage will sleep on the bed and the two of us will sleep on the floor.


    Deet had stabbed her by saying the most logical and painful thing for Ria to hear, her pride as a knight. Ria looked as if on the verge of tears but didnt let out anyints, or even a whimper. I was also on the verge of tears because I wanted to sleep together with Ria. After it was all said and done, I went to my room. I turned off the lights and stretched out on the bed. From then a chunk of time passed. Ria and Deet were probably fast asleep in the other room by now.


    Ahh so tired


    I was really tired, but for some reason, I couldnt really sleep. But that was obvious, I guess. I had just moved into this apartment a few days ago, and now there were two beautiful girls Ive never seen before both sleeping in my other room. And that female wizard Deet was even an elf. An elf! SHES AN ELF! Isnt this every gamers dream?! She even does lewd elf things!


    What was the thing that she said shed do for me? Dont tell me that she meant Deets No way no way, theres no way shed do that with me.


    When I got to be this age, I knew what kind of person Id be. When my grandma would call me handsome, she did not mean the societal definition but rather my innocence and ability to look at the bright things in life. Plus, I really wasnt that popr with girls.


    I feel like Ria has taken a liking to me, but not in the ways of romance, more like this misunderstanding with me as a great sage, its probably just respect. But somehow I feel sad Well, time to sleep.


    Nothing better to do than just sleep and forget about it. I stretched out and went from staring at the dark ceiling toying on my side. And as I did that, I realized that someone was standing by the side of my bed watching me.


    !!!


    As I was about to let a shriek out my mouth was quickly covered by their hand.


    Shh, be quiet, Mr. Great Sage.


    It was Deet. She had suddenlye out of nowhere and surprised me, so I wanted to know what exactly she was thinking.


    Deet, what are you doing?! Arent you the one who told me toe to sleep in here by myself?!


    Huh~ Werent you wondering about what Id give you as a reward, though? Isnt it just as you had imagined, Mr. Great Sage?


    Huhhhhhhhhhhhhh?!?! She was listening to me when I was talking to myself earlier?! How long has this person been in here?! She let out a long warm sigh as she yed with my chest softly with her hand. Deet was the type of person who could show off her sex appeal even if it was pitch ck.


    Wait a sec, wait a second! Please stop it! Im going to get mad!


    Huh~ Sorry sorry. Were going to identally wake up Ria, arent we? Actually, I came here to have a chat, just the two of us.


    You want to talk? What do you want to talk about?


    Master Thor, youre not a Great Sage, right? You were murmuring that to yourself a few moments ago.


    Uh oh, Ive been found out. Except not really, because Im truly not a Great Sage or anything like that. I didnt know if it was because this extremely beautiful elf wizard was letting out a sultry voice while bringing her hand lower down my chest, or because she found out the truth about me, but my heart was getting louder and faster with each passing second. But when you think about it, deceiving people is bad. Earlier it was Deet who lied to get me in here and rest. But there was no reason for the lies right now. I grabbed the hand of the girl who was ying with my chest and quickly apologized.


    Im sorry! Im actually not a Great Sage!


    When I said the truth so earnestly, I could tell that the girl also looked at me with a serious face and replied. But the reply wasnt relevant at all!


    Ehh~ Master Thor, youre not only cute, but youre surprisingly manly too, huh?


    Please dont tease me


    But I really think so if I didnt, I wouldnt give you this


    Huh?


    Because you said the truth with me so honestly and Im a high elf, but Ive never done this with anyone before


    Huhhhhhh?!


    Her sex appeal was so strong that thats all I managed to say. But she was saying stuff earlier that even with how long elves can live for, they dont really do that kind of stuff. I guess because they live for so long, theres no need to do that kind of stuff to preserve poptions. Despite all of that, her sex appeal was. But then Deets voice suddenly got louder and she started to talk as if changing the subject.


    I-I-Im very different from Ria, Im even experienced with artifacts. But all the artifacts in this room, they are a kind of variety Ive never seen before. Could you please teach me how to use some of these devices?


    During our earlier conversation at the dining table conference, Ria had called her a weird solo wizard, someone who liked going into the dungeons alone without any other person, without making any parties or connections. I thought it would probably be fine to teach her about some of this stuff in this room, and I dont think shes lying to me or anything. I decided that I was going to tell her and exin everything that happened until this moment.


    This room is a different world? Its not a fairy world or some kind of illusion, right?


    Probably. No, I dont think my world is a fairy world or some strange fantasy. A fairy world wouldnt have this kind of stuff, right?


    I grabbed my smartphone from my pocket. It yed some music while letting off some light. Even if the room was pitch ck right now, I could someone understand Deets surprise at this object.


    No it probably wouldnt. I dont think this is the world of the gods, but beyond that, I cant really believe that other worlds exist


    No, I really couldnt believe it either. Im nothing like a Great Sage, Im just a disillusioned ordinary person from an ordinary world


    I had identally said something kind of self-deprecating. I was afraid of Deets reaction, but because it was pitch ck, I couldnt see the look on her face. While I was waiting for Deet to say something, I felt a tiny warm sensation on my forehead.


    Come now Thor, the normal person from thend called Japan saved this expert adventures life, and that has more meaning than being any kind of Great Sage or whatever


    As she was speaking, I could tell that her face was right next to mine and getting closer. I was wondering what was going to happen next and, despite it being pitch ck, I instinctively shut my eyes. But it didnt seem like whatever was next wasing.


    Well, so that we dont wake up Ria, lets get inside!


    Huh? Inside where?


    The dungeon! Ill teach you all about skills, and the world where Ie from!


    I was kind of sad the continuation wasnting, but also sort of relieved.


    In exchange, youre going to teach me all about your world, okay?


    Deet smiled happily.

 Book 1: Chapter 6: (5)

    Book 1: Chapter 6: (5)


    There was no reason to worry about monsters being in this part of the room anymore. And even if there were, I had this amazingly strong wizard Deet next to me. I checked my status with ease.


    Ohh! I gained a level after defeating that giant centipede! The effect from my food seems to have worn off though.


    Show me, show me!


    Deet started bugging me to tell her my status.


    Hold on a second. Ill make a memo of it really quick and okay!


    <strong>[Name]</strong> Suzuki Tooru


    <strong>[Race]</strong> Human


    <strong>[Age]</strong> 21


    <strong>[Job]</strong> None


    <strong>[Level]</strong> 4 /


    <strong>[Stamina]</strong> 23 / 23


    <strong>[Magic]</strong> 36 / 36


    <strong>[Attack]</strong> 118


    <strong>[Defense]</strong> 44


    <strong>[Strength]</strong> 14


    <strong>[Intelligence]</strong> 25


    <strong>[Agility]</strong> 16


    <strong>[Skills]</strong> Unlimited Growth


    Where where?


    Deet took hold of my memo with a really happy face, but I had some hesitancy before handing it over. After all, I didnt have a job, or anything impressive written there.


    Huu So your name is really Tooru, not Thor. Youre only 21 years old? Youre so young


    Speaking of age, I decided to ask her about her long-life span and elves. I wondered how old she was.


    Hey Deet, how old are you exactly?


    If I was to put it into human terms, Id be about the same age as you, Tooru.


    Okay, but how old is that though?


    Ill tell youter.


    I suddenly grew scared of asking her for some reason.


    No job.


    Oof. The part I didnt want to hear was suddenly read out loud. Wait, that reminds me, she can read thenguage of monsters?


    Wait youre only level 4, but you seem to already have the skill Unlimited Growth.


    Oh that? Ive had that since the beginning. What does it mean exactly?


    Its extremely powerful. So powerful that even Id do anything to get my hands on it.


    Seriously!? Thats awesome!


    But even though it was extremely powerful as Deet said, she didnt say it in a very positive way.


    If only you had the lifespan of an elf, Tooru. Humans live such short lives after all


    What do you mean?


    As I listened to Deet, I kind of got the impression that this skill was made more forte bloomers. The longer you live the longer you can improve. But this skill was given to me, with a regr human life span. If I was able to live longer like an elf, I could kill an unlimited number of weak monsters until I be strong and then easily can defeat strong monsters. But as a human, Im limited with my time and the creatures I could fight. And of course, there was always the chance Id be killed by strong monsters too.


    By the way, a giant centipede is not something a level 1 should be fighting at all. There shouldnt even be such an unusually strong monster appearing on this floor in the first ce. You were lucky.


    Hmm is that so. By the way, about the jobless status


    Not only was I not a Great Sage, I didnt have a job in the first ce. Maybe I was just a disillusioned ordinary person after all.


    The job status is a reflection of the nature of the person. It doesnt mean its your calling or anything. Theres plenty of adventures who dont have jobs. But its also true that there are many people who want to get the jobless status.


    I had the feeling that Deet was giving out a pep talk like Its easier to gain skills when you dont have a job! or something of the sort. I thought that it kind of gave me hope, that having unlimited growth and being jobless, I could be strong by using Japans tools and the like.


    Ill have to give you a good lecture about my world too.


    Huh? But theres still some stuff I was going to tell you.


    Lets save it for tomorrow. And instead of this dungeon, how about we head to a street out in my world now?


    Really? I want to go!


    Fufufu. And now it was finally my turn. Shes definitely in for a surprise.


    Beyond this stone wall, its connected to that ce called Japan right?


    The female elf wizard Deet was touching the stone wall and investigating it. But from my point of view, she was doing some kind of mime routine right in front of my window. Shes probably trying to understand the mechanisms of my apartment. But on the contrary, Im the kind of guy that can live just fine without knowing how things work exactly. I grabbed Deets hand and we exited out through the window.


    I-Its true! This is amazing magic!


    Yeah, well I dont know if its magic or not though. And besides that, theres no such thing as magic in Japan.


    Fu~n. Is that so. I suppose so, it doesnt appear to be magic.


    From my perspective, I cant see the stone wall, so it just seems like we just came outside through a window. But that proves my theory, as long as theyre being touched in some way, whether its people on my side or people on the dungeons side, we can cross over into each others worlds. Deet darted her eyes back and forth to take in the spectacle that was Japan.


    But regardless this is Japan its amazing


    And dont do any weirdnguage or telepathy things. That kind of stuff doesnt exist in Japan.


    Whys that? Isnt it inconvenient if you dont know foreignnguages?


    Thats just the culture.


    Oh, and by the way, the monsternguage isnt exactly telepathy, but adventures who cant speak the monstersnguage can usually pick up bits and pieces from hearing it, simr to other foreignnguages. And if you know the monstersnguage, it gives you an advantage against monsters who would normally attack in groups.


    Alright, lets go!


    Deet was probably frightened by everything, because she stepped out into the world slowly and carefully, like a newborn baby deer taking their first steps. By the way, if she was wearing bloomers shed probably stand out, so I lent her some jeans, a t-shirt, and a hat. The hat helped hide the fact that her ears were pointed like an elfs.


    You okay?


    Y-Yes.


    I decided to extend my hand out and help her a little bit.


    T-Thank you.


    Y-Yeah, no problem.


    We stepped out onto a big main road. Eventually, we arrived across from the Tonskihote discount store.


    Ah!


    When a car appeared in front of us, despite it being pretty far away, Deet let out a loud voice. The surrounding people were shocked by the sudden noise and looked over at us.


    Deet, I told you not to let out a loud voice.


    Butthat was soooo scary!


    Its a car. Its a vehicle that we ride.


    Thats the thing that you told me to watch out for before we came out into the world, but its way different than what you described. I would have never imagined anything like that.


    Deet held onto me closely. Even though she was wearing a regr old hat, a guys shirt, and jeans, she was extremely beautiful. She didnt give off a bad vibe, but she definitely stood out. It was nighttime on pretty uncrowded roads, but I could feel the stares from other guys on the street.


    A-Anyways, lets hurry into Tonskihote.


    Y-Yeah.


    With that, we headed into Tonskihote. As we entered the door, Deet covered her eyes.


    Are all of these colors goods being sold?


    Yep. Thats right.


    My eyes started spinning.


    O-Okay, lets rest for a second over there then.


    I spotted us a bench, so I made Deet take a seat. There was a bunch of food out in front of us as well. Usually, in the middle of the night, Tonskihote didnt sell this kind of stuff, but because it was such a busy location, they probably got more money this way.


    You okay?


    Im alright Im alright


    Im going to find and buy you something tasty to eat.


    I dont really need anything.


    Just try it. Japans food will definitely shock you.


    Is there anything sweet?


    Definitely.


    Takoyaki, crepes, ice cream, I wondered exactly what I should buy for her. Deet likes sweet things so maybe I should go with this.


    One banana chocte cream, please. Oh, and a c.


    Sometimes I like to eat other vors, but when I get crepes, its usually the banana chocte vor. When I returned to the bench, there were two guys who were talking to her. She was ring at them with extremely cold eyes.


    O-oh no. These young guys lives could be in mortal danger.


    Im sorry but, is something the matter? This girl is a foreigner, so she doesnt speak Japanese.


    Oh really, so she was a foreigner. Damn and we were just inviting her out toe with us too. Oh well.


    The two guys just shrugged it off lightly and walked away. They were just trying to hit on her, they werent really bad people. They left immediately too.

 Book 1: Chapter 6: (6)

    Book 1: Chapter 6: (6)


    What was that about. How frivolous. They approached me so nonchntly too.


    Yeah, well, it looks like they just approached you wanting to ask if there was something wrong with you or something


    The mood had suddenly taken a turn for the worse.


    Well Did they say anything weird?


    No not really, just that you looked lost and they could show you around. But I told them you arent able to speak thenguage in order to talk to them, so they had no choice but to back off really.


    Those guys were pretty attractive, but they seemed to have no visible effect on Deet. In fact, Id say it was the opposite and they seemed to almost be scared and running away from her. When Deet does that stare at you its pretty scary.


    Well, uh, now that everythings back to normal go ahead and eat some of this.


    Whaaaats this?


    Its called a crepe. Its made with flour, cream, and sugar but anyways its delicious so just try it.


    As I thought, they didnt appear to have anything like crepes in the other world.


    Oh sugar?! Thats right, it does appear to smell rather sweet actually. Ill give it a try!


    Go ahead, go ahead!


    She started licking and tasting the crepe with her lips, showing off her wonderful feminine charms, and then she took a bite.


    N.~~~ mmm~~~!


    Looks like a crepe was the right choice after all. The crepe started dwindling slowly from the corners as she ate. I heard that sugar used to be something only royals and rich people could afford. I wonder if its like that in the dungeons world as well. After the majority of the crepe had been eaten, Deet let out a content sigh and looked at me.


    Im sorry, there was only 1 crepe and I seem to have identally eaten most of it


    She tried to hand me over the rest of the crepe for me to eat. There was cream still attached to her lips. I used the napkin that came with the crepe when I bought it to wipe her face.


    nn


    If youre going to get that happy about eating the crepe, you might as well eat all of it, right?


    It appears I made a fool of myself, haha.


    Haha sorry, sorry, it just looked like you were eating it so happily is all.


    Hmph. But it doesnt taste good at all now, so I wont have anymore!


    She tried bluffing, she totally wanted to eat more crepe. If I ate all of it, she would probably get sad, but if I rejected her offering, I might hurt her pride. I was slowly beginning to understand how to handle Deet more and more.


    Well then, how about we split it in half and Ill eat that?


    That would be okay


    As expected, she still wanted to eat some. As we ate crepes together, I could tell that her nervousness around me was lowering, and we were able to enjoy walking around Tonskihote.


    T-Those clothes, those are the clothes that Ria is wearing!


    Deet had found bloomers and a school swimsuit cosy set in the cosy corner.


    I think I havee to understand something now.


    Understand what?


    This is where they sell perverted adult outfits!


    Uh oh. It seems Ive been found out. But anyone would notice from the bloomers though. This ce just gives off some perverted vibes sometimes.


    N-No thats not true.


    And what exactly is wrong about it then?


    J-Japanese food and clothes seem to have mysterious effects inside the dungeons. They raise your stats. They can make you stronger of faster or


    What really?!


    That was technically true. When I ate potato chips inside the dungeon and then checked my status, it seemed like my stats had been raised up for an hour.


    I think that this outfit will definitely increase your status. Shall I buy it for you?


    T-This kind of But if my stats will really go up


    I think it would really suit you well too.


    That was also very true.


    Please buy it


    Deet had her bloomers and school swimsuit cosy set in her hands and looked satisfied.


    But considering all of this, Japan is truly an amazing ce!


    Yeah its not bad, right? But I mean Ive always been living in Japan, so I dont really have anything topare it to.


    As I was saying that, I thought in my head that if I was taken to a Tonskihote in the other world, I would definitely be shocked. I was also pretty shocked at Deets openness and adaptability though. She had already taken a liking to a few objects inside the store and was browsing and touching things without any hesitation now.


    But those things calledputers are especially amazing I think. As long as you have something like that, it looks like you can learn and know about anything in Japan.


    She had a good brain too, or rather she caught onto things quickly.


    If we do some setting up and preparation work, I think that we can probably useputers to know about everything inside the dungeon as well.


    Huh? What do you mean?


    So basically, if we put up things like eyes called cameras to see, you can probably look at monitors in a safe room and keep track of all the things that go on inside the dungeon.


    Im surprised! Aputer can even do something like that?!


    Deet and I had finally arrived back to the front of my apartmentplex. There was a chance that Ria would be awake right now, so just in case the two of us peeked into the window to make sure she wasnt.


    Sound asleep. I dont think she heard any of the noise that we made.


    Lets just let her sleep, shall we?


    Deet said that with a happy voice. I figured now might be a good time to ask Deet some questions as well.


    Do you hate Ria, Deet?


    After a few seconds of awkward silence, Deet finally answered.


    Shes a bit of a meddlesome kid but, she isnt a hypocrite.


    I see. It was just as I thought. If Deet had actually hated Ria, she would have a lot more issues with staying here with her in thismunity. And judging from her personality, if she did hate someone, she would definitely try to throw them out of here. But I decided not to say anything like that to her.


    Then why are you always saying stuff to try and provoke her?


    Because theres not really any reason for me to make friends with her, is there?


    You dont have to be friends with her or anything, but just try and be kind towards her for a while, please.


    I suppose I could try.


    Shes definitely not going to try, huh. But there was no use changing someone and how they live their life, but even if its just a little step towards change, it would be fine. For now, I was just really tired.


    For the time being, it looks like the sun ising up soon, arent you going to get some sleep?


    Hey hey, would it be alright if we slept in your bed together? Ill wear the bloomers you bought me if you say its okay~


    W-What did she say?! I could sleep together with an elf wearing bloomers? But, even if I wanted to, we made a promise with Ria that I would be sleeping alone in my bed.


    We promise Ria didnt we? I would sleep in my bed, and you two would sleep on the floor, right?


    Hmph!


    I mean, if it was the two of us in the bed together, I probably wouldnt be able to sleep much anyway, but for the record, I definitely wanted to. We separated into our different bedrooms. I still had some excitement remaining from the day, but for the time being, I was just going to rx, get some sleep, and prepare for the next day.

 Book 1: Chapter 6: (7)

    Book 1: Chapter 6: (7)


    Good morning! Master Great Sage! Its morning! Wake up~!


    Despite seemingly having just fallen asleep earlier, I was woken up by a cheerful voice calling out to me. When I thought about what this noise was, I noticed that Ria hade to the edge of the bed and was greeting me. The bright rays of the morning sun illuminated her blonde hair and smiling face. But today, even if I saw something as beautiful as that, I was still tired and wanted to sleep.


    No Its still early Let me sleep a little more


    It was only about 8 AM, so it was still a little bit early for me. I tried to go back to sleep.


    If you fall back asleep, your bodys natural rhythm will fall out of bnce.


    From my side of the world, the suns rays wereing in through my ss windows, but it seemed like the other worlds people, who could only see stone walls, also had sunlighting through those walls. Ria grabbed my hand and pulled me up. I dont even have my part time job today, either. Acting like a zombie, I was walked and guided into the washroom by Ria.


    Alright, please wash your face and brush your teeth now. And after youre done, pleasee into the living room.


    As she had said that, Ria started to head into the kitchen. I noticed that Deet was in the living room doing living room things. Oh, and by the way, it looked like she slept in and was still wearing the bloomers that I bought for her. After seeing Ria wear something like that, she probably also really wanted to try it out.


    Good morning I now understand why you called Ria the meddling knight


    Morning, right? I told you so.


    The two of us sluggishly brushed our teeth and washed our faces. After we had finished, we went into the living room like we were told to, and when we sat down, a ck object was on top of a te in front of us.


    Whats this?


    I asked inquisitively.


    I watched you make breakfast for me before. So, I decided to try and make this for breakfast for you!


    But this thing in front of me looked like anything but food. When I tried prodding it with my fork, something yellow started to drip out of the middle, which I now realized was probably an egg.


    You told me to get along with her, so I even woke up early, but you really expect me to eat this? Isnt this disgusting?


    Deet mentioned to me in the same kind of cold voice she used on Ria the other day. It seemed like Deet was actually listening to my request and trying to get along well with Ria, which I did not expect.


    I-Im sorry. Master Thors artifact is very convenient, but Im afraid the process of using it was quite difficult


    Just by getting a look at the food in front of me, I could tell that she didnt know how to properly use the stove, but given the state of things, I couldnt help but wonder that even if she did know how to use it, it would probably turn out the same way regardless.


    I was really hungry too


    The beautiful elfs eyes suddenly became sharp and disgruntled. Deet had a ck supply pack that she took with her when she went into the dungeons, but something told me that she didnt have any more remaining food in there. I also had a little bit of the crepe at Tonskihote, but my stomach was really hungry too.


    Okay, okay, I get it. For the time being, Ill make us some breakfast, then lets have the three of us go get something tasty for lunchter, okay?


    Ahh Im sorry.


    I took out some fruit gran from a box and ced it in bowls. And from there I took some milk and, although there were people who ate it just like that, I also grabbed some sugar and sprinkled that inside the bowl as well. These two would probably appreciate something sweet, I thought. Then I put the three bowls on the table.


    Wow, that was quick!


    Quick, but I dont know if it will be tasty or not. There appears to be milk inside it.


    It looked like the two of them were unsure of the fruit gran in front of them. I decided that I will teach them the proper way to eat this dish.


    Its really tasty. Theres tiny pieces of dried fruit inside, too.


    As I was eating it happily in front of them, they also readied themselves and decided to take a bite.


    Oh! Its sweet! Its so tasty!


    Yeah, its pretty tasty, right? I was a little worried at first though because of how fast it was brought out in front of us.


    After breakfast, Ria suddenly said that she wanted to clean up the dishes and do some organizing in my room.


    But thanks to you, I think this ce has already gotten cleaned up quite a bit, Ria, you dont have to do that.


    This room that the Master Great Sage is living in, there are too many strange boxes made of paper that are not being used there. I shall open them and organize things.


    She must mean the cardboard boxes. I think theyre useful to have around to ce with things you dont need anymore inside of them, though. But I guess it wouldnt do any harm to let her mess around with my stuff for a little bit. Besides, all of my otaku stuff is already ced inside my closet. I have also told her to stay out of my closet because there are forbidden texts in there, so she probably wont get into too much mischief, right? I guess Ill instruct her on what to do.


    Okay then, if you want to help out, itd be really nice. Thank you. Ill be in the other room, so if you have any questions juste and let me know, okay?


    There was some stuff I wanted to do on myputer anyway, so its fine. I could get some work done. Ria said that she would start working on my room once she was done organizing the kitchen. She was more pumped up about it than I thought. In the other room, I opened up the cardboard box that had myputer inside. My desk was already set up in this room. While Deet was watching what I was doing, she was jumping up and down on top of the bed. The gym uniform she was wearing was hanging low over her chest. The reflection of the light from her thighs was almost blinding to me. As expected of Deet, sex appeal without even thinking.


    Ahah! This, this bed is so amazing!


    I hope she didnt identally fall asleep on it. I ced the monitor to myputer on top of the desk.


    Wait a second, is that one of theputers we saw at Tonskihote?


    Yeah. Well, actually, this is just a monitor. It connects into theputer. Im thinking about having this thing show me the status from within the dungeon. And then the realputer is this thing


    Myputer was one of the big tower types, so I had to keep it below the desk with the monitor on top of the desk.


    Alright. I hope its not broken lets try plugging in the power. Okaylooks like its okay.


    Deet lookedpletely taken back when the OS boot page disyed on the screen, and she immediately started with the questions. Looks like she had an interest.


    A weird blue screen just popped up, thats not a picture from inside the dungeon.


    It cant disy the interior of the dungeon right away.


    So it appears.


    But instead, Ill show you something really cool.


    Something cool?


    Even though I said I would show her something really cool, to us maybe it would be normal or nothing important. But I also had some more stuff to do, like making sure the HDD was hidden properly, and doing some cord management. But I guess I could do those important missionster.


    Here we go!


    I found the Inte hook up kit that I had gotten from the real estate agent. This ce was only 300 a month, and this cost about 50, but I can hook up to the Inte immediately, that was part of the allure about this ce.


    Okay, looks like Im connected to the Inte now too.


    I had decided to show Deet the website called YouTube.


    W-Whats this? Some weird magic? No, thats not it


    I was showing Deet a live guitar show on YouTube, so she stared at the monitor and tried touching it.


    Hahaha, that person is a musician. I dont have speakers hooked up yet, but if they were you would be hearing his music right now.


    If Deet wasnt here, this room would be very lonely and quiet right now, not being able to listen to anything but the sound of my own heartbeat. I wonder if this has piqued her interest at all. Deet made an interesting looking face while watching YouTube, and then I went to the kitchen. I was a little concerned about how Ria was doing.

 Book 1: Chapter 6: (8) **Bonus**

    Book 1: Chapter 6: (8) **Bonus**


    Ria~


    Ah! Master Thor!


    My underwear and T-shirts were neatly folded and ced inside the kitchens cupboard. And the culprit was still before my very eyes, continuing to polish up the already clean looking kitchen with a dust cloth.


    Y-Youre working hard it seems.


    Yes! Because I love cooking and cleaning a lot. But I did mess up the cooking part I suppose.


    She didnt just mess up the cooking, I felt like her idea of cleaning was deviating from what I originally thought. But she looked so happy trying her best and cleaning the house, I decided that it wasnt my ce to say anything like that to her. As I was watching Ria continue to clean the kitchen, Deet came up to me from behind.


    Hey hey, while Ria is cleaning the kitchen, take me outside to see Japan one more time.


    Today is no good.


    Huh, what do you mean? Why?


    Well I mean, I cant just leave Ria alone, can I?


    I thought that Deet wouldnt take that as a good excuse, but she seemed toply with it for now.


    HummShe replied while facing the other way. However, it did seem like that because my roommates seemed to have increased once again, there was going to be a need to go and buy more clothes, food, and supplies. Things were looking bad now because I was getting a little low on cash, so even if I choose a cheap ce to go shopping, itll still cost a lot of money. For this certain economical issue I was having, a good idea sprang into my mind. But I would need to gauge Deets reaction first before I went ahead with anything.


    Hey Deet. Did you see the room next to the bathroom where we were brushing our teeth together earlier?


    Mmm I dont think so.


    Theres a bathtub in there.


    Really? A bathtub?


    Yeah, feel free to use it anytime you want too.


    By her reaction, it appears that in the other world bathtubs are a luxury item. ording to Ria, theyre only in the houses of the rich and noble people. It seemed like themon people only used things like washbowls or washing in cold water.


    Fufu


    Looked like her mood was better now. She was grinning to herself.


    Deet, I have something I want to ask you actually.


    Yessss?


    I gave you those bloomers and school swimsuits earlier right. I was thinking that maybe youd be able to give me money to go buy some food or supplies with the other worlds money maybe?


    Huh? I mean if thats all you want to request of me sure! But, do you really need my worlds money? I mean, you cant actually use it in your world, right?


    Actually, I think we can use it. Come over here for a second.


    I took Deet over in front of myputer.


    Show me the money that you have on you right now.


    Uhm, okay.


    Deet took a ck leather pouch out of her bag. Unlike Ria who only had 5 coins on her, Deet had arge assortment of silver and gold coins that she brought out.


    You call these Gadeus gold coins right?


    Thats right.


    So in other words, gold is used to create these?


    Yeah, because its a gold coin. Of course. Theyre not pure gold though.


    When you are walking down a street in Japan, you often see sign boards advertising shops that buy gold. They buy and sell old brand items, lottery tickets, and stuff like that. So, I figured they would probably be able to purchase the coins of the other world if theyre actually gold. No, they definitely would! I tried looking up the information on Kookle.


    Oooh! Its here its here! Looks like they take all gold in by the grams! Theyll definitely take the gold coins for us then too, for sure!


    Then its fine for you to take as much as you want. And its just like you said Tooru, these bloomers and school swimsuits really do increase my stats! Even if I give you all the gold, I have on me right now, it wouldnt be enough for these artifacts! If I were to look for these artifacts in my world, theyd either never be sold or maybe be found in some dark auction somewhere.


    A bloomer dark auction Theyd both be sold there very interesting I mean you can get them easily over here as Tonskihote though, so its no big deal after all. Well anyway, for now, Ill try taking one of each of the three types of coins you have.


    After a bit more questions, I felt like I had a good grasp on the money of the other world now. First, the biggest and most expensive one is called White Gold coin, or a Barnes Memorial Gold Coin. Deet said that it has some kind of rare metal mixed inside of it. The next biggest piece is the Imperial Gold Coin. It appears to be a type of coin that is used in a country called the Iguros Empire. Its big appearance is for the image of authority. The Gadeus Gold Coin was the tiniest of them all. When you think of a normal gold coin in our world, youd picture this thing. The Gadeus mercantile nation produces these extremely small coins. Theres no patterns or anything distinguishable on it, but its always guaranteed to have the same amount of quality and gold inside each and every piece.


    So to recap, it goes White Gold Coin, Imperial Gold Coin, and then Gadeus Gold Coin. And then under that, it goes Silver Coin and then Copper Coin. From the smallest to the most expensive, there is a difference thats about ten times the worth.


    I dont know if we will really be able to sell this on my side. But if they really do buy these coins from us, I wont have to do a part-time job anymore and can make a living off selling goods from Japan to the other world maybe.


    Hmm well What if you lived in our world?


    If I did that, I wouldnt be able to pay rent on my apartment anymore.


    Ahhthats true. Then how about making this a rest area that can be used to conquer the dungeon. You can get your hands on more strange artifacts, use yourputer to watch out for traps, the dungeon could be a safer ce because of this room.


    That wouldnt be bad. Plus I dont dislike living in Japan. Itd be hard to throw away my life here.


    That is understandable. The fruit gran is very delicious, and the tatami is nice too. Computers are also amazing!


    I guess Ive still got some things to take care of here. For the time being, how about trying a Japanese bathtub? Itd be nice for you to take one with Ria.


    With Ria?


    If no one teaches you how to use it, youll never know how right? And while youre doing that, I can go do some shopping and be backter.


    While smiling I called out to Ria.


    Ria!


    Comiiiing. What is it?


    Could you take a bath with Deet and show her how its done?


    Deet argued.


    Wait wait! I can do it alone. Its fine!


    Understood! Yes yes, Ill teach Deet very well. Take it off, go on.


    Wait a second, please stop! I can do it myself!


    If you make a mistake it will be very grave. When I tried it, it scared me horribly, but then Master Thor came in and helped me.


    I had thought about sticking around to find out how it would go, but I was too interested in trying out this gold exchange idea. While taking in the wonderful look of the hair on the back of her head, I headed to the window and exited out into the streets in Japan.


    Trantion Notes:<ol><li>TL Note: This is a y on words with Google.</li></ol>

 Book 1: Chapter 6: (9)

    Book 1: Chapter 6: (9)


    We are open and we buy gold! We inspect by the weight! Come on in and show us your gold!


    I was feeling kind of nervous for some reason. When I entered the shop, it said on the billboard that they carry out very detailed inspections of gold. Thats good, I see, so they really do inspect and buy gold based on the percentage of the minerals inside. It said so on the website online too though, but it was good to be sure of it. I called out to thedy working behind the counter.


    Excuse me, Id like to sell this gold here, would you mind inspecting it and telling me how much its worth for me?


    Is that so? Very well, then first Id like to have you write down your name and address on this form here. Also, do you have a valid ID on you?


    Uh yeah, is a drivers license okay?


    I had the drivers license that I had forced myself to get. Of course, I didnt have a car to drive though.


    Yes that will be fine. Lets have a look at your gold then.


    Sure, here you go.


    Huh? Oh my, you have some unusuallyrge gold coins with you, dont you? Ive never seen this kind of work before


    Ahh, uhm, actually Im not really sure if theyre gold coins or not, to be honest. Theyre just something that I had suddenly found in my grandmas storage one day, so Im not sure what they are


    The dungeon worlds Gadeus Empire doesnt seem to focus that much on design with their coins. They dont carve in numbers or letters into them at all so they appear to be regr looking gold pieces. With that being said, I was able to just easily im it was some kind of weird gold medal I had found in my grandmas house. If I told them it was some countrys currency or if it had some historical value, with how thews work in Japan, I wasnt sure if they would trade it in for me. While I was thinking to myself, in the meantime, thedy behind the counter pulled out a thick catalog andpared the gold coin to the images drawn there.


    Actually, when I did some research online, the price of gold seems to have a different price margin in different countries, so foreigners oftene and sell gold here in Japan. It appears like there are some people that do it illegally and then get caught at the airport after they didnt pay customs tax on it, but other than that its totally legal to bring here and sell.


    Yes, it does not appear to be any type of currency or gold coin Im familiar with, so then since there seems to be no historical worth to take into ount, Ill take it to the back and measure out the weight for you. Please wait here for a minute.


    I did it! I cant believe that it might really work! I can probably bring any gold coin that I can find here, no matter where the origins are from in the other world! And I also dont think that the gold exchange shop will get in trouble either, because they are actually using gold to make them. With that being said, I waited about 30 minutes until the shop worker came back out to talk to me.


    I believe that this tiny medal will be worth approximately 9400 Yen.


    So the Gadeus Cold coins with no carvings or numbers will be about 10000 yen each. Thats really not too bad at all. My heart fluttered a bit but I wondered if it would be worth all the effort of hauling them down here to trade.


    And for the gold medal with the human design on it


    I wondered how much the Imperial Gold Coin would be worth. The first emperors face was carved onto it so it made me a little bit nervous.


    We will take it for exactly 97000 yen.


    W-Wait, what did she just say?! T-Thats almost 100000 yen!! Is this some kind of joke?!


    Wait Are you serious?


    Yes. And as for the biggest medal, it seems to be a mixture of gold and some tinum.


    Wait, tinum is more expensive than gold right? But even more than that, the white gold coin is t out way bigger than every other coin, so by default, its guaranteed to have even more gold inside of it!


    We would have to do more research about it first, so I am sorry but we are not able to currently buy it today.


    This is crazy, is this for real? The other worlds money was said to increase in value by 10-fold for each coin, and the difference between the regr Gadeus Gold Coin and the Imperial Gold Coin was absolutely crazy. They really did have a difference of about 10 times the value! If thats how much that the two lower-priced coins went for, how much would the white coin be?


    Well then, we are able to currently purchase both the small and medium-sized gold coins for now, in the meantime, would you care to leave the bigger one here at the shop so we can do more research on it? You coulde back after a few days and we would probably be able to offer you a fair price.


    Uhm, no sorry, I think for now would it be okay to just sell you just the tinier coin? I have some more I want to bring too, so next time I might have to bring them here if that would be okay.


    I left the shop in a flustered panic. I couldnt believe what I was hearing at all. I had suddenly be 9400 yen richer. However, if you were to ask me why exactly I only sold them the tinier Gadeus Gold Coin, its because they are the tiniest coin and they also have no markings or anything identifiable on them. They appeared like just a regr gold medal from our world. If I were to bring in a bunch of Imperial Gold Coins with that weird emperors head carved into them, they would probably mistake it as some historical artifact, an ancient civilizations currency, or just t out wouldnt ept them. It would definitely look like some other worlds currency that would cause some mass confusion I thought. They might even think that Im some depraved criminal grave robber or something.


    So, with that, I decided that if I exchange this gold in Japan, it would probably be the safest course of action to only sell the Gadeus Gold Coins because they appear like average gold medals. I figured this was the safest way to cover my tracks and not get into any kind of trouble with thew.


    But, they said that they would each go for about 10000 yen rightso that means if I were to


    I smiled andughed to myself while tossing the white gold coin into the air and catching it. I just had an amazing n.


    Fufufu Then that means this white gold coinif I take it to the above-ground in the dungeon world and then exchange them for regr old Gadeus Gold CoinsI could probably get about 100 of them right? Then if I sell those gold coins here this could turn out quite nicely.


    I smiled to myself and continued walking on my back home.


    Trantion Notes:<ol><li>About $94.</li><li>About $100 for each coin.</li><li>About $970.</li><li>About $1000.</li></ol>

 Book 1: Chapter 7: (1)

    Book 1: Chapter 7: (1)


    <strong>Aiming to be a Dungeon Master</strong>


    On the night after my money matters were settled, after Ria had fallen asleep, Deet and I once again headed into the dungeon. I was always leaving Ria in the care of Shizuku. Deet was continuing her promise of teaching me all about the dungeon and the world where shees from. The iron gate was still closed so no monsters were going to being in any time soon. As I was learning various things from Deet, I thought about testing something out for a second. But before that


    Alright then, Deet, go ahead and try checking out your status. So, I want you to not hide behind your cloak, wear it properly, and show it to me!


    Deet let go of the cloak with her hand that she was using to hide herself. And from behind the cloak came a blessed dark blue sight, the wonderful schoolgirls swimsuit that she was wearing. Thank you Tonskihote! Thank you so much! I was so thankful at this very moment for Tonskihote selling these types of cosy.


    But putting that aside, as I had been suspecting, Japanese clothing has a peculiar effect when worn inside the dungeon. I wanted to verify this effect once again by using Deet.


    Oooooooooooo!!!


    Usually, her chest is covered with the dark leather hard to make out bondage fan-like gear, but with the schoolgirl swimsuit, her chest was really pushing the limits of the fabric.


    This outfit makes my thighs and butt way more visible than usual, its really embarrassing Is my status really going up from this?


    I think her usual bondage-like gear shows off a lot of skin too though, but thats just me. I thought that her stats were definitely raised.


    They are, they are probably.


    As Deet started to yell out words of doubt and frustration at me, she started to check her own status.


    Huhhhhhhhh!!! This kind of weak-looking outfit gives me more than 200 defense?!?! And even my max level is going up?!?


    I want to see it! Write it down, write it down!  [Name] Deet Macaron


    [Race] High Elf


    [Age] 221


    [Job] Wizard


    [Level] 47 / 48


    [Stamina] 71 / 71


    [Magic] 149 / 149


    [Attack] 38


    [Defense] 258


    [Strength] 22


    [Intelligence] 198 (+38 Increase)


    [Agility] 66


    [Skill] Magic Attack Level 7 / 10


    Support Magic Level 3 / 10


    Ancient Magic Level 4 / 10


    Casting Speed Reduction Level 6 / 10


    Macaron, she has a really cute family name. And I suppose I should probably steer clear of the topic of age.


    Elves live to be about 1000 years old, so in terms of human age, Im just around 20 years old. After all, I look around that age, dont I?


    As I was avoiding the topic of agepletely, Deet was the one who first brought it up and asked me a scary sounding yes or no question along with her exnation. It all sounded right to me, but actually, if her math was correct, shed actually be around 22 years old. I decided to ignore itpletely and look at her other stats.


    Youre pretty much max level now, arent you?


    What? No!


    Huh?


    I was at the upper limit earlier! No matter how much I would try and strive for, I would never level up, but because of these clothes, I can! This is the best!


    I cant believe she is getting so happy from wearing a school swimsuit. Im really d I bought her the bloomers and swimsuit from Tonskihote, for absolutely no ulterior motives either. But speaking of clothes, if she were to take them off, I wonder what would happen. I had an interesting feeling about it.


    Yeah well, your defense is incredibly high now, its pretty great huh?


    Right?? Despite it being so flimsy and the material isnt that great either.


    Deet was happily standing there tracing the curves of herself in her school swimsuit outfit that was definitely too tight around the chest. Every time she did that, it was very erotic.


    Speaking of armor, theres an old fashioned legend about something called Bikini Armor. It might be even more armor than the Japanese Swimsuit.


    Huh? Whats Bikini Armor?


    I think they sell it, so next time lets go buy it for you.


    Okay!!


    Well, I suppose it wouldnt be Bikini Armor, more like just an average bikini, but it should be fine. She looked really happy right now, so it was no big deal.


    I also want to try that other thing the track uniform I think it was called.


    You want to try wearing this?


    Yeah. Turn around for me, okay?


    Did she mean she wanted to change clothes here? Well I mean I also wanted to see her in bloomers though, so I didnt really have any objections. I decided to just turn around. From behind me, I heard Deet singing to herself in a happy-sounding voice. And suddenly, Deets happy singing turned into a shriek.


    Huhhhhhhhh?!? Youre joking right?! Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy?


    In a panic, I quickly turned around to face Deet again, but when I looked at her, rather than being in the middle of changing clothes, she waspletely naked.


    I-I-I should be the one saying that! W-W-What are you doing?! Why did you suddenly scream out like that?!


    I pointed at Deet with one hand while covering my eyes with the other one while inquiring to Deet about her sudden screaming.


    Even when I took the schoolgirl swimsuit off, my max level is still raised by 1!!


    Huh? Wait what do you mean exactly? Why is that happening?


    I should be the one asking that! I could have sworn that earlier my max level was 47 / 47, that I couldnt gain any more levels even if I tried. But even after I took off the schoolgirl swimsuit, my stats still show me at 47 / 48 dont tell me that


    Deet made a face that showed as if she had finallye to understand something. And as she did that, something unthinkable happened. At the same time, the stark naked Deet jumped up as her chest bounced voluptuously, and she suddenly rushed after me, pinned me down, and then got on top of me. Her chest could now be considered a lethal weapon by my standards.


    Its got to be this! This! This is it!


    This?! What the hell does this mean?! The instant that I was trying to understand exactly what was going on, Deets face suddenly got closer to me.


    N~?! N~~?!!!!!


    This was now the second time that I had felt Deets soft lips against my own.


    Puhaa!


    Deet finally came up for air and made a sexy sound. I could finally talk, or maybe shout and find out exactly what was going on here.


    Wait wait! What are you talking about?!


    ..


    Despite my asking and shouting, Deet just sat on top of me naked not saying a single thing.


    Are you listening to me?!


    . Finally!!!!!


    Huhhhhhhh?! I literally have no idea whats happening right now!


    What do you mean, finally? You did something? More than that, put some clothes on!


    Uh? Huh? Clothes? AAHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!

 Book 1: Chapter 7: (2)

    Book 1: Chapter 7: (2)


    Despite beingpletely naked and on top of me, she didnt realize a thing? Things were about to get dangerous and primal in here. Deet quickly changed into the bloomers and track uniform. Her face waspletely red, and she finally changed into the track uniform that we were talking about earlier. She was hiding the sacred blue-colored bloomers from sight. Well, she was trying to hide them, but she couldnt hide the memories that I now have been given. My reason and willpower have beenpletely destroyed now, there was no point, whether she was naked or was wearing bloomers at this point.


    In order to preserve her coolness, she now began trying to exin what exactly had been going on this whole time.


    And, what was with how you were acting earlier?


    I-Im so sorry.


    It was a little toote for that now, but she suddenly got all meek, it was kind of cute. Having a beautiful girl like this have an embarrassed face and acting meek, it was nice. Even better was the bloomers.


    No no, Im not angry or anything like that, I just want to understand whats going on here.


    That was I just had to kiss you, Tooru.


    A-and you kissed me because?


    Because by doing that, you were able to raise my max level


    Huh, wait what? This only added more questions


    By kissing Deet, I was able to increase her max level?


    Are you serious?


    Y-Yes. I was originally maxed out at 47 / 47, and I had thought because I had worn this strange school swimsuit that my level had been enhanced to 47 / 48. However, even when I had taken off the clothing, my stats have stayed the same in that regard. I think now that the main reason behind this is when you kissed me and made me drink the c.


    That exins why she just did that crazy thing against my will earlier.


    And? After you tried that stunt, what was the result?


    Its true! It became level 49! When I kiss you, my max level limit raises by a bit each time!


    So its really true? Have you ever heard of something like this before? When someone has reached the level cap and they kiss someone, this kind of stuff happens?


    Ive never heard of anything like this. If something like that existed, Im pretty sure Id have heard at least some rumors or something about it.


    Thats true. So that exins why Deet was so happy then, her max level was able to be raised up.


    But if theres an ability that can increase the level cap, shouldnt it be disyed as a skill itself or something?


    Perhaps your world is different in that way. Or perhaps you hold a unique and rare skill. There are abilities that enable to you check your own status andtent ability. People who have a high level in the Person Appraisal skill category would be able to see it most likely.


    Person Appraisal skill?! Is there really a beneficial skill like that?!


    Even those with no jobs should be able to gain these abilities if they were to level up. They arent particrly difficult.


    Being jobless might have been better than I thought after all!


    They are also able to learn magic.


    W-What did you just say?!


    However, in order for it to work suitably with you, rather than magic job sses, youll have to level up perhaps even ten more times to be on an equally efficient level as them and learn them.


    Uhuh


    And besides that, there is usually a level limit of around 15 for skills, and you can gains by leveling up normally.


    Okaybut for me, I dont have a level cap right?


    Exactly. So, like I was saying earlier, youll probably get them sooner orter. Before your lifespanes to an end, you might be able to defeat even crazy amounts of monsters.


    I might be strong enough to eventually defeat arge number of monsters huh. That should be interesting. But as I was thinking about how nothing can be done about my lifespan, Deet was suddenly getting closer and closer to my body. And she eventually continued forward while shutting her eyes and closing in on my face.


    W-What are you doing?


    Come on! We already went over this, its just a kiss!


    Hold on a second, just wait!


    What is it? Are you saying you wont work with me in order to raise my max level?


    Huh?!


    Ive been traveling for tens of years now unable to raise my level you know! No matter how many monsters I would defeat, it would never change anything. I was constantly being surpassed by people who could go beyond my level!


    Uhhh yeah that makes sense, and its a little sad yeah


    But I cant just kiss anyone so easily like that. Im not that kind of guy! Also, Im a virgin so I cant help but be a little shy when ites to things like this.


    Then it should be fine right? Also, I feel like I should just say this up front, even if it raises my level, if its with someone I dont want to do it with, then I wouldnt do it. Im only doing it because its with you.


    Deet looked at me with a dissatisfied face and puffed out her cheek. It seemed like Deet was doing this lightly at all either. It made me contemte her situation a little bit more.


    O-Okay I got it. Then lets work together to increase your level cap then.


    So now youre willing to do it for me? Are you saying you wouldnt want to do something like that with me otherwise?!


    A certain girls face rose popped up into my head.


    AAAhhh! Its Ria isnt it!


    Deets face became pure red. But it wasnt embarrassment.


    You like her?


    Girls instincts were sharp. And it seemed like Elves were pretty quick witted too.


    More like I dont dislike her exactly Im just a little interested


    But by looking at the strong girl here before my eyes, I somehow also knew. There was a light in her eyes that I could see. And so, I just let out something.


    Im interested in you too


    Huh?


    After a few seconds of awkward silence, Deet spoke up.


    Did you say, you like me too?


    About the same amount


    I knew that saying things honestly would sometimes not be the best thing to say, but I felt like the only thing that shoulde out right now is the truth.


    Hmhmmmm. Really, is that so.?


    Despite Deet being beet red herself, she found herself peeking at me in between nces of her looking down at the ground.


    Normally, after hearing something like that, wouldnt girls normally get angry or something?


    My mind isnt that closed off. I dont know about that other girl though.


    Is that what it is?


    You can choose Ria before me, its fine.


    Huh? W-What do you mean?


    I wonder if it was actually the case that Deet didnt really care about me at all, and just wanted to get her max level up.


    I-I already told you. I like you! I like you BUT! Shes only a human, so shes not going to outlive me anyways right??


    Huh?


    Even if its long, itll only be around 80 years. And then after that, Ill monopolize you all to myself.


    Her normal strong personality had finally made its way back. Deetughed and smiled like a little imp. The long lifespan elfs face was brimming with self confidence now.


    Yeah but, if 80 years pass by, it wont just be Ria, Ill eventually die around then too probably.


    If Id even be able to be together with Deet after 80 years is one thing but dying isnt something Ill exactly be able to control when Im that age. Even if I raise up my level, and do everything right, there isnt really anything humans can do about the aging and dying problem. With a trouble looking face I muttered out loud.

 Book 1: Chapter 7: (3)

    Book 1: Chapter 7: (3)


    I know a way that I might be able to level up quickly, but even if I do that, I cant do anything about the life span issue.


    Deet also had a troubled face and said something quietly.


    I know a way to increase your lifespan. But in order to do that, you have to gain an insane amount of levels


    We both sat there with inquisitive looks on our faces. And then at the same time we were amazed at each other. We looked at each others faces.


    Thor! You know a way to increase your level quickly?! You actually know how to do it?! How? Tell me!!


    AAhhh! Ill tell you, but after that, you have to tell me how to increase my lifespan. If theres a way I can live longer then I definitely want to know it!


    I exined to Deet exactly what I had been thinking about how to increase my level when we were at Tonskihote.


    What do you think? In my world, breeding edible fish is done on arge scale. You couldpare it to stockbreeding of cows or pigs.


    W..wow! Thats quite ingenious. Breeding monsters, huh?


    Not good?


    Thats not what I meant. To think there was such a loophole. Breeding monsters meant to be eradicated in the dungeon to level upit might be possiblethey multiply quite quickpared to cows or pigs.


    Deet and the others usually fight monsters to get remuneration from adventurer guilds. They do their best to fight and stay alive. Their perception of monsters might be quite different from that of mine.


    Breeding is interesting, but I bet it is even possible to beat monsters using traps while watching the camera feed from your PC.


    Woah! Amazing!


    Yes. There is a profession for trapping in my world too. But its nothing like sitting in thefort of your room in front of your PC and just pressing a button


    Yep. Its like ying games while eating chips and drinking c.


    The best scenario for a hikikomori.


    Thats cool and all but what about the blood and sweat Ive poured in for over 200 years


    Deet held her head in dismay.


    Okay! Now tell me, Deet! How do I increase my lifespan? Hey, Deet! Hello?!


    Dungeon master


    Dungeon master?


    Deet said offhandedly while still holding her head.


    Whats that?


    In short, its a skill. A skill that allows you to be a dungeon master.


    .the master of a dungeon, huh?


    You need to go to the lowest level of the dungeon and get the skill from the dungeon master. They say that there is a dungeon master in the Dungeon of Yomi.


    In other words, you need to be really strong to get it, huh?


    Deet nodded.


    Moreover, it will probably lead to a fight if the dungeon master refuses to hand over the skill. You would have to win.


    I see. It is quite apparent that strength is the key. But how exactly is the dungeon master rted to lifespan?


    You can still die, but if you have the dungeon master skill you at least wont age.


    Whwhat?! That means, although you are not immortal, you have eternal youth.


    Yep, you stay young. Thats why no one wants to give it away. Also why there are rumours that they stay hidden in the depths of the dungeon while spreading monsters all over as their guard.


    Yupthey might not want to part with it.


    But you know, living for such a long time might not be such a good thing.


    Deet gave me a mysterious smile as I said that.


    Really, Thor? Not interested in being with me forever? The me who barely ages while going in and out between our worlds? I bet we would have a good time.


    Eeeeeeeeeeh? Uh, yes. It doesnt sound bad. But wont that make myte grandmother cry?


    Why so? Its not like you are doing anything wrong.


    Deet then proceeded to stroke my chest with her index finger, which only got me excited.


    And on top of it she was wearing bloomers. Can someone with such sex appeal really be a virgin?


    No, I mean, they ce all these monsters all over just to protect themselves, right? And that only leads to the death of so many adventurers.


    Even if you dont do it, someone else will, Thor. Theres also the fact that monsters keep the economy running.


    Hmmmeven cars can lead to peoples death. That kind of logic, huh.


    Well, yes. I get that


    And think about it. If you do it, we might not need to ce any monsters. You could just hide in your apartment.


    ThThats true.


    Its for the greater good.


    Deet brought her wonderfully shaped lips close to my ears. Her voice, along with the breath that followed felt so good.


    And are you really going to level up without any reason at all?


    Well, you have a point.


    To think about it, it might actually be better to have a goal to be the dungeon master instead of meaninglessly hunting and defeating monsters.


    Ok then! Let me try to aim for dungeon master! Since I was anyway going to try hunting and levelling up.


    Yay! You cant go back on it!


    Well if you put it that way, I suddenly do not have any confidence.


    I feel like invading a real dungeon is not going to be a walk in the park.


    So unreliable! You better get that skill for my sake. Elves who live a long life tend to end up being lonely easily.


    I am not sure whether its her personality or whether there is some other reason, but Ive heard shes already lonely.


    I am slowly beginning to understand. She seems to be a lonely soul.


    Alright, fine! I will do my best for your sake.


    ! Thank you, Thor!


    The ever so strong Deet thanked me in her demure voice.


    Before I knew it, I was patting her head.


    Knowing the kind of person she is, I thought she would get mad. Instead she leaned in as though she wanted me to continue patting her for a while longer.


    I was supposed to be living a single, carefree life in my cheap apartmentbut Ria is a scaredy cat and Deet is Ms. Lonely. I just cant let them be. And Shizuku was like a pet.


    I felt like it was not such a bad thing if my room was a ce of rxation for Shizuku, and Ria and Deet who used to explore dungeons.


    I am sure that this wasnt the end to the fantasy life full of mistakes that had begun in a questionable apartment.

 Book 2: Chapter 1: (1)

    Book 2: Chapter 1: (1)


    <strong>The Case of The Darkness That Appears When Moving In</strong>


    The suburbs of Tachikawa city. I moved into a 300 a month super cheap apartment with a catch. I can exin the reason this apartment is so cheap in a few words. This room that I live in now is connected with a dungeon in a game-like world. And then, together with residents of that world, the golden-haired female knight Ria, an elf wizard named Deet, and a white slime named Shizuku, with a human as their master, gradually came to live together in this room.


    Every night I would go through the doorway and into the dungeon.


    Huff, huff, its here its here! A blue slime!


    When I hit the slowly approaching slime with my ice axe, it jiggled and scattered in all directions.


    Yes! Alright! I wonder if all the monsters in the area are gone now? Whats this?


    A power swelled up from inside my body. It looks like I leveled up.


    <strong>[Name]</strong> Suzuki Tooru


    <strong>[Race]</strong> Human


    <strong>[Job]</strong> None


    <strong>[Level]</strong> 5 /


    <strong>[Stamina]</strong> 26 / 26


    <strong>[Magic]</strong> 39 / 39


    <strong>[Attack]</strong> 119


    <strong>[Defense]</strong> 44


    <strong>[Strength]</strong> 15


    <strong>[Intellect]</strong> 26


    <strong>[Agility]</strong> 17


    <strong>[Skill]</strong> Unlimited Growth


    Person Appraisal LV 1 / 10


    Oh sweet! When I was about to check my status, an image reflected inside my head and I realized I had leveled up. Even in the real world if your strength goes up by 1 level, your grip strength will go up by 4. In other words, before moving here my grip strength was 40 kg, but now its around 60 kg. Huh, whats [Person Appraisal LV 1 / 10] mean?


    Wait, that reminds me of something Deet was saying. When you level up, youre able to learn new skills, and those skills can even level up.


    By bing level 5, I was able to learn a new skill. This is something else that Deet said but, there are also skills for examining the status of other people and ones own hidden abilities. I had Deet show me her status, but I still havent checked on Ria. When I have the chance, I should try using [Person Appraisal] on her. Itll be fun.


    Alright, Ive got work tomorrow, so I shouldnt stay up toote I guess.


    With a small cracking sound, I stood up and returned to my room by going through the door on the dungeons stone walls. My apartment has a western style bedroom and a Japanese style bedroom, with my guests sleeping in thetter. I stealthy moved across the rooms so as to not wake anyone up. I changed into my pajamas and crawled into the suspiciously fluffed up futon.


    Hows leveling up?


    Ah, its you, Deet? I leveled up by 1.


    A long-eared beauty peeked her face out from under the covers.


    Oh? You noticed me? Even though I was trying to surprise you?


    Its cause the futon was already fluffed up before I got in.


    I had thought someone was inside. I already knew Ria and Shizuka wouldnt do something like this, so it was easy to guess who.


    Hehehe, youre facing the dungeon and doing your best to level up, arent you?


    This dungeon is called Yomi, it seems like the type to have a dungeon master of some sort. When you be a dungeon master, you stop aging. Because Deet is a high elf, her aging process is longer than mine, and it looks like shes wanting me to be the dungeon master so we can spend more time together.


    Nah, rather than leveling up, I just think itd be fun to get stronger and faster.


    Huh?! Youre not looking to conquer the dungeon?


    You should hurry and get to bed already, go back to your room.


    So that there are no arguments, Im sleeping in the Western style bedroom, while Deet and Ria are sleeping in the Japanese style bedroom.


    Youre so mean, Thor. Just when I thought Id wear a cute schoolgirl swimsuit for you


    Wait, what did she say?


    Huh?!


    Deets lifespan is really long, so even if she makes friends shell be alone in the end. I feel kind of bad for her, maybe just today is fine. Its not like Im letting her because of the swimsuits satisfying pure blue color or the enticing allure of the touch of it on her skin.


    Guess theres no choice, huh


    Master Thor. I will return before sunrise, but would it be okay to sleep together for a little while?


    Oh no. Ria had walked into the room wearing bloomers and carrying a pillow.


    Ahhhh! Why is Deet here?! We made a promise to sleep in the Japanese room, didnt we?!


    But you came here too, didnt you?!


    Yep. I moved here and already became used to this odd lifestyle in this apartment attached to a dungeon. But I wonder if its really alright for me to live with people from another world. I thought about this conundrum while I watched and admired Rias butt with her bloomers, and Deetsrge chest stretching the swimsuit so that it was about to burst.


    You know, I think things are fine as they are.


    ~*~


    Im back!


    Onto the next tumultuous day. I had gone to work, and when I came home through the window of the Japanese style room, Ria and Deet were there to meet me.


    Wee home!


    Wee back!


    After everything, theres no way I want this lifestyle to end. But it would be nicer if I could use the front door.


    Im a littlete so I bought dinner on the way home.


    Deets shoulders tightened up when she heard that, and Ria spoke up.


    Huh? You brought home food?


    Oops. I forgot that Ria thinks Im a Great Sage who escaped to the dungeon to be secluded from the world. While thinking about what I should do, Deet came up with an excuse to save me.


    Master Thor, with the use of teleportation magic, is able to go to far off cities and countries, you know.


    R-really? Teleportation is a legendary type of magic!


    Deet pinched Rias butt when she wasnt looking at her.


    Yeah, I suppose.


    I ced some hamburgers and fries onto the table. As a side dish, I made some sd from vegetables in the fridge.


    It looks so delicious. This is the Hamburg steak we hadst time, except its ced between pieces of bread, right?


    You got it. When you put the meat in between bread you call it a hamburger.


    Ria looked pleased, but Deet was also surprisingly happy.


    Thats the Hamburg steak you talked about, Ria? After hearing you say it was tasty, I really wanted to try it.


    Well well well, it looks like these two are talking to each other well when Im out. I feel like theyreplete opposites, but theyre getting along better than I thought.


    Alright, lets eat it while theyre hot, thanks for the food!


    Thanks for the food? Who are you thanking?


    Deet probably thought this was some kind of magic incantation.


    Oh uhmFood is kind of like life, you know? So, its just kind of being thankful for it giving life to us. My grandma always said it before eating. I guess I ended up saying it too loud this time.


    I see. Master Thor, you really love your grandmother, dont you?


    I was raised by her after all.


    Hmm


    Deet look like she was about to ask another question, but before she did, we heard a loud


    Thank you for the food!


    Ria


    I really liked the story, so I wanted to try it too!


    Thats right, perhaps Ill try it as well. Thanks for the food!


    The two girls tried it the way my grandma taught me. There was nothing that made me happier.


    Mmm! This is so tasty! Ria told me how much she liked it, but its much better than I expected.


    It seems like Deet really likes the hamburgers too. I put some hamburgers in the closet of the Japanese style room so that Shizuka, the white slime, could enjoy it too.


    Miss Deet. This hamburger is very tasty but


    Huh? What is it?


    The hamburg steak that Master Thor had made for me was much, much, much tastier! It had eggs yolk and was wrapped wonderfully in sauce and


    Rather than the one that Ria had made me, she said that the one I poured my heart into and made for her was tastier. For making me so happy, as a reward I wanted to give her a big kiss! No, three of them! But if I suddenly did something like that, Id probably get a p to the face. When strength goes up by one, grip strength improves by four. In other words, if she pped me, my neck would probably break. Ill have to think about picking a safer prize, thatd probably be best.

 Book 2: Chapter 1: (2)

    Book 2: Chapter 1: (2)


    Thanks for the food.


    I taught the two from the other world some more of my eating habits. After eating dinner, it was teatime. When I asked what they wanted to drink, I was surprised when they answered C.


    At first, I had mistaken c for a medicinal beverage, but I think Iming to enjoy the vor.


    Seems like Ria has fallen into cs trap. Deet drank her c and smirked.


    Right? And some of the c that Thor lets us drink are particrly tasty! Hehehe.


    Ugh. DeetShe isnt trying to tell Ria about the time I gave c to her mouth to mouth right? I shouldnt feel guilty about that right? I did it to rescue her after all. I just made her drink it like that to get rid of the poison. Deet grabbed my hands from an angle that Ria couldnt see. The elf had a sly smirk. Well that kind of stuff happens, but anyways this was an amazing space to be in. Just rxing here on the tatami floor with two beautiful girls wearing bloomers and schoolgirl swimsuits, drinking c. And it was at that moment, a man came and ruined this splendid personal time of mine.


    Ding-dong. The doorbell rang.


    What is this sound? Its scary.


    Ria was frightened of electrical noises. But its not something youd hear in the middle ages, so it was obvious. Who woulde at now of all times?


    Mr. Suzuki? Youre home, right? Im here for the NNK contract!


    I stared at them with the puzzled looks on their faces. Looks like the NNK person came for the television contract. It doesnt matter though; I dont even watch TV. I y games on myputer and my phone cant even get channels on it. I dont need to be afraid of the NNK.


    W-What did he mean by Contract?


    But Ria was afraid. Why wouldnt she be? Some unexinable noise rings through the room, shes in the middle of a Great Sages house in the depths of a dungeon, and some weird unexinable guy starts babbling about a contract.


    It might be a dark wizard. You two, get to the other room now. Ill deal with this.


    If the NNK guy sees the weird golden-haired bloomer knight and the elf schoolgirl swimsuit fetish stuff going on in here, hes going to think Im a freak. I cant let him see this. Or maybe hell look at me and think were some kind of strangerades. Either way this is awful, it could even be newsworthy.


    A-Are you okay by yourself?


    Its alright. Im a Great Sage.


    As I got closer to the front door, it opened on its own. Beyond the front door wasnt a stuffy, moldy smelling dungeon, it was the exhaust gas smell of Japan.


    Hello! My name is Enami from NNK. It seems as if youve recently moved in here, Mr. Suzuki! I need you to sign this contract!


    Dont just open someones door!


    I had forgotten to lock the door. I may have gotten used to the dungeon, but that doesnt mean its not dangerous. But more than that, why the hell does the NNK know as soon as I move to a new ce? I dont even have a television.


    I dont own a television.


    Huh? Really? No television?


    These days, just having the inte is good enough.


    But isnt your phone able to connect to the channels and watch them?


    Not with this type of phone.


    I smirked and smiled but the NNK man did not relent.


    You live in such a nice location, but youre saying you dont even have a television?


    Im telling you I dont have one.


    Well, how about just a little peek


    This Enami guy is trying to force his way into my apartment through the half open door.


    Wait a sec, wait a second!


    If you dont have a television there shouldnt be any problem. Just a small peek, if you would just let me confirm.


    N-No way! You cant just barge into someones house like that!


    Inside the room was a bloomer knight and a school swimsuit wearing elf. Theres no way I can show him that. If things take a turn for the worse this could get reported on NNK. But this guy was like a sumo wrestler and crazy strong. If it keeps up, this guy will get inside my apartment. He made itpletely inside and the door closed. At that moment, a golden-haired bloomer wearing character came and forcefully pushed Enami. Enami waspletely pushed away into the door, which forced open, and he fell onto the pitch-ck dungeon floor.


    Are you alright? Youre not dead right?


    Ria had been leveling up her human bullet job ss with her relentless attacks and legendary sumo techniques that surpassed even the strongest sumo legends.


    Hes a dark wizard so something like this is no problem, right?


    Its probably fine. It works for me. Good luck NNK guy. However, it was just like Ria said.


    Mr. Suzuki! Im upset! You actually have a television dont you! You really need to sign thiswait what is this ce?!


    Thats about the reaction I was expecting. Its a dungeon after all. Moreover, Enami was pretty tough. But he might be seriously injured now.


    To go as far as this trick just because you dont want to sign a contract, but you kind of overdid it! KYAAAAAA!


    Before he realized it Deet was standing next to him.


    This is my stun shock.


    I knew from the name of the spell. It was a spell that was like a stun gun. For the time being, I took the motionless Enami inside the room. The door was pretty bent now and wouldnt close unless I forced it. I should never try to make Ria angry.


    Does this spell dosting damage on the body?


    Hes fine. But it will tingle for a while.


    After hearing that, I opened the window from the Japanese style room and carried out Enami. I brought him down near the street and made sure he wasnt in a position to be hit by a car.


    S-So heavy


    I sat him near a garbage can and stacked a bunch of empty beer bottles on him to make it seem like he was just a normal drunk.


    N-Next time, I really will make you let me confirm whether or not you have a television in your room!


    This guy is unbelievable. Rather than seeing a golden-haired girl in bloomers and an elf in a schoolgirls swimsuit, he was more focused on the fact of me having a TV or not.


    ~*~


    Now then, if youll please let me have a look.


    A few dayster Enami came back. No matter what I do this guy wants me to sign his contract. This time I had nned to let him examine thoroughly.


    Youre really persistent arent you? Isnt it illegal to force yourself into other peoples homes?


    You said it was fine, didnt you, Mr. Suzuki?!


    If this guy turned up when I was gone and had a Q and A session with Ria and Deet, hed probably end up dead. I dont want the girls to be murderers. And thanks to Enami, I learned that my door can be used normally from the outside. Its fine if he just wants to check if theres a television here. After all, I dont even have one.


    Alright alright, get in here. And when you go home, promise me youll use the window instead of the door, okay?


    To my disdain, this guy probably wouldnt even realize it if he saw the golden-haired bloomer knight that hit him in herest time.


    I havent yet searched the bathroom.


    Theres no way you think I have a television in my bathroom


    Enami searched for a television, even in my bathroom. Ria was standing between myself and Enami so she could protect me.


    It doesnt appear like theres one here. But more than that, Miss.


    Uh oh. Did he finally notice the golden-haired bloomer knight?


    You have quite a strong thrust. You seemed like a sumo wrestler; I was quite surprised.


    So thats it. Well she does have a strong body build and looks tough too.


    Not here either


    Ive been telling him the whole time, I dont have one. Enami continued searching the tub, the sink, the dining area, and the living room for a television. And finally, he came to the Japanese style room.


    I havent had a peek in this room yet. It could be inside the closet.


    Hold it right there.


    Is something the matter? I knew it, its in the closet!


    Its not that.


    Then whats the issue?


    I leaned in and whispered to Enami.


    Listen, inside of this closet is my pornI mean my doujinshi. Theres no way I can let my girlfriend see that kind of stuff, right?


    Thats something that any healthy young man would have. Theres no need to hide it.


    This guy isnt all there. Its hopeless, you cant reason with him. I took Ria and left the room.


    Is this alright? Inside that dresser are the forbidden texts! What?! The dark wizard isnt after the texts?


    Its fine. Lets let him do what he wants.


    After a while, Enami came outside the room. His shoulders werepletely slumped so that he almost looked pitiful.


    It really wasnt there


    Oh really? Well, thats fine, cheer up.


    In my younger days I did Sumo wrestling, NNK would sometimes even broadcast my matches. But I damaged my knee. I thought by doing this I could repay the NNK, but I cant even get one contract


    I dont really understand whats going on, but to be at a level where your matches are broadcasted on TV is amazing.


    But I will not give up. When the timees and you buy a television, I will surely return.


    Well I cant force you to note back, but when you do please make sure that Im here. If youe when Im not in, youll probably die.


    Enami, unsure of whether he understood or didnt understand my words, walked towards the doorway to head out.


    Ahhh, I can finally go home.


    That reminds me, where was Deet at this whole time? Ria was busy doingundry, she called the washing machine an artifact at first, but it seems like shes gotten used to it.


    Hey Ria! Im gonna go look for Deet.


    Alright!


    I left Ria in the dressing room and went to look for Deet. When I walked into the Japanese style room, Deet was there cleaning something up. Enami must have left the room like that when he was searching for a television. As I was about to give an exnation, Deet carried on like it was no big deal and put all my porn books away in the closet.


    You need to hide these in the very back. If Ria sees these, shell hate you.


    Uhm, actually those, uhm are nothing


    But I really dont care. Maybe Ill even borrow one or two of your favorite ones to study.


    Huh!?


    So, when I give her a book, shell copy it and do it with me?! No wait, if its Deet, I should give her this book


    H-how about this?


    For now, Ill give her a book about a strong girl who slowly bes more obedient and docile. Its perfect for Deet, and for my path to victory! Deet grinned.


    Well, I suppose Ill take this book and head home.


    Huh?

 Book 2: Chapter 2: (1)

    Book 2: Chapter 2: (1)


    <strong>The Case of Carrying Out the Great Click Grinding Strategy</strong>


    I am thinking about returning to my worlds surface for a bit.


    Deet had suddenly brought this up.


    I would be able to exchange money in Japan, so I thought Id bring some gold coins back.


    Im really thankful to Deet but, to exchange all of her gold coins into Japanese yen is something that she should really only do in emergencies. And besides, just because Deet is here doesnt mean its any strain on me financially.


    Y-You dont have to do something like that you know.


    Ille back soon. I just suddenly barged in and started living in your room, so I thought I should do something more and help out. I want to arrange some things.


    I always had a thought that she was living here together with me so that she could help make me into a dungeon master, and it looks like there might be some truth to that.


    Well then, we better get you prepared to go into the dungeon then shouldnt we? Alright, some Japanese food, some useful tools, and supplies, Ill get everything ready and into your backpack, so make sure you bring me back something nice alright?


    Alright, and thank you again, Thor.


    Deet and I stuffed the food, tools, and supplies snugly into her backpack.


    So about that, how long does it take to get to the surface?


    If its just me, then it should probably take around 3 days I suppose.


    Was that so? In other words, if she has some errands to run up there, then it might take her about 2 weeks toe back.


    You be careful out there.


    I will.


    We only met a few weeks ago, but until now, we had been living a new peaceful, fun life together. I thought it was odd that when I thought about her leaving, it made me feel a little bit lonely. We put all sorts of food and odds and ends into her backpack, so much so that it was stuffed to the brim and we had to take it out and start again. We got it packed so everything was nice and tightly in ce.


    By the way, when do you think youre heading out?


    Ill rest up tonight, and head out tomorrow maybe.


    Well then, lets have a party tonight to send you off. Ill cook you up something nice.


    Thorthank you.


    While we were talking, I remembered all of the fun times we had in this strange apartment. All the good memories, but then, that was when something hit me. When you leave this apartment through the front door, it leads directly into the dungeon. But thats just it. When Enami was here, when he was finally going home, I told him to go out the window, but didnt he actually leave from the front door? In a rush, I grabbed my ice pick and heamp and equipped them.


    W-What are you doing Thor?


    When I opened the door, some slimes and some kind of other monsters Ive never seen before were hanging around acting real tough, as if they owned the ce.


    Hey you what exactly are you doing?! Are you paying your television licensing fees?! Dont touch me! Get out of here you, you Ahhhh!


    From the depths, I heard a voice that sounded distinctly like Enami. Before the monsters had noticed me, I turned around and locked the door quietly.


    Looks like Enami opened up the iron gate, and monsters are starting to pour inside the room. What should I do?


    I was still a low level, this was too dangerous. Deet let out an urgent voice.


    We need to hurry!


    Deet had also realized that this situation was a state of emergency. She ran out of the room with her staff.


    Are you both heading into the dungeon?


    Ria, who had recently finished doingundry, had noticed the urgent state that we were in and came over to us holding her shield. Even without a weapon, she could probably tank for us.


    Im opening the door!


    Im ready!


    Lets go, onward!


    When I opened the door, the two of them jumped out simultaneously. Deet was preparing to cast her magic.


    Mega Inferno!


    A giant centipede and other surrounding monsters were simultaneously enveloped by hellfire and burned. The giant centipede near the metal door was no match for that kind of firepower. It was reduced to ashes before I even had a chance to hit it with my ice axe.


    Im going in now!


    Im counting on you!


    Behind me, I swung with all my might at a slime and some kind of sentient mushroom with hands and legs. Suddenly, power started to swell inside me. It looks liked I had leveled up. Ria was defending herself with her shield from a giant monsters attack, and Deet, in coordination with her, was sweeping the whole area with her destructive magic. Thanks to them, we were able to finally make it to the iron gate.


    Ria, press the button!


    Understood!


    A dramatic noise rang out and the iron gate started lowering. The room had finally be safe again. There were probably some tiny monsters still lingering around, but the big ones were all finished off at this point. However, Enami was nowhere to be found.


    Huh why isnt he here? The room should be closed off now.


    Theres not even a dead body. Even if he was eaten, surely there would be something left over.


    Just like Deet said, surely there would be something here. But that kind of big guy, I cant imagine him being eaten. But there was nothing near the iron gate. Only the dungeons stone walls, which someone from this side wouldnt be able to go past. Wait!


    Thats reminds me, didnt we hear someone shouting about paying a licensing fee or something? What if, by chance, when he was struggling with one of the monsters


    Thats the only thing I can consider. While being jostled by the monsters he must have passed through the gate.


    This is bad. If it was like the slimes or weird moving mushrooms I beat earlier, even Enami could make do with just his bare hands, but he would most likely be killed by something like the giant centipede. While thinking of what we should do Deet spoke up.


    I think its best I should start heading back to my worlds surface now.


    Huh? But thatswhat about todays farewell party?


    I need to hurry and follow Enami, or hes going to be killed by monsters.


    That was probably the case. I dont want to wake up in the morning knowing that someone who came to my room has been killed. I may be ignoring some safetyws but Im not a bad person.


    Alright fine. But wait just a second.


    I returned to my room and brought back the backpack I had stuffed with all the adventuring gear with Deet. Just in case I also put the bloomers and school swimsuit inside.


    Here, just make sure youreing back alright?


    Of course. I havent forgotten that Im going to make you a dungeon master and live together with you, Thor.


    If I can be one.


    I smiled and pushed the button to open the big iron gate. The gate began to open slowly.


    Im fine, and Ill see to it that Enami is okay too. Until you install a camera, keep this door closed, its too dangerous!


    Will do. Im going to put one up as fast as possible.


    Then, Ill be back soon.


    Deet smiled as she walked through the doorway and into the other side of the dungeon, and vanished soon after. I pressed the button once again and the iron gate started to close slowly. After we had made sure that itpletely closed, I held Rias hand together with mine and returned to the room with her. It seemed like she had really gone and went to return home. Without saying anything I knew that we both felt the same thing, concern, and hope for Deets safety.


    I hope that Deet will be okay.


    Shes strong, shell be fine. I just hope Enami is still alive though.


    Yes I hope so as well. Despite being a magic user, Deet was always exploring and searching the dungeon all by herself, she can handle it.


    When we made it back to the room, Ria seemed like she had remembered something and spoke up.


    By the way, Im concerned about the thing that Deet said, something about you bing a dungeon master and living togetherwhat exactly did you both mean by that conversation?


    Oops, thats not good. I wonder exactly how much Ria knows about dungeon masters.


    Oh that? Thats just something Deet likes to joke around about, you know her.


    Master Thor, I would have you teach me more about this.


    Rias smile was oddly terrifying.

 Book 2: Chapter 2: (2)

    Book 2: Chapter 2: (2)


    I ended up calling a security camerapany I had found after searching on the inte. Deet mentioned that because the iron gate was too dangerous to be opening and closing, it was safer to have a camera installed.


    So you have a detached room a bit of a distance away from your main home, and you want to install a camera for safety purposes?


    Well, its inside a dungeon though.


    Would it be possible?


    Yes, of course, thatd be doable. As long as you have a long power and coax cable connected to the system itd be fine. Its also possible with a LAN cable or even wireless, but coax would be the most stable.


    Sweet! It looks like Ill have no problem installing a camera in the dungeon then! The LAN type looks the most inexpensive, but it would probably be better to use the type that is used by retailers and stores professionally. And Im not entirely sure that wireless would work well inside the dungeon. Coax cables are the cables used for television antennas, right? I should ask how efficient they are.


    Does it work in real-time, as well as video recording?


    This type of camera includes live footage, video recording, and reying footage. It should have everything that you would need.


    Live footage, recording, and rey huh? Yeah, that should do nicely. It just keeps sounding better for me.


    Will I still be able to see the footage even in a low light area?


    Yes of course, it also allows you to see inside dark areas with ease. However, from sundown onwards, the color will turn to more of greyscale, but you should still be able to see fine.


    So, then its kind of like those nature documentaries they show on TV, with the nocturnal animals.


    Do you have some kind of animal, person, or an unknown intruder on your property?


    Uhhh


    Rather than animals or people, Im more into the looking for monsters or elves variety of intruders.


    This type is also able to use the camera sensor light at the same time.


    Oh you mean a light that shines when something gets close?


    Thats correct. And when the image bes lighter, it will also be clearer. And with that clearness, you will have easy to see proof that someone was there. Isnt that convenient?


    I see. But even if I yell out Hey goblin! I see you! Youre an intruder, and I have proof now!, the goblins will stille inside regardless. I dont think theyll care much. For now, as long as it can see inside dark ces, it should be fine.


    Would I be able to see the footage on myputer?


    Most of our clients use specialized recording and monitoring equipment, but if you were to adjust the settings, streaming it to yourputer should pose no difficulty.


    I see. Well, what should I do? Myputer has a tower thats sitting on the floor, so theres enough space for some extra stuff on top of my desk. It could probably fit a monitor and recording device.


    We also have a bundle option, which includes a camera and recording equipment in a set, if it makes it easier for you to make a decision.


    He makes a good point. Being able to purchase this kind of stuff in a set from the manufacturer would be a lot easier than searching and buying them all separately. And it seems like it would include a mouse and cable for operating the recorder, as well as set up.


    Would it be possible to order a longer coax and power cable? It would be nice if they were around 40 meters long.


    That would be no problem, we can exchange those for you, on the house. The normal cables are also quite long too.


    Really? Then Ill take them. Thank you so much.


    Would you also like a monitor?


    You said its possible to hook it up to aputer monitor right?


    If its connected to the recording device, then yes it should work fine on theputer.


    Perfect. Myputer monitor will work just fine then. Now then, how many should I get? Its a little expensive, but if I buy 4 cameras, Ill be able to get a discount. If there are 4 cameras, that will cover my front door, the entirety of the big main room, the inner part of the iron gate, and then eventually I can get one outer part of the iron gate as well. With this, Ill be able to see everything thats going on inside the big dungeon room outside my apartment. This can probably ensure the safety of the area.


    $1200 is a bit pricey, but its a necessary evil. My savings are starting to dwindle down. Its like Im raising my level in real life. It feels like I bought some in-app purchases for a social game or something.


    Alright, Ill take the four-camera set please.


    Thank you very much. When would you like instation?


    Huh?


    Because you spent more than $1000, the instation service fee will only be around $200.


    $200 more would really hurt my wallet, but if its instation


    Would you be able to install them inside a dungeon?


    A dungeon?


    Uhm, never mind its nothing. Ill just buy the equipment and set everything up myself, is that okay?


    The features seem really good, but I cant have peoplee over here and install these things inside the dungeon, itd be too dangerous.


    We have many customers who opt to do self-instation.


    Is there anything I should watch out for, or something you could teach me?


    Hmm, possibly. What kind of house do you live in?


    Oh, my house? Well, its a lovely 2-bedroom apartment/dungeon living spaceor so I wanted to say.


    So I went to a retail store and bought the equipment there.


    Ria was listening to my story with a wondrous face.


    What exactly is this?


    Its a really useful artifact. But setting it up will be rather difficult. How you do itwell, I went and asked one of my sage friends.


    For the time being, Ill try setting up the monitor and recording equipment inside my room. I put the recording equipment and monitor onto myputer desk and plugged in the power cord.


    Alright! This isnt exactly how youre supposed to use this equipment, but everythings connected now! Now, lets try the camera in the other room.


    I had ced a cardboard box on the tatami floor in the Japanese style room and then ced the camera on top of that. I connected the recording equipment to the coax cable and then made sure it was plugged into the power socket in the wall. Thats about it I suppose. When I returned to the western style room, Ria was staring into the monitor with bewildered eyes.


    J-Just a moment ago! In the tatami room! Master Thor was inside this box!


    Looks like it was a total sess. The monitor was showing the inside of the tatami room. By the way, Shizuku was inside the closet reading one of my doujinshi. She was probably expanding her knowledge of the world.


    But I guess, getting up to this point was the easy part.


    After this, things were going to get difficult. It was a problem of how to run through and connect the power cable and coax cable inside the dungeon. If I just open a hole through the concrete in the wall, myndlord would get really upset.


    Looks like Ill have no choice but to use the method that the manufacturer told me about. Ah, here it is. Ill have to run the cord through the pipe for my air conditioning unit.


    The air conditioner has to be connected with a unit on the outside of the apartment or it wont run. So in other words, Ill use that hole to connect the cables.


    If the size of the hole is too tiny, the cable wont fit through. If I disconnect it from the outside unit, it wont be able to run, and Ill just have to endure the heat and cold. So normally, if you make the hole too big, you can fill in the crevice with a y putty-like gum and that should solve the problem


    Got it! After a bit of deliberating, I didnt end up needing any putty, and the hole looked like a good fit!


    Im saved. From the looks of it, the coax cable will also have no problem connecting to the other side. As for the power cable, if I make one split off into the dungeon it should be fine.


    For the time being, I put one coax cable and one power cable through the hole. If I think about the position of the air conditioners pipe, the tip of the coax and power cable should poke out into the dungeon now.


    Alright, Ria. Lets head into the dungeon.


    I-Into the dungeon?


    Yep. The camera in the dungeon, or rather the artifact, needs to be set up now.


    Understood!


    I put on my heamp, walked happily to the front door, and opened it. After exiting into the dungeon, I walked to the stone wall with Ria and took a look.


    Theyre not hereThe coax and the power cable


    But rtive to the position of the air conditioner, they should be here. I looked all over the big dungeon room, but the cables were nowhere to be found.


    It makes no sense


    Please dont tell me I just wasted $1200 on nothing. Im actually going to cry. But even more than that, Im angry that my n is back to zero.


    Wait a secWhen I pushed the cable through the wall, the front door was closed, right? It probably went into Japan rather than here!


    I returned with Ria to the apartment for a second and pulled on the cables, and they came back from air conditioner piping. I then opened the front door so that I could see the inside of the dungeon.


    I think with this, the cables should exit out into the dungeon rather than into Japan.


    I once again tried pushing the coax and power cables through the hole and into the outside.


    Alright I sent it through! Ria, lets try going into the dungeon one more time!


    A-Alright!


    I shone my heamp at the spot that I thought the cables would be poking through the pipes.


    Theyre here! I cant believe it!


    From the inorganic dungeon stone wall, two cables were unexpectedly sticking out. After an hour I was finished installing the cameras. One to record in front of the front door, one to record the entirety of the main dungeon room, and one in front of the iron gate. Right now, Im attaching the cables to the stone wall with a putty-like paste, but tomorrow Ill try drilling a hole in the stone wall with the electric drill I ordered, so it should have no problem staying in ce after that.


    I want to conceal the cables with some putty, and then spray paint that to be the same gray color as the stone wall, but I think for today this was a good stopping point.


    So with this, Master Thor will be able to watch the dungeon from inside of his sleeping quarters?


    You got it! Lets go take a look now!


    But before that. As I watched Ria enter into the apartment before me, I attempted to check her status.


    [<b>Name</b>] Aria Eldlux


    [<b>Race</b>] Human


    [<b>Age</b>] 18


    Rias status appeared like an image inside my head. Like I thought. This is the effect of my [<b>Person Appraisal</b>] skill. The skill is still only level 1 so it doesnt show me that much information yet, but its plenty of fun to use. The more I level up the skill, [<b>Job</b>] and [<b>Level</b>] should be visible as well. I want to hurry and level up some more. And the more levels I get, the more I can level up my skills.


    Its obvious but, her name, race, and age are all exactly as she told me


    Considering Im from a different world, she didnt falsify anything about her name, age, or body type. While I was thinking of it, I decided to check my status as well, and as I did so, I realized my [<b>Magic] </b>had dropped down to 33 / 39. So thats it. When I check other peoples statuses, it drains my magic by 6 points. While I was thinking about that, Ria stood in front of the door and called out while waving at me.


    Master Thor, lets hurry up and look at the monitor!


    Okay!


    I hurried to catch up to Ria. We quickly returned to the room in my apartment and looked at the monitor on top of myputer desk.


    Wow, so it can even see through dark ces like this?


    When the front door is closed, the outside world bes Japan, so I had thought that the cables would disconnect. But, it looked like everything was still running smoothly. The monitor was disying the inside of the dungeon. The cameras also had infrared lights attached so we could still somewhat see in the dark.


    Alright, thats looking pretty good.


    Just by looking at the Front Door Camera and Iron Gate Camera, I could determine if it was safe or even see if any traps were being nned there or not. The Dungeon Main Room Camera was a bit dark, but it was still enough to tell if there were any monsters there or not.


    Master Thor, the main room camera is a little dark, isnt it?


    The infrared that the camera is currently equipped with isnt very strong, but if we buy a better one, wed probably be able to see more clearly. The ones I just looked for on Amason were under $10.


    Amason?


    Oh, uhh..thats the Great Sage Marketce.


    The stuff I need to buy just keeps increasing. This is costing me too much money. After all of this, Ill have to have a discussion with Deet when shees back home with her Gadheus gold coins.


    But, before that, theres something else I want to buy from Amason.


    What would that be?


    Hehehe, oh youll see. I hope ites in quickly

 Book 2: Chapter 2: (3)

    Book 2: Chapter 2: (3)


    From then on, for 2 days straight I hadnt gone into the dungeon, and instead seriously focused on my part-time job. Since the electric drill I ordered off Amason had arrived, I went ahead and opened up some holes in the dungeons stone walls so that I could mount the cameras snugly in ce, and I also painted the coax and power cables a nice gray color. However, the iron gate had remained firmly shut the entire time, so not even a single monster had made it inside.


    And with that, until the other stuff I ordered off Amason arrived, we kept away from opening the iron gate. Ria, Shizuku, and I had spent our daily lives inside my apartment and doing nothing spectacr.


    Mr. Suzuki! Amason delivery here!


    It finally came. I rushed to the front door and was about to open it until I realized. If I just open it like this, itll open into the dungeon.


    Sorry, Ive kind of got my hands tied up at the moment. Could you open the front door for me? It isnt locked.


    The Amason delivery guy opened the door for me. My hands were not currently tied up, and I could tell by the look on his face he was slightly confused. I signed the usual spot on the form, and he handed the package over to me.


    Thank you Mr. Suzuki.


    Thank you so much!


    After the delivery guy had left, I excitedly opened up the box. Ria also peeked over into the box with great interest.


    What is that?


    This is a very special artifact.


    In this world, rather than an artifact, this is often called a robot arm. It might look like just a simple toy, but when connected by a USB cable to yourputer, it can be controlled. I also bought a long USB cable. It was the type of cable to strengthen the signal, so I spent around $100 on it alone. To be honest it was around the same price as the robot arm.


    Lets go install this inside the dungeon immediately!


    Huh? Where are you going to set it up?


    The ce near the button to open up the iron gate.


    If we install it properly, the robotic arm will definitely be able to push the button to open up the iron gate.


    We finally did it!!


    After spending a few hours installing and mounting the robot arm, I spent a few hours running trial and error tests on myputer to get it to work. Atst, from the inside of my apartment, just with the click of a button I created a system that can open and close the iron gate at will. The time was 3 in the morning. Ria had been having fun watching me get it configured and had finally fallen asleep. But I was too excited to sleep. The arm was a 100% sess, I could open and close the gate whenever I wanted to! I had attained perfect security.


    Ive finally devised a system where I can reliably open and close the iron gate from a distance!


    But actually, I think its also alright to say that Ivee up with a simplified monster-hunting system. I remembered the time I first met Deet.


    That time, in order to make sure that the giant centipede that was attacking Deet couldnte inside I lowered the iron gate. The gate trapped the centipede between it, but it was also crushed and severed in two.


    If it crushed its head, that giant centipede would have died for sure. Or, if it was a weaker monster like a slime or weird monster mushroom, it would probably be instant death. However, sure the gate was wide and powerful enough to get the job done, but the real question was if Id be able to identify a monster on the monitor and press the button in time to crush it.


    Might as well give it a try.


    For the time being, I went to the kitchen and grabbed a cold c to wind down. I came back and lounged in myputer chair.


    Okay! Its time to check how the door works! I can finally grind levels with just one click!


    When I clicked theputer mouse with my right hands index finger, I observed the iron gate rise up through theputer monitor on my desk. And then all I had to do was wait patiently for a monster to wander inside. I sipped on my c through a straw as I watched the monitor. In order for this trap to work, I had set up a camera so I could use the iron gate, but try as I might, I couldnt see anything but the one side with the stone wall.


    Hmm I guess just by waiting like this, monsters arent just going toe inside


    About 5 minutes had passed. And then it happened. Without a sound, a gtinous mass appeared.


    It came! A slime!


    With a swift movement, I pressed the button to close the gate. The gate was closing too slow. But the slime was also slow. I saw the slime get crushed beneath the gate and severed in two. I quickly put on my heamp and went into the dungeon. I quickly rushed to the front of the iron gate.


    It was a sess!


    All around the iron gate was the blue remains of the slime.


    I did it! Things are starting to heat up!


    I ran back to myputer. I couldnt even get one sip of my c before another monster appeared on the screen. But after that, things didnt go so well. A monster mushroom, a centipede, and a giant rat all came by the gate, but as soon as I tried closing it, they would just run away. The slime was slow, so it was unable to escape my trap. It wasnt able to read the situation as well as the other monsters, thats probably the only reason it fell for it.


    I got one out of a couple of monsters, so it was a semi-sess but the sess rate is too low.


    I wondered if using the iron gate to defeat monsters was a bad idea after all. But for the time being, the number of blue slimesing through the gate wasnt that low, so I could keep hunting them. I should also tryying some bait down to attract more slimes.


    Wait a secondif I use bait


    I went to my refrigerator and grabbed some cabbage, green onion, ham, and ground meat and put them into a bag. I took the bag and went into the dungeon.


    Welp, thats all of my decent food. I seriously gotta go to the store.


    On top of that, monster corpses were starting to pile up inside the dungeon. As I had expected, near the iron gate was arge collection of slimes. I attacked a blue slime with my ice axe. I grabbed that slime and some of the other slime residue and put it inside the bag. Then I faced the gate and lined up the food and monster residue I had picked up.


    Okay little monsters, I put a nice snack down for you!


    This way, I can probably close the gate on the monsters who will try and eat the bait. I returned from the dungeon and went into my room, then clicked the button to open the gate. As soon as I did, a blue slime grabbed a hold of the cabbage Iid out.


    And now to close it andGot him!


    I ced the cabbage barely on the edge of the entrance, so only the slime was impaled by the gate. The slime was so distracted by the bait that it didnt even have an opportunity to run away.


    Okay next. I wanted to try again.


    When I opened up the gate, a monster immediately appeared again.


    Its a monster mushroom! Hes heading towards the green onion!


    I immediately tried closing the door andso close! Just by looking at the footage, I wasnt too sure, but he probably managed to escape. I had to keep it up.


    This time, it was a slime! Sess!


    Another slime, another sess!


    Then a monster mushroom. I got it that time!


    Is that a goblin? Does he want to eat my ham? I tried to close the door andhe got away. That was a failure.


    Slime! Sess!


    Another slime! Got it!


    The slimes look like theyre really after that cabbage, it made them really easy to defeat. I didnt have a lot of free samples put out, but the monster mushroom capture rate was pretty high. I was going to try a bit more. I opened the door again and stared at the monitor looking for monsters.


    One came! A giant centipede! If I can defeat this guy, my chances of leveling up are high! When I was a low level, defeating one of these things gave me two level-ups.


    I see, I see. So, Mr. Centipede likes the ground meat huh?


    The giant centipede focused solely on eating the ground meat. Its possible that the monsters of this dungeon have a special affinity towards Japanese food.


    Here it goes! Dont notice thisIm gonna press the button!


    The iron gate started to steadily close. I thought I was actually going to get it. But suddenly the giant centipede jumped in surprise and turned away. Just by looking at the monitor I couldnt tell but it was probably a failure.


    Aww, I was so close! Maybe I should go check the front of the gate.


    As I thought, it looked like I wasnt able to catch the giant centipede. I didnt even level up and my ground meat was almost all gone.


    So Japanese food really is an effective way to lure them


    Maybe I should go buy some more stuff from Tonskihote. Maybe theres some food that would work even better as bait! For some reason I only end up going to Tonskihote in the middle of the night. Its way more convenient than other stores, they even sell groceries 24/7.


    I, too, would like to be helpful to you.


    Shizuku had appeared on my clothes out of nowhere.


    You should teach me some of the food that you like, Shizuku.


    The eating habits of monsters are all very different, but the Japanese food you had cooked for me was exceptionally delicious.


    Hmm okay. Well Ill be back.


    Okay!


    Shizukus voice got lively. It seemed like she was happy that the two of us got to go outside together. I took her to my part-time job before, but weve never been to Tonskihote together. Maybe Ill buy something for her. But I had no idea what exactly a white slime would want to buy. After making it to Tonskihote, I looked at the outside of the building with Shizuku.


    T-This is Tonskihote? Its so big! And sparkly!


    Thats right. And no dungeons!


    Its different from the shops where you ask for allies and converse with people.


    Probably. Its different from your worlds shops too, its massive. Deet was totally surprised too.


    It would be really fun if I was able to go to their worlds shops with Ria, Shizuka, and Deet too. So, I need to work hard and clear the dangerous dungeon. Speaking of Deet, I need to set up the camera that watches the other side of the stone wall. And it wouldnt hurt to keep leveling up and getting stronger too. I better look for some more tasty bait that monsters would like as well.


    Alrighty. Well first off, we better go somewhere they sell food.


    Okay!


    The grocery store was a big building with cash registers lined up in front and in the very back is where the snacks were sold.


    Hmm how about potato chips. But I feel like theres something Im forgetting


    I felt like I was forgetting something about these potato chips. As I was trying to remember what I had forgotten, Shizuku chimed in.


    This chip does not look very tasty. It also smells bad. And it is tough.


    There is no way potato chips can taste bad right?


    Oh, actually you open up this and eat the foot inside of it. The things inside are definitely tasty!


    I see. I had thought that this was not what food smells like.


    Exactly. Ill buy a bag for you. And itll increase your agility by 50%.


    Yes, ourpanions often spoke of how they care for these statuses. Im sure they will be delighted.


    Thats right. Japanese food can cause various of your stats to raise.


    And thats why-AHHHHH I FORGOT!


    W-What is the issue?


    Is it really okay for me to give Japanese food to monsters?! Wont they be stronger?


    Ive already had some monsters eat my food and run away. I hope I havent caused any serious issues to people exploring the dungeons.


    Well yes. I-I wonder. At least, as a white slime, I am different than humans and dont often check my own status.


    I guess asking Shizuku wont get me anywhere. She doesnt really have any interest in the changing of her stats. But some of the information she said was actually pretty beneficial to me.


    However, mypanions did hear from humans about something. Even if they are the same type of monsters, the stronger ones provide more experience points and make it easier for you to level up.


    Wait, really?


    Yes. Or so Ive heard.


    So maybe, if I feed dungeon monsters some Japanese food to up their stats and then defeat them, I can level up really easily.


    Well, Ill think about thatter. What I need to consider now is some food that will distract the monsters long enough for the gate totch onto them.


    Cant wait to see more? Want to show your support? <strong>CLICK HERE</strong> to be a patron and get additional chapters ahead of time!

 Book 2: Chapter 2: (4)

    Book 2: Chapter 2: (4)


    That looks tastier than anything.


    Shizuku, who had taken on the shape of my clothes, jiggled around.


    Apples, daikon, mackerel, and sardine. Ill try experimenting with these ingredients.


    From all the foods that Shizuku had told me that look tasty, I focused on buying only the cheapest ones.


    Thats right. Since I had youe along Shizuku, why dont you let me buy you something nice.


    Really?!


    Sure.


    Then, I would like a cor.


    I should ask again just to make sure.


    Uhwhat will you use it for?


    Is there a use other than putting it around your neck?


    Shes been reading too many doujinshi. I feel like she might have absorbed too much faulty information.


    For today, how about we choose something else?


    I cant choose that? But I really wanted it too. It was written that by receiving a cor from your master, it is proof of his undying love. Its so cute!


    This is going to get a whole lot weirder if I dont stop it now. I decided to walk around Tonskihote a bit with Shizuku. We looked at a lot of products, and I had to teach her about the proper way living creatures should be.


    Oh this! These are the bloomers that Ria is always wearing! Theres a lot of cute clothes here!


    We looked at the cosy corner and Shizuku started shaking around with excitement. Teaching her how to be proper would be harder than I thought. We walked through the bathroom supplies.


    This is where they sell products for bathtubs. You know what a bathtub is right?


    I know! What is this?


    Looks like its bath powder to make bubble baths. Look theres a picture here.


    There was a cute girl, but she looked gaudier than Ria.


    This! I want this!


    Yeah sure, this looks good.


    Yay!!!


    Shizuku really liked baths. She was always taking one after Ria and I went to sleep. She jiggled with excitement.


    I want to get inside this bubbly bath with my master.


    W-What did she say?


    Y-You cant do that. Theres no way we can do that!


    Why not?


    I told you before that guys and girls shouldnt take baths together didnt I?


    When Shizuku asked me before Why dont you and Ria take a bath together? I answered like that.


    But I am neither a male nor female.


    When she says it like that it makes sense butit still feels kind of immoral.


    Ria probably doesnt want to be seen naked.


    I could transform into Ria and we could take a bath that way.


    Well yeah, when she says it like that, its not like theres a weird issue for us to enter the bath together.


    I want to wash your head and body with soap using my body.


    That sounds nice. Maybe Ill take one. Nothing wrong with that.


    Yay!


    Shizuku started jiggling excitedly. I decided not to think so hard about this stuff. Next, we walked over to the pet corner. There wasnt really anything we needed there. I thought about heading home, but before I realized we had found a certain product.


    T-This is!


    Master! Are you finally going to buy me a cor?


    No, thats too weird!


    This would probably be really effective! And for the amount you get, its pretty cheap too! Ill try buying some different kinds.


    I entered the room quietly, so I didnt wake up Ria. I took off Shizuku, who had transformed to the shape of my clothes, near the bathtub.


    Master, are you nning to enter the bathtub like this?


    I wondered if Shizuku was really not a male or female. I can only think of her as a girl.


    N-No, not right now. For the time being, I want to hurry up and test out the new food I bought.


    Okay


    Her voice was always crisp and cheerful, but for some reason she sounded kind of disappointed to me. Or maybe it was just my imagination. I ced the apple, daikon, mackerel, and sardine in front of the iron gate. And finally, after that


    Take this! Cat food!


    This is what I bought at the pet department of Tonskihote. I bought the wet and dry types of cat food. I wondered if monsters would be attracted to eating this too.


    What is that?


    Its bait for pets.


    Bait for pets? It has an amazing smell!


    I didnt know if that was just Shizukus natural monster feeding habits acting up, or if shes just been reading too many weird doujinshis.


    S-Shizuku, dont eat this okay? Ill make you something a lot better than thister.


    O-Oh, okay.


    Alright, now time to go back to myputer and wait for monsters toe. Im excited to find out if the monsters will react the same way to cat food. Shizuku had returned back inside the drawer. I prepared some chips and c and leaned back in myputer chair. The dark dungeon room was showing on myputer monitor. And of course, the iron gate was closed. This is where the fun part began. If this works, my monster hunting sess ratio could skyrocket.


    Here we go, open the door!


    In order for the robot arm to open the gate, I clicked the button on my mouse once. The iron gate started to open. Without the gate even having opened fully yet, a huge number of shadows were looming near the food I ced there. Monsters were here!


    HolySeriously?! One huge centipede, and two goblins? A giant rat, a monster mushroom, and a blue slime are all clumped up together!


    They must have been drawn here from the bait since before I even opened the door. They were all gathered around the cat food. For the time being, I waited for them to be focused on eating the bait. I had to click the mouse at the perfect time.


    Its you! Giant centipede! Youve been eating well, havent you!


    The strongest creature on this floor, the giant centipede, was threatening and pushing around all the other monsters. He was trying to get a monopoly on all the pet food. The other monsters couldnt get close to it. The other monsters went towards the remaining apples, daikon, mackerel, and sardines instead.


    Alright now!!!


    With a click of the mouse, the robot arm moved. I saw the iron gate lower through the monitor. The goblins noticed something was weird and took the mackerel and left, but the other monsters continued greedily devouring the bait. When the gate touched the giant rat, it swiftly ran away, but the giant centipede, monster mushroom, and blue slime remained there and became prey for my trap!


    I felt power swell up inside of me. There was no doubt about it, I leveled up. I was a little worried, but it seems like I can attack and gain experience even with just a click.


    But some slimes and monster mushrooms managed to make it in. Id better head into the dungeon and check the status.


    I equipped my heamp and my ice axe and opened the front door. It was the same dark dungeon as usual. I stepped out into the dungeon room.


    I should hurry and check my status.


    <b>[Name] </b>Suzuki Tooru


    <b>[Race] </b>Human


    <b>[Age] </b>21


    <b>[Job] </b>None


    <b>[Level] </b>7 /


    <b>[Stamina] </b>31 / 31


    <b>[Magic] </b>45 / 45


    <b>[Attack] </b>120


    <b>[Defense] </b>44


    <b>[Strength] </b>16


    <b>[Intelligence] </b>29


    <b>[Agility] </b>18


    <b>[Skills] </b>Unlimited Growth, Person Appraisal LV 2 / 10


    I did it! I got 2 levels!


    I must have been close to leveling up earlier, so I got 2 level ups. I also defeated the giant centipede in one go!


    My <b>[Person Appraisal] </b>skill also leveled up. Im excited to test it on Ria.


    First, for the sake of safety, I had better defeat the remaining monster mushrooms and slimes that entered the dungeon room. I cant have them eating my remaining bait. Im leveled up now, so I could easily defeat mushrooms and slime.


    The perks of leveling up are really amazing. My <b>[Agility]</b> leveled up so my body feels really light!


    This kind of body and movement is something that would take even an athlete months to get. But my body became this strong in just 5 days! Im probably 5 times stronger than I was. Even without using a hand dynamotor, I could tell my grip strength was strong.


    I wonder when Ill be strong enough to defeat a giant centipede with just one blow. Ria and Deet, and even Shizuku, would probably think Im so cool and be so impressed.


    While daydreaming about that, I defeated a small fry monster easily.


    Alright, I finished cleaning up and getting rid of all the monsters that came into this side. I should go and restock my bait now.


    When I walked over to the iron gate, most of my bait had been devoured. Like I thought, the cat food had all been eaten immediately. The mackerel was also mostly gone.


    The cat food and mackerel are expensive thoughMaybe I should use the cheap dry type.


    I scattered some more pet food in front of the iron gate and returned back to myputer. I nced at the clock and it was already 5:30 in the morning! My part time job starts at 9 so I could only sleep for 2 hours. I thought that I should better get to sleep, but I was so excited there was no way.


    Just one more time! After 1 more Ill go to sleep!


    Open the door! Monsters came in immediately again! Another giant centipede too! This guy really liked his pet food. I estimated the time and clicked the button.


    Ahhhhhhhh! So close! He just barely ran away!


    I really should get to sleep. But then again, I still had some remaining bait. I quickly closed the gate.


    One more time. Just one more. That giant centipede is just waiting outside. I know as soon as I open that door, helle running in and start eating.


    But as you probably can guess, there was no way I was stopping after just one more go.

 Book 2: Chapter 2: (5)

    Book 2: Chapter 2: (5)


    I was arranging a sd on a te while being absolutely dead tired. I somehow managed to stay awake after pulling an all-nighter before my part-time job. No matter how much [<b>Stamina</b>], [<b>Strength</b>], and [<b>Agility</b>] I have, I can apparently still get tired. And after all, tired things must sleep.


    B-But even after all that, I did manage to level up a bit hehehe.


    The monsters in the dungeon appeared to really enjoy Japanese pet food, so much so that when they start eating, they bepletely absorbed and unaware of whats going on. Honestly, after a while, I just started halfway closing my eyes and clicking the mouse button without looking at the monitor. Even so, I still managed to crush a high percentage of monsters with the iron gate.


    Hey Suzuki! Hurry up and get that sd out there!


    Ah, sorry!


    I was so preupied thinking about the dungeon that I made Tateishi, the high school girl who was waitressing in the hall, upset. Ugh, I really want to finish work up fast so I can go level up some more. To think that I can level up just by scattering out some pet food and simply pushing a button. Its so damn fun. On the other end, if I work here and put out sd at a family restaurant, I wont get any level ups whatsoever, and that goes the same for skills. Its totally pointless. It sucks I cant grind and do my part-time job at the same time.


    Hey, wait a sec


    That reminded me of something, Ive often heard of things called bots. My friend once told me he used a program in an online RPG to level up automatically, with him not even home. But online games areplicated, so they needed someplicated software. But for me, I only need to click at a certain interval, so theres probably a ton of free software scattered on the inte that I can use!


    Of course, if Im actually looking at the monitor, then the sess rate for killing monsters would be higher, and I wouldnt needlessly waste bait butmaybe I could grind when Im asleep, or even at my part-time job! And using a bot in the dungeon probably isnt against the dungeons terms of service. This got me thinking that it might actually work, grinding even while in real life by using a bot.


    Finally, this hectic and tiring day is finally over!


    I was finally able to exhaustedly return home from the family restaurant where I worked. I peeked into mypletely unsuspicious apartment through the window of the Japanese style room. I had told Shizuku what time I wasing home in advance so that she could make sure Ria wasnt in the room when I came back. Shizuku was surprisingly really effective at dealing with Ria. Every time I came home, Ria was always in a good mood. When I tried to consult Shizuku on how she got so good at handling women she just saidIts the knowledge of doujinshi! then boasted and jiggled gleefully. After that, asking her about specifics suddenly became quite scary.


    Just in case, I peeked inside the window, and there was no inside the room. The sliding door that was connected to the dining room was also closed. With care, I climbed through the window and then hid inside the closet. I had no doubt that, like always, Shizuku would soon enter the room.


    Waiting inside the dark closet kind of makes me sleepy


    But before sleeping, I wanted to test out the automatic tool. Luckily, just before I fell asleep, Shizuku came into the room.


    Master!


    Alright lets swap!


    With that, Shizuku hopped into the closet and I came outside. A few momentster Ria also came into the Japanese style room.


    What are you doing?


    Ah, nothing. Actually, I was just doing some research on how to adjust this artifact described in the forbidden texts


    A-Adjusting an artifact described in the forbidden texts? Is it going to be okay?


    Of course!


    Theres no management or rules in the dungeon, so itll probably be fine.


    But, your face looks rather exhausted.


    Ahaha, Im fine.


    I was just a little sleep deprived.


    Im going to head into the dungeon for a bit.


    A-Alright.


    For the time being, I wanted to check my status and resupply the bait in the dungeon. I went out the front door and quickly checked my status.


    <b>[Name] </b>Suzuki Tooru


    <b>[Race] </b>Human


    <b>[Age] </b>21


    <b>[Job] </b>None


    <b>[Level] </b>9 /


    <b>[Stamina] </b>34 / 34


    <b>[Magic] </b>50 / 50


    <b>[Attack] </b>123


    <b>[Defense] </b>44


    <b>[Strength] </b>19


    <b>[Intelligence] </b>33


    <b>[Agility] </b>20


    <b>[Skill]</b> Unlimited Growth, Person Appraisal LV 2 / 10


    I leveled up! Hehehe


    Level 9 huh. ording to my calctions, since my strength raised up by 1, my grip strength should be around 80kg now. Maybe I could be like a fighting manga and crush an apple with my bare hands. It hasnt even been a week since I moved into this apartment connected to a dungeon. And on top of that, I wonder how much more powerful I can get using the auto clicker tool 24/7. I might be strong enough to take a medal from the Olympics even. Well, even if I was by chance able to do something like that, it would probably really stand out.


    I arrived in front of the iron gate. The remaining dry cat food was spread around the entrance. I was able to gather together the remaining food into a pile.


    This should do it!


    I ran back to my room and sat in my chair in front of theputer. I quickly typed the words into myputers search engine.


    Free software, space, auto clicker.


    Found some! Like I thought, there was plenty. This one looks good. Theres plenty of good user reviews, and thement section says that its simple and easy to use too.


    Easy to use is the best! Ill try downloading this one.


    I tried opening the downloader and the settings screen popped up. Ria hade into the room and was watching from behind me.


    What is this?


    Oh this? This is kind of like a magical spell thatmands the iron gate in the dungeon to open up automatically from inside this room.


    T-Thats amazing! How does it work?


    I put amand into this artifact called aputer, and it understands and sends amand to the robot arm we installed in the dungeon, and as themand says, it moves which causes the gate to open and close.


    Hmm, thats interesting, but why does the door need to open and close automatically?


    That reminds me, I havent told Ria about the trap I set for monsters in front of the iron gate yet. I made it yesterday, but because it took a lot of time, I got really tired and slept before talking to Ria. Ill try exining it lightly.


    Y-You did something like that?


    Hahaha, yep!


    Rias surprised face made me feel really cool, and I identally boasted withughter.


    You are truly a great sage! And its amazing to think that you gain levels so quickly!


    Huh? Eh, I guess. Well like I said, Im diligently devoted to my studies every day. And the more monsters that are defeated means the safer adventurers will be, right.


    I cant exactly say because I dont have an actual job, I can level up as much as I want!. But I feel pretty proud of my aplishments. But anyway, Id better set up the timing to this thing. Hmm I see, you can assign a specific interval to loop through the clicking. If thats the case, first I will make it so the door is closed, and then one click will open the door after 20 minutes. Based on my previous knowledge, 20 minutes will give the monsters enough time to smell the bait and all gather together. Just by smelling the bait, it will make them hungry and oblivious to whats about to happen.


    Then the door will open, and the monsters will start chowing down on the bait, and I can close the door after say, 2 minutes maybe? If they eat all my bait too fast, the trap wont work anymore.


    Ill set up this click cycle to loop indefinitely. Alright! So, with this, my trap will activate every 22 minutes.


    After that, I watched the screen absentmindedly. Is the click timing okay? How much bait will I have after so many minutes? But before the first loop even started and I could examine it, I became extremely tired. Maybe it would be best for me to sleep for an hour or so. After that, the trap will have run about 4 times. I set my smartphones rm clock to go off after an hour and a half.


    Hey Ria, sorry but Im a little tired, so Im going to take a quick nap. Ill make some dinner for us after.


    Well, I shall keep watch on the monitor then.


    Huh? I mean that would help me out, but watching a bot do its work for an hour would probably be pretty boring.


    You sure?


    Yes. Watching the monitor is rather enjoyable.


    Oh really? Then can I ask you to keep a watch on the amount of bait leftover and the types of monsters thate?


    Understood! I will keep a detailed report on this artifact!


    Ria got fired up and grabbed a notepad and ball pen. Oh, and just so you know, Rias notes are in the other worldsnguage, so I cant actually read anything she writes. With that, I rxed and got into bed.

 Book 2: Chapter 3: (1)

    Book 2: Chapter 3: (1)


    <b>The Case of Enami Going to Another World and Deet Returning Home</b>


    KYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!


    As I was sound asleep, the sudden ringing of Rias scream covered the apartment.


    W-W-W-What happened!?


    Ria was pointing at the monitor that was broadcasting the dungeon.


    O-Orc!


    Orc? I rubbed my eyes and took a look at the monitor. Whoa! There were two huge loincloth wearing demon looking figures on the screen. They were clearly not goblins of any kind. And they were probably worth a lot of experience. But why did Ria let out such a horrifying shriek? Are female knights often attacked by orcs?


    Its okay, dont worry Ria. The monitor is just showing us whats inside the dungeon, its safe he


    I was about to say its safe here but then something happened.


    Orc andthe dark wizard


    A dark wizard?


    I examined the monitor one more time. The orcs were both eating some of the delicious looking bait I put out. Huh? Looking again, one of them seems a bit tinier than the other one. Where have I seen that figure before?


    Wait a sec, thats Enami!


    Y-Yes Thats the dark wizard!


    How long did I set for the auto clicker to keep the gate open again? There are only two minutes left! This is bad! As I was thinking, I saw from on the monitor that the iron gate was starting to slowly lower. Neither Enami nor the orc realized what was happening. If this keeps up Enami will be the next thing crushed by my trap.


    AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!


    I frantically opened the auto clicker tool and looked for the button. After finding the button, I hurriedly mashed it over and over again. From the monitor, I watched the iron gate awkwardly lift up and down repeatedly over Enamis and the orcs head. The first time it lifted up, the second time it lowered down, the third time it lifted up, over and over. There was no disy in the program to know whether the gate was going up or down, so I had no idea whether the next button press was going to close it or not. If I was unlucky, my next click couldpletely tten Enami.


    I cant let this happen!!


    I mashed the button continuously again, and then rushed to equip my heamp and ice axe, and then ran into the dungeon. While hurrying through the dungeon I shouted out to Enami.


    HEYYYYYYYYYY! ENAMI RUN!!


    Beneath the rising and lowering gate, Enami and the orc were eating the pet food. After a moment he finally realized me and looked this way.


    Hmm? Oh! Mr. Suzuki! Long time no see!


    Enami was wearing a loincloth and looking pretty wild and roughed up, but luckily, he still remembered me.


    Enami, you need to run away now!


    What? Youve bought a television you say? Are you finally going to sign my contract then?!


    Enami happily stood up. And because he stood up, the rising and lowering of the gate started to graze the top of his head, but he was so happy he didnt even notice. The robot arm that was operated by myputer was still working and continued to press the gates button. I thought that the application might crash, or the robot arm would bust, but it was still in effect. Thank god too, that robot arm was $100 after all. I dont want it to break!


    I didnt buy a TV or anything! Just look at whats happening above you!


    Oh so thats it, is it? While I look up, you and my orc friend are going to steal all this tasty food from me huh? I wont fall for a dumb trick like that, Mr. Suzuki!


    What are you talking about?! That pet food is a trap! I can give you as much as youd like, so just please look up!


    A trap?


    Enami doubtfully looked up.


    W-Whats this?!


    You need to hurry and run away! I clicked it too many times, so if were unlucky its going toe crashing down on you!


    Enami grabbed the orcs arm.


    Mr. Orc, for now, lets withdraw from here!


    Huh? Whats the deal Enami? This stuff tasty. I wanna eat.


    This tasty food is a trap!


    Eh? For reals? Well if its you, I believe.


    Enami and the orc linked arms and ran to the other side of the gate and made their escape. I was so exhausted I sat down for a breather. After all the raising and lowering, the door finally stopped repeating and raised up slowly. So, no matter what I would have done, Enami would have been fine in the end after all.


    Im so exhausted


    But I couldnt let Enami just continue like this. If Im continuing to grind while I sleep, I might wake up in the morning to see Enami ttened like a pancake. But more than that, I cant leave someone from this world to fend for themselves in the dungeon, he could die. I had to save Enami.


    Im going to chase after Enami! Ria, please help me!


    If I didnt have Rias help, I wouldnt be able to make it far past the stone wall across the gate. Its dangerous, but if it gets too bad, we can retreat back immediately. I readied myself. But Ria looked strange. She had a nk look on her face and wasnt moving.


    O-O-Okay


    Her voice was really shaky. And after getting a look at her, her body was too. Because shes a female knight, maybe orcs are scary for her? No, there was no way. I cant start thinking like Shizuku. Ive been reading too many doujinshi. Maybe she remembers thest time in the dungeon, where she copsed from being paralyzed by gas. But there was no doubt she was definitely afraid of something. Maybe I shouldnt bring her along with me.


    L-Lets go onward!


    Maybe Enami already got too far ahead of us, we can go next time?


    I tried saying it in my nicest voice possible.


    What? Why? Is this my doing?!


    She probably realized that I was concerned about her shaking and fear. Maybe going after Enami would be too difficult right now. Being a female knight seemed hard.


    No, not your fault. Im just saying it would be easier if Enami came back around this way first is all.


    I stared at the stone wall past the iron gate. Thats where I first saw those sexy white, but oddly wet, thighse out from.


    Wha-


    Ever since I moved here, Ive been in this state of uncertainty. However, as I was thinking about taking action, it was almost as if I saw some kind of pink hallucination in the distance.


    What are you guys doing standing around in a ce like this?


    Deet!


    Is that Deet?


    It wasnt anything like a hallucination.


    Wee home Deet! You said you wereing back, Im d that it was rather fast.


    Hehehe, Im back! I went to the surface and came back with no issues.


    Despite it being my apartment, it felt like she had actually returned home. I was really happy.


    You returned to the surface in these 4 days, and was able to navigate these 5yers to return here alright?


    Yeah well, with just one person it doesnt take that much time. I cant rmend my methods to other people though.


    It looks like my room is on the fifth floor of this dungeon. Thats the first time Ive heard this. But now is not the time for that.


    Deet! Did you happen to pass by Enami when you came this way?


    Enami?


    The nice NNK guy who was always talking about contracts, the guy with the tough-looking body!


    Deet paused for a second and then startedughing.


    Ohh, that Japanese guy


    Yes, him! Did you forget?


    I-I remember, of course, I remember.


    She totally forgot. It looked like I was berating her.


    O-Of course I gathered information about Enami. Or rather, asked around for rumors at the Adventurers Guild tavern.


    The Adventurers Guild tavern?


    When I asked about my doubts, Ria and Deet both exined it to me.


    The Adventurers Guild has been entrusted by the Kingdom of Francis with the management of the Yomi Labyrinth.


    Uhuh


    I see. So, thisbyrinth is actually under the control of a country, who in turn gave management to the adventures guild. So that means adventurers have to register with the guild and thene here to explore the dungeon. Its a simr style to stuff like video games.


    Because Master Thor is a Great Sage in recluse, you might not know many workings of the world, but the Adventurers Guild often works out of taverns.


    I see I see.


    Which means its a ce where all the adventurers go and exchange information.


    So in other words, rumors about Enami have made it all the way to the guilds tavern?


    Yes, apparently there was a weird orc going around talking about TV licensing contracts.


    I cant believe it.


    But, his hunting rank was E.


    So in other words if


    If you were to vanquish him, the guild would offer a reward.


    Vanquish, in other words, that means kill him! W-What should I do? Every adventurer thates in here could be aiming for his life.


    But, orcs are fairly strong creatures, so if its only for an E rank reward, I dont think many idiots wille down here trying to hunt him down.


    T-Then that would be safe I guess.


    But if hes spotted by a higher level adventurer, they could take him out with no problem. Or it might be annoying to them that the guild put out this kind of request, and they wont feel like killing him if they see him maybe?


    No no no! Wait a second! This is really bad!


    The fact that it became like this is kind of on him for his contract nonsense, but if I let someone from this world die in the dungeon, I wont be able to sleep at night! And he has such a passion for his job that even I cant help but be impressed.


    Will you help him?


    My grandma would say I need to help him!


    I got my sense of justice from my grandmother. I more or less had no choice but to go into the other worlds dungeon to rescue Enami. I also anticipated that everyone else would also feel this sense of justice, and together, we would save him.

 Book 2: Chapter 3: (2)

    Book 2: Chapter 3: (2)


    If you want to help him, theres a better way.


    Oh! What is it?


    You could offer a bigger reward through the Adventurers Guild. Only this time, make it a condition that hes brought in alive.


    I get it. Rather than catching Enami first, and making enemies out of all the adventurers exploring the dungeon, it would be better to make allies of the other adventurers. That way, our chances of helping Enami would probably increase, too.


    But can we do something like that?


    First, we ought to discuss it with the person who put out the request. But the important thing is that they just want Enami gone, so I think it should be okay.


    I see. In that case, wed probably be helping the Adventurers Guild if we put out a request to trap Enami.


    Deet. I really shouldnt ask, but about going to the Adventurers Guild


    Before I could finish saying Would you mind going?, I was interrupted by Deet.


    Im not going!


    W-why?


    I only just got back here! Humph!


    I did feel sorry for her. But I cant just ignore the fact that Enami might get killed.


    I know its a big ask. But can you help me out?


    If youlle with me, Thor, Ill go


    What? Youre asking me to go to the Adventurers Guild?


    Yeah. Whos going to go apart from you, Thor? Youll probably need directions to the surface, so Ille with you.


    It was an unexpected suggestion. Up until this point, I had only interacted with the other world through the dungeon.


    Going to the Adventurers Guild meant going to a town where there were people from the other world.


    Because my apartment was connected to the dungeon and there was nothing I could do about that, I felt that it was okay for me, a Japanese person, to get involved with the other world to that extent. But honestly, I was kind of interested, too.


    Besides, I had a duty to rescue Enami.


    Shall we go and visitthe Adventurers Guild?


    I did feel like waiting until Id levelled up a bit further, but with Deet  who could travel to the surface and back in 4 days by herself  guiding me, there wouldnt be a problem.


    Besides, Ria would probably being along, too.


    Youlle too, wont you, Ria?


    What?! B-but I dont have a sword, so Id just be a burden


    Of course. Ria didnt have a sword.


    Hehehe


    Deet burst outughing suddenly.


    What?!


    Dyou know what Im carrying on my back?


    Come to think of it, Deet was carrying a long item wrapped in cloth.


    I bought this for you, Ria. Yeah, its a present.


    What?! For me?


    Deet took the cloth away with a smile.


    A s-sword!


    Its a ymore. Its pretty good, so


    No way! I cant ept this.


    Its okay, just take it. I dont use stuff like that anyway. You havent been able to go back to the surface until now because you didnt have a sword, right?


    Thats


    I approached Deet and said in a quiet voice,


    You just want Ria to go back to the surface, dont you?


    UlpI


    Thats what I said, but I knew there was no way Deet had bought that sword purely out of self-interest.


    Thank you very muchIll pay you back.


    Its okay, I earn plenty.


    The two of them had be friends after all.


    Seeing thatI let out a shout.


    All right! Lets make our way through the dungeon to the surface, the three of us!


    A-are we going right now?Ria asked.


    Of course, we couldnt go straight away.


    No, probably tomorrow or the day after. Well need to prepare, right?


    Y-yeah.


    We needed to make preparations if we were going to get through the dungeon, and I also had to contact the people at my part-time job.


    While Im at it, Ill level up by clicking the mouse as many times as possible.


    Inbat, I want to focus on experience output, not input.


    After all, its dangerous.


    Because Deet had returned, I decided to make a sumptuous meal of sukiyaki for dinner. I went to a specialist shop to buy the beef while the two of them were in the bath.


    It was a bit expensive, but Deet had brought back a lot of gold coins from Gadheus with her, so I figured this much of an extravagance was all right.


    When Ide back from the Japanese-style room, I asked Shizuku, who was in the closet,


    Are those two still in the bath?


    Yep.


    I see. Ive been and bought some delicious meat, so from now on, lets all eat together.


    I cant eat with you.


    Shizuku trembled. It wasnt the trembling of happiness but of sadness.


    Little by little, I was bing able to work out Shizukus emotions from the way she trembled.


    Its okay, its okay.


    Will you leave some meat for me?


    No. Come and eat with us. Im dressed, so youll turn into my clothes.


    Oh! Isis that okay?


    Of course.


    Shizuku jiggled as if she was really happy.


    I stripped off in the closet.


    Straight away, Shizuku attached herself to my body, turning into an exact replica of the clothes Id just taken off.


    All right! Shall we prepare the sukiyaki before those twoe out of their bath?


    Ill learn that dish so that next time I can make it for you, Master!


    So Shizuku has that type of special skill? Thats a big help.


    Mmm! This is so tasty. What the heck is it?!


    It really is! The meat is so sweet and tender!


    It seemed Deet and Ria liked my sukiyaki.


    Its beef. If you eat it with rice, its even tastier.


    While the two of them were distracted by how much they liked the sukiyaki, I slipped some meat and rice inside my cuff for Shizuku.


    I could tell that Shizuku, who had turned into my clothes, was jiggling with delight.


    I should try some, too.


    Mmm, this is delicious! Probably because I used high-quality Japanese beef today.


    Was that the only reason? It was probably also in part because we were all eating the sukiyaki together.


    While we were drinking tea and chatting after finishing our sukiyaki, Ria suddenly stood up.


    Sir Thor. Deet.


    What?


    Whats wrong?


    Ria was smiling, but her face was quite serious.


    Now that Ive got a sword again for the first time in a while, Im going to take this sword Ive been given and swing it around in the big room in the dungeon.


    I understand. Thats probably a natural line of thinking for an adventurer who explores dungeons.


    Maybe Ill go for a bit of a tour, as well.


    Ivee up with another way of getting stronger.


    Is it okay if Ie for a look around, too?


    No, Id like to train by myself for a little while. Is that all right?


    It was rare for Ria to speak to me so firmly.


    I-I see. I dont mind.


    Im sorry. It was selfish of me to say that.


    But you cant return to this room without me, so is it okay if Ie and meet you after about an hour?


    Yes! Thank you.


    It seems there are a lot of people who like to train by themselves.


    Ria went out into the dungeon from the entryway.


    Leaving Deet in the dining room, I took Shizuku off in the Japanese-style room and put my normal clothes back on.


    Shizuku, Ive got a small favour to ask.


    What is it, Master?


    Could you disguise yourself as a stone wall for a bit and spy on Rias training for me?


    How will that help you?


    If I put you on once youve memorised Rias movements, I think I should be able to trace her moves.


    Even though my status has improved, I think itll still be pretty tricky for a Japanese person like me to do battle with a monster unexpectedly.


    By wearing Shizuku, who can memorise the movements of a skilled warrior, I should be able to learn those movements easily. Ill do super-training in my version of martial arts, which uses Shizuku.


    Maybe I could even go with her to a dojo where people practised sports like karate and aikido.


    I understand, Master!


    It seemed as if smart little Shizuku had understood my thinking.


    Opening the door to the entryway quietly, I stepped outside just a little way. Here, we were in the shadow of the big pir, so we shouldnt be noticed by Ria.


    Okay, please study the movements of Ria the knight ande back to me!


    Yes, Master!


    Blending into the stone floor, Shizuku started to move away from me.


    All right. I can go and meet Ria and Shizuku in about an hour.


    With this in mind, I went to close the entryway door.


    Master! Its terrible! Lady Ria has copsed!


    Shizukus shout echoed around the big room in the dungeon.


    Panicking, I ran towards the two of them.


    Why had Ria copsed?!

 Book 2: Extra 1 (1)

    Book 2: Extra 1 (1)


    I thought he was a goblin, but he turned out to be a wonderful wise sage


    My name is Thor.


    Sir Thor. What a nice name.


    Thats how he introduced himself, this wise sage who was keeping me safe in a mysterious room after I had be paralysed in the dungeon.


    It seemed that having a lot of time to think had its difficult aspects.


    Although I was a girl, I had seeded to the head of the noble military Eldlux family. As such, ever since I devoted my sword to serving the family of my employer, Count Kache, I had been prepared to face death.


    Now that my employers family had been stripped of its court rank and I had turned from a knight into an adventurer, I ought to have had that same determination.


    Of course, when I was on the brink of death, my thoughts turned to the children of my former employers old territory, whom I supported. But I think I can be forgiven for that.


    However, I never thought that copsing in a dungeon, my body unable to move, would be so terrifying.


    If Id been defeated in battle, I would have died inbat, but now that I cant move because of the paralysis poison, I wont be able to die in battle.


    If Im found by a monster, itll be a one-sided massacre.


    Will my head be crushed in a single blow? Will I be slowly chopped to bits? Or will I be eaten alive?


    Still, that would be all right.


    What frightened me most were low-intelligence members of the demon races like goblins and orcs.


    It might just have been a rumour, but goblins and orcs were said to grope women before they killed them.


    The fact is, I had been hit by a poisoned blow-dart from a defeated goblin, and had be unable to move.


    If the rumour was just a rumour and they didnt have that goal, they would simply have smeared their darts with a poison that would kill me, right?


    Imagining myself being found by a goblin, I shuddered.


    If I were a boy, I wouldnt have to worry about this.


    Why was I born a girl?


    From within my paralysed body, I muttered this sentiment that I had felt, thought, and considered countless times in my life up to this point.


    The noble military Eldlux family, which served distinguished families, had borne no male heirs.


    Thats why I had seeded to the head of the family.


    Incidentally, my younger sister, who was my only blood rtive, was already married. I remembered feeling a little envious at her wedding ceremony.


    Although I ought to have cast such hopes aside when I took up my sword, in this situation, it was the kind of thing I ended up thinking about.


    But Id even lost my sword.


    In a darkness and a stretch of time that felt unending, my thoughts went round and round like this.


    But, although the darkness was unending, the time was not.


    I thought it was over when I got struck with the paralysis poison in the depths of this dungeon, but my body was starting to regain a little movement.


    Fortunately, it seems there werent any monsters in this hidden spot after all.


    Perhaps I would be able to move after about a day.


    But even if I could move, in this situation  exhausted, and having lost my sword


    My chances of returning to the surface alive were slight, but if I could meet up with a decent adventuring party before I ran into a monster, there was a chance that we could get back there together.


    For now I would have to lie here like this, terrified of monsters. All I could do in the first ce was copse, anyway!


    Huh? I feel like something glittered just now. I cant even move my neck, so I cant make sure


    After Id thought this, I sensed a light flickering repeatedly. In short, it was probably a torch shining down on me.


    Oh no. There were two kinds of monsters: those who relied on their sense of sight, and those who could find the targets of their attacks through hearing and smell alone.


    Goblins were the former. They needed a torch. So whatever was holding the torch was


    Sniff, sniff.


    The thought of myself  which, as a woman, I ought to have discarded  being vited by goblins before being killed wasnt even a question of dignity; I was simply terrified.


    Except the light was strange, for the fire of a torch.


    There were many artifacts which can provide a light source. If it was something like that, there was a small chance that it was another adventurer.


    But then the person who was shining the light on me threw something from a distance.


    It wasnt big enough to deal any damage to my body. It was probably a pebble about the size of the tip of my pinkie finger.


    What the heck was that for? Are they checking something? Or is it some kind of game?


    A chill went through me as I imagined what sort of game it might be. If the rumours about goblins were true


    The rumour was that they would utterly vite female adventurers before they killed them.


    But I couldnt help hoping that it was only another adventurer.


    After all, there were robbers who pretended to lie injured on the ground. Perhaps the adventurer was just being cautious of that.


    It was only a slight chance, but I clung to it.


    U-um xxxxxx?


    Even that slim chance waspletely gone. I had stopped understanding the words he was saying to me halfway through, but they were in monsternguage.


    He was a goblin.


    D-donte here!


    xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx


    Half-crazed, I was unable to understand his unfamiliar monsternguage.


    J-just donte near me! Please!


    I was already frantic with fear of goblins, which had been amplified inside my head in the darkness.


    The goblin was still trying hard to say something to me.


    I couldnt understand the meaning of what he was saying, but at any rate I kept on telling him not toe near me.


    But gradually I began toprehend what the goblin was saying.


    But you cant move right?


    I can move! Of course I can move!


    But you cant really move right


    I was sure that the goblin was wearing a vulgar smile as he said that.


    Later, I learnt that I waspletely mistaken.


    xxxxxx


    S-stop, dont vite me, dont kill me!


    Ill clean for you! Ill do yourundry! Ill do anything! Please dont kill me! Goblin-sama!


    I was sad to be pleading for my life not as a knight but as a woman.


    But I had already lost control of myself by this point.


    Perhaps to show off his own face, he shone the torch on his face while peeking at mine. I could only look up.


    I let out a shriek, and lost consciousness.


    Where the heck is this ce


    I realised that I was in a ce I had never seen before.


    It wasnt dark, like the ce Id been when I copsed.


    There was a strange circle on the ceiling that gave out light.


    An artifact?


    Id never seen one before, but there were some original artifacts made by those whom we called genius alchemists.


    The room itself wasnt that big, but Id never even imagined an artifact like this that could light every corner of a room evenly.


    I tried moving my body.


    It seemed that the effects of the paralysis poison hadnt worn off yet, but I could now move my eyes freely.


    Although Id beenid on the floor, it was pretty soft andfortable.


    borate dolls of a kind Id never seen before were lined up prettily.


    This really was a ce where one might be able to live.


    A room? I realised Id said it myself, but this ce really was worthy of being called a room.


    It cant beIs this the goblins dwelling?


    But Id never heard of a goblin making artifacts or anything like that.


    As I thought this, I suddenly realised that there was something resting in myp.


    I could feel a heartbeat. It was a living creature!


    C-could it be the goblin?


    I broke out in a cold sweat. I still couldnt move my neck, but somehow or other I raised it just a little and looked down at the lower half of my body.


    A h-human manIn the depths of a dungeonWhat could this mean?


    Could he be a magician of darkness? In the dungeon, there are practitioners of a kind of magic which is forbidden by the state.


    Come to think of it, the lined-up dolls were suspiciously lewd. Perhaps he used them for his magic.


    But I couldnt see any malice on the mans face.


    He might have been an adventurer, but his face was peaceful and carefree.


    Or rather, he didnt look like an adventurer.


    Perhaps he was a wise sage who, loathing worldly things, had retired from the world into the depths of the dungeon.


    Considering the artifacts in this room, which were of a kind I had never seen before, it was impossible he could be anything but a wonderful wise sage.


    And, without a doubt, it was this person who had helped me.


    No, perhaps I ought to refer to him as this gentleman.


    Oh wise sage, wise sage!


    Mmmmmm


    The wise sage resting in myp reacted slightly.


    It was the first time a man had used myp as a pillow, and I felt a little awkward, but surprisingly I didnt find it unpleasant.


    Besides, I somehow understood that this gentleman had tired himself out and fallen asleep while worrying about me.


    But he was dribbling slightly, which put me in a difficult position.


    Wise sage!


    Eek!


    Ah, have you awoken?


    Eek! Its not a pillow! Its the female knightsp! Pfft. The wise sage really had tired himself out and fallen asleep. Now that I was at ease, I was ovee by the strangeness of the situation.


    S-s-s-s-sorry. I just identally fell asleep. It might be rude to say this about a wise sage who lives in the depths of a dungeon, surrounded by artifacts like these, but he was kind of adorable.


    I-its alright. I get it. I apologise as well, for waking you up even though you were sleeping sofortably. I tried to move my upper body. Somehow, I was able to sit up.

 Book 2: Extra 1 (2)

    Book 2: Extra 1 (2)


    That situation was noughing matter  I might have been attacked by a monster at any moment. I was conscious and I could see, but it was darkAnd my body wouldnt moveI was terrified


    It seemed the wise sages name was Sir Thor.


    As his carefreeno, <i>gentle</i> face suggested, he was a very kind person.


    Although hed saved my life, he wasnt trying to demand gratitude from me.


    <i>But Im a knight. I have to pay my debts.</i>


    But how could someone like me repay a wise sage who lived amongst all these incredible artifacts?


    I had almost nothing on me. My sole asset was my sword, but I had lost even that.


    I thought as hard as I couldbut in this situation, all that I could give him wasmyself?


    <i>W-wait a minute. What am I thinking?</i>


    <i>S-sir Thor isnt a goblin. He doesnt want that.</i>


    <i>This is no good.</i> Ever since I had copsed in the dungeon, I had only had weird thoughts.


    Id heard from other adventurers that, when youre alert to the possibility of death, sexual thoughtse into your head.


    Ill go prepare a bath.


    <i>What? A b-bath? In the middle of a dungeon? </i>Suddenly, I couldnt believe it. <i>Surely both water and fuel are very precious?</i>


    But perhaps when he said hed prepare a bath now, he meant to do it for me.


    What? A bath? In a dungeon? But Id feel bad for doing something like that.


    Its fine, its fine.


    ording to Sir Thor, the wonderful floor that nketed this room was called tatami. He put me in the tatami room, since I still couldnt move very well, and went to prepare a bath.


    <i>Why is Sir Thor encouraging me to take a bath that will use his precious water?</i>


    <i>P-perhaps he wants to make me beautiful?</i>


    <i>S-surely thats not it.</i>


    <i>I dont get that impression from him. I think its a genuine act of kindness.</i>


    ActuallyI got dirty in the dungeonThats embarrassing!


    I checked over the dirty condition of my body, which was still moving creakily.


    Aaaaaaaah! I realised what a state the lower half of my body and the tatami underneath it were in.


    Oh no! Id


    Sir Thor returned.


    Wait what!? Why are you kneeling down!?


    I, I-I-I-I-Im so sorry. When you talked about the bath I finally realised butwhat a disgraceful thing I have


    On top of that, Id had such unthinkable suspicions of Sir Thor. There was no way hed be interested in a filthy girl like me.


    <i>Oh, Im such an idiot! Although Im no longer a knight, I never intended to abandon the spirit of knighthood, but Im a disgrace to all knights.</i>


    Nobut you couldnt have been able to go to the toilet because you were paralysed, right? And it couldnt have been helped because I scared you, right?


    <i>Uhhhhhh</i> It wasnt just that.


    <i>Its so embarrassing I cant say it.</i>


    What was that? Because I scared you? I went pale.


    So it wasnt after I came here that I lost control of my dder, it was in the dungeon? Or on Sir Thors back?


    I went white, and then my face flushed. Automatically, I reached out to touch Sir Thors waist.


    I-Its wet.


    Probably  no, almost certainly  it was wet with the same liquid that had soaked my lower body.


    AhIts because I carried you, Ria.


    H-how could I have made.a wise sage do something. like that?


    T-there, there, its not that umon.


    Thats not true at all!


    I was so apologetic and confused that I burst into tears.


    I didnt even really understand what kind of tears they were.


    I-Im sorry. I shouldnt have raised my voice all of a sudden


    No, its alright.


    Even if you forgive meI cant get married anymore at this rate.


    From my own words, I understood the meaning of my tears, and I was aghast.


    In this hopeless situation, I was still thinking about selfish womanly happiness that I ought to have discarded.


    I was so ashamed that by rights I ought to havemitted suicide.


    If you cant then I would dly take you


    What?


    Sir Thor looked away, blushing.


    W-what hed said just nowWas that what he meant?


    <i>N-no. I cast aside my womanhood to be a knight. No! But.well, Im an ex-knight</i>


    W-w-w-w-what are you saying!? Wise sage


    No! But it was only Sir Thor whod seen me in this shameful state.


    No, I-I mean. Its a joke.maybe..hey.


    A joke? My mind went nk. It was strange, but I couldnt think at all.


    Is ita joke?


    I knew I was angry, but why did I have to be angry with this wise sage who had saved my life and shown me every kindness?


    I didnt understand the reason, but in any case I poured all my energy into putting on a smiling face.


    I guess there are jokes that can be said and those that shouldnt be.


    Thats right. Boys cannot go back on their word, you know?


    Still puzzled and not really understanding, I pressed Sir Thor to agree that boys couldnt go back on their word.


    T-thats right. Boys cannot go back on their word.


    The moment I heard that, for some reason, I suddenly got embarrassed and became unable to look Sir Thor in the face.


    I will go take a bath now. Where is it?


    I tried to escape to the bath for the time being.


    Ah, wait a while. Theres a lot I need to teach you.


    Saying this, Sir Thor  worrying about me, because my body still wasnt moving well  pulled me by the hand and helped me to stand up.


    How else can I put it? It was embarrassing.


    I got the feeling that it wasnt just the embarrassment of letting him see me in a state that was unbing of a knight.


    Before Sir Thors carefreeno, <i>gentle</i> face, I was  against my better judgement  forgetting that I was living as a knight.


    <b>  </b>


    The bath was a disaster.


    Well, no, the bath itself was amazing, but I had no idea how to use the wise sages artifactsIt was even more embarrassing than having wet myself.


    This was so hopeless, I might as well be dead. No, I wished that I <i>was</i> dead.


    But whatever I did, Sir Thor smiled and forgave me.


    Although I knew I mustnt, I ended up depending on his kindness time and again.


    Since I was afraid of sleeping by myself in a dark room because Id copsed when I was alone in the dungeon, I went to sleep with Sir Thor.


    Hey, Ria. This mattress artifact is reallyfortable so would you like to sleep on it together? Actually, yeah, lets do it. Let me show off the artifact Im really proud of.


    Sir Thorughed as he said it, but Im sure that he was taking my situation into ount.


    I slept alongside Sir Thor. We stayed together in the bed until morning.


    That is to say Sir Thor did me the favour of sleeping beside me, since I was afraid of sleeping in a dark room.


    We didnt do anything unseemly whatsoever.


    <i>B-but even sleeping with meI wonder if that really was all right.</i>


    <i>Ive heard that when a woman is sleeping beside them, men start to want to do those sorts of things.</i>


    <i>I must not hold any appeal for Sir Thor at all.</i>


    <i>Or maybe Sir Thor doesnt do that kind of thing because hes an honest man.</i>


    <i>Im a little sad. I hope its thetter.</i>


    Suddenly, I realised that the way I was thinking about it, I really did hope it was true.


    <i>Wait a minute, Ria! Dont you feel any shame, as a former knight?</i>


    But Sir Thor had already seen me in plenty of embarrassing states.


    Sir Thor was kind and put mepletely at ease, as did this room.


    It was hard to hold on to the version of myself that had been living as a knight up until now.


    If I went on like this, I really would end up taking advantage of Sir Thors kindness.


    It made me sad, but I had to get better and go back home.


    <i>Time flies when youre having fun</i>. Or rather, the artifact called c had cured me of the effects of the paralysis poison, and I had recovered my stamina in thisfortable space.


    But there were still certain circumstances which kept me from returning to the surface immediately.


    Could it be that theres a reason why you cant go back up from the dungeon immediately, Ria?


    Sir Thor had even managed to work that out.


    Yesactually, I did have apanion butum, sobut we got split up, and I lost my sword as well. It is rather impossible for me to go back up alone.


    Perhaps he didnt want me to go backNo matter how you look at it, surely I was overthinking it to make it convenient for myself.


    After all, if I thought about it normally, having me stay would probably be a nuisance for him.


    I would think that some adventurers are bound to pass by here when theye to explore this dungeon, so I will join them when they doe.


    But will anyone pass by here anytime soon? And theres also a chance that the adventurers might reject you when you ask to join them.


    Depending on the situation, there is a possibility that it might take quite a long time. If I wait in the dungeon every day, theres bound to be someoneing through here in a week.


    A week, huh?


    Would I be causing too much trouble by staying in your house until then, wise sage?


    If it was going to cause him any trouble at all, I was resolved to face up to the dungeon with the aim of getting back to the surface, even though I was alone and weaponless.


    But, with no confusion whatsoever, Sir Thor said,


    Youre not causing any trouble at all! Why, Im a wise sage after all!


    There were times when I suddenly thought Even though Sir Thor had made his home in the depths of a dungeon, and possessed such artifacts, sometimes he seemed like a very normal guy.


    Which was great, but


    If you want toyou can stay here forever.


    The wise sage was probably saying that so I wouldnt feel like I was troubling him by staying here.


    Even so, I was so overwhelmed with happiness that tears welled up in my eyes.


    Im really happybut I have to return up there no matter what so


    I-I guess youre right


    <i>But he wouldnt be this kind to a girl he really hated, right?</i>


    Thats what I wanted to think, since Id done nothing but embarrass myself. Or rather, thats how I wanted things to be.


    If that was the case, I wanted to get up the courage to ask him something Id been thinking about for a while now.


    But, could Ie to this room.to meet you again, Sir Thor?


    Sir Thors whole face lit up in a smile.


    Of course you can! Come back anytime.


    That was worth plucking up great courage for, more so than any enemy Id fought as a knight.


    No  perhaps the emotions that Id always felt in the depths of my heart, emotions I felt as a woman, had grown stronger.


    Thats how I came to be living with the wonderful wise sage until I might encounter another party of adventurers.


    <i>Ive decided to believe that Sir Thor meant it when he said Come back any time!</i>


    <i>I think that next time I want toe back to this room not as a knight or an adventurer but just as a woman.</i>


    <i>And if I canin front of Sir ThorI want to be a little cuter.</i>


    <i>Ill go to meet him time and time again until he sees me as a woman!</i>

 Book 2: Chapter 4: (1)

    Book 2: Chapter 4: (1)


    <b>Getting back a knights sword</b>


    Weid Ria on the bed, and Deet checked her wrist carefully.


    Shizuku and I watched from beside the bed.


    Its okayHer breathing and heartbeat are normal. She does seem to have a slight fever, though.


    Shizuku and I breathed a sigh of relief at the same time.


    Phew. Im d.


    When Id lifted her up and carried her back, Id tried to talk to her, but she hadnt responded. I was scared to death.


    <i>For now, at least, I dont have to worry.</i>


    Butwell, why did she copse, then?


    I bet it was psychological.


    I was a bit surprised by Deets answer to my question, but I kind of understood her point.


    There were times when Ria showed fear towards the dungeon.


    Psychological, huh?She was only going into the dungeon by herself to swing her sword around, so I thought shed be all right.


    Maybe she knew she wouldnt be, so she went to swing her sword about on her own in order to ovee it.


    Come to think of it, I remember Ria saying that she wanted to train by herself. What Deet was saying was probably right.


    Shes probably traumatised.


    In that case, she could stay here and recover at her own pace.


    Deet smiled gently. I felt a surge of affection.


    For now, I decided to forget about my room, and the fact that, the more time passed, the more danger Enami was in.


    Even so, its a bit worrying that she has a fever, isnt it?


    Yeah.


    Maybe I should go an buy a thermometer and an antipyretic sheet.


    What the heck are those?


    Items in this world. A thermometer can urately measure how high someones fever is. The sheet eases the fever a little.


    Really?


    I was about to set out for Tons Quijote, but after a bit of thought, I asked Shizuku,


    If Im not here when Ria wakes up, she might worry, so could you disguise yourself as me and stay by her?


    But Shizuku didnt turn into me.


    Master


    Huh? Shizuku, whats wrong?


    I think it would be better if I took on Miss Deets shape rather than yours, Master.


    What? Why?


    Shizuku said that it might give Ria more peace of mind to have someone of the same gender stay by her.


    Deet agreed.


    Indeed. She might also not want you to see her looking weak, Thor.


    Perhaps they were right. Well, if I got Deet to stay with Ria, maybe I could go out shopping.


    Then Shizuku made a suggestion.


    Since Im watching over Lady Ria in the shape of Miss Deet, how about you go shopping with Miss Deet, Master? Im guessing there are things that the two of you want to talk about.


    <i>How clever Shizuku is! And </i>that<i> will probably start</i>


    Lying on my stomach on the tatami, resting on my elbows, I supported my head with my hands. This posture allowed me to watch Deet and Shizuku easily.


    Shes too cute!


    Deet hugged Shizuku close, looking excited. Deets body sank deep into Shizuku, whom she was embracing.


    Deets eyes widened in surprise, but I grinned.


    In an instant, Shizuku stretched out over Deets body.


    Yuck! What the heck


    Deet covered her chest with her hands.


    Stretching her own body thin, Shizuku scanned Deets body.


    Shizuku finished the scan of Deets upper body, and then finallyFrom her firm thighs downwards, she slipped easily into her ck knee-high shoes.


    Th-that tickle.ahhhh!


    Hehehe In order for Shizuku to scan your body, Deet, youll just have to put up with it.


    After a while, Shizuku separated herself with a jellylike wobble from the tips of Deets toes. Deet had given up on standing, and was lying down limply on the tatami.


    Now Ill be able to transform myself into a perfect copy of Miss Deet! I didnt scan the internal structure, but everything on the surface should be spot on!


    Well done, Shizuku!


    I hadnt seen Ria being scanned, but I was as pleased as could be that I was able to watch Deets scan.


    Then Shizuku transformed into the exact image of Deet. Deet heaved a wild breath.


    Aah Th-thats amazing, for a white slime!


    It must have felt great, right?


    Thats not what I meant! I mean her shapeshifting ability!


    Come to think of it, Deet had never seen Shizuku take the shape of a human before.


    You should be able to trade her for a high price


    A high price?


    If you sell a white slime, youll be able to build several mansions with the money. The kind of mansion nobles live in.


    Apparently, it was true that white slimes were misused by humans. No, by dark elves, perhaps? I realised that Deet was looking greedily at Shizuku.


    N-no!


    I would never allow her to sell clever Shizuku.


    Deet thumped me.


    What the heck?!


    I wasnt going to sell her!


    Stroking the bump on my head, I walked around Tons Quijote with Deet.


    Humans are such cheapskates!


    Deet was still angry, and her gaze was keen. Incidentally, in order to go out into the town, she was wearing my jeans, shirt, and hat, and her pointed elf ears were skilfully hidden by her hairdo. Even though this beautiful elf was wearing mens clothes, she looked really good, but I thought maybe I should buy her some cuter womens clothing. Perhaps that would improve her mood.


    I bought the thermometer and the anti-pyretic sheet.


    Come to think of it, Deet looked like she had really enjoyed eating those crpes.


    Want to have crpes again?


    What?


    You liked them, right?


    Y-yeah.


    Deets eyes shone happily.


    Thanks to you, Deet, it looks like well have some extra money, so shall we buy some for Ria and Shizuku too and eat them back at my ce? Ill get you the banana chocte cream one you had the other day  how about that?


    Dont bother! Humph!


    Her mood had been good until just now, but it had suddenly got worse again.


    You really dont want one?


    I dont!


    O-okay! Then one strawberry chocte cream, one crme caramel chocte cream, and one blueberry cream, please.


    When I said this to the young woman selling crpes, a telepathic shout of And a banana chocte cream one!rang out.


    The woman looked about, bewildered.


    S-sorry, please can I have a banana chocte cream one as well?


    Huh? Ah, of course.


    I took the crpes for the four of us.


    Thor, why dont you understand my feelings?


    Even if someone had told me to understand a womans feelings But I <i>did</i> want to make Deet happy. So, taking the hint, I turned towards the clothing section.


    AhTheyre having a summer clothing fair!


    Well, Tons Quijote wasnt a clothes shop. It was a bargain sale, so rather than selling things in advance of the season, they were probably just selling offst years unsold goods.


    Deet! Im going to that section over there!


    Wait! Thor!


    With Deet shouting at my back, I approached the summer bargains cart.


    Ah! Isnt this nice


    Just as I expected of summer clothes. They showed a lot of skin.


    But,e to think of it, Deet was used to wearing ck leather leotards, gym shorts and school swimsuits.


    Now, she was wearing a mans jeans, shirt, and hat, but perhaps here I should look for clothes that were neat and tidy rather than sexy.


    What are you looking at?


    Japanese clothes. I was thinking of buying some for you, Deet. You can choose what you want.


    Japanese clothes?! Is that okay?


    Yeah, go right ahead!


    After all, Deet <i>is</i> a girl. She seems to have a weakness for fashion.


    I bet my status will go up again, wont it?


    Apparently, thats for pragmatic reasons.


    Denim shorts, and a small ck tank top


    Deet brought over sexy foreign clothes.


    After all  how should I put it?  I was beginning to understand her fashion sense.


    But I was also wondering whether neat and tidy clothes would suit her as well.


    Those are great, Deet, but how about these?


    W-what the heck are those?


    Wed call them a straw hat and a white dress.


    Of course, the skirt was long, and the bodice wasnt open.


    That stuffs embarrassing.


    I didnt understand why Deet was embarrassed.


    <i>She usually goes about with her buttocks and thighs on show, but</i>


    But I think theyll suit you. And youll be able to cover your ears with the straw hat. There are changing rooms over there, so why dont you try them on?


    Changing rooms?


    In Japan, we try clothes on before we buy them. Men mostly to check that theyrefortable, and women mostly to check that the clothes suit them.


    When Id said that, Deet picked up several pieces of clothing.


    In the end, she did take the straw hat and the dress.


    Just in case. I might not try these on, okay?!


    G-got it!


    And then the mini fashion show began.

 Book 2: Chapter 4: (2)

    Book 2: Chapter 4: (2)


    How do I look?


    How should I put it It suits you.


    What do you mean How should I put it?


    NoIts nothing.


    Give over! What is it?


    Little miss elf was probably doing it on purpose.


    Every time the changing room curtain opened, there she was in a tank top that made her breasts stand out, or shorts that emphasised her thighs and hipline.


    Youre not interested in me at all, are you?


    Thats not what I meant.


    What a half-assed answer!


    The curtain closed with a swish. I could hear the sounds of the clothes rubbing against her as she got changed.


    <i>I wonder what sexy clothes shelle out in this time?</i>


    Deet was always in a bad mood.


    <i>How am I supposed to reply when she says stuff like that and thenes out in those clothes?</i>


    <i>I dont have any women around me, so I dont get it.</i>


    Through the curtain, Deet said,


    Im gonna head back.


    Right. Well, shall we go, then?


    Apparently, the mini fashion show of sexy clothing brands was over.


    It was a bit of a shame, but it <i>was</i> about time we were going.


    But Deet, the one whod suggested we head home in the first ce, wasnting out of the changing room.


    ? Didnt you want to go home?


    Theres onest outfit


    She still had another outfit, huh?


    Be quick about it, then.


    As soon as Id said that, the changing room curtain opened slowly.


    What? Deet?!


    Without thinking, I called Deets name in a stupid voice.


    In her final outfit, didnt recognise her for a second.


    I-I thought soIts weird, isnt it?


    Thest outfit Deet had put on wasnt her usual revealing clothes, but the white dress and straw hat.


    She always went about proudly in clothes that showed a lot of skin. But now that shed put on the pure white dress, her face had turned bright red, her eyes were squeezed shut, and her mouth was pulled into a frown.


    Th-ThorClothes like this dont suit meee


    When Deet said that so tearfully, I identally said aloud,


    You look


    <i>N-no no no no no, I just blurted something out!</i>


    <i>Wh-what did I say?!</i>


    The ears of the elf who stood before me in the white dress were twitching.


    Hey, you cant say that!<i> Thor!</i>


    <i>Youve got it all wrong!,</i> I wanted to say, but I closed my mouth.


    I honestly had no idea what Id said, but I couldnt just dodge responsibility by saying that it had slipped out identally.


    The things we say by ident are, in their own way, full of truth, so I had really meant it


    Deet was in a good mood all the way home.


    She peered intently into my face, smiling from ear to ear. I didnt even feel like she was subtly making fun of me.


    But that was okay, wasnt it? It felt as if Deet hade back.


    In her hands, Deet was carefully cradling the bag which contained the white dress and straw hat.


    We stealthily returned to the apartment via the window of the Japanese room.


    Deet, you hide in the closet. Ill have Shizuku switch with you.


    Okay.


    I hid Deet in the closet. When I went into the Western-style room, Ria had already got out of bed.


    Oh, wee back!


    Noticing me, Ria immediately bowed her head low.


    Thank you very much. For carrying me again, and putting me to bed.


    Oh, its nothing. Are you hurt?


    No! Im better already! Im very sorry to have worried you.


    She was back to her usual spirited, intense self. There was no need for the thermometer, but I was fine with that.


    Im so d! In that case, lets all eat these desserts that I bought. Theyre called crpes.


    Okay!


    I was worried about asking the girls to eat dessertte in the day, but since Ria and Deet were both fighters, they didnt have an ounce of spare fat on them. <i>Im sure a small dessert will be okay. </i>Incidentally, although they had no extra body fat, their breasts and thighs were marvellously plump.


    I got Shizuku, who was still in Deets shape, to go and fetch Deet.


    Shizuku had said that she wanted to eat crme caramel, which she had found out about on the inte, so I gave her the crme caramel chocte cream crpe.


    Ria, Deet and I sat at the dining table.


    On the table, the three types of crpe were lined up.


    What a lovely sweet smell!


    Well, Ria seemed to have an appetite. As Id expected, there was nothing wrong with her body.


    Which one are you having?


    All <i>right!</i> Im gonna have the banana chocte cream!


    I looked at Deet, exasperated.


    Uh-ohWhat is it?


    My expression said Let Ria choose. Ria smiled.


    Deet, you can choose whichever one you want.


    Thank youuuuu


    Deet happily took the banana chocte cream one. <i>Well, I guess its okay.</i>


    Which would you rather have, Ria? The strawberry chocte cream, or the blueberry cream?


    Please, Sir Thor, you choose first.


    Nuh-uh. I like both, so Im fine with either.


    In that case, may I please have the strawberry chocte cream?


    Of course. Here you go!


    The three of us each picked up the crpe wed chosen.


    At the same time, I said Thanks for the foodand gulped down the blueberry cream one.


    Mmm The sharpness of the blueberries is really good.


    Mmmm! My banana chocte cream one has dark chocte in it, but the bitter vour really makes the sweetness stand out. Its so good!


    From the way Deet devoured her crpe, I could see she was really enjoying it.


    If only Ria had been happy, too. But when I nced at her, I realised that she hadnt eaten a single bite.


    Whats wrong, Ria? Are you full?


    It was true that she had been eating sukiyaki with the rest of us before she copsed, but she should have been able to fit a crpe in as well.


    Perhaps she was ill after all?


    Ah, not at all. Ill eat it.


    Ria took a bite from the edge of the crpe.


    Oh oh-oh


    Ria suddenly burst into sobs.


    Huh? Wh-whats wrong?


    I asked her why she was crying, but no reply came.


    Flustered, Deet held her own crpe out to Ria.


    S-so-so-so-so-sorry. Youd rather have the banana chocte cream after all, wouldnt you?


    <i>Deet That cant be it.</i>


    Whats more, Deet had eaten more than half of her crpe, while Ria had only had a bite of hers.


    N-no, thats not it, Deet.


    Huh? R-really? Then whats wrong?


    Ria paused, and then said while eating her crpe, Crpes taste so goodYoure all so kind to me, and I just get in the way


    Deet and I looked at one another.


    N-no, everyone has problems sometimes! Dont worry about it.


    H-hes right. Take me, for instance  every time I drink, I get really persistent about making other people drink, too.


    <i>Wed better be careful when were drinking with Deet.</i> Ria carried on eating her crpe and crying.


    With the two of usforting her, she finally began to smile.


    There was nothing physically the matter with Ria, so it was decided that she and Deet would sleep in the Japanese-style room.


    I was sad that I would be sleeping in the fine bed in the Western-style room.


    <i>Perhaps I should have bought three futon.</i>


    Even when I got into bed, Rias tearful face came back to me, and I just couldnt get to sleep. As Iy there, my mind wandering, the silhouette of a slim girl appeared.


    She seemed to be holding something in her arms.


    Are you asleep, Thor?


    Master


    Apparently Deet and Shizuku had turned up. A jelly-like shadow detached itself from the silhouette of the girl and drew closer.


    Im awake.


    Can we talk for a moment?


    Uh, sure. Go ahead.


    It was about Ria.


    I sat down on the edge of the bed, and Shizuku climbed onto my knee. Deet sat down next to me.


    It seems like Rias worrying about the trauma itself, and because of that she thinks shes inconveniencing us.


    She really isntInconveniencing us, I mean. We dont have to deal with Enami urgently, so I think shell be fine.


    From what Id heard, orcs seemed to be pretty strong monsters. <i>And Enami used to be a sumo wrestler, too.</i>


    Well, I guess itll be okay. Itll be scary when the reward increases, though.


    Right? While Rias recovering, I can level up on myputer.


    What? Youve already built that trap you were talking about before, for levelling up in here?


    <i>Ive been waiting for this!</i> I wanted to show it off to Deet.

 Book 2: Chapter 4: (3)

    Book 2: Chapter 4: (3)


    Its only a prototype, but yeah, I have finished it.


    Let me see, let me see!


    I powered up theputer and the monitor which would show us what was happening in the dungeon.


    Huh? Its in ck and white, but is that the dungeon, by any chance?


    Thats right! This is the iron door, and as you can see, something has been dropped in front of it.


    Is it rubbish?


    No, its not rubbish! Its pet food. That is, feed for dogs and cats.


    Ah, nobles and hunters sometimes keep pets.


    Thats right. Pet food is good for attracting monsters.


    I booted up the software for the robot arm that would allow me to open and close the iron door.


    Watch this. Open the door!


    I clicked the mouse once.


    The iron door on the monitor began to open.


    Huh? Wha- wha- what? Whats happening?


    Deet was shocked that I could even open the door from here.


    Its a bit soon for you to be surprised! All <i>right</i>, weve got ourselves a monster whose to feed! Hurray!


    I had left the pet food scattered about, so the smell had probably permeated throughout the dungeon, and a monster had turned up immediately. Even better, it was a giant centipede.


    Isnt that a giant centipede? Youll be in trouble if it attacks you in front of the entryway, Thor! Ill go and kill it!


    Dont panic, dont panic. Now!


    I had already done this dozens of times, so I was beginning to understand  without even really thinking about it  how much pet food a giant centipede had to eat before the time was right.


    When I clicked again, the iron door began to close. But the giant centipede, still gorging itself on pet food, did not run away.


    Huh?


    Deet watched the picture on the monitor, her eyes glued to the screen, as the iron door crushed the centipedes head.


    <i>Huh? Power is gushing out of its body!</i>


    Yay, it looks like I levelled up again!


    Y-y-y-y-y-you levelled up like<i> that</i>?


    I sure did. I was a bit worried that using this wouldnt make me level up, but it looks like its worked out so that just clicking the mouse counts as attacking the monster.


    How the hell did you make an artifact like this?


    Its not an artifact, its a machine. With the camera and the robot arm, it would probably have cost more than 20 gold pieces in Gadheus.


    I had spent more than two hundred thousand yen on the machinery. The gold-for-cash shop gave me ten thousand yen for a gold coin from Gadheus, so it was probably more than 20 gold.


    All this for only 20 Gadheus gold pieces? Wow, thats unbelievable!


    Deet watched the monitor eagerly.


    Master. Could I teach this system of automatic levelling up to Miss Deet as well?Shizuku reminded me.


    Of course. I was just going to suggest that. Enami almost got squished by it so I had to stop using it, but I was also able to level up conveniently even while I was sleeping by using an automatic clicking tool.


    Wha- wha- wha- wha- wha- whaaat?


    I exined to her about the automatic clicking tool. I was not sure if Deet understood or not, but she listened open-mouthed.


    So, using theputer, you can automatically do this clicking thing which opens and closes the iron door, right?


    Apparently, although she had seemed absent-minded, she had pretty much understood what I had told her.


    So what level are you now, Thor?


    Level 9. No, level 10? I just gained another level now.


    Level 10?! Really?!


    Yes, really. Sometimes Ive spent all night levelling up. Its really tough to do my part-time job in the daytime


    Deet suddenly pinched my cheeks with both hands.


    Wha are you oing?


    Im thinking about how many years it took me to get from level 1 to level 10, and how hard I had to fight, knowing that I might die! And <i>you  </i>


    She was taking her anger out on me.


    You ould o it too, eet


    Deets hands suddenly stopped and let go of my cheeks.


    When I got up from theputer chair, Deet sat down unsteadily, taking my ce.


    Wh-where do I click?


    Deet had surfed the by herself, so she could manage clicking.


    This little picture, which is called an icon, is the programme that moves the robot arm. If you click it twice quicklyThats right. Then, if you click here, the iron door opens and closes automatically.


    Deet stared at the monitor, her face serious. In one click, she crushed multiple monsters who hade to eat the scattered food.


    Teeheehee! This is so much fun!


    If you celebrate too loudly, youll wake Ria.


    When Deet had been levelling up for an hour, I spoke to her again.


    But were not going to abandon Enami. Are you listening?


    Im listening.


    <i>I wonder.</i><i>Deet has never seemed like she really wants to help Enami.</i>


    So, once Rias trauma has healed, I think well all go to the Adventurers Guild.


    Looking at the monitor, Deet said,Rias trauma might not heal easily, you know.


    Huh? Really?


    Yeah. I overheard a rumour in the Adventurers Guild tavern. If thats the cause of it, its pretty deep-rooted.


    A rumour in the Adventurers GuildCan you tell me what that was?


    Im not sure I should spill it. She might not want you to hear.


    Deet was being unexpectedlypassionate towards Ria.


    Hmm, youre probably right.


    Im sorry.


    Nah, its okay. Ill ask her myself


    Deet and I were silent. Only the sound of clicking could be heard in the Western-style room.


    Suddenly, we heard the pretty voice of a woman.


    Its okay, Deet. Tell him. Ah, no, maybe I should tell him.


    Huh?


    The door to the Western-style room was notpletely closed. Rias voice wasing from the other side.


    Ria came into the Western-style room. Shizuku hid quickly inside the bed.


    This was not the Ria who had cried at the sweetness of the crpe.


    She carried herself with the resolute air of a knight.


    Its about me, so Ill tell him.


    Deet grew flustered at Rias determined, clear tone.


    I-if you dont really want to tell him


    No. I want him to hear it.


    I thought Deet was hesitating because she had gone and told me about the rumour that she had heard in the tavern, but that did not seem to be it.


    I want to hear about you too, Ria. Will you tell me?


    Ria nodded silently. Seeing that, I said to Deet,


    Deet, listen!


    O-okay.


    Deet and I got ready to listen to the story.


    Still standing, Ria began to speak.


    In order to tell you how I ended up like this, I have to tell you how I came to be in the dungeon earning money as an adventurer.


    Apparently, in the other world, in the Kingdom of Francis where the Dungeon of Yomi was located, there had been a noble family called the Kache family.


    My family was the military noble family of Eldlux, and we served the Kache family.


    Ria had been born into that military family which served the noble family. As she had no brothers, it had fallen to her to take over as head of the family.


    But around the time I was born, the noble Kache family was in an economic decline because of the help it had given to the people of their fief during repeated poor harvests. And, oddly, the Kache family  like the Eldlux family  had only female children.


    It seemed that, while it was eptable for a lower-ranking noble family such as Rias to be headed by a woman, it was not permitted for the head of the Kache family  even though they were falling into ruin  to be a woman.


    It was decided that Monica Kache, who had been brought up like Rias little sister, would marry into a dukes family, and the curtain closed on the Kache familys history.


    The day that sixteen-year-old Lady Monica married into the dukes family, I was given my sword.


    <b>* * *</b>


    Ria. It is poor rpense for the long years you and your father have loyally served the Kache familybut I want you to have this sword.


    Th-this a sword of pure mithril? Is this not the Kache familys treasured sword?! I could not possibly ept this, Lady Monica!


    If I brought a <i>sword</i> into my husbands home, Id be chased away! I want you to take it, Ria.


    If you get married too, Ria, you can sell it.

 Book 2: Chapter 4: (4)

    Book 2: Chapter 4: (4)


    Swords made of mithril are so expensive that mithril is usually used for only part of the sword, but this is made entirely out of mithril. Its a treasured weapon. No matter what dire financial straits they were in, the Kache family would not sell it, and yet


    From that day on, there were no longer any knights serving the Kache family.


    In their ce there sprang up adventurers who gave financial support to the many orphans in the Kache familys old fief.


    Just because the Kache family had been disbanded, that did not mean I threw away my loyalty to them. And so I thought about what I could do, and I reasoned that I had more brawn than brains


    She certainly had a good body. No, no, thats not what she meant. She was saying that she was better-suited to using her physical strength to earn money as an adventurer than she was to using her intellect to be a merchant.


    Ria certainly tended to charge in without thinking; she was quite a straightforward person.


    Adventurers are almost all ruffians and has-been soldiers. There are plenty of former criminals, too, but a beautiful female ex-knight turning up to register at the Adventurers Guild became quite the story in the tavern there. That was the situation.


    It seemed as if Deet already knew that Ria was a former knight, but that she had not known the precise details of how Ria came to be an adventurer.


    You were well-known too, Deet. Its written in the Principles of the Adventurers Guild that govern the dungeon that, for safetys sake, adventurers should form a party and explore together, but I heard about the elf sorceress who always explored by herself.


    Its okay for me! Impetent and experienced enough to go it alone!


    <i>I get it. Is that why she was called the Lone Sorceress?</i>


    I was getting a little worried about Deet. The fact is, when I came across her, she had been poisoned and was close to death.


    Deet. How about youe exploring together with me and Ria?


    No way!


    Arent you aiming to be the Dungeon Master?


    H-humphWell, Ill think about it.


    Ria looked nk.


    Sir Thor, what does that mean? Dungeon Master?


    U-um, no, its nothing. Carry on with the story, please, carry on.


    She stopped herself from continuing.


    Thinking about it a little, when I met Ria, she wasnt carrying a mithril sword.


    And although she had encouraged Deet to form a party, she had been lying alone in the dungeon.


    Ria was probably about to talk about the real issue at hand, the thing she found it so difficult to speak of.


    Slowly, Ria began to tell us the story.


    * * *


    Were very grateful to you for everything youve done, Ria.


    Oh, not at all. Take care of yourselves, everyone.


    The party of beginner adventurers that I had been leading almost the whole time broke up. They were so-called part-time farmer adventurers who made a little extra money from adventuring in the season when they werent working on their farms.


    They were good people, but they werentpetent enough to explore any deeper into the dungeon than the second level.


    For my next party, I wanted to join together with stronger people. If possible, adventurers who could explore the fourth or fifth level.


    Why not band together with me, Deet?


    Back again, are you, Lady Busybody Knight? Sorry, but Im sick of listening to the Principles of the Adventurers Guild.


    No, its not about that.


    Deet seemed to think that I was inviting her to join me because I was encouraging her to follow the Principles of the Adventurers Guild  in other words, to form a party for safetys sake.


    <i>Thats not it.</i><i>Its because I want to earn money. </i>Id been leading the part-time farmer-adventurers for the past three weeks, and Id earned almost nothing.


    Without a doubt, the meals for the children at the orphanage would be getting scanty.


    Please, form a party with me instead of drinking in broad daylight.


    Dont wanna. Ive decided Im not gonna to join anyones party!


    At that point, a pair of young male adventurers came into the tavern.


    Our limit is the third level, yeah?


    Yeah, the fourth level and below is really tough. You can earnpletely different amounts if you make it down to the fourth level, but


    I heard the conversation between the two men. By this point, I was able to guess an adventurers ability by looking at them. I thought those two were pretty skilled.


    But why were there only two of them? Its said that a party starts to function with three people or more.


    Thats because you can coordinate attack, defence, and support.


    Having three people in your party instead of two makes a world of difference.


    Who are those two, Deet? I havent seen them around here much.


    Oh, them? Thats Klein and Barney. They escaped from a neighbouring country. Theyre deserters.


    A deserter is someone who runs away from conscription or from the battlefield and bes a criminal for it. They turn up among adventurers sometimes. But there are also criminals who are wanted in their home country, so people rarely form a party with them.


    Im going to go and talk to them.


    Whaaaat? Knock it off, cmon.


    I joined them at the small round table where the two of them were sitting.


    Please allow me to join you.


    Hey, youre that busybody knight. <i>Lady</i> Aria.


    I didnt know them, but they seemed to know all about me.


    H-hey! Klein!


    <i>I see.</i> So the warrior-like man who had called me busybody knight was Klein, and the one who was rebuking him, who looked like he was a wizard, was Barney.


    Its okay, Barney.


    Youknow my name? You know it, and you want to speak to me?


    Yes. Just to know why you became an adventurer.


    H-hey, Barney. This nobledy is speaking to you. Dont use that tone with her.


    Klein seemed to be very straightforward, whereas Barney was a more cautious person.


    Klein, shut up. And how can I help a noble such as yourself?


    Will you do me the favour of forming a party with me?


    Huh?


    Klein and Barney looked at one another.


    H-hang on, Lady Aria. Do you understand? If we returned to our hometown, wed probably be treated as criminals.


    Klein said criminals in such a voice that it carried throughout the tavern.


    Seeing the sour expression on Barneys face, Kleins own expression changed as if to say oops, and he looked down.


    So we cant form a party with you, Lady Aria.


    Klein. Where is the cowardice or crime in running away from war?


    Desertion is a crime.


    You had the courage not to kill anyone.


    Klein and I went back and forth like this for a while, but we couldnt reach a conclusion as to whether they were guilty or not.


    Watching us, Barneyughed and pped his hands.


    Ha ha ha! Does that stuff really matter, Klein? Were short-handed, and in a pinch. What reason do we have for turning down ady knight who has made a name for herself through her skill with a sword?


    Well, thats true, but


    Besides, turning down an offer from a beautiful woman like this really <i>would</i> be a crime.


    H-heyDont <i>say</i> stuff like that, youW-well, I guess


    And so I banded together with Klein and Barney to form a party.


    Once Id joined Klein and Barney, exploring the dungeon was fun.


    Your shield really is like a wall of iron, isnt it, Ria? Until you joined, I was our tank, but I dont have any defensive skills, and I cant help it that I find it easier to attack.


    In his own way, Klein was a skilled warrior.


    If I blocked an enemys attack, he would unfailingly y the enemy with his sword.


    What are you on about? That time we were attacked by a giant rat, you put Ria in a tight spot by not attacking quickly enough, remember? Its a good thing I mowed it down with magic.


    Barneys magic was also pretty skilful. He said his focus was on being a support caster, but he had some powerful offensive magic, too.


    Wh- what?! Thats riching from you, Barney!


    Now, now. We found an artifact and managed to sell it for a good price, so it was all right, wasnt it?


    Yeah. Lets go to the guild tavern tonight and have a drink together.


    All adventurers like drinking, but I had never really drunk much.


    I dont really like alcohol


    What are you saying? You have toe with us tonight, Ria!


    Wait! Klein!


    And with that, Klein went off to the inn ahead of us. Left behind, Barneyughed.


    That really is the best he can do, huh.


    What?


    In any case,e with us tonight, yeah?


    Okay. I will.

 Book 2: Chapter 4: (5)

    Book 2: Chapter 4: (5)


    I thought they might want to talk about something in particr that night, but we just talked about exploring the dungeon, like we always did.


    I think weve got better at coordinating with each other.


    I agree. Ive finally started to mesh with your attack and defence, Klein.


    Klein had been smiling, but now he turned bright red.


    Huh? Did I say something impolite, Klein? Ive had a little bit to drink, so please ept my apologies.


    N-no. Its not that.


    For some reason, Barney was grinning as he watched our back and forth.


    R-ria. Ive been thinking, okay.


    Y-yes?


    Why dont we explore the fifth level?


    The fifth level underground? I had the impression that it was still a bit too soon for that. Either the two of them would need to level up, or we would need to add another party member.


    Klein. The fifth level is still dangerous for us.


    But if we go to the fifth level, well be able to earn even more. You need money, right, Ria?


    You knew that, did you?


    I had never told the two of them directly, but there were plenty of people in the Guilds tavern who knew my reasons for exploring the dungeon.


    M-my bad.


    N-no. Its okay. Its not like Im trying to hide it.


    Klein gave me an unbothered smile as he replied,Oh, me too, you know. I wanna earn loads of money!


    I see. Money is a necessary thing.


    I-its not like that! I wanna the orphanage with you


    Huh? When you say you, do you mean me?


    U-uh, no, its nothing So, money. At any rate, I want money.


    What Klein said didnt quite get to the point. Besides, we might need money, but the monsters on the fifth level were dangerous.


    From the fifth level onwards, there is more variation in enemies. Just in case, shall we at least add another member to our party?


    As if anyone would want to join us!


    Klein suddenly thumped the table.


    Klein! Dont take it out on Aria!


    O-oh My bad.


    Apparently Id touched a sore spot with Klein. My feelings of guilt got ahead of me, and against my better judgement I ended up saying, Shall we go to the fifth level?


    R-really?


    Yes. But if we think its not going to work out, were definitely retreating.


    Well, obviously. Right, Barney?


    Oh, you idiot! Youre letting yourself get carried away. But Ill bring you back, even if you get struck down.


    Repelled by the shell of the giant centipede, Kleins cracked iron sword broke.


    Damn! What a cheap piece of crap!


    The giant centipede attacked the now defenceless Klein. Just in time, I got my shield between him and the centipedes head.


    Ice Wind!


    Barney called on his ice magic, and the centipedes legs stopped moving.


    <i>Nows my chance!</i>


    I threw my mithril sword, which hit Kleins foot.


    Klein! Use this!


    Ah! Thank you!


    Stepping within reach of the giant centipede, Klein struck off its head with a single blow.


    Whew, that was a close one!


    Only because you dont look after your weapons properly!Barney yelled at Klein. <i>That might be true, but</i>


    No, its because were out of our depth five levels down, after all.


    Barney apologised to me.


    Sorry. If only the two of us were as strong as you, Aria Werepletely holding you back


    Thats not true at all. I couldnt deal with things here all by myself. Well, were running low on rations, too, so lets withdraw.


    The two of them, who were always light-hearted andughing, nodded seriously.


    Ria, would you lend me your sword until we get back to the surface?


    Of course. Im the tank, and youre the fighter, so that makes sense, Klein. Im counting on you.


    <i>Thats true.</i> In reality, I had been depending on Klein already up to this point.


    Thank you. At any rate, this sword cuts pretty well, doesnt it?


    Its made of mithril.


    Mithril?! You mean, 100% mithril?


    Yep! This sword reminds me of Lady Monica, who granted it to me when I was serving her as a knight.


    Oh, really? Well then, Id better take good care of it!


    Saying these things, we started for home.


    A goblin appeared from a tunnel.


    Yeehee!


    Although we were chatting amongst ourselves, that didnt mean that we had let our guard down.


    Klein immediately jumped out and shed the goblin diagonally from hip to shoulder. The goblin was felled in a single stroke. But something didnt feel right.


    Even killing orcs would be a walk in the park with this sword!


    The wounds too shallow, Klein!


    Huh?


    The mithril sword was slightly shorter than Kleins iron sword.


    Miscalcting the distance between himself and the goblin, Klein had made his shing attack too shallow, and had not killed the goblin instantly.


    Before it died, the goblin let fly a blow dart in Kleins direction.


    I wouldnt get there in time to block it with my shield. Id lent him my sword. In that moment, I had to block the blow dart with the palm of my empty right hand.


    Ulp


    In an instant, my body grew heavy.<i> Im paralysed.</i> Barney kicked the goblin, and Klein now split its head in two.


    I-Im sorry Were so deep in the dungeon, and I think Ive been paralysed.


    R-Ria!


    Outta my way!


    Klein was dithering around me. Barney sent him flying and began to recite an antidote spell.


    But the numbness in my body was getting worse, not improving at all.


    Its no good. The paralysis poison is too strong for my level of magic to have any effect


    Kleins expression was one of despair.


    This kind of paralysis poison would keep me immobile for at least a day. For that time, these two would have to protect me while I couldnt move, and fight off any monsters who approached.


    In essence, that meant almost our entire party would be destroyed.


    Carrying me would be even more dangerous. One of them would have to deal with monsters who attacked, alone, while the other protected their burden.


    Barney! Keep up the antidote spell!


    Although Klein was shouting at him, Barney had already given up on casting the antidote spell.


    I knew why Barney had stopped.


    Hey! Are you listening to me, Barney?


    I have to preserve a little bit of magic for getting back to the surface.


    Oh really? If we dont heal Ria, we wont be <i>able</i> to go back!


    Theres nothing for it. Well have to leave Aria.


    Klein grabbed Barney by the cor.


    What are you saying, asshole?!


    If Klein had been his normal self, he would have thumped Barney. Perhaps the reason that he didnt was because I was already growing weak.


    Klein, please, stop.


    R-Ria


    Barneys right.


    Klein took his hand off Barneys cor and crouched down beside me.


    Do you remember the point in the Principles of the Adventurers Guild about emergency situations like this? Take the things you need from your fallenrade and leave as soon as possible, because monsters will start to gather.


    Barney stood up.


    When all is said and done, what we need is rations and a sword


    Since I was the tank, I had been carrying the rations for the three of us. Barney took them. I waspletely unable to move, so I could only watch to check that he had them.


    Goodbye, Aria. Thank you for everything.


    My pleasure.. Dont let your guard down on the way home, will you, Barney?


    There was a good chance that the two of them would not make it back to the surface, but Barney was level-headed; perhaps they would be all right.


    Maybe, after they had left me, I would have a moment to pray for their safety. I didnt know.


    Klein. You should say your final farewells to Aria, too.


    Klein was still seated, and refusing to budge.


    His face, turned upwards, was stained with tears.


    Ria! Ill always xxxxxx!


    Not wanting to follow what he was saying, I didnt catch his words, but I understood their meaning.


    What a dim-witted girl I was. There were many moments that I could look back on now, but until he said that, I didnt realise how he felt.


    But being told that as I was left behind didnt make me happy at all.


    Dont say that now. Coward!I just about managed to shout back at him with all my might.


    Well, see ya, Ria.


    I somehow made my numb face smile at Kleinsst words to me. <i>He might be awkward, but hes not a bad guy.</i>


    Barney grabbed Kleins arm and began to walk in the direction of the surface.


    I still held on to a faint hope that, having had time to explore, I might be the only one who knew the way back to the surface, but Barney seemed to know it as well. <i>Trust him to have worked it out.</i>


    The two of them disappeared. I had to do what I could before fear and paralysis poison overtook me.


    I dont know whether the rumours about them are true or not, but I want to avoid ending up being attacked by a goblin or an orc.


    Using the stone wall to support me, I somehow managed to stand up.


    My tears overflowed as I walked.


    Klein. Didnt I tell you that the sword was my memento of Lady Monica? I wanted you to leave it with me.


    Rationally, I knew that the two of them needed the sword in order to survive this situation.


    But I had toin in order to get strength into my legs.


    C-could that be a room?!


    Rooms are spaces constructed within a dungeon which can be closed off from the inside.


    There were asionally ces like that in the Dungeon of Yomi which someone had prepared, where adventurers could camp out safely.


    But sometimes they end up turning into monster dens. Or theyre full of traps.


    But as long as it wasnt a goblin or orc den, it would be perfect.


    Dragging mypletely numb legs, I somehow made it into the room.


    As Id expected, there was a button for closing the door.


    Copsed against the wall I was using as a crutch, just about running on empty, I looked around the room.


    I cant see all the way to the back of the room, but it looks like Ive hit the jackpot.


    <i>I might be able to lie here until the paralysis poison wears off</i>. I had no sword and no rations, so my death was assured But it was infinitely preferable to being defiled by a goblin before I died.

 Book 2: Chapter 4: (6)

    Book 2: Chapter 4: (6)


    Ahahaha, its so embarrassing. After that, all I did was lie there afraid of the dark and of monsters. Paralysis poison doesnt inhibit sleep, but it was impossible for me to drop off.


    The whole time, Deet was listening to Rias story with a nk look on her face.


    The sound of a single pebble falling off the stone wall It frightened me so much that I cried.


    I dont know what kind of expression I had on.


    Thats why I mistook Sir Thor for a goblin Even though, in reality, hes been so incredibly kind to me here. When I realised that, I got scared of even going into the dungeon Even having a sword frightens me


    With hatred in her eyes, Deet said,


    I knew from a rumour in the guild tavern that Klein had inherited your sword ording to the Principles of the Adventurers Guild, but the more I get to know about what really happened, the more I hate that scum!


    But even I couldnt give any thought to the safety of the two of them whod left me after I copsed. No, perhaps I even hoped for the opposite.


    Ria looked down as she said that.


    Ria, thats only natural. Are you really worried about a thing like that?


    Im shocked. More than that, Ill give Klein a walloping and take your sword back for you!


    W-wait, Deet. That sword belongs to Klein now. The Principles of the Adventurers Guild are recognised by thew of the Kingdom of Francis. It will be you who gets punished.


    But we cant forgive them! Right, Thor?


    Sir Thor, please stop Deet!


    Deet had addressed me, but I couldnte up with an answer.


    Th-Thor? Thor! Why are you shaking like that?


    S-Sir Thor! Sir Thor, are you all right?


    Ill never


    What?


    When I started to mutter, the two of them looked at one another. I couldnt stop myself.


    Ill never forgive those cowards! Neverrrrrrrrrrrrrrr!


    The two of them looked dumbfounded.


    O-our carefree Thor has snapped!


    S-Sir Thor! Even if you dont forgive them, the Adventurers Guild and thews of the Kingdom of Francis do.


    <i>I dont give a damn!</i>


    The Adventurers Guild might forgive them, and thews of the Kingdom of Francis might forgive them, but <i>I</i> never will, and neither will my grandma in heaven! Neverrrrrrrrrrr!


    Ria raised her voice.


    Whaaaaaaaat? Your grandma? You? When you say youll never forgive them, what do you mean?


    Ill make em suffer!


    Sir Thor, theres no need to make them suffer


    Deet agreed with me.


    Im gonna teach them a lesson, too!


    I nodded and called out in the direction of the bed,


    You will too, right, Shizuku?


    Shizuku, wobbling, popped up out of the bed.


    Shizuku has been waiting eagerly for you to take action Master!


    Whaaaaat?! Is that a white slime?! Why is there a white slime here?!


    Iid my hand on top of Deets. Shizuku mbered onto our hands.


    We will make those cowards sorry for making Ria cry, and well get back her sword!


    Hurrah!


    Just as the thought of never forgiving those guys was raising my spirits, I was suddenly tackled from the side and pinned down on the bed.


    Ow ow ow! Who is that?


    It kind of  no, it <i>really</i> hurt. They were even stronger than Enami.


    Sir Thor, Sir Thor!


    When I got a good look at them, I realised it was Ria.


    She pressed her face into my chest. My shirt was damp.


    Deet and Shizuku looked at me with resolute expressions and left the Western-style room.


    When the two of them had left, Ria  with her face still pressed against my chest  asked me,


    If it had been you, Sir Thor, what would you have done?


    It was a little abrupt, but I understood Rias meaning.


    Even if wed both been attacked by monsters, I would have carried you on my back, Ria.


    Ria lifted her face from my chest. She was smiling gently.


    I knew that, of course. Ha ha ha.


    She tidied her hair a little and put on an expression fit for a knight. Then she touched her lips to mine.


    I wish a pretty girl like you would stay with our party permanently instead of just for the time being, Deet.


    Ahaha Ill think about it.


    I gave them a fixed smile that even I knew was fake. <i>I wanna hit him right now.</i>


    But, if I thumped him, Id ruin the strategy that Thor had worked out. <i>Hang on. Gotta be patient.</i>


    In any case, I felt as if Klein  contrary to what Ria had told us  had his head turned by women pretty easily. <i>Ate bloomer, perhaps?</i>


    <i>Well, through her eyes, everyone looks like a good person. Or maybe shes just thick-headed and doesnt realise.</i>


    By the way, Deet, that artifact of yours is really useful.


    Klein pointed to my chest. <i>Where dyou think youre looking?!</i>


    This moonstone ne?


    Yeah.


    It was an item that could light up a cave even if the wearer didnt have a torch orntern. For someone like me, who usually explored by myself, you could say it was an indispensable artifact.


    I think it might be the most expensive out of all my artifacts.


    I had to auction off the clothes that Id got from Thor. Idid them out in the tavern.


    Barney joined in the conversation.


    How much was it? It must be pretty expensive.


    New parties often big up each others equipment and artifacts like this. It seems like harmless talk, but its not umon for there to be self-interest at y.


    Especially for adventurers who have profited from their teammates equipment.


    Oh, not really. Kleins sword looks much more expensive. Ha ha ha.


    <i>There we go.</i> The moment I said that, Barneys eyes narrowed.


    He was wary of me. <i>Hes betrayed someone before, so hes thinking that other people might betray him, too.</i>


    Right at that moment, a giant rat appeared from around a bend in the passageway. Klein split it straight down the middle.


    Do you see? This sword of mine is mithril. Mithril!


    Klein was even more of an idiot than Barney.


    <i>Its not </i>yours! <i>What are you boasting for?!</i>


    No-one had ever heard of an adventurer in Rias condition managing to make it back, so he didnt doubt that the sword belonged to him. But seeing him boast about it, without even feeling guilty, made me suddenly angry.


    Quit it, Klein!


    Whats your problem, Barney?


    Barney put a stop to Kleins boasting about the sword.


    But it was Barney I really couldnt stomach. I hated the way hed looked at me just a moment ago, with hard, jealous eyes.


    He was the one whod invited me to join their party in the first ce.


    I saw on the Guild noticeboard that youre looking for a temporary party to earn some money?


    Thats right. Ive incurred some expenses, you see. Whats your name?


    Barney. This is unusual for you, Deet  the rumour goes that you always adventure alone. Were going to hold a memorial service. How does that sound? It should make us a bit of money, so why dont we split it between the three of us?


    What level?


    Fifth level. If youre with us, we should be fine.


    Incidentally, holding a memorial service is ng. It means recycling your old teammates stuff.


    In many cases, adventurers dont have much equipment, so selling their stuff doesnt bring in a lot of money. But there was no excuse not to recycle a former knights armour and shield. That was the exnation I got. Although Barney said the same of the leather bag that he kept next to his chest, I knew that there was almost nothing in it.


    Memorial services are far and away the most effective way of making money, much better than searching for artifacts which might be anywhere in the dungeon, or finishing missions from the Adventurers Guild.


    But its a business that even ruffians shy away from.


    Sometimes people will willingly hold a memorial service for a fallen adventurer they encounter along the way, someone they didnt know. But not for a formerrade. For one thing, theyre aware of the dangers in the ce where theirrade fell, and for another, its said to be unlucky.


    Only an adventurer whod already got a taste for it would do it willingly.


    <i>Thats right.</i> I knew that only someone whod obtained a weapon as expensive as a mithril sword from hisrade would enjoy doing this.


    Some people will join a temporary party with the intention of betraying the party in the end.


    Thats why I dont want to form a party with anyone.


    By the way, wheres Ria?


    Up ahead. Just a little further, on the left.


    If she knew wed teamed up with a beauty like you, Deet, shed probably be jealous.


    <i>I </i>really<i> wanna hit him.</i>


    Youre just ttering me, Klein.


    No, Im serious! Please think about what I said about staying on with us.


    <i>I wonder whether even Ria, who thinks well of everyone, realised what youre really like when she got hit with the paralysis poison because you messed up?</i>


    <i>She must have known when you went off with her sword and the rations.</i>


    Looking at his handmade map, Barney said,


    It was around here that Aria copsed, wasnt it? Lets search the area.


    Barney took a flower out of his breast pocket.


    <i>You steal from dead bodies, and yet youre going to do that? Thats the thing I hate most about you!</i>


    Klein, whod got over Ria and was trying to put the moves on me, was irritating. But I hated Barney so much I didnt even want to dirty my hands by walloping him. <i>I wanna crush you under the sole of my shoe.</i>


    The armour and shield I mean, Arias body isnt here.


    <i>Your true feelings are showing </i>I didnt want to hear any more, but we were close to where we needed to be for Thors strategy.


    I just had to lead them there.


    Look, over there. Theres a blonde woman lying on the ground.


    Huh Is it Ria?


    I knew that their faces would grow serious in an instant.


    <i>Of course. They will have been expecting apletely silent corpse.</i>


    But when I turned to look over at Ria, who was lying on her stomach, I thought her thighs  sticking out of the bottom end of her dress armour  were so luscious that even I, a woman, would have like to caress them er, rather, she looked fresh and youthful, and not at all like a dead body.


    Wh-what?!


    A murmur escaped from Kleins pale lips.


    Huh? Is she alive? Well, go ahead and say it, then. Youve formed a party with me, so you dont need her anymore, right? Shall I tell her?


    S-stop. Please.


    Hey, Klein. Isnt that what you said? Ria and I are on bad terms  is that why you invited me along for this job?


    <i>Looks like Ive hit the nail on the head.</i> Klein and Barney, their faces dripping with sweat, were barely listening to me.


    Ha ha ha. Just kidding! Theres no way shed still be alive after weeks without weapons or rations. Its just a corpse.


    B-b-b-but!


    Well, we shouldnt stand around chatting. Lets take what we came here to take. Come on.


    Putting a hand on each of their backs, I pushed the two of them towards the copseddy knight.

 Book 2: Chapter 4: (7)

    Book 2: Chapter 4: (7)


    Switching off my head torch, I hid myself in the shadow of the wall in therge room of the dungeon.


    Very near me, lying face down on her belly, was thedy knight.


    In the distance, I could hear Deets voice and the voices of two men, getting closer. <i>Theyre finally here!</i>


    Sh-shes dead, see. Not even an eyelid twitching.


    B-but! The colour of her skin it really looks like shes alive.


    <i>That must be Klein and Barney.</i>


    I thought wed decided that she was dead? If we sell this dress armour and shield and divide the money between us, well make a pretty penny. Come on, hurry up and strip them off.


    <i>Thats Deets voice. Women are scary.</i> She was ying her part incredibly well.


    <i>Based on what Ive been told, that must be Klein.</i> He finally put a hand on the shield of the fallendy knight.


    Thats when it happened. Suddenly, thedy knight ced both hands on the ground and pushed herself into a sitting position, and turned to look Klein in the face.


    Klein Is that you? Barney Is that you?


    Aaaaaaaaaaaaaah! Ria?!


    <i>I bet their bloods running cold.</i> Klein and Barney both fell on their backsides.


    In a hoarse voice, Barney said,


    Y-y-y-y-y-y-y-youre alive?


    Yes Somehow or other youvee to help me, havent you?


    W-w-w-w-w-w-well, of course!


    Klein insisted that hede to help her. <i>Liar!</i>


    <i>Didnt Deet say they were going to split the money between them? She guessed that would be the case  it looks as if she was right.</i>


    <i>Knowing they cast theirrade aside so easily, I thought theyd be like this.</i>


    <i>I cant let Ria hear these things.</i>


    Im so happy Klein


    G-gah! Well, its only natural that wede to help out ourrade!


    Angrily, Deet said,


    Klein, what are you on about? Didnt you say youd moved on from Ria, and youre with me now? Whatever. Lets sell that womans dress armour and shield and split the profits.


    Kleins face was already deathly pale. It was impossible to tell which of them was supposed to be a corpse.


    W-w-w-w-w-w-well pay you a reward, Deet, dont worry.


    I see. Thank you very much. In that case, Ill hold my tongue.


    Thedy knight crawled weakly towards Klein. She looked up at him with pleading eyes.


    Klein.. What is she talking about? Surely you didnte to hold a memorial service for me?


    O-o-o-o-o-o-of course not! Deet just says strange things.


    Thats true You told me that, didnt you, Klein? Tee-hee-hee


    Thedy knightughed happily. There was something off about thatugh.


    Tee-hee-hee-hee-hee-hee-hee-hee-hee


    R-Ria?


    By the way, Klein Since you came to help me, you must have brought your own sword with you, right? Please give me back the sword that was granted to me by Lady Monica.


    U-um!


    Klein nced at Barney. <i>Hes probably looking to him for help.</i> Barney shook his head.


    Klein. We have to pay Deet. Theres nothing in the Principles of the Adventurers Guild that says you have to give it back just because she turned out to be alive!


    <i>These two really only think about themselves.</i>


    <i>In any case, its only because no-ones turned up alive before that there isnt a rule about it.</i>


    But they were so shameless that theyd probably use that as a reason to muscle their way through.


    <i>Time to put my n into action!</i> Stealthily, I reached out and pressed the button by the robot arm.


    Wh-whats that sound?


    The two men looked above them to where the sound wasing from.


    A s-suspended ceiling?


    In reality, it was an iron door, but the thickness of the door made it look like a suspended ceiling when viewed from below.


    Unable to stand up, the two of them tried to escape by scrambling backwards on their butts.


    But thedy knight,ughing, grabbed hold of their feet.


    Tee-hee-hee-hee-hee-hee


    What are you doing?Klein almost screamed. At the same time, the face of thedy knight melted off, revealing her skull in an instant.


    Shizuku was also ying her part well. Perhaps because she was a slime, watching her turn the face from flesh into liquid and melt away was enough to freak me out, too.


    Aaaaaaggggghhh! L-let go of meeeeeeeeeeee!


    Klein and Barneys screams rang out.


    Please return Arias sword The sword of mithril. If you give it back, Ill think about letting you go


    I will! Ill give it baaaaaaaaaaaaaaack!


    Thank you very much. But Ive thought about it, and Im not going to let go of you.


    Gahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!


    Klein and Barney seemed to have fainted.


    I pressed the button one more time. With a click, the iron door began to rise up again.


    Hey, you two are quite the actorsI said admiringly to Deet and Shizuku as I stood up.


    Thats because I was really angry!


    When a slime gets mad, they get really mad, you see!


    <i>Of course. Even I was angry.</i>


    I looked at the two unconscious figures.


    That Klein guys wet himself. Shall we do the same to Barney to make things equal in thememorative photo?


    I sshed some of the c that Id brought with me just in case onto Barneys crotch.


    Then I took a photo of the two of them with my camera.


    Right. I recorded them saying theyd return the sword on my smartphone, and Ive taken a picture with my camera as well. Deet, Shizuku, shall we go back to the apartment?


    Yeah.


    Yes!


    The monitor in the Western-style room showed the two of them lying inside the closed iron door.


    In ce of the mithril sword, Id casually put down the sword that Deet had bought on the surface in front of Kleins face.


    And to top it all off, printouts of thememorative photo


    Whats with that weird monologue?


    You sound like a chef.


    Deet gave me a wondering look, then nced at the monitor andughed.


    Oh, those two havee round. Theyre looking at the photos you put out, Thor! Heeheehee


    I opened the iron door and watched on the monitor as they scurried away like frightened bunnies.


    All thats left to do is deliver the mithril sword to Ria, whos by herself in the Japanese-style room, and then were done.


    I picked up the mithril sword and went into the Japanese-style room. Tactfully, neither Deet nor Shizuku followed me.


    When I entered the room, I found Ria sitting in the corner in her gym shorts, her hands sping her knees.


    Is it over?


    Its over.


    I handed the mithril sword to Ria.


    Oh!  This is the sword that Lady Monica bestowed upon me. Thank you so much.


    Shedding tears, Ria hugged the sword close. It made me very d to see her like that.


    <i>Shell probably never see those two again.</i>


    Id intended to stick thememorative photo up on the noticeboard in the Adventurers Guild  and to keep putting it there.


    But, from what Id seen on the monitor, there might not be any need for that.


    With regard to those two, everything had turned out fine. But there was still one thing that I had to do.


    Im so happy that you were angry on my behalf, Sir Thor.


    Huh?


    After all, I thought you were the gentle type, the kind who doesnt really get angry.


    Well, I guess its quite rare for me to get cross.


    <i>She probably means that I got mad at Klein and Barney.</i>


    One cant say that Klein and Barney are bad, as adventurers go.


    Ria I dont care about thew, or the Principles of the Adventurers Guild.


    Thats because youre Japanese, Sir Thor.


    No, its because Im me.


    What do you mean by that?


    It might be right ording to thew, or the rules of the Adventurers Guild. But wouldnt you rather decide for yourself whats right and whats wrong? What I wanted to say is, even if everyone else in the world thinks its right, if it makes you sad, Ria, then I think its wrong.


    Sir Thor


    I felt my face growing a little red. But I got the feeling that, if I was going to say things like this that made me look good, then I had to tell her the truth as well.


    Ria, the fact is theres something in particr I want to tell you.


    Wh-whats that?


    I looked down. It was hard for me to say it.


    Im not a wise sage. Im sorry.


    I couldnt see Rias face. But I couldnt run away from this forever.


    I lifted my head timidly.


    I knew that. Im the one who should be apologising.


    Ria was smiling from ear to ear.


    What? You already knew?


    I still dont know exactly what kind of person you are, Sir Thor, but all the same, I know that youre not a wise sage.


    <i>Thats true. I mustve seemed pretty weird.</i>


    But why are you saying sorry to me?


    Ria looked apologetic.


    I figured it out, but I kept pretending that I was still fooled.


    But why?


    Um I enjoyed living with you so much, Sir Thor, that I ended up depending on you and staying on here. Because youd forgiven me, and because I didnt have a sword, and because of the trauma Id suffered. I must have been a nuisance, right?


    What! Is that how you see it? Youve done me a favour by staying with me all this time


    <i>Besides, Ria couldnt really have returned to the surface, right?</i> Surely going back to that dark cave would have been more frightening than anything else.


    Incidentally, what kind of person are you, really?


    U-um, I wonder. Its difficult to exin, you see.


    As I sat cross-legged on the tatami, pondering, Ria knelt in front of me.


    She turned towards the handle of her sword.


    Huh?


    I dont mind who you are, Sir Thor.


    It looked like a pose Id seen somewhere. <i>I-is she really</i>


    For as long as I live, I pledge my sword and my fealty to you, Sir Thor


    What? W-wait a sec. Theres no need for that.


    I-is that so?


    <i>H-huh? Youre giving up that easily?</i>


    In that case, please ept me as your bride.


    Whaaaaaaaaaat? I um


    Whether Im your knight or your bride, its all the same to me. Please be my new master. I cant make it without a master. So please, choose one. If its at all possible, thetter


    Somehow, she seemed extremely happy.


    W-well, maybe youd better be my knight? Since youll be going to the surface of the other world as an adventurer


    Ria puffed out her cheeks and said in a clearly offhand way,


    I dedicate my sword and my fealty to you, Sir Thor.


    <i>Is this really the attitude of a knight?</i>


    There will be adventures too, of course. Feel free to choose Deet or Shizuku for those, Sir Thor.


    Ulp.


    <i>Deet doesnt mean anything to me, and Shizukus a white slime! </i>I should have retorted, but for some reason I couldnt reply.


    But if you want me not as a knight but as a bride, please dont hesitate to tell me at any point. Ill be waiting for you.


    As she said this, the blonde knight in gym shorts blushed bashfully and smiled.

 Book 2: Chapter 5: (1)

    Book 2: Chapter 5: (1)


    <b>Exploring the dungeon, heading for the surface of the other world</b>


    Oh, Shizuku, that feels so good! There, right there  no, a little lower


    Yes, Master. Here?


    Yeah, thats just right. Oh, it feels so gooooood


    Two days had passed since we had got back Rias mithril sword.


    Is anywhere else itchy?


    No, Im good. It feels really nice when you shampoo my hair, Shizuku.


    Id really wanted to go to the other world quickly to help Enami, but it hadnt worked out with the shifts at my part-time job.


    While Deet was travelling back to the surface and bringing those two back here again, Id been conscientious about going to work, so Id been given the week off starting from tomorrow.


    <i>So, tomorrow, the big adventure begins.</i>


    <i>I hope no-onepletes the Enami Quest before then Well, Im not really worried about that.</i>


    Deet was obsessed with the levelling-up clicking game. Once an hour, shed get angry that The foods just been taken by Enami and the orc again!


    <i>Judging by this, the orc seems pretty strong, and I dont think theres much need to worry about Enami.</i>


    Master, Im going to wash your back, too.


    Okay, thanks.


    Incidentally, the reason I was in the bath with Shizuku was because shed acquired some weird knowledge from an adult djinshi again.


    I often bathed  or rather, took a shower  before going to bed. But when Ide back from my part-time job, Shizuku had immediately asked me, Master, would you like to have dinner? Or have a bath? Or perhaps


    Not only that, but I was living with women, after all, and recently Id beening back from my part-time job covered in sweat.


    <i>Well, I wasnt counting on having Shizuku in the bath with me.</i>


    Master, shall I wash your front as well?


    Oh, no, Ill be fine.


    I seeShizuku said dejectedly.


    <i>Even if it upsets her, I have to decline.</i>


    Shizuku was using her own body to wash my head and back, but even that made me feel weird at times. It transcended species, let alone gender


    If she were to wash my front, I wasnt sure I could stop myself from getting excited.


    Of course! Ill turn into Lady Ria or Miss Deet. Could I wash your front then?


    <i>Wh-what are you saying?!</i>


    Which would you prefer? Ma-s-ter.


    <i>She mustve learnt this way of speaking from a djinshi,</i><i>too.</i> It was impossible to stay calm.


    Oh, I-I-I-I-I-Ill get in the tub first.


    Shizuku seemed scared of the crisis happening down there.<i> Despite the fact that she caused it</i>


    Every time it went back to normal, I took a cold shower, pressing my hands together in thanks like in a certain manga. Recently, Id been trying to do that every day. <i>One of these days, Ill awaken a special ability of some kind</i>


    The cold water and the act of pressing my hands together somehow got me back to a state that wouldnt frighten Shizuku, and I joined her in the bath.


    Master!


    Shizuku liked to climb onto my chest, half-floating in the water.


    She jiggled happily.


    Well, this is heavenly


    I would have stayed in the bath with Shizuku for a long time, but Deet began toin that she was hungry.


    <i>I suppose Ill have to get out soon.</i>


    I wonder whats for dinner tonight


    As I showed Shizuku the new menu and we got down to making dinner, Deet appeared.


    Today were having chicken hotpot.


    Yay! Ive never eaten that before, right? All Japanese food tastes good


    Yep. We have to eat nutritious food so were prepared for the dungeon.


    You dont have to worry about that. Ria and I will be there.


    Deet seemed to be looking out for me in her own way.


    But being able to eat tasty food is good, right?


    Thats true.


    By the way, wheres Ria?


    I think shes in the big room in the dungeon, doing sword training.


    Ria had been in top form since the mithril sword had been returned to her.


    She actively went out and hunted the monsters that came into the big room when Deet was doing her levelling-up game. She was in perfect health. She seemed to havepletely ovee her trauma.


    Okay. Dinner will be ready soon, so Ill go and call her.


    <i>Its so inconvenient that people from the other world  including Ria and Deet  cante back here once theyve gone into the dungeon unless Im with them. Well, it cant be helped.</i>


    Were home!


    Wee back!


    When Ria and I returned, the hotpot was already out on the table. <i>Shizuku must have put it there.</i>


    The four of us sat together around the hotpot. Well, three of us sat, and one of us jiggled. But either way, we were all together.


    Lets eat!


    Above all, new menus  a regr event for us  were an opportunity for me to demonstrate how to eat different food. I dipped the chicken and vegetables lightly in the sake that Id poured into a little dish, and ate them.


    Mmm. Delicious!


    Ria and Deet both copied me and ate some. Their chopstick skills had greatly improved.


    Mmm, its so tasty! Chicken is amazing.


    The vegetables and the white mushrooms taste great, too!


    Theyre enoki mushrooms. Dont you have them in your world?


    No, we dont have anything like them.


    It seemed that there were no enoki mushrooms in the other world. Apparently, Ria particrly liked the meat, and Deet particrly liked the mushrooms and vegetables.


    Master, please allow me to eat a little, too.


    Oh, sorry!


    When we were eating something like hotpot around a table like this, Shizuku couldnt eat unless she was in human form.


    Since it was difficult to eat while looking at another version of ourselves, the three of us took it in turns to feed Shizuku.


    Today it was my turn.


    Here goes. This is chicken.


    When I put the chicken inside her, it got smaller little by little until it disappeared, perhaps because she was digesting it.


    Its soooo tasty!


    <i>Maybe Shizuku prefers meat to vegetables.</i>


    <i>Be that as it may, Im d I was able to tell Ria the truth. Although I did it to make sure that she could stay here without feeling as if she was troubling me, if Id gone on pretending that I was a wise sage, we wouldnt have been able to rx and eat dinner like this.</i>


    By the way, even if we hurry, it will probably take us about two days to get through the dungeon and reach the surface. What rations are we going to take with us?Ria asked.


    Deet also seemed to be curious about that.


    Yeah. In our world, its normal to take things like dried bread, jerky, and dried fruit, but what rations do you take when youre adventuring in Japan?


    <i>Well, we dont really go adventuring in Japan. But there are plenty of things which keep for a long time and also taste good.</i>


    Ria and I will take on the monsters, and youll carry the rations, right, Thor?


    Yeah.


    Wed better take stuff that isnt too heavy, right?


    Ill be fine, dont worry. Im looking forward to what we bring.


    The next morning, we gathered in our travelling gear outside the entryway. For the first time in a long while, I locked the entrance door.


    Now that I thought about it, Id alwayse running straight back to my apartment, and there was always someone at home, so I hadnt been locking my door.


    Deet looked at me with a wondering expression.


    What did you just do?


    I locked the apartment door.


    Huh. To me, it just looked like you were doing something to the stone wall.


    It seemed that, to people from the other world, even the door to the entrance hall of the apartment block looked like a stone wall.


    <i>It might be inconvenient for Ria and Deet, but it does mean that people from the other world cant juste in of their own ord. If they could, my room would instantly turn into a rest stop for adventurers from the other world whod exhausted themselves in the dungeon.</i>


    Thats true. I have a duplicate key  would one of you mind looking after it for me? Then itll be fine even if I drop mine somewhere.


    If I lost the keys, wed only be able to get back in by bashing down the door to the entryway of the apartment block. For safety, I decided to have one of them keep hold of the duplicate key.


    Sure thing. Ill take care of it.


    Deet took the key from me and tried to push it into her cleavage.


    Hold up. Isnt it weird to put it there? What would happen if it fell?


    <i>What the ****, Deet?</i>


    This is the safest ce for it. Its okay, I promise I wont lose it.


    I snatched the key back off Deet and handed it to Ria.


    Ria, look after this.


    Okay, leave it to me!

 Book 2: Chapter 5: (2)

    Book 2: Chapter 5: (2)


    Behind me, Deet huffed discontentedly.


    It was as I was looking over my shoulder to admonish her, Shut up, Deetthat it happened.


    Whaaaaat?!


    The voice came from behind me again, but this time it was Rias voice.


    Whats up, Ria? Did I startle you?


    S-Sir Thor  over there


    Ria, shocked, pointed towards the door to the entryway of the apartment building.


    <i>Isnt that just the normal entrance hall door? I dont see anything unusual about it. Doesnt it just look like a simple stone wall to people from the other world? Nothing for her to be so shocked about?</i>


    R-Ria. Could it be that youre seeing the entrance hall door instead of the stone wall of the dungeon?


    Ria nodded her head up and down several times.


    Huh? Wh-what do you mean? I cant see it at all!


    I cant see it either. Can you see a door there, Lady Ria?


    <i>It seems like neither Deet nor Shizuku can see it. In which case</i>


    Y-yes. One that Ive never seen before Is it the door to your apartment, Sir Thor?


    Neither Deet nor Shizuku could see it. Only Ria could.


    <i>If thats the case, then</i> I handed Deet not the duplicate key, but the real one.


    Deet. I want to check whether the door appears for you when youre holding the key.


    The key? Oh! Is that it!


    Deet took the key from me and looked behind her to where the door was.


    Ah, there it is! Does this mean that, if Ive got the key, I cane into your apartment whenever I like?! Thats right, isnt it, Thor?


    <i>Just as I thought. Im going to ignore Deets selfish chatter and try another little experiment.</i>


    See if you can open the entrance hall door with the key, Ria.


    Oh, okay! Ill give it a go!


    Dress armour nking, Ria ran up to the entryway door.


    Er, should I put the key in this hole and turn it?


    Yeah, thats right.


    It was the first time shed seen a dimple key, so it had perplexed her a bit, but she seemed to have worked out that, since it was a key, all she had to do was put it in the lock and turn it.


    Oh, it opened!


    Ria opened the entrance hall door halfway.


    It looks as if even people from the other world can get into my apartment if they use the key.


    <i>I wonder if the key has any other effects?</i>


    Oh! Outside! The sky!


    Huh?


    Looking into the room from the entrance hall, Ria pointed.


    Can you see the outdoors from my apartment window?


    Yes! Thats the ce called Japan, isnt it?


    Apparently, if someone from the other world had the key to my room, then  even from within the dungeon  they could see the door to the entrance hall, and from the window they could see the scenery of Japan, just as someone from this world could.


    Deet also peeked at the room from behind my back.


    Its true! The key to your apartment is <i>very</i> useful, Thor.


    Deet. I want to see if Shizuku can see it, too. Try giving her the key.


    Okay.


    <i>I wonder if even Shizuku, a white slime, can see it?</i>


    I can see it! I can see the view of Japan outside!


    Ooh, it looks like it works on monsters, too. Okay! Maybe! Shizuku, the key! Please give me the key!


    H-here.


    I took the key from Shizuku and ran to the iron door. From behind, I could hear the footsteps of Ria and the others following me.


    Whats wrong, Sir Thor?


    Ria, can you get your shield ready just in case, and block any monsters if they appear?


    O-of course.


    Deet, when youve pressed the button that opens and closes the iron door, press it one more time.


    Huh? Why?


    Just do it!


    Ria lifted her shield, and Deet, with a wondering look on her face, pressed the button that would open and close the iron door.


    The iron door began to rise little by little.


    Okay, thats enough. I get it! Press it once again to close it. Close it!


    O-okay.


    The door closedpletely.


    What was that all about?


    Deet, if you and the others have the key to my room, you can see out of the doors and windows that no-one from the other world has seen yet, which you can use to get into Japan, right?


    Thats right. Oh  perhaps


    Until now, youve been seeing a stone wall on the other side of the iron door, but if you have the key, the stone wall disappears.


    Apparently, the key of this stigmatised property allowed the holder to pass freely between Japan and the other world.


    Ria and the others all looked at one another. The truth was, I had another hypothesis.


    Incidentally I know theyre often full of traps, or used by monsters as dens, but arent there spaces in the dungeon that can only be locked from the inside and that practically scream camp here?


    Deet had told me about them.


    Thats right. There are ces just like this one  theyre called rooms. Oh  does that mean?!


    Yeah. It might be that theyre linked to my room, too.


    Th-thats possible. It might be worth investigating.


    Well, this key seems pretty useful, doesnt it? It might count as a precious artiefact in the other world. Ria, keep it with you and dont lose it under any circumstances, okay?


    G-got it!


    Ria nodded, her expression serious.


    Bracing myself, I said to the party,Well then, lets set out for the surface!


    I was expecting a response of Ooh!. However


    I want one, too! I want a key! I wanna key, I wanna key!


    Deet began demanding a key like a spoiled brat.


    Huh? But were going to the surface of the other world now Im just having Ria look after the key for me, its not like Ive <i>given</i> it to her or anything


    S-Sir Thor? May I speak freely? I dont I dont want the key.


    <i>What? Ria</i> She was holding the little key close to her, protecting it with her breastte and gauntlet. She looked up, tearfully.


    H-here you go. You can have it


    Really? Oh, Im so happy!


    Why did you only give the key to Ria? Discrimination! This is discrimination, Thor!


    Jiggling, Shizuku said, Are there only two of those keys, Master? I want one, too


    Y-yeah. I might be able to get another one from a locksmith in Japan, though.


    <i>Oops, I shouldnt have said that.</i>


    In a spirited voice, Deet said, A locksmith?! Lets go! Lets go to the locksmith!


    However I looked at it, she had much more motivation for that than she did for going to rescue Enami.


    <i>Well, maybe its all right. She helped Ria, and she brought us gold, so Im grateful to her for that.</i>


    I ended up leaving Ria and Shizuku in my room and heading out with Deet once again into the streets of Japan.


    We went into the locksmiths, and I asked whether they could make me some duplicate keys.


    We can do you two keys in about half an hour.


    I see. Yes please.


    We had some time to kill.


    Theres a park nearby. Shall we go there?


    So there are parks in Japan, too?


    Thats right.


    I thought it was just buildings and roads with cars on.


    The area near the station is like that, but if you go a little further out, there are fields, too.


    Although Tachikawa is a city, its really in the suburbs. It takes about half an hour to get to Shinjuku. Its pretty far from the metropolis.


    Oh, r-really? I see. There has to be somewhere that produces the food, I suppose.


    Well, in any case, shall we go to the park?


    We arrived at the park. It wasnt anything special, just a wide open park; the signboard read Kurenai Park, and there were children ying there energetically.


    The two of us sat down on the grass. Perhaps as a precaution, Deet pulled the hat that she wore to cover her ears even further over her face. There was a subtle distance between us.


    That might just have been her nature; she was a sorceress who was used to working alone.


    This ce you call Japan is really developed, isnt it? There are people and buildings everywhere.


    Well, I suppose.


    Dont you have wars and stuff?


    Not in about 70 years.


    Maybe thats why its so developed. But I cant see a single elf or demi-human anywhere. Arent there any in this kingdom?


    <i>Oh. Is that why shes on her guard?</i>


    In this world, there are no elves or demi-humans in Japan or in any of the other countries.


    What? Youve got to be kidding me.


    Its true.


    Is that because humans wiped them out?Deet asked sharply. <i>Perhaps her misanthropy is actually a hatred of humans.</i>


    No, humans have fought wars against each other in the past, but Ive never heard of them going to war against elves or demi-humans.


    I wonder if thats really true.


    <i>Surely we havent No, wait.</i>


    Well, giants and demi-humanse up in myths. But those stories arent considered to be real.


    I see. Well, thats okay. Ill believe you. Im sorry, by the way.


    Huh? What for?


    For selfishly saying that I wanted the key and stuff, even though its your home, Thor.


    To tell the truth, I didnt mind Deet and the othersing into my apartment at all.


    I wanted to give it to you so that you guys coulde to my home whenever. If youve got a key, youll be able to.


    Thor Thank you.


    I want to show you around a Japanese city, too. Theres more to Tachikawa than Tons Quijote. Theres a cinema, and a pool, and a ce where you can have BBQs


    <i>Now I think about it, of all those things, they might have BBQs in the other world, too.</i>


    That sounds so fun!


    Deet, the dungeon is dangerous, even for you. You ought to join a party. Ria and I will band together with you when were free.


    Really? Ill think about it.


    Deet pulled her hat even further down over her face, which had gone red, and quietly came to sit closer to me.

 Book 2: Chapter 5: (4)

    Book 2: Chapter 5: (4)


    <i>I see. That could lead to trouble. Well, why dont I try it on that guy with the cross-shaped scar?</i>


    [Name] Dan


    [Race] Human


    [Age] 38


    [upation] Swordfighter


    [Level] 12/20


    [Health] 45/45


    Huh, level 12?


    <i>What a let-down. Thats only two levels higher than me.</i>


    Really? Thats not so bad.


    Deet, drinking some water, reacted to what Id said about him being level 12.


    Huh? Level 12? But <i>Im</i> already level 10!


    If hes made it past level 10 as an adventurer without dying, hes probably the backbone of the party. He must have been adventuring for at least three years.


    Oh, really?


    Yeah. Frankly, its unheard of for an adventurer whose level is in single digits to kill a giant centipede.


    I-is that so?


    But to do that while eating potato chips and drinking c


    Deet lost her temper, even though shed done the same thing herself. <i>Better change the subject.</i>


    B-by the way, Deet, you said that they werent very strong. How did you know?


    I can sorta tell just by looking at them.


    <i>Hmm. We probably look like battle-worn adventurers, but were not.</i>


    <i>It must be a skill Deets picked up by adventuring.</i>


    In any case, shall we eat?


    Are you going to cook for us even while were adventuring, Thor?


    Well, Im leaving all the fighting up to you, so its only fair. I put plenty of things in my rucksack than I can cook right away.


    Oh, really? Im looking forward to it!


    It was ideal that we were at a watering ce. We could use as much drinking water as we wanted.


    Straight away, I boiled some water in a pot using the portable solid-fuel stove Id brought.


    <i>Hehehe. What shall I pick?</i>


    Since Id started living with Ria and Deet, Id been cooking for myself properly, so I thought Id try some junk food that I hadnt had in a while.


    Instant Miso Ichiban ramen noodles! Today those two are going to be eating some.


    There were five portions in the packet, which had only cost me 300 yen. I put the noodles and powdered soup in the pot and added freeze-dried vegetables.


    Ria came to watch me. Incidentally, she always watched my cooking with intense interest. Shizuku could learn how to cook something just from watching me do it once. Deet, meanwhile, was an expert in eating.


    That smells amaaaazing! What are you making?


    Ria was right; wed been made to walk for so long that we were absolutely starving, and the smell was irresistible.


    Its called Miso Ichiban.


    Oh, thats miso soup, isnt it?


    Ria and Deet had both developed a taste for miso soup.


    Well, Id say it was ramen rather than miso soup.


    Ramen?


    Youll be able to enjoy it after its cooked Well, its already done.


    Thats quick! Its cooked already?


    Thats one of the great things about it. Lets share it out, shall we?


    I had cooked all five portions of the ramen in the pot at the same time. I divided it out into Styrofoam bowls and handed out stic forks. Both the bowls and the tes were light, which made them convenient for carrying about.


    I decided to put Shizuku on my knee and feed her that way.


    It was dark, so I thought it would probably be all right, but I still tried to shield her with my body so that the other adventuring party wouldnt see her.


    Lets eat!


    Ria and Deet both said it with me, but they watched me to see how Id eat the ramen.


    In a slightly exaggerated way, I wound the noodles around the stic fork, put it in my mouth and slurped.


    <i>Slrrrrrrrrrp!</i>


    Mmm, tasty! Just what Id expect from Japanese instant ramen.


    Ria and Deet watched me, bbergasted. But eventually, they copied me and began to slurp up their ramen.


    Mmm! What aplex vour. Ive never tasted anything like this before.


    Yeah, its so tasty!


    <i>Thats because its full of chemical seasoning</i>


    Shizuku, sitting on my knee, vibrated happily when I gave her some of the Miso Ichiban.


    Ria slurped her noodles a little hesitantly, but Deet slurped away without restraint. <i>Looks like this was a great sess.</i>


    I cant believe you can cook this so quickly and yet it has suchplex, delicious vours


    Right? And its full of vegetables, too.


    The two of them were clearly enjoying their food, but I might have made a bit too much.


    <i>Its because I put all five portions in the pot. Shizuku seems to be able to eat any amount if she puts her mind to it, but usually she only eats about half as much as the rest of us.</i>


    <i>C</i>


    There was a bit left over.


    Come to think of it, that other group of adventurers also seemed to be eating.


    Interested to see how they were getting on, I nced behind me.


    <i> Theyre watching us!</i>


    <i>Theyre </i>staring<i> at us!</i>


    <i>Well, that makes sense. The sound of slurping Miso Ichiban is pretty loud, and the smell is strong, too!</i>


    Hey, what did you say adventurers from this world ate when theyre adventuring?


    I had the feeling Id asked this before, but I asked it again anyway.


    With a fed-up expression, Deet said, At the best of times, dried fruit and jerky. Sometimes dried, salted fish that theyve prepared themselves.


    I see. And at the worst of times?


    Maybe dried meat and bread rehydrated in hot water? And after that, dried bread soaked in cold water. Worst of all is dried bread on its own. Although there are also times when theres nothing to eat at all.


    <i>Thats rough. The smell of Miso Ichiban and the sound of our slurping must be unbearable.</i>


    Are there four adventurers in that group over there?


    Huh?


    I took four stic cups out of my rucksack and put the rest of the Miso Ichiban that was left in the pot into them.


    There was exactly the right amount to fill the four cups to the brim.


    Deet gave me a wondering look.


    What are you doing?


    I was thinking we could share this with the adventurers over there.


    Huh? I wouldnt do that.


    Theres plenty left over, after all.


    Rias face brightened suddenly.


    Good idea! Ill help.


    Oh, that would be great.


    Carrying four cups of hot ramen at once would have been tricky.


    Besides, if Ria came with me, then I wouldnt have to worry even if the worst happened and we ended up fighting.


    I really think youd better not.


    Well, then you can wait here, Deet. Look after Shizuku, okay?


    Shizuku moved into Deets shadow.


    Smiling as broadly as I could, I approached the other adventurers.


    Their food situation looked to be only one step away from the worst of times. They were trying to satisfy their empty stomachs with hard bread soaked in water.


    U-um, h-hello.


    Dan, the guy with the cross-shaped scar, and the rest of his band looked at us with evident suspicion.


    Hmm.


    They gave us a kind of response.


    Hi, everyone. We made too much soup, so if youd like some, youre wee to it.


    Huh?


    Dan let out a shocked noise, and then asked, How much?


    Oh, no, were not asking any money for it.


    I handed the cups of Miso Ichiban to Dan and the two guys who looked like bandits. Ria handed cups to one guy who looked like a sorcerer and another who seemed to be a swordfighter.


    But they all just looked suspiciously at the cups and didnt eat anything.


    Whats wrong? You look exhausted.


    Th-there must be poison in this, or something.


    Whaaaaaaaat?


    I was beginning to understand what Deet had meant just now.


    Looking at Ria properly, I could see that there was a gloomy edge to her smile. <i>She must have predicted that something like this would happen.</i>


    Theres no poison in it.


    Wh-why are you speaking in monsternguage? And Ive never seen anyone who looks like you, or has those kinds of artifacts. I havent even seen food like this before.


    Oh!


    <i>Id forgotten that. Japanese is monsternguage. Thats why Ria mistook me for a goblin.</i>


    W-well, thats But isnt there a rule in the Principles of the Adventurers Guild that says adventuring parties arent allowed to fight each other?


    There is. But the guild receptiondy doesnt have eyes down here, on the fourth level. And, as the saying goes, dead men tell no tales.


    <i>So people in the other world have that saying, too?</i>


    Everything he was saying was fair. <i>How about attacking from a different angle?</i>


    Rias famous in the Adventurers Guild as a busybody, isnt she? Its okay. The soup tastes good.


    One of the guys who looked like a bandit said, Aria helped me out a little with some of the formalities of the Adventurers Guild.


    <i>Oh, really? In that case </i>I looked at Ria.


    She was looking surprised. <i>She mustve forgotten.</i> ording to rumours, she stuck her nose in the business of every neer.


    But I heard that Aria had died


    <i>Id forgotten that, as far as the Adventurers Guild is concerned, Aria is dead.</i>


    Im alive, as you can see.


    Ria did some bending and stretching exercises to y up the point that she was, mysteriously, alive.

 Book 2: Chapter 5: (5)

    Book 2: Chapter 5: (5)


    <i>I dunno. Maybe this wont work out.</i>


    <i>A strange-looking guy speaking monsternguage, a female knight who was rumoured to be dead, and a kind of food theyve never seen before in the first ce</i>


    <i></i><i>Well, if youre suspicious of it, you can just throw it away.</i><i></i>


    <i>I started to trudge back.</i>


    <i></i><i>Nah, well have it.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>Huh? But all that stuff about poison</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>I cant resist the smell, and that slurping noise you were making before  I dont even care if it kills me!</i><i></i>


    <i>His fellow adventurers, panicking, tried to stop him, but Dan brought the stic cup up to his mouth and slurped up the noodles.</i>


    <i></i><i>Its so gooooooooooooooood! What is it?!</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>I know, right?</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>Ahhh! What is it? What is it?</i><i></i>


    <i>Perhaps because Dan was making so much noise as he continued eating, the other adventurers were unable to hold themselves back anymore.</i>


    <i></i><i>Youre right. What is this? I cant believe how tasty it is</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>Its strange how good it tastes.</i><i></i>


    <i>The guy who looked like a bandit, the one Ria had helped out, said</i><i></i><i>Wait, you guys! Dont eat it all!</i><i></i>


    <i>The other adventurers looked at him, shocked. I was about to say There really isnt any poison in it!, but</i>


    <i></i><i>If we dip the rock-hard bread weve been eating until now in this soup, itll be soooooooo tasty.</i><i></i>


    <i>Ria and I looked at each other and grinned.</i>


    <i>The adventurers practically fought each other to dip their dried bread in Miso Ichiban and eat it up.</i>


    <i>  </i>


    <i>After resting, we said our goodbyes to the other adventurers and set off ahead of them, aiming for the surface.</i>


    <i></i><i>Yknow, Im pretty surprised. For adventurers of that level to be so distrustful When you get to higher levels, you start to be able to judge when to trust people and when not to.</i><i></i>


    <i>Deet was surprised that the other adventurers had eaten the Miso Ichiban that Id brought.</i>


    <i></i><i>Maybe it was a good thing that you took it to them, Thor. You seem pretty peaceful.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>Are youplimenting me, or putting me down? They gave me a flower, too, you know.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>A flower?</i><i></i>


    <i>I showed Deet the flower that the adventurers had given me by way of thanks.</i>


    <i></i><i>Thats Thats a flower from an ancient tree!</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>Huh? Is it rare? Those adventurers from before had loads of them.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>Its one of the ingredients for a Mid-Potion. I see, so thats the situation, huh.</i><i></i>


    <i>ording to Deet, flowers from ancient trees were quite pricey, and only some adventurers knew where they could be picked.</i>


    <i>Sometimes, adventurers know valuable information that others dont, and not just about dungeons.</i>


    <i></i><i>In other words, this is a message from them. Theyre probably saying that theres a ce on this floor of the dungeon where the ancient tree flowers bloom, so we should look for it. I bet the flowers of the ancient trees blossom on these roots.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>I get it. So they were paying us back for the Miso Ichiban?</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>They seemed really happy, didnt they? Well, if Id been there, I wouldve found an even more effective way of earning money than getting ancient tree flowers. You should treat more people to Miso Ichiban.</i><i></i>


    <i>Apparently Deet, too, had realised the significance of giving Miso Ichiban to the adventurers.</i>


    <i>Sniffing the scent of the ancient tree flower, we went on our way in high spirits.</i>


    <i>  </i>


    <i>We advanced from the fourth level  which had been taken over by the roots of the great trees  to the third level at around the time that my smartphone indicated that, if wed been in Japan, it would have been almost time for the evening meal.</i>


    <i></i><i> Huh? Is this?</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>Are you surprised?</i><i></i>


    <i>Ria smiled slightly.</i>


    <i></i><i>Is this really an underground dungeon? There are no furnishings, but it looks</i><i></i>


    <i>The third level looked less like a dungeon and more like the interior of a gigantic castle.</i>


    <i></i><i>Apparently, decades ago, when the dungeon was first discovered, there were furnishings here, too.</i><i></i>


    <i>Deet nodded enthusiastically.</i>


    <i></i><i>When the dungeon was discovered, it was incredible. There was a real gold rush. There used to be furnishings made of gold on this level, you see.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>Oh really? So you were an adventurer even then, Deet?</i><i></i>


    <i>Ria just said decades ago.</i>


    <i></i><i>Thats right. Is that a bad thing?</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>No, not at all.</i><i></i>


    <i>It might be better to change the subject.</i>


    <i></i><i>But whats a massive castle like this doing underground? Whats going on with this dungeon?</i><i></i>


    <i>Ria told me the answer.</i>


    <i></i><i>It is said that, although the original castle sank underground, spacetime warped and a castle from somewhere else manifested here.</i><i></i>


    <i>The other world really is incredible. Well, if Ria and the others were talking, theyd probably say that Japan was incredible, I suppose.</i>


    <i></i><i>By the way, Im pretty knackered already.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>If we walk on a little further, well get to somewhere where we can camp.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>A room?</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>No, a prison.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>A prison?</i><i></i>


    <i>ording to Ria, there was a prison on the third level of the dungeon (which looked like the interior of a huge castle), and this prison had turned into lodgings for adventurers.</i>


    <i></i><i>That sounds both wee and unwee.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>Its because the threat of being attacked by monsters dramatically decreases around here. On this level, there are only weak monsters like skeletons and blue slimes.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>Huh? Skeletons? Are they really that weak?</i><i></i>


    <i>If someone said skeleton to me, I would think of an armed skeleton warrior.</i>


    <i>In a shocked voice, Deet said</i><i></i><i>Theyre not strong at all. They have no muscles, and even if theyve got swords, theyre all worn out and look like they might break at any point.</i><i></i>


    <i>That was a logical exnation. I guess thats true.</i>


    <i>Flesh-and-blood humans with muscles are bound to be smarter and more powerful. And skeletons might have equipment, but its all rusty.</i>


    <i></i><i>Theyd be perfect practice for you, Thor.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>Mm That might be okay.</i><i></i>


    <i>Skeletons might be thought of as weak, but up until now Id only fought blue slimes and mushroom monsters. I wanted to avoid fighting big monsters like skeletons if I could help it.</i>


    <i></i><i>Your level might be going up, but if all you do is that clicking game, youll never develop a feeling forbat.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>Hmmm. Well, since were adventuring together, I suppose I dont have a choice.</i><i></i>


    <i>Ria took the rucksack Id been carrying off my shoulders.</i>


    <i></i><i>Ill take this for you.</i><i></i>


    <i>My back felt a lot lighter. But in ce of the rucksack, she gave me her shield.</i>


    <i></i><i>W-wow, this is heavy! Do you carry this heavy shield all the time, Ria? You must be really strong.</i><i></i>


    <i>The lightness of my back was cancelled out by the weight of the shield.</i>


    <i>Ria looked embarrassed, and said in a small voice, </i><i></i><i>Do you not like strong women?</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>N-no, thats not it at all!</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>My shield defence skills help me, too.</i><i></i>


    <i>I see. So its because Ria has those skills that she can use her shield freely?</i>


    <i>Deets annoyed voice called towards us,</i><i></i><i>Oi, you two, stop making out! Hurry up and lets see what youve got.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>Huh? Ack!</i><i></i>


    <i>Two skeletons came ttering sadly towards me.</i>


    <i></i><i>Im not mentally prepared yet!</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>Youll be fine.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>You telling me Ill be fine doesnt make it true!</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>Youve got plenty of time to mentally prepare yourself.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>But the skeletons are already Huh?</i><i></i>


    <i>Wow, these guys are slow. It looked as if they were barely moving towards me at all.</i>


    <i></i><i>Once youre feeling ready, you should start the fight yourself.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>G-got it.</i><i></i>


    <i>I brought the shield up in front of me and slowly but steadily approached them. Well, I was intending to go slowly and steadily, but I found myself walking pretty fast.</i>


    <i>I had a hunch that it would be best to attack at least one of the skeletons before they could both brandish their swords at me at the same time. I advanced quickly and brought my ice axe down on one of their skulls.</i>


    <i>The ice axe easily smashed in the skeletons skull, and the skeleton tumbled to the ground without resistance.</i>


    <i></i><i>All right!</i><i></i>


    <i>But the other skeleton, of course, had had time to raise its rusty sword above its head. I might have got a head start with the ice axe, but I had to take the force of this blow carefully with Rias shield.</i>


    <i>The impact of the sword was weak. I pushed the skeleton back with the shield that had taken the blow, and knocked it off bnce. And, before the skeleton could get back into a fighting stance, I swung the ice axe down.</i>


    <i>As Id expected, the skeleton crumbled to the ground. The two skeletonsy silent.</i>


    <i>I was shocked by the results of my own battle. Im amazing!</i>


    <i></i><i>H-how was that? Ria? Deet? Shizuku? Not very heroic, right?</i><i></i>


    <i>In order to hide my surprise, I sent myself up a bit. I never thought Id be able to fight like that.</i>


    <i></i><i>Youre doing much better than I did in my first fight.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>That was so cool, Master!</i><i></i>


    <i>Ria and Shizuku interjected.</i>


    <i>But what about Deet? I nced at her.</i>


    <i>She breathed a small sigh.</i>


    <i></i><i>You were okay. Your fighting senses arent bad. There are plenty of guys out there whose status is good but who have no feel forbat.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>R-right? Hahaha.</i><i></i>


    <i>I never thought that even Deet would praise me.</i>


    <i></i><i>But youre far from heroic. After all, youre unemployed.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>Leave me alone!</i><i></i>


    <i>Everyoneughed. I guess Im the butt of the joke. The skeletons were pretty weak.</i>


    <i></i><i>Looks like youll be able to graduate from packhorse to support. After a while, well be able to put you in the vanguard.</i><i></i>


    <i>But Id be just fine being the packhorse.</i>


    <i>Thinking this, I was about to take a step forward when Deet came and whispered in my ear, </i><i></i><i>I was surprised how good your feeling forbat was. Theres no limit on your level  one of these days, youll be able to beat heroes.</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>Really?</i><i></i>


    <i></i><i>Yes, really.</i><i></i>


    <i>In that case, Im gonna graduate from packhorse quickly.</i>


    <i>Wow, what a discovery those skeletons were!</i><hr>

 Book 2: Chapter 5: (6)

    Book 2: Chapter 5: (6)


    Whew. They might be weak, but there sure are a lot of them.


    Just when I was about to drop with exhaustion, Ria lunged at the skeleton in front of me.


    Lets switch!


    In an instant, her mithril sword cut the skeleton clean in half.


    Until now, I had simply watched her, dazed, but now that I had experiencedbat myself, I understood just how fierce Ria was in battle.


    Whats more, she was still carrying that heavy rucksack.


    To tell the truth, I waspletely captivated by her.


    It wont be long before you reach this level, too, Thor.


    So you were showing me clearly how its done? Theres quite a difference, isnt there?


    Yes. But I think your talent really is incredible.


    If you ask me, I think magic wouldve been better.


    Deetughed.


    Hey! Im the one wholl be drilling you in magic. Leave the physics to Ria.


    Huh? Really?


    Didnt I say that you could learn both physics and magic, because youre unemployed?


    Seriously? Being unemployed is pretty great.


    Well, unemployed people tend to be slow learners by nature. But that doesnt seem to be the case for you.


    ording to Ria and Deet, I was on course to be unbeatable.


    I was grateful for that, but Their way of teaching seemed pretty harsh.


    Well, Ill just have to use Shizuku, after all.


    Huh? What did you say, Master?


    Oh, nothing.


    <i>Ha ha ha. Before long, using Shizukus ability to trace peoples movements</i>


    <i>I bet Ria and Deet will be shocked at my progress.</i>


    There were several adventuring parties gathered in the third-level prison that we were calling a campsite.


    Of course, with Shizuku being a white slime, she couldnt stay as she was, so I had her turn green. There are a few adventurers who are sorcerers, and its not umon for them to be apanied by green slimes.


    Ria went into the prison and put down the rucksack.


    Someone must have set the prison up for adventurers; the door could be bolted from the inside.


    Were going to camp here and then set out for the surface again tomorrow, right?


    Yes, thats the nRia told me.


    <i>Surely, well be safe in this prison even if monsterse.</i>


    Well, shall we make dinner?


    There are a lot of other adventuring parties around here, so we might be better off with something that doesnt smell too strong.


    <i>Of course, shes right.</i> The Miso Ichiban had smelt too strongly of miso.


    <i>This time, we dont have enough to share with everyone.</i>


    There isnt much of it, but how about instant rice gruel?


    Huh? But Im so hungry!Deetined.


    That cant be helped. I brought ready-made curry, too, but that has a really strong smell.


    Whaaat? You have curry? Vegetable curry?


    Yeah. But it smells too strong.


    I want curry! I want curry! I want curry!


    Dont act like such a selfish kid!


    <i>Is Deet </i>really<i> 221 years old?</i>


    Deet, well have curry tomorrow, okay?


    Gotcha.


    She was persuaded by 18-year-old Ria.


    <i>I wonder which is her real face  the one shes making now, or the face of the worldly-wise adventurer?</i>


    The rice gruel is tasty but there isnt much of it.


    If youd like, Miss Deet, you can have mine.


    Jiggling, Shizuku offered her the instant rice gruel that Id poured into a cup.


    Thanks, Shizuku!


    Hey, Deet, you cant do that!


    Its all right, Master. I can go a day without eating just fine.


    Deet was really taking advantage of Shizukus kindness. <i>I wonder if this is her reacting to living alone for so long?</i>


    I didnt know why, but Deet always went adventuring alone, even in dungeons where the Adventurers Guild rmended forming a party.


    Perhaps it had been a very long time since shed had fun with a party like this.


    Thanks for the food! There really wasnt much, was there?


    You had a portion and a half!


    <i>Whatever. Maybe, if its us, Deet will stay in the party forever.</i>


    After the meal, I boiled some water.


    Obviously, we couldnt bathe, so instead we wiped our bodies down using a towel soaked in hot water.


    While Ria and Deet were wiping themselves down in a corner of the prison, I wiped Shizuku.


    <i>I dont know if this means anything, but</i>


    Does that feel good, Shizuku?


    It feels really good. Thank you, Master.


    Shizuku jiggled happily.


    She also wiped my back for me.


    Well, now that were feeling refreshed, shall we call it a day? That rucksack It was heavy, with these in it.


    There were three sleeping bags. These new ones were extremely light and good at keeping the heat in, and could also be used as mats, but the three of them together weighed a kilo.


    Japanese bedding is reallyfortable! No wise sage has made an artifact as useful as this. It looks like well be able to get a great nights sleep.


    Yeah. The cold of a dungeon floor can get right into your bones, but Im not cold at all Can I have this one. Thor?


    Ria and Deets voices quickly became sleepy.


    It was worth the gloomy thoughts Id had while carrying them.


    Come here, Shizuku.


    I opened the sleeping bag a little, and Shizuku hopped inside.


    Im nice and warm, Master.


    Mm, me too.


    It looked like Id be able to get a good nights sleep here in the dungeon just as if I was back in my apartment.


    After a breakfast of energy bars, we carried on walking towards the surface.


    I was shocked to find out that the second floor of the dungeon was a forest.


    Not only that, but it was light. We didnt need the heamp, or thentern, or Deets pendant.


    Theres a forest underground? Is this sunlight?


    NoRia exined. Here in the forest, theres a type of moss called sun moss, which emits light.


    Oh, really? It looks just like sunlight.


    Sometimes Deet talked like a selfish kid, and sometimes she talked like an intellectual. In fact, there are some schrs who say that it has the same qualities. That the trees in this forest make their nutrients from this light, and so on.


    <i>In other words, they photosynthesise.</i>


    What kind of monsters are there?


    Nothing worse than blue slimes and mushroom monsters.


    <i>This should be a walkover. Theres no danger, and we can have curry for lunch.</i>


    I see. Well, Ill make curry for lunch, then.


    Really?


    For some time after that, we marched on to the sound of Deet chanting, Curry! Curry! Curry!


    After walking for about three hours, we came to a clearing.


    Its nearly time for lunchRia said. This ce is quite open, so its probably all right to eat here.


    There were no other adventurers around.


    Well, shall I make that curry?


    Hurray!


    While cooking the rice, I put the packet of ready-made curry in hot water.


    Wheres the curry?


    Inside this silver packet.


    Huh? No way


    Deet looked dissatisfied.


    What do you mean no way?


    When you said you were going to make curry, I thought you meant youd cut up carrots and onions and potatoes and put them in, too.


    Deet was mostly an expert when it came to eating. Curry was the only thing shed watched me cook.


    I cant cook that sort of curry when were in the middle of adventuring. Ive got curry thats ready-made.


    Does it taste as good?she said in a discouraged voice.


    Youll enjoy it once youve started eating it.


    I piled the cooked rice onto a te and added the boil-in-the-bag curry.


    Well, it <i>looks</i> tasty. And it smells good. Thanks for the food!


    Deet put some of the curry in her mouth.


    Mmm, its so tasty! Its just as delicious as if youd chopped up the vegetables and made the curry yourself, Thor.


    Thats the sad thing about it. This line of boil-in-the-bag curries is really tasty.


    <i>Well, I guess ready-made curry has a deliciousness all of its own.</i>


    Incidentally, the one Id given Deet was a vegetable curry. Ria, Shizuku and I all had beef curry.


    They were happy that theyd been able to choose ording to their tastes.


    Perhaps the curry tasted even more delicious than usual because we were eating it all together, in the middle of a green forest with gentle light pouring down.


    While eating our curry, we animatedly discussed various things. The conversation turned to the first floor of the dungeon.


    Both Ria and Deet looked suddenly stern. Deet said gravely, Thor, Shizuku, be particrly careful on the first floor.

 Book 2: Chapter 5: (7)

    Book 2: Chapter 5: (7)


    Huh? Why?


    I would have expected the danger to increase the deeper we went into the dungeon, not the other way round.


    <i>The first floor ought to be the safest</i>


    The first level is inhabited by humans and demi-humans who cant survive on the surface. Its full of criminals, and turf wars aremon.


    <i>Wh-what?!</i>


    ording to Ria and Deet, the first level of the dungeon had literally be the territory of the human underground.


    Several forces were engaged in turf wars.


    In order of influence, these forces were the Thieves Guild (for those who made their living through burry, theft and pickpocketing); the Merchants Guild (for those who dealt both in ordinary goods and in goods which could not be traded on the surface), and the Mercenaries Guild, which had recently risen to prominence and was nicknamed the Bodyguards Guild.


    Sounds a bit scary.


    I made a serious face, but Deet, rxed, said, Well, youll be fine as long as youre careful of the Bodyguards Guild.


    What? Surely the Thieves Guild is worse?


    Traders and mercenaries had a legitimate upation. To Japanese sensibilities, thieves were the only ones of the three who were criminals to begin with.


    And Ria was in agreement with me.


    Yes, the Thieves Guild is bad, too.


    Huh? What the heck?


    Ria and Deet seemed to be at odds in their opinions.


    ording to Deet, the Thieves Guild mostly stuck to the order given by its former leader, the legendary great thief Dorothea, to never steal from the poor.


    They tended to target nobles and rich merchants. In other words, they were chivalrous thieves.


    But for Ria, whose employers  a noble family  had ruined themselves trying to protect the people of their fief, this was intolerable.


    The Kache family had their assets stolen too, you know!


    That wasnt necessarily the work of the Thieves Guild from the Dungeon of Yomi.


    I heard them mention Dorotheas name!


    Its because the Thieves Guild takes in children without parents. They have to live somehow, even if thats through crime. Its all right if theyre stealing from nobles.


    They should go to a proper orphanage!


    They cant all go to an orphanage!


    It didnt look like the two of them were going to reach an agreement.


    What about the Merchants Guild?


    Its a good thing theyre around.


    ording to Deet, they sold food, daily necessities, weapons, armour, and other items that were necessary for exploring the dungeon.


    They also traded with criminals who could not sell their excavated artifacts in shops on the surface, so there were cheap bargains to be found.


    But Ria did not look favourably on the Merchants Guild, either.


    They offer goods and services that are prohibited by thews of the surface.


    They sold dangerous concoctions, young children, and cursed weapons, and offered gambling dens and other dubious services.


    But there are some people in this world who need those things. Theyre sort of a necessary evil.


    Ria objected to what Deet was saying.


    Youve been to the Merchants Guilds gambling dens from time to time, havent you, Deet? People talk about it in the tavern at the Adventurers Guild, you know.


    Ulp. But there are gambling dens on the surface, too


    The rates are different.


    The Merchants Guild is even worse than the Thieves Guild. Forcing me to go into a gambling den


    <i>Until now, Deet hasnt said anything in defence of the Merchants Guild, has she?</i>


    Theres hardly anyone who could force you to go into a gambling den with them, Deet.


    Apparently, Deet was a fan of gambling.


    Well, if we dont get involved with the Merchants Guild from our side, well be fine.


    Why isnt anybody cracking down on them?


    Ria seemed to be finding it difficult to answer. Deet answered instead.


    If money is moving about, there are powerful people involved.


    Perhaps Ria had been unable to answer because she was embarrassed about how things were in her world, but the situation was much the same in Japan.


    And thest one, the Bodyguards Guild?


    Theyre the worst.


    Ria and Deet seemed to be in agreement on this.


    It seemed that the guilds main source of ie was extorting money from merchants and beginner adventurers on the pretext of protection.


    Do they really protect them?


    Ive heard of them tagging along, unasked, on beginner adventurers expeditions under the guise of being bodyguards, and then taking everything that the party earns.


    Ria was angry. Even Deet, who recognised the existence of necessary evils, was hard on the Bodyguards Guild.


    They collect a toll on the best road for getting to the underground levels. They call it a management fee.


    The dungeon was massive. It was only now that I found out that there was more than one road, or set of steps, leading from each underground level to the other levels.


    Deet knew the safest  and fastest  route that would take us to the surface.


    Apparently, the Bodyguards Guild hogged one of the most convenient roads to the first floor.


    If theres just one of you, theyll treat you like a nobody, but if theres a crowd of you, theyll be outnumbered!


    In any case, there were almost no monsters on the first level; it was a zone where humans and demi-humans could live. But instead of monsters, there were lots of shady people and areas.


    Somehow, I felt that the Thieves Guild was the least bad out of all of them.


    We finished our curry, and walked through the forest with the sunlight pouring down on us.


    As we were walking, I suddenly realised something.


    I know I had you turn green, Shizuku, but will that be enough? On the first level, wont I stand out if Im carrying a slime around with me?


    If there are people who have the ability to detect monsters, theyll certainly use that skill. She might be exposed as a white slimeRia said, troubled.


    <i>That lot on the first floor will probably use monster detection skills.</i>


    M-Master. Am I causing you trouble?Shizuku asked, trembling sadly.


    No, not at all! Hop in my rucksack, youll be fine.


    Ria shook her head.


    There are guys in the Bodyguards Guild wholl make you show them whats in your bag in case you have valuables in there. There are ways of not showing them, but You might end up fighting over whether you show them or not.


    Hmm Ive got it! Ill just get Shizuku to turn into my clothes.


    Your clothes?


    Oh, Shizuku can turn into clothes, cant she?


    This time, Shizuku trembled with happiness.


    I can!


    I-Is that so? But there are people who have the ability to appraise your stuff, too, you know.


    Huh?


    Because your clothes are unusual, Thor, they might use their skill to appraise them. They wont think your clothes could be as valuable as a white slime, but when they try to appraise Shizuku in the guise of your clothes, they wont be able to, and that might make them suspicious.


    So thats no good, then?


    <i>Thats true. Clothes from Japan are unusual.</i>


    <i>Oh, wait! Itll be okay if the clothes are normal ones, wont it?</i>


    I think you only saw them from a distance, Shizuku, but could you turn into <i>that</i> persons clothes?


    That person? Who do you mean?


    If I took on the appearance of that person, they shouldnt go to the trouble of appraising my clothes.


    What do you think, Ria, Deet?


    I was wearing tattered leather armour.


    I was dressed like Dan, the adventurer with the cross-shaped scar on his face to whom wed given the Miso Ichiban.


    <i>I think I look pretty cool.</i>


    You look like a veteran adventurer!


    Ooh, it suits you, it really suits you.


    All <i>right!</i>


    <i>Just what Id expect from Shizukus copying ability.</i>


    Im happy that I could make you happy, Master!


    Its a bit weird that I have a pickaxe for a weapon. If I had an iron sword or something, Id be the very picture of an adventurer.


    Deetughed, and said, Yeah. When we get to the first floor, Ill buy you one.


    Really? In that case, let me take a picture of all of us on my phone.


    Ria and Deet seemed not to understand what I meant. But I was sure that if I printed the picture out and gave it to her when we got back to Japan, Deet would be happy.


    We came across a natural cave in the forest. Inside it, I could see different levels in the stone which looked like a staircase.


    Well, were almost at the first floor. Be careful not to argue with any of the residents, okay?


    I focused my mind on Deets words as we climbed the staircase inside the cave.

 Book 2: Chapter 6: (1)

    Book 2: Chapter 6: (1)


    <b>There are people living on the first floor of the dungeon!</b>


    We climbed up from the forested second floor of the dungeon to the first floor.


    Wow. Ive heard about it, but


    Although the floor and walls were built out of stone blocks, making the level look like underground ruins, we seemed to have stepped straight into the red light district.


    I say red light district because the shing light of the neon signs was exactly the same as on Earth.


    <i>Theyre probably illuminated by magic, or something.</i>


    This area is controlled by the Merchants Guild, so its pretty safeRia informed me.


    Huh, I see.


    Since Ria hated the underground guilds, I wasnt expecting her to know which districts were controlled by which guild, but I figured that was the kind of knowledge you couldnt help picking up if you went adventuring in the Dungeon of Yomi.


    Over there  is that?


    They were elves, like Deet.


    <i>Those elf girls are standing in front of a bar and beckoning us over!</i>


    Wee, sir! Doe in!


    Without thinking, I began to wander in the elves direction.


    No, Master!


    Shizuku, whom I was wearing as my armour, brought me back to myself. In a small voice, she told me, Lady Ria and Miss Deet are ring at you from behind.


    <i>Huh?</i> Stealthily, I looked behind me. <i>Ulp</i>


    U-um, its just the first time Ive seen elves, thats all. They must be friends of yours, right, Deet?


    Elves like them are ten a penny. Im a high elf! And I dont associate with people who work in ces like this!


    I seemed to have annoyed her.<i> She probably wont buy me that iron sword now.</i>


    But, thanks to Shizuku, I seemed to have avoided the worst oue.


    Thanks for letting me know, Shizuku. Ill give you patster, okay?


    Yay! Im so happy, Master!


    ording to Deet, people who were not satisfied by the pleasure quarters of the surface visited the underground pleasure quarters.


    Pleasures that were forbidden on the surface were allowed here.


    As we walked through the red light district, we passed row upon row of shops.


    Just what Id expect from an area controlled by the Merchants Guild.


    There are shops on Thieves Guild turf and in the district controlled by the Bodyguards guild, too, but not as many as there are hereRia told me.


    I see.


    Very soon, we came upon a shop selling weapons.


    It was easy to tell what it was; it had a sign with a picture of crossed swords on it.


    Youre going to buy me an iron sword, right?


    A cheap one.


    Deet seemed to have remembered her promise.


    We entered the shop. There were iron swords lined up on the shelves.<i> Hmm, which one shall I pick?</i>


    Immediately, Deet pointed at one.


    This one! It looks great, doesnt it? Pick this one!


    It certainly looked pretty cool, and sharp, too. <i>It really looks like an adventurers sword.</i>


    I picked it up.


    Got a good heft to it, too. Mmm. It seems like an excellent sword


    Deet snatched the sword from me.


    Hey, mister! How much for this sword?


    Deet and the owner, a corpulent man with a southern Europeanplexion and a short moustache, haggled over the price.


    I would have liked more time to choose, but I figured this was what happened when a bargain turned up.


    Come again!


    We left the moustachioed mans weaponry shop.


    As we headed for the surface, Deet handed me the sword shed bought with an air of great satisfaction.


    Hee hee hee. It was already at half the market price, and I got him to knock another half off. And the leather scabbard was free.


    Huh?


    <i>Youre telling me he sold this excellent sword for a half of a half of its original price?</i>


    When I had held it before and noticed its weight and its sharpness, I had been convinced that it was a good sword, but I was rapidly losing faith in that judgement.


    Ria reached out towards me.


    Could I see the sword for a moment?


    <i>Rias a knight, so she must know a lot about swords.</i>


    She drew the sword all the way out of its scabbard and held the de in front of her eyes.


    S-so? Its a bargain, right?


    She looked at the sword with a serious expression. Then she sighed.


    Its an iron bar.


    Huh?


    Look at this.


    As ayman, I didnt know what she meant by this, but I soon understood.


    Theres no edge?


    The cutting edge of a sword is usually made as thin as paper, to increase its sharpness.


    But this sword had an edge that was thicker than a five-yen coin.


    Its probably a crude sword that was overused until it lost its edge. They just polished the surface to make it look shiny.


    But it feels heavy, like a proper sword.


    Good swords are heavier, but theyre properly bnced, so they feel light. You wont be able to kill anything with this.


    She handed me the mithril sword.


    I-It feels so light! But I can tell that its actually heavier than the one we bought.


    Right?


    I was shocked, but Deet still seemed satisfied. I figured she was the type to be happy with a cheap purchase.


    The Merchants Guild is the worst!


    Yeah


    There was definitely a personal grudge involved in what Id said, but Ria agreed with me.


    <i>Well, probably better for me not to have a lethal weapon.</i>


    <i>An iron bar should give me enough power. But, all the same, the pickaxe tucked into my belt is probably better.</i>


    By the way, Ria, there are rooms outside the fifth level, right?


    Room was ng for a space with a door which could be opened and shut from the inside to stop monsters from entering.


    We hade up with a hypothesis that the rooms on other levels might also be connected to my apartment.


    There are certainly some on the first floor.


    There are?


    But the rooms on the first floor are controlled by the three underground guilds.


    I see. Makes sense.


    The underground guilds had this level under their thumb; there was no way theyd ignore such useful ces.


    Although there were hardly any monsters on the first floor, there was still value in having safe storehouses and ces to rest.


    But I really want to investigate the rooms on the first floor.


    Why?


    We wont be able to get to the surface straight away, will we?


    <i>Perhaps one of the guilds will let us use one.</i>


    In any case, Deet seems to be leading us in a straight line to the surface, rather than checking for rooms. I think thats the right approach.


    However snug our sleeping bags might be, I really want to stay in an inn on the surface.


    Yeah.


    Deet was taking a lot into consideration.


    <i>Besides, we keep forgetting about it, but we really need to get someone to take down that order to deal with Enami as quickly as we can.</i>


    As we walked on, following Deets directions, we seemed to being to the edge of the district full of shops.


    But, right at the end of the district, there was a particrlyrge shop. It was built of brick and had iron bars on the windows.


    Whats this shop?


    A shop which will buy anything off you.


    Thergest shop belonging to the Merchants Guild seemed to be a ce that would buy literally anything, from goods originating on the surface to things that had been dug up in the dungeon.


    People were lining up, each carrying their own goods.


    <i>I bet theyre queueing to have their items bought at a higher price than theyre worth.</i> There was even a shop assistant managing the line.


    Theyre even keener than people at Comiket.


    Whats that?


    Oh, nothing. Huh? Whats going on over there?


    I guess weve run into something unpleasant.


    A rough-looking guy was standing in the veryst row with a little boy who had a cor around his neck.


    Thats one of the guys from the Bodyguards Guild.


    Huh? Not <i>him,</i> the kid. Is the guy whos with him from the Bodyguards Guild?


    See the sword and shield tattooed on his shoulder?


    On his shoulder, which was exposed by his tank top, there was indeed a tattoo of a sword and shield.


    If someone has that symbol on their body or their clothes, it means theyre from the Bodyguards Guild. Dont get into a fight with them under any circumstances. Got it?


    Okay. But that kids crying.


    Never mind that!


    Deet ignored him, and tried to move forward.


    But Ria stepped towards the guy from the Bodyguards Guild.


    Reluctantly, Deet and I followed her.

 Book 2: Chapter 6: (2)

    Book 2: Chapter 6: (2)


    Are you selling that child?


    Yeah.


    Even in this world, selling children was a crime. ves existed, but ve children had to be sold with their families.


    Also, ves were employed as serfs or servants. At the very least, they had these rights. But there were nows underground.


    There was anger in Rias voice, but  as if she were following Deets advice  she didnt seem to be intending to provoke a quarrel.


    Ill buy him. How much is he?


    Hang on a second, Ria!


    Deet tried to stop her, but Ria crouched down so that her eyes would meet the boys, and spoke to him.


    Everything will be all right now. Dont worry.


    snff.


    When he saw Rias smile, the boy stopped crying.


    Even though I didnt really want to know, I asked, What are you going to do with the kid?


    Ill send him to one of the orphanages that I support financially.


    Come to think of it, Ria did give money to several orphanages.


    <i>Itll probably work out, then.</i> Ria drew a leather pouch out of her breast pocket and took out several gold coins.


    But the boy refused her offer.


    An orphanage? I cant. My little sister in the Thieves Guild will be all alone.


    Huh?


    My sister and I were taken in by the Thieves Guild. We live here But that guy from the Bodyguards Guild, he


    I looked at the guy from the Bodyguards Guild in his tank top. He had a vulgar smile on his face.


    <i>This kid might be a ve, but hes not a helpless orphan with no-one to look after him.</i>


    Hehehe. You shouldntve stepped onto our turf.


    Even I scowled at the man. Deet carried on saying,Please dont fight. If you fight with the Bodyguards Guild on the first floor, youll never be able to explore the dungeon again.


    Im gonna sell this brat off to a male brothel.


    Wait. I said Id buy him, didnt I?


    It was clear from Rias voice that she was angry, but she handed the whole bag of gold coins to the man.


    <i>Getting ourselves noticed by the Bodyguards Guild on this floor will get us into trouble, after all.</i>


    Butthe man brushed aside Rias bag of gold.


    I dont want it. If I sell the brat to some old pervert, Ill get at least twice that.


    <i>Bastard! I dont even care if the Bodyguards Guildes after us.</i>


    <i>We can always escape to the surface, and I dont think the Adventurers Guild would put a bounty out on a human just for a brawl.</i>


    <i>In other words, I just have to not kill him. Hes gonna taste the iron rod of justice!</i>


    Hey, I <i>told</i> you not to get into a fight!Deet shouted.


    Apparently my anger was obvious.


    I ignored her and felt about my waist for the iron rod.


    Huh?


    When I looked down at my waist, I saw that the sword had disappeared, and only the scabbard remained.


    I looked around, wondering what had happened, and realised that Deet was holding it in her hand.


    Tank Top let out a wail, clutching his forehead. Arrrrgh! Whatre you doing? You bastard!


    I told you not to get into a fight! H-huh?


    Apparently, Deet had, without realising, drawn the sword from my belt and swung it at Tank Top.


    Ria and I congratted her at the same time.


    Well done, Deet!


    That was an amazing overhead strike, Deet!


    Ahhhh! What have I done?!


    Blood streaming from his forehead, Tank Top shouted, Brothers of the Mercenaries Guild, are you there?


    He seemed to be calling out to hisrades. But it was all right.


    I couldnt see anyone in the vicinity with the sword and shield symbol on them.


    Ack!?


    Rough-looking men began to appear one after another.


    Using my Person Appraisal skill, I could see that they were Level 10 at most, so it would be an easy fight for Ria and Deet.


    <i>But if theyre fighting against this many people, someones sure to get killed.</i>


    <i>If that happens, well have to go on the run.</i>


    At the very least, it was a big problem.


    I readied my pickaxe. <i>What should I do?</i>


    Thats when it happened. I heard something that sounded like an explosion, and the area was engulfed in smoke.


    The smoke had something peppery in it that made my eyes sting.


    Ack, ack! What the hell?!


    Choking and unable to see, I heard an unfamiliar womans voice saying, This way!


    At the same time, someone grabbed my arm. I ran in the direction that they were pulling me.


    We passed the shop front, hidden by the smokescreen. My eyes were still stinging, and I couldnt see properly.


    But I realised that the person pulling me along was an amazingly well-proportioned, muscr woman. I could tell this because she was wearing a ck sleeveless crop top and shorts which showed off the muscles of her arms, thighs and butt, and her tail


    A t-tail?!


    I saved you, but it bothers you that I have a tail?


    Oh, no, sorry. Its just that my eyes were drawn to your tail. I was surprised, thats all.


    Huh?!


    I mean, thank you.


    I figured she must be helping me if she was taking me away from that ce.


    <i>When my sight goes back to normal, I can get a better look at her tail I mean, my surroundings.</i>


    I wanted to ask Shizuku what was going on, but I couldnt, in case she was discovered by the woman running alongside me.


    The woman stopped suddenly. Just as I was wondering what had happened, I realised there was an iron door in front of us.


    <i>Perhaps this is</i>


    Its Cat. Open up.


    Whats the password?


    Steal from the fat pig.


    The woman was speaking in the direction of the door. There must have been someone on the other side of it.


    The iron door slid upwards, just like the one on the fifth floor.


    Well hide out here for a bit.


    Thats great, but what about the two women I was with, and the boy?


    Its all right. My friends will have taken them off in different directions so they wouldnt be pursued. Someone will bring them hereter.


    I wasnt sure whether that was true, but Shizuku said in a small voice that only I could hear, Deet was being pulled along, too. Ria fought back, but when the person who was trying to help her spoke to her, she agreed to go along with them for now. The boy, too.


    <i>As always, Shizukues in handy.</i>


    Well, if you insist.


    They all seemed to be very safety-conscious. The button to open and close the room was on the inside, meaning that no-one could shut you in; you had to shut yourself in.


    <i>So she cant be intending to imprison me.</i>


    The man who had been on the other side of the iron door stepped out, and the woman who had helped me went inside.


    When I had entered, the woman closed the iron door.


    My eyesight had mostly recovered. The inside of the room looked like a warehouse, with wooden boxes and various other things piled up inside it.


    It would have been pitch ck were it not for thentern that the woman took off the man.


    Sit down wherever you can.


    Th-thanks.


    I sat on top of a wooden box. The woman sat down on a box opposite me.


    She put down themp behind her and a little to the side.


    This meant that her face was backlit. She was also wearing a hood, so I couldnt see her face very well.


    Instead, I could see her slender arms, thighs, and stomach. She had recently been running, so her muscles stood out to me, but her feminine flesh was also illuminated by the gentle glow of themp.


    Her chest, however, looked pretty t. I couldnt see her tail properly, either, since I was looking at her from the front.


    What a shame!


    <i>But there are people who like that. I like both.</i>


    A shame? What is?


    O-oh, nothing.


    I see


    That was all the woman said before she fell silent.


    We didnt talk. I couldnt tell because of the lighting, but I felt like I was being watched.


    To someone looking from the other direction, I would have been in direct light.


    <i>What should I say? Or rather, why did she help me?</i>


    <i>Since shes able to use the room, she must be a member of one of the underground guilds.</i>


    <i>She helped the boy, so maybe the Thieves Guild?</i>


    Er-erm, are you with the Thieves Guild?she asked me.


    Me? Im not with any guild in particr.


    It seemed that the woman was a member of the Thieves Guild. <i>That means there must be a way for everyone to know that shes a member. But I cant see anything on her like the sword and shield symbol that the Bodyguards Guild have.</i>

 Book 2: Chapter 6: (3)

    Book 2: Chapter 6: (3)


    <i>The hood? Or the fact that shes half-animal? Its probably the hood.</i>


    I got the feeling that Id seen several people on the first level with their hoods at the bottom of their necks rather than pulled up over their heads.


    I also realised that the woman wasnt just a tomboy, she was a real tough girl type. <i>But that might not be very important information.</i>


    Thanks for rescuing Nick.


    Huh? Oh, you mean the boy?


    Yeah. Although we wouldve been able to get him out of trouble by ourselves.


    <i>No doubt. There were three of us adults trying to rescue one kid  it should have been a walkover.</i>


    But we cant openly strike someone from the Bodyguards Guild, because that would probably end in a fight. We have to do it secretly. Ha ha ha.


    <i>I get it. The Thieves Guild seems to have a lot to contend with.</i>


    Whats your name?


    Er, Thor.


    Hmm, Thor, is it? Everyone calls me Cat. I make it a rule to pay back what I owe. Is there anything you want?


    Oh, no, Im just grateful to you for getting us out of trouble.


    You were in trouble in the first ce because you were rescuing Nick, right? Id like to bash that idiots face in. Ha ha ha.


    <i>If she wants to smash his head in, he must be pretty annoying.</i>


    I-I see. Um, could I ask you a really big favour?


    Sure, fire away.


    Could I have this room, or whatever you call it? Oh, but Im not asking for any of this stuff thats inside it.


    The room, dimly lit by thentern, was silent for a while.


    Thats a pretty big ask


    I thought it might be


    If this room, so close to the surface, was connected to my apartment, it would be tremendously valuable to me.


    Im sorry, but I cant do that. Its not up to me alone.


    Come to think of it, rooms were surely a lifeline for the underground guilds.


    But if this one was connected to my apartment, I wanted to get my hands on it, no matter the cost. <i>Even if I have to earn loads of money to pay them, or load them up with artifacts from Japan.</i>


    <i>At any rate, will they even let me check whether or not its linked up?</i>


    Then can I look around the inside instead?


    Why?


    Oh, um


    <i>Uh-oh. Shes going to think Im a spy or something.</i>


    Are you a schr, Thor? You dont really seem like an adventurer to me. Plus, youre using monsternguage.


    She seemed to think I was a schr, not a spy. Id heard from Deet before that there were plenty of adventurers, merchants, and ruffians in the dungeon, as well as travellers who came here as tourists, but there were also a few schrs who came to survey the dungeon.


    <i>Well, I guess spies dont go around getting into ostentatious fights.</i> I decided to make use of the misunderstanding.


    Something like that.


    If Im with you, its fine.


    <i>Hurray!</i>


    The woman who called herself Cat got to her feet, holding themp. Themp, which had been lighting her from behind, illuminated part of her face.


    <i>Oh! I thought she was a woman, but it might be more urate to call her a girl.</i> She was beautiful, about 16 or 17.


    Being half-human and half-animal, she had the eyes of a cat. They were gold in colour. She had her hood up, so I couldnt see them clearly, but her ears were dimly visible poking out of her short ck hair.


    Why are you staring at me like that?


    Oh, um


    I decided to follow the inner wall of the room to see whether I came to the door of the entryway into my apartment.


    From behind me, Cat illuminated the room with themp.


    Hmm.


    <i>I guess not. This room doesnt seem to be linked to the entryway door.</i>


    Could I look around the other rooms owned by the Thieves Guild?


    I dont mind you looking around the ces that people know our guild owns. But hadnt you better meet up with yourrades first?


    Yeah, I guess youre right.


    We sat down again on the wooden boxes near the iron door, facing each other. She seemed to have a tendency to put themp down somewhere it would light her from the back.


    <i>Maybe she doesnt want people to see her face.</i>


    The dark room, illuminated only by themp, fell silent again.


    Suddenly, Cat spoke up.


    Hey, Thor. Do you hate cat people?


    Huh? Why would you think that?


    I was being asked, all of a sudden, whether I liked or disliked people who were half-animal.


    <i>I dont dislike them at all. In fact, as Japans foremost geek, Im very interested in them.</i>


    But I got the feeling that saying I was interested in them would be rude.


    Not at all. In fact, I like them.


    H-huh? What do you mean?


    She pulled her hood even further down over her eyes.


    Did I say something strange?


    A l-lot of humans hate cat people, right?


    <i>I see. I didnt know that.</i>


    In my area of work, we love them.


    Shizuku, in the form of my armour, wobbled in agreement. Shed been studying a lot from my adult doujinshi.


    H-hmm I see. Thats what your friends are like.


    By the way, is Cat your real name?


    Its a nickname.


    <i>A nickname? But why would she choose a name that draws attention to the fact that shes a catgirl?</i>


    Id just heard that lots of humans hate cat people.


    <i>Shall I try using my Person Appraisal skill on Cat? Ill be able to see her real name then.</i>


    <i>All right! Open Cats status!</i>


    H-huh?


    I couldnt see her status. This had never happened to me before.


    Thor! Did you just try to look at my status?


    Oh, um I just wanted to know your real name.


    Come to think of it, Id heard that people in the Thieves Guild could sense the skills of others, so if you tried to look at their statuses you might get found out.


    Since you used your skill, Thor, Im going to use mine, too. For your information, my Person Appraisal skill is a higher level than yours.


    Ack!


    She was going to find out that I had a weird name and a strange status. <i>I wonder whatll happen next.</i>


    Pfft. Suzuki Tooru? What a weird name. What country are you from?


    <i>Japan!</i> It seemed that my name, at least, wasnt going to be too much of a problem for her.


    Ooh, whats this? Unlimited Growth? Not bad. Huh? You even have atent unique skill? Wh-what the heck?!


    <i>What? Atent unique skill?</i>


    Skill That Increases a Womans Maximum Level by 1, Up to 3 Times a Day, Up to Double the Original Level, When You Kiss Her?!?!?!


    <i>Thats way too long for a skill name! But thats not the point!</i>


    I got as far as saying, I didnt realise my skill had that effec ahhhh!


    Let me try! Please?!


    Hey, wait, dont wriggle like thaaaaaaaa


    Cat pinned me down and covered my mouth with hers.


    <i>Are the people of this world really that desperate to increase their maximum level?! It certainly looks like it.</i>


    It went up, it went up! My maximum level went up by 1!


    <i>She must have been at or near her maximum level. She seems over the moon. But shes the only one who is</i>


    We didnt both agree to that!


    You dont mind if we do it again, right? Right?


    Y-yes, I <i>do</i> mind!


    So you hate cat people after all, Thor.


    No, I love them, but please dont wrigg ahhhhhh!


    She pinned me down with her whole body and French kissed me.


    <i>Its not as if the conditions of the skill change depending on whether its a light kiss or a French kiss!</i>


    At that moment, I heard voices from the other side of the iron door.


    If Sir Thor has been hurt Im going to crush the Thieves Guild!


    <i>Damn, thats Rias voice!</i> It had a threatening quality to it that shed never used in front of me.


    But these people <i>helped</i> us, Ria!


    <i>Ulp. </i>That slow way of speaking It had to be Deet.


    <i>This is bad. </i>I tried to push Cat off me, but she clung to me with her whole body. I couldnt get away.


    Mmmmmmm


    Sir Thor?


    Thor?


    I could hear the conversation on the other side of the door. They wanted her to open it quickly.


    Cat, its Guy. Steal from the fat pig.


    That had to be the man from the Thieves Guild out there, saying the password.


    Surely now Cat would have to get off me and push the button to open the iron door?


    But instead


    Hahhhh! Im busy right now! Come backter!

 Book 2: Chapter 6: (4)

    Book 2: Chapter 6: (4)


    Hey! Dont  ungh!


    Cat sucked at my mouth again.


    From outside the door, I could hear a voice saying, Whaaaaaaaat?!


    <i>Damn it. </i>Shed gone and kissed me exactly three times.


    Youd better stop now. Your friend from the Guild might just be surprised, but mypanions are getting angry. They want you to open that door!


    Why was Cat still sitting on top of me, not moving?


    Hey. Arent you going to get excited?


    Huh? What do you mean?


    My name is Miriam. But you can call me Miri.


    So Cat was her nickname, and her real name was Miriam.


    She said it was okay to call her Miri. But never mind that. She was doing something that she really shouldnt be doing.


    H-hang on a second. Why are you unbuttoning your shorts, Miri?


    You kissed me three times! Dont you want to?


    <i>Dont I want to what? She cant mean Do people who are half-animal get in the mood as casually as if they were ying a game?</i>


    I dont! I dont want to! Im not experienced, I!


    I dont either, so be gentle, okay?


    Huh?!


    <i>Thats not what it looks like. But, anyway, I need to get her off me.</i>


    Youre not getting excited, Thor.


    Of course Im not!


    Youve got to be kidding me.


    Miri drew back her hood, and two ck cat ears sprang out.


    She wiggled her buttocks back and forth, emphasising her low-rise shorts, which looked like they might slip off at any moment. I could actually see the ck underwear she had on.


    The friction thrilled me. <i>When she talked about me getting excited, is this what she meant?!</i>


    Seeing my cat ears really made you perk up, huh? Im so happy!


    Looking at Miris body, illuminated in the darkness by the light of themp, there was no way to stop myself getting excited.


    Idiot! Anyone would get excited by <i>this</i>!


    <i>Why is she kissing me again? Her maximum level wont go up any further!</i>


    I realised that, for some reason, I was holding a wired earphone. Miri was absorbed in the kiss, and hadnt noticed.


    <i>Wh-whats this?</i> I followed the cable, and found that it was connected to my armour.


    <i>Could it be</i> I slipped it into my ear. Miri carried on kissing me and wiggling back and forth.


    Snff snff Master, your <i>thing</i> is frightening me. Im scared!


    As Id expected, a message from Shizuku came through the earphone.


    <i>If Shizuku runs away and stops disguising herself as my armour, Im in big trouble.</i>


    I wouldnt have anything to protect me. I went suddenly pale.


    Just then, Ria and Deet yelled together from outside the door, Open up! Open this door!


    Sitting on top of me was a cat-person or rather, Miri from the Thieves Guild.


    Then there was Shizuku, who seemed as if she was about to break free from my armour.


    I was in the tightest spot Id ever been in. <i>First off, I need to calm down!</i>


    I thought of the saddest thing that had ever happened to me the day my grandma, who raised me, passed away.


    Ah, Master! Youre back to your usual cute self!


    Okay!


    I pushed Miri with all my strength.


    Ohhhhhh


    Id managed to ce my hands right on her beautiful boo her chest. <i>See if I care!</i>


    Her chest was showing out of the top of her sleeveless ck crop top, but I kept pushing.


    Stop, Thor! Youre so violent!


    Haaaahhhhh


    Somehow, I managed to push Miri off me and stand up.


    With the strength of a demon, I bent down and fastened the button on her shorts  she was lying there, ying stupid  and, putting a hand on her shoulder, hauled her to her feet. I also pulled her hood up.


    Straight away, I pressed the button to open the iron door. The door began to rise slowly.


    Hey, Im d everyones safe.


    Ria and Deet, standing on the other side of the door, looked astonished. Nick, the boy whod been about to be sold, and a guy who looked like a member of the Thieves Guild were with them.


    Ria and Deet both asked me, Are you all right? We heard strange noises.


    Oh, Im fine. Im totally fine.


    What about that womans voice, saying things like Im busy right now ande backter?


    the warehouse. She was in the middle of sorting the warehouse.


    Rias face rxed. Deet looked at me suspiciously.


    Anyway,e in and hide for a while.


    Ria, Deet and Nick came in, and I pressed the button to close the door.


    The guy from the Thieves Guild woulde and tell us when the lot from the Bodyguards Guild had stopped hunting for us.


    I returned to the dimly-lit room, illuminated only by the light of themp.


    At any rate, I wondered what was going to happen. I tried to stop you, Deet, but you suddenly walloped that guy from the Bodyguards Guild.


    Sorry. I was so pissed off, my body just moved of its own ord.


    It was starting to feel like the other world was full of girls whose bodies moved of their own ord. <i>Well, I nearly punched him, too.</i>


    It was a weight off my shoulders, though. If you hadnt done it, Deet, I would have.


    We all seemed to feel the same, even Ria.


    But at this rate, were definitely going to draw the attention of the Bodyguards Guild, arent we?


    Neither Ria nor Deet wasing up with a solution quickly.


    Were screwed. Were outnumbered, and if we pick them off one by one, well end up being wanted for murder before long.


    Deet kept saying unhinged things.


    When normal adventurers cause a fight, they can get away with it by leaving the area.


    Rias suggestion was logical, but there was no way for me to get away from this dungeon, since it was connected to my apartment.


    Ria, Deet, is there a route that connects the surface and the second floor of the dungeon and only passes through neutral territory and territory controlled by the Thieves Guild?


    They both shook their heads.


    The most reliable person to ask would have been Miri, but she had been sitting silently on one of the wooden boxes this whole time.


    Her eyes looked drowsy, and her face was red.


    Ria was worried about her.Is she okay?


    I-I think shes caught a cold.


    Oh, really?


    The edges of Miris lips shone seductively.<i> I dont think having a cold makes you drool. That might even be </i>my<i> saliva</i>


    Deet looked at me suspiciously.


    I-In any case, when the door opens, lets make a run for the surface straight away. If we run away for two or three days, those guys will probably forget all about us.


    I suppose brawls of this size happen quite oftenDeet said, agreeing with me.


    Miri suddenly sat up straight.


    Huh? Are you going away to the surface, Thor?


    Yeah. I dont live in the dungeon like people in the underground guilds do.


    <i>Well, I </i>do<i>, but thats not the point. I live in an apartment thats connected to the dungeon.</i>


    In that case, you could all join the Thieves Guild! If you joined the Guild, youd at least be protected by the non-aggression pact between us and the Bodyguards Guild. Whats more, you could use pretty much all the facilities and routes that are controlled by the Thieves Guild.


    Doesnt sound too badDeet said.


    The non-aggression pact couldnt be all that reliable if the Bodyguards Guild had been able to sell Nick, but it would be great to have ess to all the amenities and routes of the Thieves Guild.


    Usually, youd have to pay us money and keep to our rules, but since you helped Nick, we can treat you as guests.


    Miri exined the precise details of what would happen if we were to join the Thieves Guild.


    But Ria exploded like a raging fire, You must be joking! Join the Thieves Guild? What an outrageous idea! Theyre a gang of robbers and thieves!


    Deet, whod just said that it didnt sound too bad, agreed with her. Th-thats true.


    Ria seemed to have be attached to Nick already. Cuddling him on herp, she pointed to him and said, Were going to take this child and his little sister with us to the surface and find an orphanage for them there!


    <i>Wh-what?</i>


    Deet replied in my ce, H-hang on a minute, Ria. Were er, remind me why were going to the surface, again? In any case, we cant take kids with us.


    <i>Were going there so we can get them to take down the order to hunt down Enami. Although I feel like this has also been a tourist trip through the other world.</i>

 Book 2: Chapter 6: (5)

    Book 2: Chapter 6: (5)


    Keeping them underground and teaching them to steal is no good for their education! Theres no purpose to it. So surely we can take these children to an orphanage on the surface.


    I suppose so.


    <i>Crap.</i> Deet was reluctantly agreeing with her.


    I tried to reason with Ria. Looking after two kids is a lot of responsibility, you know.


    Wed only be taking them as far as the orphanage, then the orphanage will look after them.


    <i>Hmmm. Well, if we can get to the surface safely, it might be all right.</i>


    As for what Nick himself thought As far as I could see, he was just clinging to Ria. I looked at Miri.


    Huh? Oh, um When we hear about children whove lost their parents, we go and gather them up. I dont think kids just turn up at the Thieves Guild or anything. But its all right in your case, because youre adults


    Ria red sternly at Miri, who sank into silence.


    Then its decided. Well wait for the fuss to die down, then escape to the surface with Nick and his little sister.


    S-sure.


    I had no choice but to give an affirmative answer. I was still worried that the Bodyguards Guild might pick a fight with us on the return journey, but I decided to cross that bridge when we came to it.


    In that case, Miri, please tell us a safe route for getting to the surface. Bring Nicks little sister to us as well.


    B-but Cant you stay for another day?


    Nope, Im sick of being underground.


    <i>I want to be under a blue sky again soon.</i>


    Didnt you want to survey the other rooms?


    Our biggest priority is getting to the orphanage  no, having the Adventurers Guild take down the order to hunt down Enami. If we happen to meet again, we can count on you, right?


    <i></i>I couldnt forget our actual objective. Going on a trip with Ria and Deet through the other world No, rescuing Enami. It certainly wasnt some sort of real-life fantasy game.


    In any case, the cat girl had enjoyed herself.


    Its Guy. Steal from the fat pig.


    At that moment, the man from the Thieves Guild came to talk to us.


    <i>Surely that lot from the Bodyguards Guild have dispersed by now.</i>


    <i>Well, its time to leave here and head for a new adventure.</i>


    Miss Cat, the guys from the Bodyguards Guild have already What? Okay, gotcha.


    Miri and Guy were talking about something.


    <i>She must have ordered him to bring Nicks little sister here.</i> That would be one matter settled.


    Miri came back over to us. She was kind of skipping.


    She looked at me and smiled sweetly.


    Listen. Guy says the boss of our guild wants to thank us for saving Nick. Follow me.


    <i>The boss of the Thieves Guild, which is a bunch of ruffians, wants to thank us?</i>


    The boss of the Thieves Guild. Meeting such a frightening person and being thanked by them didnt sound fun.


    No, we don- mmmmmf!


    I tried to turn down Miris request, but Deet covered my mouth with her hand from behind. In a low voice, she said, Dont say scary things.


    Huh? What do you mean?


    You were about to refuse to meet the boss, werent you?


    So what if I was?


    People like this are obsessed with their honour. Especially the current boss of the Thieves Guild.


    It was said that the current leader of the Guild was such a mysterious figure that no-one even knew their name. They had inherited their position from the founder, and were called a second-generation Dorothea.


    They had a big influence on the bandits on the surface, too.


    If you piss off a leader whomands eight hundred bandits, youre going to be in trouble.


    Eight hundred?!


    Yep.


    <i>They might be the most powerful force amongst the underground guilds, but I didnt even know that many people could </i>live<i> on the first level. Its bigger than I thought.</i>


    <i>Id ask her how many times the size of the Tokyo Dome it is, but I dont think Id get an answer.</i>


    Pissing them off isnt a good idea. If they like us, it will actually be much easier for us to move around. Lets go and give them a proper greeting.


    Even Ria, who hated the Thieves Guild, didnt argue; she just made a disgusted face.


    She patted Nick on the head. Perhaps shed decided that, when it came to taking custody of Nick, it would be better to go and greet the Guild leader and go through the proper channels.


    Well, Miri, wed like to meet them, so please take us there.


    Okay!


    We left through the iron door, following Miri.


    The number of hooded men had increased without our realising. <i>Well, this is territory that the Thieves Guild controls.</i>


    We went along a back street that ran parallel to a main street with shops standing in a row.


    Unlike the Merchants Guild district that wed just seen, it was rundown.


    The Thieves Guild isrger than the Merchants Guild, but not as good at business, right? It cant be very well-off.


    Ria and Deet agreed strongly, but I had a slightly different idea.


    Hmm Perhaps it needs a redevelopment.


    Redevelopment?


    <i>Oh. Maybe the concept of redevelopment doesnt exist in this world.</i>


    Um, yeah. When my hometown got redeveloped, they poured a lot of money into an area that had be old-fashioned, and put things in ce to make it more convenient and more modern.


    Oh? What do you mean by modern?


    Hmm, lets see. In the case of my hometown, the main issue was making it more convenient, but the problem with the first level is probably public order, right?


    Yeah.


    Then put all the shops, restaurants, houses and everything together into one big building. Dont let anyone whos drunk or addicted to drugs into the building, and have it securely patrolled by members of the Thieves Guild That kind of thing.


    Ria and Deet joined in the conversation.


    That sounds wonderful! Children would feel safer, too.


    If it went well, more customers from the surface woulde here as well.


    Miri stopped in her tracks.


    Th-Thor, please tell me more about redevelopment!


    Huh? What? Umm For example, the authorities  so, here, thats the Thieves Guild, since they control the area  could join together with private, I mean, surfacepanies, or something? And then youd be able to construct that big building I was talking about. In return, youd allow thepanies to trade there, and so on.


    Miri was listening to me with such a serious face that I put my all into what I was saying.


    Whats more, it would be easier forpanies to get hold of goods from the dungeon. You could have businesses regted for exclusive concessions to the aristocracy, the monarchy, and the church. The Thieves Guild could co-sign on them  youd be very popr with big businesses. Youd be able to get part of their profits, too.


    I didnt know exactly how the surface of this world was governed, but I suggested it anyway.


    If we teamed up with bigpanies on the surface, we might be able to outdo the Merchants Guild in business


    If you get those with financial power on your side, youll be able to thoroughly outdo them.


    Thank you, Thor! The guild members and children who cant do any other job besides stealing will be able to eat their fill. Its just as I expected.


    Well, if you do actually do it, therell be a lot of challenges as well.


    Miri was addressed as Miss, and she seemed to be thinking about the children and the members of the Thieves Guild, so she was probably in a position with quite a lot of responsibility.


    Were here.


    The headquarters of the Thieves Guild was a rustic stone building. There was no sense of design to it.


    Its structure was in and simple, but to make up for that, arge number of severe-looking men were ostentatiously stationed around it.


    There was only one person at the entrance: an extremely capable-looking woman with narrow eyes. She came over to us.


    Im the boss secretary, No.


    Oh, hello.


    The boss, the second-generation Dorothea, wants to thank you. Please follow me.


    When we stepped into the lobby, right after the entrance to the building, No said, Cat, Nick, please wait here.


    Separated from Miri and Nick, Ria, Deet and I followed No further and further into the building.


    After going round and round several times, we arrived at a room guarded by two men.


    Please go in.


    At Nos instruction, we stepped inside. There was a thin curtain hanging up, and beyond it, a woman lying on a bed.

 Book 2: Chapter 6: (6)

    Book 2: Chapter 6: (6)


    Although the curtain was thin, I still couldnt see the womans face through it. I could tell, though, that her breasts were just as big as Deets. She also had an amazing figure.


    As we were standing there, No, who was right by the curtain, said, This is the second-generation Dorothea.


    Huh? A woman?


    Indeed.


    <i>I suppose its not surprising, given the name Dorothea.</i>


    But I had never expected the leader of hundreds of ruffians to be a slim, big-breasted woman.


    I liked small breasts as well, but if Miri had been this well-endowed, I might not have been able to ovee that particr crisis.


    H-how do you do?


    I-Its a pleasure to meet you.


    Deet and I greeted the boss.


    It was No, the boss secretary, who returned our greetings.


    Please excuse our leader for meeting you like this, and for speaking through me.


    <i>I bet she wants to hide her identity.</i> The fact that her body was hidden behind the curtain made the silhouette that we could see all the more captivating.


    No brought her face close to the curtain.


    Thank you for saving Nick. But I hear that, in order to do so, you behaved in a way that is likely to have caught the attention of the Bodyguards Guild.


    Er, um. Yes.


    Thinking that it was best to reply, I answered for all of us.


    Our leader is nning to treat you as guests of the Thieves Guild.


    Miri had already told us that, if we became members of the Thieves Guild, the Bodyguards Guild wouldnt be able to attack us easily. <i>Being treated as guests probably means registering with the Guild. But</i>


    I dont ept!


    <i>As I expected.</i> Ria tly refused.


    R-Ria. Calm down.


    Deet said exactly what Id wanted to say, but it didnt seem to have any effect.


    I would prefer to take custody of Nick and his little sister instead.


    No gave a small sigh.


    If youll permit me to express my opinion, we didnt force Nick to join the Thieves Guild in any way. You would see that if you were to ask him.


    I understand that but isnt it better to bring a child up somewhere where they can see the sun?


    From the way Nick had acted, it didnt seem like No was lying. That said, there was logic to what Ria was saying.


    <i>Well, I wonder what the boss response will be?</i>


    No put her face next to the curtain.


    You. The man.


    No looked at me.


    Huh? Me?


    Yes.


    Being called on suddenly startled me.


    Wh-what is it?


    Can you promise to offer Nick and his little sister Mary a secure environment to grow up in?


    <i>Huh? Whaaaat? How am I supposed to respond to that?</i>


    I promise! It will be much better than the Thieves Guild, in any case!Ria answered, a little defiantly.


    No just kept staring at me.


    She was waiting for an answer from me, not Ria.


    Could you wait for a moment, please?


    Okay.


    I turned my back on No and the boss and looked at Ria and Deet.


    Ria, is the orphanage that you support kind to the children there?I asked as gently as possible.


    As if she had understood my feelings, Ria smiled and said, Yes!


    I see.


    Since it was Ria saying it, I believed her.


    Deet, I know its more work for you, but will youe with us?


    I guess I have no choice. Anyway, I dont think its good for a kids education to be brought up in a ce like this.


    Deet, looking astounded at herself, agreed.


    Shizuku?


    My armour wobbled. <i>All right!</i>


    I turned back to the boss and No.


    I promise.


    When I said that, No nodded, looking satisfied.


    The boss says she would like to entrust Nick and Mary to your care. But please allow a member of the Thieves Guild to travel with you in order to ascertain whether you really can offer a secure environment for the two of them to grow up in.


    Huh?


    Ria was surprised, and looked as if she was about to protest. But, thinking about things from Nicks perspective  hed nearly been sold, after all  the boss reaction was actually in good faith.


    Please dont misunderstand me. If a member of our Guild is with you, its less likely that youll get into a fight with members of another Guild, and theyll also be able to make your journey easier for you. If you have any difficulties, please inform us. The Guild will do whatever it can to help you.


    I thought what No was saying was right. I agreed with her.


    I understand. Well, were nning to put Nick and, er, Mary into a suitable orphanage, so welle and inform you once thats done.


    All right. The leader sends you her thanks, and looks forward to weing you again.


    We left the boss audience chamber.


    When wed stepped out, No spoke to me alone in a low voice.


    Ria and Deet are famous in the Adventurers Guild for how badly they get on. Theyve really changed That must be thanks to you.


    Oh, not really. They havent been fighting with each other since the beginning.


    Ha ha ha. But you must be the type of person they can be honest with.


    <i>I see.</i><i>Their fights were certainly something. Did they have strange expectations of me because of that?</i>


    <i>Miri certainly did. Not that I dont want to see her again</i>


    What are you doing, Thor? Hurry up!Deet called out to me.


    <i>Uh-oh.</i>


    Before leaving the room with No, I looked back at the boss to try and burn the image of that busty silhouette into my memory.


    The boss was no longer there. <i>She left without making a sound or leaving a trace Thats what Id expect from the boss of the Thieves Guild.</i>


    We left the room, and No guided us to the lobby.


    Miri and Nick had both gone.


    Ill go and call Nick and his sister Mary, and the member of the Thieves Guild wholl be apanying you. Also


    No handed us five imperial gold pieces, ostensibly for Nick and Marys immediate living expenses. That was equal to fifty Gadheus gold coins, which could each be exchanged in Japan for 10,000 yen.


    Deet, who always had expenses of one kind or another, took the gold with a smile.


    H-hang on a minute, Deet. Thats for Nick and his sister.


    If theres any left over, please spend it as you wish.


    I wondered if it was all right to ept money from an underground guild, but since Deet had provided almost all of the money for our trip, I couldnt refuse.


    I saw that the Thieves Guild was the kind of organisation that would bear the cost of Nick and his sisters living expenses, and send someone with us to make sure that they got there safely.


    <i>So they cant be all that bad.</i>


    The Guild member who will be apanying you is on their way, so Ill take my leave at this point. Im looking forward to meeting you all again and hearing that Nick and his sister have been delivered to the orphanage safely.


    No bowed her head politely, and left.


    We waited in the lobby a while for Nick and the others.


    Miss!


    Nick!


    Nick came running up to Ria from the back of the building. Ria looked like a young mother.


    Nick could only be five or six years old. He was about the age that his mother would want to spoil him, if she was still alive.


    But she isnt.


    No. Well, we dont need to hurry on our way.


    Yes we do! What if Enami gets hunted down? That would be bad.


    Oh, yeah.


    Deet and I bothughed.


    A little whileter, a small girl appeared. She was withMiri?!


    Huh? When they said theyd send someone with us, they didnt mean?


    What?! Do you have a problem with meing along?


    The beautiful girls cat ears sprang up suddenly above her golden eyes as she pouted.


    It seemed like Miri was the one who was going to apany us on our journey.


    No, not at all


    Ria took no notice of Miri and chatted happily with Nick and Mary, but Deet looked obviously displeased.


    Ive always lived underground, so Ive been wanting to go on a trip to the surface. Looking forward to travelling with you.


    If Miri was with us, it would be easy to ask her to help with surveying the rooms.


    Yeah, likewise.


    The boss said it was okay to tell you about an exit to the surface that only the Thieves Guild knows about. Its right next to the headquarters, where we are.


    No way! Thats great!


    Well, shall we be off?


    Miri started to walk away from the headquarters. Ria was leading Nick by the hand.


    <i>Maybe I should take Marys hand</i>, I thought, but Deet got there before me.


    <i>It doesnt seem as if she dislikes kids.</i>


    Miri started talking as we walked along.


    How was the boss?


    Oh, she was great. We only saw her silhouette, but she had a lovely figure, too.


    Right? Tee hee hee.


    Miri was in a very good mood.


    <i>She must like the boss, too.</i>


    <i>Okay. Ill praise her some more.</i>


    And she has a really big chest. Just what Id expect for the boss.


    Thats ri  huh?!


    I felt a sharp pain in my butt.


    O!


    Hmph!


    Miri had been in a good mood when Id said that the boss had a good figure, so I thought it would be okay, but Miri went and pinched my butt.


    <i>It was probably out of line for me topliment her breasts.</i>


    Are we getting near the surface atst? Im excited.


    Led by Miri, we climbed the stairs that led to the surface.


    Huh? Why? Dont you go to the surface that often, Thor?


    Well, various things get in the way.


    As we went up the stairs, we began to see sunlight.


    Deet had nned on us getting to the surface at night-time on the second day, but wed had to hide in the room with the iron door, and then meet the boss of the Thieves Guild. It looked like the sun had risen already.


    Finally, I set foot on the surface of the other world. We were halfway up a small mountain overgrown with trees.


    In some ces, the trees had been cut down, and I could see a town below, a little way ahead of us.


    In a small voice, Ria informed me, That over there is the town of Herakleon. But because the Dungeon of Yomi is attached to it, everyone calls it Yomi Town.


    Thats where the Adventurers Guild is.


    Miri greeted the two men at the entrance.


    From their manner, they seemed to have taken notice of us.


    Because this entrance is in the mountains, only the Thieves Guild knows about it.


    It looked like the first floor of the Dungeon of Yomi was much bigger than the town of Herakleon, and there were secret entrances everywhere.


    Our Guild has a duty to keep secrets.


    What do you mean?


    If you find a secret entrance, you keep it confidential. In return, you cane and go freely.


    I see. What about the other Guilds?


    The Merchants Guild takes money from you at almost every exit. With the Bodyguards Guild, its a fifty-fifty split between taking your money and not letting you use the exit at all.


    I felt like Id heard that kind of thing before.


    By the way, what happens if you break that confidentiality?


    Not much we can do about that. But surely that would be going against your own interests? A lot of exits have be public because people have bbed about them.


    <i>I get it. With things being the way they are, it seems like the Thieves Guild cant help losing ground to the other underground guilds.</i>


    Anyway, lets go down the mountain into the town.


    Agreeing with Miri, we set out for the town of Herakleon that was spread out below us.


    The surrounding area was hilly and pastoral, with cattle wandering about.


    <i>That looks like wheat.</i> There were also some lush green fields of grain.


    We still had some way to go to get to the town, but I felt like I could feel the people of the other world breathing around me as they went about their daily lives.


    As I was enjoying the scenery of the surface, Ria suddenly spoke to me.


    She looked worried for some reason.


    Wh-what do you think?


    Huh? What do I think of what?


    I didnt understand what she was asking me.


    My world um You dont like it, do you?


    <i>Oh, is that what she was worried about?</i> Little by little, I understood what she was getting at.


    Theres no aircon like there is in your room, Sir Thor. Noputers, either


    Apparently, she was worried about whether or not I liked her world.


    I dont know yet, do I? We havent even got to the town yet. When we get there, therell be some shops, and useful magic items


    Deet gave me a slightly imploring look.


    Certainly, I didnt know yet what kind of ces the surface and the towns of the other world were.


    <i>Even so</i>


    What do you think, Shizuku?


    I asked Shizuku, who had turned herself into my armour, her impression of the surface.


    Its amazing  the air is pure, its so light, and the scenery is beautiful!


    Shizuku, part of the race of white slimes, had lived in hiding, deep, deep down in the dungeon. Id expected her to give that kind of answer.


    Right? I think so too!


    In a sh, Ria and Deets faces both brightened.


    Youre so short-tempered, Ria! When we get to the town, Ill show you around all sorts of ces, Thor!


    Im sorry, Deet.


    <i>If were all together, I dont mind where we are, whether thats in the other world or in the dungeon.</i>


    <i>Even just hanging out in my room in Japan, doing nothing.</i>

 Book 3: Chapter 1: (1)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (1)


    <b>Returning to my apartment with even more friends</b>


    A 2LDK apartment for 30,000 yen a month I moved to an apartment block that was dirt-cheap for its location (Tokyos Tachikawa City), but immediately after moving in, I discovered why the rent was so low.


    Believe it or not, the entryway of my apartment was connected to a dungeon in the other world.


    I was d Id be friends with people from the other world Id met in the dungeon: Ria thedy knight, Deet the sorceress and Shizuku the white slime. But theyd ended up staying in my apartment.


    Not only that, but Enami, the NNK man whode to collect my licence fee, had travelled into the other world from my apartment. On top of that, hed been mistaken for a dangerous orc by the Adventurers Guild, whod put out a call to bring him down.


    In order to get them at least to change the mission to capturing him instead, Ria, Deet, Shizuku and I had headed all the way up from the fifth floor of the Dungeon of Yomi, which was connected to the entryway of my apartment, to the surface, where the Adventurers Guild was.


    Along the way, wed ended up travelling with the orphan Nick (whom wed helped out in the slums of the first level) and his sister Mary, as well as Miri from the Thieves Guild. Finally, wed managed to reach the surface.


    The secret dungeon exit was at the top of a hill.


    Anyway, lets go down the hill into the town!


    I agreed with Ria. Below the hill, we could see the town of Herakleon. The air above the hill was pure, and the natural surroundings were beautiful, but the scenery was the same kind of scenery you might see in Europe, for instance, back on Earth.


    Beneath the panoramic blue sky, we set off for Herakleon.


    <i>So this is a town in the other world, huh?</i> The whole of Herakleon was surrounded by walls.


    Among the peopleing and going, I could see not only blondes but people with red, blue and pink hair, as well as half-human, half-animal folk even fluffier than Miri, and lizards walking about on two feet. There were no cars; once in a while, a cart went past.


    <i>This really is the other world. This is probably the first time in human history that a humans made it to the surface of this world.</i>


    I wanted to share my excitement with Ria and Deet, but unfortunately Miri was with us. She didnt know that I was Japanese.


    All <i>right</i>! First of all, shall we go to the Adventurers Guild right away and get them to change the mission to bring Enami down into a mission to capture him?


    <i>Lets get that task out of the way quickly so we can properly enjoy the other world!</i>


    But Deet, looking unhappy, said, Ugh, do we have to go to the Adventurers Guild right now? Im tired. How about we rest for a bit at an inn?


    We cant. We have to get to the Adventurers Guild fast! If Enami gets brought down, its all over.


    <i>Im so excited, I wont be able to sleep at all. I wanna go and explore.</i>


    But look.


    Deet nced behind her. Little Mary, who was riding on her back, had fallen asleep. Deet was unexpectedly good with kids. Nick, holding hands with Ria, also looked sleepy.


    It looked as if we were going to have to go to an inn and put those two to bed, at any rate.


    We arrived at an adventurers inn. It was built out of stone, and had four beds to a room. It looked prettyfy.


    Not bad! I suppose the rooms have four beds because theyre meant for adventuring  parties.


    But your sleeping bags are morefortable, Thor. This inn provides dinner, so lets sleep until then.


    Apparently, Deet was intending to sleep on top of the bed, in a sleeping bag.


    What the?! Whats this material?


    Miri got very excited when she saw the sleeping bag that Deet was using.


    Shut up! Im trying to sleep, so can you be quiet?


    <i>Well, I suppose even if there are sleeping bags in this world, there wont be any made out of synthetic fibres.</i>


    You can have mine.


    Really?


    Miri also put the sleeping bag on top of one of the beds and got in.


    Its so warm! What the?!


    Miris breathing quickly settled as she, too, fell asleep.


    Nick and Mary took up another bed between them, so there was only one bed left.


    Ria and I looked at one another.


    We had slept together in my apartment, but we hadnt done that since she got her mithril sword back.


    Wh-what shall we do? Shall I sleep in a sleeping bag on the floor?


    N-no, no way! I mean, the beds pretty big


    The beds big?


    <i>I couldnt just say shall we sleep together?.</i>


    S-since wevee all this way, Id like you to show me around the town until dinner, Riaerm


    Yes, of course!


    Ria beamed back at me.


    Leaving a note that said wed be back for dinner, the two of us stealthily left the inn.


    But when Id had a good think about it, I realised that, though I wanted to explore the town, Ria might be tired.


    Im so happy I get to show you around town, Sir Thor.


    Huh?


    You see, Im still indebted to you.


    Dont be silly!


    Impletely serious, which is why I want you to have a good time in my world today.


    For various reasons, the two of us had never walked around the streets of Japan together.


    <i>When youe to Japan, Ria, Ill show you around.</i>


    First, lets go to the temple.


    Huh? Im not really that interested in


    Just when I thought I was going on a date in the other world with thedy knight, I was suddenly being invited to join her religion.


    Oof. Is this really happening? What a shame


    Lets head quickly to the temple first of all, so you can learn our lingua franca!


    Huh? What do you mean?


    From listening carefully to what Ria said, it seemed that the telepathguage used by people from the other world was a kind of skill.


    In addition to knowing thenguage of their own country or region, they were equipped with a trantion skill which had telepathic effects.


    Since monsternguage was Japanese, I just needed to be granted the effects of that skill.


    Will I be able to talk to Nick and Mary normally?


    Yes, you will.


    Nick and Mary werent adventurers, so they didnt understand monsternguage.


    It looked like, by going to the temple, Id be able to speak like everyone else immediately.<i> And Ill be able to turn it on and off at will. Id better turn it off when I get back to Japan. This other world is pretty convenient!</i>


    After wed been walking through the town for a while, I saw a particrlyrge building at the end of our path.


    It reminded me of a church back on Earth.


    Is that the temple?


    Yes.


    Its pretty big.


    They get a lot of money in donations.


    <i>I see.</i> I understood without asking. <i>I bet I have to give them a donation in order to get thisnguage skill.</i>


    There are priests in the temple who heal peoples wounds through holy magic.


    Apparently, it also acted as a hospital.


    So are there priests who are also adventurers?


    My heart swelled with anticipation as I asked her. <i>Ady priest is just as romantic as ady knight.</i>


    However, Ria looked surprised.


    U-um Priest-adventurers? Ive never heard of any, but maybe they exist.


    Huh? But having someone who can do healing magic in an adventuring party would be really helpful.


    It certainly would, but those who use sacred magic have enough work to do without going on dangerous adventures. Theyre the kind of people the temple hires.


    O-of course But what about their level? Arent there any priests who go on adventures to make their level higher?


    They get a little experience from using healing magic to cure wounds, so of course their skill level increases in the normal way.


    Come to think of it, I had the feeling that Id heard that kind of thing about skill levels before. <i>So the people with profitable skills dont do the dangerous jobs?</i> The other world was weirdly real  or, in other words, simr to Japan.


    The inside of the temple created a peaceful atmosphere, but there were so many visitors that, in reality, it was smothered in noise and bustle.


    I saw at once that most of the visitors had some kind of injury. The men and women were split into separate lines.


    Why are men and women separated?


    I had an unpleasant hunch about that.

 Book 3: Chapter 1: (2) ***TEASER***

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (2) ***TEASER***


    Ria told me the reason.


    Healing magic can involve surgery, so men and women are treated separately. Male priests attend to injured men, and female priests attend to injured women.


    My unpleasant hunch was correct. If I got injured and came here for treatment, Id be seen to by a male priest.


    By the way, what do you mean by it can involve surgery?


    Er, for example, if you used holy healing magic on a broken bone without treating it, the bone would stay crooked, which would cause a lot of problems.


    I see.


    This aspect of the other world was also simr to ours. At least, holy healing magic didnt return the body to its original state. Since healing magic was used in conjunction with a certain amount of surgical treatment, it made sense that separating men and women would cause fewer problems.


    Hey, you! Whyd you start the healing magic without even washing the gravel out of the wound?


    S-sorry.


    Ill do it. Go away!


    We heard shouting and apologies from the womens line.


    Referring to what wed just heard, Ria said, You see, healing magic isnt just about having a feel for magic.


    I get it.


    <i>Ive only heard her voice, but I wouldnt want to be healed by thatdy priest we just heard apologising.</i>


    Despite this, the visitors to the temple queued up in lines so long they began to coil around. <i>This is a world of monsters, so lots of people must get injured.</i>


    <i>In which case, I guess if you can do healing magic, you dont need to go adventuring in order to earn lots of money.</i>


    The lines of injured people were really long, but there were only three or four people queueing to receive the telepathguage effect. Soon, it was my turn. People would be wary of me if I spoke in monsternguage, so I got Ria to ask on my behalf.


    Excuse me. This persones from a remote region. Please bestow the lingua franca skill on him.


    Understood. Donate two gold coins to the temple, please.


    Ria moved to take some money out, but I took out the gold pieces that I hadnt converted in Japan.


    Thank you. By the blessing of the goddess Nalia, he is now able to use the lingua franca skill.


    Doesnt feel like anythings changed Thats 20,000 Japanese yen Ive lost, and for nothing.


    I c-can already hear you, you know. You mustnt say things like that! By the way, what are Japanese yen?


    <i>Gah!</i> Id used telepathguage without knowing. I apologised earnestly to Ria, and we left the temple.


    This lingua franca skill is incredible. With this, I might even be able tomunicate with tribes deep in the Amazon, even if we couldnt understand each other verbally.


    What do you think? Your world has a lot of convenient things in it, Sir Thor, but isnt my world wonderful, too?Ria said happily.


    Yeah, its amazing. But Ill have to be careful not to identally use this on Japanese people once I go back.


    Youll soon get used to it.


    <i>I guess Ria brought me to the temple first because she wanted me to be happy.</i>


    Hey, Ria.


    What is it?


    Is there somewhere in this world that youd like to go with me?


    Huh? I wanted to go to the temple


    Yeah, but I mean I wanna go somewhere that youll enjoy, not somewhere thats for my benefit.


    Ria gave a small nod. She seemed to have understood what I wanted to say.


    Somewhere Id like to go Hmm. My chivalric order has been disbanded


    Is there anywhere else?


    Wed better go to the Adventurers Guild as a group. And the orphanage where the children are is in the neighbouring town


    What about somewhere a bit more fun?


    Serious to a fault, Ria could onlye up with ces to do with work and duties.


    Oh, thats right. They might be doing <i>that</i> today. If theyre doing <i>that</i>, Id like to go and see it with you Sir Thor.


    Wait, whats <i>that</i>?


    Ria blushed and looked away.


    It happens in the temple


    The temple again?


    This ones a smaller temple


    Anyway, whats <i>that</i>?


    No, never mind. I dont think youd enjoy it, Sir Thor.


    Huh? Lets go, lets go! Take me there!


    Ria kept on saying, Butand so on, but it seemed like she really did want to go to that little temple.


    <i>I dont know what theyre doing there, but I want to go and see it, too.</i>


    The temple that wed just been to and the inn where we were staying were in the centre of Herakleon.


    With Ria leading, we gradually made our way to the part of town where themon people  or, to put it bluntly, the poor  lived.


    Just when I was starting to get worried, I saw something that, if wed been on Earth, I would have said was a church bell tower.


    This little temple couldntpare to the colossal temple wed just been in, but I could hear music ying.


    Whats that? I can hear people ying instruments.


    Yay! Todays a holiday, so I thought they might be ying. Weve arrived at just the right  time.


    Ria had seemed embarrassed all the time she was leading me here, but now she was very excited.


    She pulled me by the hand over to the temple entrance, and handed two silver pieces to the person at the reception desk.


    Lets go!


    <i>Perhaps its an other world band recital of some kind?</i>


    <i>I didnt expect Ria to be such a poser,</i> I thought to myself with a pleasant smile.


    We went into the temple. It wasnt that big, but there were loads of people sitting in its fan-shaped seating area. We sat down at the very back.


    <i>Perhaps the music we just heard wasing from this instrument. It looks like a pipe organ.</i>


    Pretty solemn and subdued for a band recital


    Oh, theyre here!


    Theyre here? Huh?


    My guess had been way off the mark.


    To the right of where everyone was looking, a young woman appeared, wearing a white dress that was only slightly different from one you might see on Earth. From the left, a young man appeared, wearing clothes that I could tell at once were formal dress.


    A wedding ceremony?


    Thats right! When citizens of this region get married, anyone can attend for one gold piece.


    I had a feeling that on Earth, too, in some pastoral regions, strangers were allowed to turn up to wedding ceremonies on the spur of the moment.


    I guess youe here often, dont you, Ria?


    When I asked that, Ria began to fidget, her embarrassment returning.


    asionally On holidays Every day that theyre held


    <i>Thats hardly asionally.</i>


    The family that employed Ria had fallen into ruin, and Ria cared for the children of her employers former fief.


    <i>Maybe these wedding ceremonies that you can see for one gold piece are her only entertainment.</i>


    The bride and groom will now perform the rite of oath in front of the goddess Nalia.


    <i>The rite of oath?</i> Just as I was wondering what that could be, the bride and groom brought their faces close together. <i>Ah, so thats what the rite of oath is.</i>


    Hyaah!


    At the same time, Ria let out a strange squeak. I looked at her. Blushing, she looked down, but she kept ncing back up at the bride and bridegroom.


    It was the morning of the day after Id visited the temples with Ria.


    After eating breakfast, I headed to the Adventurers Guild with Deet.


    Just like I thought. The meals in Japan taste better


    Really? The tomato stew we had for dinner at the inn was pretty tasty.


    I preferred the hot pot from Tons Quijote.


    Thats popr in Japan, too. Its a tie-in with a chain store.


    Deet and I were headed for the Adventurers Guild so we could get them to revoke the order to take down Enami.


    <i>It would be perfect if we could get them to revoke the order to take him down, and at the same time put out a request to capture him. Ill ignore the fact that its not a search mission.</i>


    Wed decided that it would be best not to take the children to the Adventurers Guild, so Ria and Miri were looking after them.


    Incidentally, how much could someone get for the E-ranked mission to bring Enami down?


    It depends. About three Gadheus gold pieces?


    <i>Th-thats not much!</i>


    <i>Not that a higher price would make it much better, but Enami will be turning in his grave if he gets killed for only 30,000 Japanese yen. Wed better hurry!</i>

 Book 3: Chapter 1: (4)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (4)


    While I was listening to the gossip from the round table behind us and letting Deets sermon go in one ear and out the other, someone else appeared next to Deet. This time, it was a young girl.


    Using my Person Appraisal Skill, I discovered that she was a level 5 hunter named Marron.


    She had the air of aplete beginner, nave and innocent. I wouldnt say she was beautiful, but she had cute freckles.


    U-um Im looking for people to join my party, and I was wondering if youd like to band together.


    Sorry Ive already got a party.


    Perhaps because it was a girl who had asked, Deet turned her down outright without bringing me into it.


    Oh, I c-couldnt possibly ask you, Deet! Youre too famous. I was asking him.


    The girl looked at me.


    Huh? Me?


    Yes! If you like, shall we go and explore the second floor of the dungeon? I know a secret ce where medicinal herbs grow. You can sell them for a fair amount of money.


    H-heh heh heh. This is embarrassing  what should we do, Deet? Ack!?!


    <i>This must be the if you try to talk to me, Ill kill you aura that the adventurers were talking about.</i>


    From the town of Herakleon, also known as Yomi Town, we rode in a cart.


    After about three hours, the town of Sebirida came into view. This was the town where Rias old employer, the former Count Kache, and his family lived.


    What do you think of Sebirida?


    Its lovely. Really idyllic.


    It was hill country all the way from here to Herakleon, and people were farming cattle.


    But, ording to Ria, there wasnt much good arablend; livestock farming was the main industry, but it didnt thrive.


    The Kache family, who supported the people of their fief, had fallen into ruin as epidemics and bad harvests followed one after another. There were also structural problems; all the young people were leaving for Yomi, where the dungeon was.


    We got off the cart at the town gates, which were made of wood and looked more like the entrance to a pen. We paid the driver two gold.


    We could have walked it in half a day, but that would have been hard for Nick and Mary.


    Im with Nick and Mary on that one. Besides


    I could see Deet standing with her hand braced against a tree. Miri was rubbing her back.


    I dont feel so good


    All that alcohol shed drunk back at the Adventurers Guild had been shaken up by the cart.


    <i>But if we hadnte in the cart, I dont know whether shed have been able to drunkenly stagger all the way here.</i>


    Miss Elf, are you all right?


    For some reason, Mary had be attached to Deet. Deet tried to smile to stop her from worrying, but her face was pale.


    Im fine.


    <i>You dont </i>look<i> fine.</i>


    Hey, Deet. Get on my back.


    Huh?


    I made a gesture to show that Id carry her.


    I-Im fine.


    The orphanage is quite far from the town, so weve still got a ways to go.


    I forced Deet into a piggyback.


    Dont, this is so embarrassing! Put me <i>down!</i>


    Stay still! Well, everyone, shall we set out?


    Deet yelled at me as I carried her along, calling me an idiot and a fool. I noticed that  perhaps because my [Strength] had increased  she seemed lighter than when Idst carried her.


    We walked off a slight distance from the rest of the party, which was headed by Ria. Deet immediately calmed down.


    Thor Th-thank you.


    Dont worry about it.


    I cant be upfront about things. Even in the Guild tavern.


    I get like that sometimes, too.


    Deet squeezed her arms around my chest a little more tightly.


    I felt like I was beginning to understand why a little girl might be fond of her.


    After wed walked for a while, the orphanage came into view.


    It looked just like a big house with earthen walls, but I could tell it was the orphanage from the thirty or so children ying in the garden.


    Look, its Ria!


    The children gathered around us  or rather around Ria.


    Im sorry for being away so long, everybody! Is the director here?


    A few of the children went off into the earthen-walled orphanage.


    After a while, a woman with arge scar on her face came out of the orphanage, surrounded by children.


    Her eyes, as they looked towards us, were sharp. Both Deet and Miri, exhausted, took a wary stance.


    Director! Director Reika!


    Ria. So you survived?


    <i>Huh? </i>Shes<i> the director?</i>


    She was beautiful, but she looked like a yakuza woman whode to force the orphanage to sell off itsnd to pay its debts.


    I used my Person Appraisal skill on her. Her profession was brigand, and she was level 29.


    <i>Brigand? Isnt that like a bandit?</i>


    As I thought that, Director Reika addressed me.


    That was a long time ago. I earned quite a bit of money from it, which I used to build this orphanage.


    Huh? How ?


    <i>How did she know what I was thinking?</i>


    You just used your Person Appraisal skill on me, right? A brigand is a type of thief, so I can tell when people are using their skills on me. You were making a face that said shes a brigand?! Ha ha ha ha ha.


    Having said this, Director Reikaughed.


    Oh, no  I wasnt


    Apparently shed given us such a harsh look before because she didnt know who the rest of us were; we were with Ria, who was rumoured to be dead.


    Its the scarred face. I cant help the impression it gives people. But anyway, you must all be tired from your journey. Sit down, and lets talk.


    Director Reika invited us into her office.


    There was a small sofa. By squashing up, we managed to fit on it.


    I see. Youd like to entrust Nick and Mary to our care? Mm-hmm.


    Is that all right?


    Until now, Ria had only set out the facts, but now she made the request.


    Of course well take them in. Theyre very wee here. Theyll have a lot of friends, and nothing to worry about.


    Director Ryze patted Nick and Mary on the head, smiling broadly.


    Nick, Mary, you can go outside and y with Ria and Miss Deet.


    She opened her office door and motioned the four of them outside.


    She closed the door again, leaving me and Miri in the office with her.


    The director was still smiling, but her face had be a little more serious.


    If Im not mistaken, you, Mr Thor, are the groups leader, and you, Miss Miri, are a representative of the Thieves Guild.


    W-well, something like that.


    Miri nodded at my answer.


    What Im about to tell you can only be said when there are no children around. Embarrassing as it is to admit, this institution is in considerable financial difficulties.


    From the way shed practically forced Nick and Mary out of the room, Id guessed it must be something like that.


    Thank you for acting so weing in front of Nick and Mary.


    Not at all. I had to, in front of the children.


    This institution had originally been kept going by support from Rias employers, the Kache family.


    With the Kache family gone, that support had been cut off. The orphanage was barely hanging on with the crops of the regions impoverished farmers and with Rias earnings as an adventurer.


    Ria had been unable to go adventuring for a while.


    I couldnt say these things in front of Ria, of course. Shes still only 18. Im very d that youve made her part of a supportive family, where she doesnt have to carry such a heavy burden


    Ha ha ha ha ha.


    <i>Best just tough and leave it there. But that future wouldnt be so bad</i>


    Things being as they are, I have no choice but to ask this of you. I want to look after Nick and Mary, the children you brought with you. Which means


    Director Ryze looked at Miri.


    Could I get the underground Thieves Guild to support the orphanage? I used to be involved in underground business, too, so I know how trade works below the surface, where the eyes of thew cant see. If you were to support us, wed be able to take in even more children.


    Director Ryze seemed to be saying that, if the Thieves Guild supported them, the orphanage would be able to take in the children that the Thieves Guild looked after.


    Cant wait to see more? Want to show your support? <strong>CLICK HERE</strong> to be a patron and get additional chapters ahead of time!

 Book 3: Chapter 1: (5)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (5)


    For some reason, Miri looked at me and smiled before she spoke.


    The thing is, the Thieves Guild is a bit old-fashioned, and were not very good at trade. Wed struggle to support the orphanage.


    As I suspected. I hear that youve been under pressure from the Merchants Guild and the Bodyguards Guild recently.


    But its all right, because Thor has lots of good ideas about trading. I think well be able to support the orphanage before long. I know you want to bring the children up in the light of the sun.


    Huh? M-me?


    Id suddenly been brought into the conversation.


    Yes. You told me about redevelopment, remember? If that seeds, well make a lot of money.


    I d-did, but I was just thinking aloud. I dont know whether it will actually work


    As I was arguing with Miri, Director Ryze said, If we dont find someone to support us, Ria will have to work as an adventurer all the time. They say that half of all adventurers who explore the dungeon die within three years.


    Miri nodded enthusiastically.


    And they say all adventurers die within ten years.


    <i>Deets been at it for more than a hundred years, but both of them were close to death when I first met them. Theres no doubt that its dangerous.</i>


    If I wanted to help Ria and Miri and the children, it might be time for me to use the knowledge Id gained from living in Japan.


    We travelled in a cart on the way back from Sebirida, where the orphanage was, to Yomi Town, where the dungeon was.


    As we bumped along in the cart, my brain was working at full power.


    I was thinking about how to restore the Thieves Guild  which was on the ropes  to its former influence and to solve the orphanages financial difficulties.


    <i>Because its for the sake of Ria and Miri and the children, I want to do something.</i>


    <i>The easiest way would probably be to sell Japanese goods, which seem to have mysterious powers in this other world. That might do for now.</i>


    If I did that, though, the secret of my apartment being connected to the dungeon would probablye out sooner orter, and if I became unable to use the door Id immediately find myself in a sticky situation.


    <i>Using my knowledge from Japan is all very well, but if I can, I think it would be better to make money using things I can acquire in this world.</i>


    Sir Thor, Sir Thor!


    Huh?


    Oh,e on! Anyone home?


    Ria had been speaking to me.


    I was just lost in my thoughts.


    I see. Im sorry.


    No, its all right. Whats up?


    The scenery around Sebirida gets really pretty here.


    looked out of the cart. There were green hills as far as the eye could see, with cows dotted here and there.


    The natural surroundings of the other world really were beautiful.


    By the way, why are we hurrying back in a cart?


    Director Ryze had offered to let us stay overnight at the orphanage and return on the following day.


    Deet probably wanted to spend some more time with Mary.


    If wed walked, we wouldnt get back to the dungeon today.


    Were not going to stay in Yomi Town, were heading straight back down into the dungeon?!


    Yep.


    Huh? But itll be night-time soon! I dont want to stay in some dubious underground inn or camp out in the dungeon!


    Looking bored, Miri suggested, Then why dont you stay at my house? Its on the first level.


    Is that all right with you?


    Yeah, its fine. Ill be able to fit the four of us in.


    In that case, shall we stay over at yours?


    Deet didnt seem to think it would be too bad staying at Miris.


    <i>Shes probably thinking about all the money were saving by not paying for a room.</i>


    Thats not it. Im thinking about being able to get back to your apartment soon.


    Ria and Deet leant forward suddenly in excitement. Only Miri looked confused.


    Im sick of bathing with a washbowl. Dont you want to submerge yourself in the bathtub, and use the shower?


    Y-yeah. I want to use shampoo and conditioner and shower gel


    I wanna drink an ice-cold beer when Ive just got out of the bath.


    From the way thedy knight and the sorceress were talking, you wouldnt think that they were from the other world.


    But we cant go straight to the fifth level of the dungeon.


    No. Its dangerous to go too quickly.


    Ria and Deet were right. It had taken us almost two whole days to get through the dungeon on our way here.


    Huh? I dont understand what youre talking about.


    The girl with cat eyes looked round at us all.


    Ria and Deet wore expressions that said, Come to think of it, should we have told her?


    Before I could exin things to Miri, I had to make Ria and Deet understand.


    Heres the thing. Remember when I was hiding in that room with the iron door on the first level? Before you two turned up, I was checking whether or not there was a door to my apartment block.


    You were?


    And Miri said I could investigate the other rooms with iron doors.


    So we might be able to get back to your apartment today after all?


    As we were talking about that hope, the cat-eyed girl got up and started to stamp her feet in the middle of the cart.


    I have no idea what youre on about!


    Im sorry. If we find what were looking for, Ill exin. Ill have to discuss it with the boss.


    Ria and Deet both agreed with me.


    <i>If we dont find anything, we can brush it off. But if we do find a door to my apartment block, then whatever we do  whether we rent the room with the iron door, or tell her the truth  well have to get the boss to work with us.</i>


    Deet whispered in my ear,But should you really tell your secret to the boss of the Thieves Guild? In the end, its your secret, Thor, so Ria and I cant really say anything.


    I think itll be okay. The truth is, the boss has reservations of her own.


    Reservations? What do you mean?


    I pointed to Miri, who was sitting with her back to us, sulking.


    Whats up with Miri?


    Deet tilted her head. I smiled meaningfully at her.


    With Miri guiding us, we investigated the iron-doored rooms that were under the control of the Thieves Guild.


    We were on our fifth one already.


    Hey, what the heck are you looking for? Im exhausted. Lets call it a day and start again tomorrow.


    Miri didnt understand what we were doing, and keptining.


    <i>But shes right, if we were on the surface, it would be night-time.</i>


    Time in the other world and time in Japan were mysteriously linked.


    I was tired, and I was sure that Ria and Deet were, too.


    But even Deet, who was a bit of a quitter, kept on searching in silence for a door that would lead us back to Japan. <i>Thats just how attractive the Japanese lifestyle is.</i>


    However, we couldnt find one.


    Just when I was thinking that my apartment must only be linked to that room on the fifth level after all, Rias voice rang out with joy.


    Found one! Ive found one!


    You really found one?


    Did you really? This means Ill be able to have that ice-cold beer straight after my bath!


    Wh-what? Whats going on?


    Everyone gathered around at the sound of Rias voice.


    It really is! Its the door to my apartment block!


    Tee hee hee. I moved those packages out of the way  thats where I found it.


    <i>I see. </i>This was a storage room for the Thieves Guild.


    The door was behind some wooden boxes.


    I had already checked this ce out, but Ria had found the door because she was able to move the boxes easily.


    What are you guys talking about? Its just a stone wall.


    <i>Miri belongs to the other world, and she doesnt have a key, so she must think Ive gone mad.</i>


    Ria and Deet looked awkward.


    I confidently inserted the key into the lock.


    Are you sure its all right to do that in front of Miri?


    Since shes standing around here, theres nothing much I can do about it. And you want to have a Japanese-style bath, dont you, Ria?


    W-well, I do, but


    So lets go!


    Cant wait to see more? Want to show your support? <strong>CLICK HERE</strong> to be a patron and get additional chapters ahead of time!

 Book 3: Chapter 1: (6)

    Book 3: Chapter 1: (6)


    I opened the door. The stone wall was reced by a wall covered with grey wallpaper, and when I pressed the button, fluorescent lights came on.


    And were back! Theres no ce like home.


    Thats what youre supposed to say when youve returned home from a trip.


    It had never been more fitting than it was now, as we came back from the other world.


    Wh-wh-wh-wh-wh-what is this ce? A hole suddenly opened up in the stone wall!?! Wh-wh-whats going on???


    Miris eyes were like saucers.


    It would have been a pain to stand there and exin everything, so I pushed Miri into the room.


    Never mind that. Come on in.


    When Miri  fresh from her bath, and drinking a c  had finished listening to my exnation, she waspletely bbergasted.


    Incidentally, I was still wearing Shizuku as armour. I hadnt bathed yet. I had just listened to Ria and Deets chattering and giggling and Miris surprised voice echoing around the bathroom.


    You mustnt tell anyone about this ce. Its where Ie to rx.


    Deet had gone ahead and decided that my apartment was somewhere for her to rx.


    I wont tell anyone. Even if I did, no- one would believe me.


    Promise me. If word gets out, Ille after you.


    Okay, okay, I get it! Persistent, arent you?


    I stepped in before the two of them could start arguing.


    In other words, I belong to another world. In this world, we dont have magic, but our civilisation is more advanced.


    So thats what was going on. I thought you were weird, Thor, but now I get it.


    Thats why wed like to hire that room thats connected to the first level. If possible, wed like to have exclusive use of it.


    Miri shut her eyes and thought about it. After a while, she said, Hmm, I see. Ill ask the boss, and make sure I conceal the real reason for it.


    No, Ill negotiate directly with the boss.


    Huh?


    I told her Ide and let her know when we got Nick and Mary to the orphanage.


    As on the previous asion, the boss of the Thieves Guild, the second-generation Dorothea, received us through a thin curtain.


    Her sexy silhouettey stretched out on the bed.


    Unlike Miri, she had huge breasts.


    Incidentally, we were able to get to both the fifth level and the first level from the entryway to my apartment block. If I held on to the key and thought <i>I want to go to the first level,</i> we woulde out on the first level; if I thought <i>I want to go to the fifth level,</i> we woulde out on the fifth level.


    <i>My apartment blocks as mysterious as ever.</i>


    It took us less than an hour to get from the iron-doored room on the first floor to the Thieves Guild.


    The leader thanks you for escorting Nick and Mary to the orphanage on the surface.


    As before, the leader spoke to us through No rather than speaking herself.


    Not at all. I promised to give the two of them a safe environment to grow up in. The thing is, the orphanage is in serious financial difficulties.


    Huh?


    Ria was shocked by what Id said.


    <i>I bet Director Ryze hasnt told her just how serious the situation is. If its not said in the right way, Ria will go off on missions that are even more high-risk, high-return.</i>


    In order to improve the financial situation of the orphanage, I would like to ask the Thieves Guild for their support. First of all, could you loan us one of the rooms with iron doors?


    Are you going to conduct some sort of business?


    At once, Nos face became stern.


    Im not asking you to hire it out to us for free. We can offer youpensation.


    Compensation?


    Id like to talk to the leader about that by myself. Could you leave the two of us alone?


    My suggestion surprised not only No but also Ria and Deet.


    Thats not possible. Huh?


    No refused, but the leader seemed to say something to her from behind the curtain.


    They argued for a while, then No gave in and said, The leader has deemed it eptable for you to speak to her alone, Master Thor. However, as the leader is unable to speak, the conversation will be one-way only. Is that all right with you?


    Yes.


    Understood. Well, well be outside the room, so pleasee out when youre done.


    No led Ria and aining Deet out of the room.


    That left only me and the leader behind the curtain, who did not make a single sound.


    Phew. You cane out now.


    I walked over from the sofa facing the leader and stood in front of the curtain.


    The leaders silhouette moved further back on the bed.


    I already know who you are.


    The silhouette stiffened at my words. Her breasts rolled down her chest and fell to the ground with a thunk.


    One of them rolled out from under the curtain. It was a plump melon.


    A pretty white hand emerged through a gap in the curtain.


    When I caught hold of the hand, it pulled me through the curtain and onto the bed with powerful force.


    When did you work it out?


    Before me was a beautiful golden-haired, cat-eyed girl. Unhappy tears welled up in her eyes.


    I was convinced it was you when you left before the announcement, Miri. You came with us to the orphanage, so you should have been there.


    <i>And Miri belongs to the Guild, so this means we didnt even lie to their leader.</i>


    Youre right.


    I actually wondered if it was you from the first meeting.


    You did?


    Having an interest in redeveloping the Thieves Guild district The leader not speaking You not being there for the first meeting There were plenty of signs.


    <i>I cant tell her that what really clinched it for me was Miri being happy when I said that the leader was sexy and getting angry when I said her breasts were big.</i>


    So you saw through me, Thor? You might already know this, but


    Miri began to tell me her life story.


    The legendary thief Dorothea (the first of her name) had many lovers, and she became pregnant by one of them with a half-human, half-animal child. The child who was born was Miri.


    Dorothea continued to operate as a phantom thief for ten years after that. However, she was a heavy drinker, and died young because of it.


    In public, Mum kept it a secret that I was her daughter, and acted as if I was her colleague in the Thieves Guild. No, who was Mums best friend, was able to use this to turn me into the mysterious second-generation Dorothea and keep the organisation going.


    <i>I see. I didnt know anything about that.</i> But of course I made it look like I already knew all this as I listened to what she was saying.


    There was just one thing that I wanted to ask her, whatever it took.


    But whyd you use melons to pretend you had an enormous rack?


    Because Mums breasts were huge!


    When Miri was agitated, she switched from using masculinenguage to speaking in a more feminine way.


    Its because Dad was half-human, half-animal. Thats why Im so t-chested!


    Something urred to me suddenly.


    Huh? So the reason you think humans hate cat people is because of that?!


    Yes! All that the guys in the Guild talk about is womens breasts!


    Pfft.


    I identally let out augh.<i> Besides, its not even like shes as t-chested as she says she is.</i>


    Just as I was thinking that, Miri asked me angrily, Whatll you give us inpensation for letting you use the room with the iron door?


    She said it so abruptly that for a second I didnt know what she was on about.


    Well, Ill share my knowledge from Japan with you so that the Thieves Guild can develop, of course. I think the redevelopment of the underground district will go really well.


    It wouldnt be easy, but the work would be rewarding and enjoyable.


    <i>I want to earn money quickly and save the orphanage.</i>


    Its got to be more than that. We dont know whether itll seed or not.


    Huh? I mean, I suppose so Well, what else do you want? I cant give you much, you know.


    Treat me the same as you treat Ria and the others.


    <i>I see. I bet what she means by that is let mee into your apartment any time.</i>


    <i>I </i>could <i>give Miri a key too, I guess. Hmm.</i>


    Okay, I understand. However


    What I was going to say was Make sure you keep the secret of my apartment to yourself, Miri.


    Really?! Then you can start right now.


    For some reason, she grabbed my hand and put it on her chest.


    Whaaaat?!


    I know theres nothing therepared to Ria and Deet, but


    <i>S-seriously?!</i>


    When I said Id treat you the same as Ria and the others


    You meant as a wife, right? Im an adult now, and its the right season for half-human half-animals And I wanna have offspring for the sake of the Guild.


    <i>Season? Offspring? Whats epted practice for half-human half-animals doesnt quite match up with human social etiquette</i>


    <i>Its not that. Shes misunderstood Ria and Deet. Theyre not my wives.</i>


    But my right hand continued unconsciously rubbing the bulges of flesh on the upper part of her beautiful, well-proportioned body.


    Miri looked down, clearly enjoying it.


    N-no! This way, if we end up fucking, my kid will go on to take over the Thieves Guild!


    Mustering myst remaining powers of reasoning, I ripped my right hand forcibly away from her chest.


    Realising what Id done, Miri looked up at me tearfully.


    Thor Why did you stop? Do you hate half-human half-animals after all?


    <i>Oof. But that doesnt change anything  Ria and Deet arent actually my wives.</i>


    Even if she cried, Id just have to put up with it.


    <i>All </i>right!<i> I managed to put up with it somehow!</i> I thought, but there was one part of me that hadnt endured it at all.


    Master, Im frightened!


    Ack! Shizuku!


    Wh-what? Wheres that voiceing from?


    My Shizuku armour turned back into its slime form and slipped away.


    Whaaaat?! A white slime?!


    I took advantage of Miris shock to try and cover my front with the sheet from off the bed, but she caught hold of both my arms.


    What the Thor Pretty eager, arent you?


    No, Im not! Youve got it all wrong! Ria and Deet arent!


    At that moment, the curtain opened with a swish.


    No, Ria and Deet were standing there, stock-still.


    Oh, hello, my fellow wives. From today, Im going to be Thors wife, too, so please be nice to me! And No, you dont need to worry about heirs any more.


    No. Miris just mistaken. Shes misunderstood just about everything.


    After being mobbed by everyone, I was finally able to return to my normal state.


    Shizuku, whom Id frightened off, came back atst. She had seen what had happened from start to finish, so with her exining, I was just about able to settle the matter.


    Now I had a new problem, but in return, I had also gained a new friend.


    Ria, Deet and Miri were defeated by the overpowered magic of Count Ateu Maddes, who had sold his soul to Satan.


    Ha ha ha! What weaklings you are. But it would be a shame to kill adventurers as beautiful as you. So instead Ill keep you tied up in my underground prison as my ves for the rest of your lives!


    Thats when mytent unique skill that had hidden itself until this moment awoke.


    This wasHeroes Revival, which only activated once everyones [Stamina] was down to single digits  in other words, when they were on the verge of death.


    Ha ha ha! Wh-whats this? Why do I feel this absurd powering from the man who was the first to fall? Th-this cant be happening!Count Ateu Maddes shouted, turning pale as he looked at me.


    T-time to use my Person Appraisal skill. His status is


    [Name] Suzuki Tooru


    [Race] Son of God


    [Age] 21


    [upation] Unemployed


    [Level] /


    [Stamina] /


    [Magic] /


    [Attack]


    [Defence]


    [Strength]


    [Wisdom]


    [Agility]


    [Skills] Growth Limit Break All Appraisals Level  All Sword Skills Level  All Magic Level


    If user is female, they will draw these powers from a goddess


    Heroes Revival (active)


    ckkkkkk! Whats with this status?


    Heroes Revival is a skill that allows me to protect the people I love! Youre gonna regret hurting everyone and pissing me off!


    Eeeeeeeeeeeeek!


    Using my holy sword, I cut Count Ateu Maddes into pieces  into <i>tiny</i> pieces.


    Its okay now!I called out gently to the others.


    I n-never knew you were so strong, Sir Thor! Youre a hundred times  no, a hundred <i>thousand</i> times  stronger than me, and Im a knight!


    Ria looked up at me as if I were an object of worship.


    H-hmph! Well, I suppose you <i>were</i> quite cool. Can I stay with you for the rest of my life? Using this potion of perennial youth that Count Ateu Maddes identally dropped You can stay with me for my whole lifespan!


    Deet had really honed her hot-cold personality.


    Thor, you could save not just everyone in the Thieves Guild, but the whole world!


    <i>Thats an exaggeration, Miri.</i>


    Of course Shizukus master is the best!


    Shizuku climbed onto my face and wobbled happily. <i>Jigglejigglejigglejiggle</i>


    Ha ha haI mumbled. Shizuku, youre jiggling too much. All that bouncing It kinda hurts.


    <i>Th-this is painful. I cant breathe</i>


    I opened my eyes and saw part of the ceiling of the Japanese-style room.


    <i>A d-dream?</i>


    Unfortunately, the adventure Id just been on was nothing but a dream.<i> I suppose thats obvious.</i>


    But whats this? This bouncing navy-blue thing covering my face?!


    The thing pressing on my face, making it difficult to breathe and obscuring my vision, was someones bloomers-d behind.


    <i>These muscr yet plump buttocks must be Rias. These ones springing back gently against the constraints of the gym shorts must be Deets, and these healthy, athletic ones must be Miris.</i>


    The bare white legs protruding from the gym shorts were intertwined. Shizuku was also in there.


    <i>Come to think of it, Iid out the futon in the Japanese-style roomst night and went to sleep with everyone.</i>


    Guys, youre tossing and turning too much Are you trying to besiege and crush me to death with your gym shorts?


    The siege-and-crush formation of bouncing bloomer-d buttocks and jiggling slime pressed on my face from above and below, left and right.


    At this rate, I would suffocate in five seconds.


    First, I jostled the plumply-filled gym shorts that were pressing against my face the most.


    H-huh? Wasshappening? I was sleeping sofortably  eeeek!


    The others all tumbled off the futon at the sound of Deets adorable scream.


    Whew!


    Finally, I could breathe normally.


    <i>Huh?</i> I realised that the six bare legs protruding from the pairs of gym shorts had struck daunting poses.


    Thor!


    Whats happening?


    For some reason I was being forced to kneel down.


    Sir Thor! Please touch us all equally!


    Hmph! If you want to touch me, say it. Come on


    If youre going to touch my butt, youll have to do it when were alone!


    Im s-sorry! Masters sins are Shizukus sins


    <i>Guys, isnt what youre all saying kinda weird?</i>


    Cant wait to see more? Want to show your support? <strong>CLICK HERE</strong> to be a patron and get additional chapters ahead of time!

 Book 3: Chapter 2: (1)

    Book 3: Chapter 2: (1)


    <b>The turmoil of exorcising my problematic property</b>


    Ugh Im so sleepy Ugh This is a pain in the ass


    I shuffled like a zombie towards the family restaurant where I worked.


    The reason for my zombification was that I had gone for three days with almost no sleep, instead spending my time clicking my mouse to hunt monsters.


    Ria and Deet and Miri had all gone back to their world. Ria had to go and earn money through dungeon adventures for the sake of the orphanage; Deet had gone to gather information about the Dungeon Master, and Miri, being the leader of the Thieves Guild, had work to do.


    I wanted to go and visit them, but trips to the other world went hand-in-hand with danger.


    I nned to get to Level 20 for safetys sake and then to go and surprise them all with a visit.


    Because of this, I had been frantically clicking to level up, and I had be totally absorbed in it.


    Enami got in my way, so I could not level up automatically, which was a pain. But I have manually made it to Level 16 atst!


    I took a piece of paper out of my pocket. I had made notes on it in the dungeon.


    [Name] Suzuki Tooru


    [Race] Human


    [Age] 21


    [upation] Unemployed


    [Level] 16/


    [Stamina] 51/51


    [Magic] 67/67


    [Attack] 132


    [Defence] 47


    [Strength] 28


    [Wisdom] 44


    [Agility] 29


    [Skills] No Growth Limit Person Appraisal Lvl 4/10 Equipment Appraisal Lvl 1/10 Club Fighting 2/10


    <i>Hee hee hee. This is not bad at all! I bet that the others will all be surprised.</i>


    <i>Fighting with a club is a bit uncool, but it is probably because I have only been using my ice axe.</i>


    <i>Come to think of it, when I measured my [Strength] with a hand dynamometer, that reading of 28 had quadrupled So what on Earth would it be now?</i>


    <i>Crap, I havepletely lost my ability to think. When I get home, I will sleep for three  no, two  hours and then go monster-hunting.</i>


    Ding ding!


    It was the electric doorbell that sounded whenever someone came into the family restaurant where I worked.


    For security reasons, it also chimed when one of us came in from the back yard.


    Oh, morning, Suzuki!


    Good morning, Boss.


    You have got dark circles under your eyes. I have never seen such terrible bags under someones eyes before. Are you all right?


    Yeah, I am fine, I am fine.


    Emphasising how fine I was made me more enthusiastic.


    Well then, I will give it my all today!


    The manager and Kuno looked at me and started talking in low voices about a haunting. <i>What are they on about?</i>


    I could not be bothered to think, so I let it be.


    I went into the changing rooms, and before I knew it I was wearing my kitchen uniform.


    Huh? Well, never mind. I will work t out today cooking dishes.


    The moment that I stepped into the kitchen, orders started toe fluttering in one after the other.


    At first, myck of sleep gave me a strange kind of enthusiasm, and I was able to do my job. However, I soon started to burn through my fuel.


    My body felt heavy. I wanted to sleep.


    <i>No, I must not, I must not. I have to be diligent about this. There is no way that I can fall asleep in the kitchen.</i>


    But my eyelids were terribly heavy.


    <i>My vision is going dark</i>


    Bye, Boss.


    Good work today.


    <i>H-huh?</i> I realised that I was in the rest area in the back yard, wearing the clothes Ide to the family restaurant in.


    The boss, who didnt seem to be able to tell which of us were employees and which of us were part-timers, and Kuno  a strong-willed woman in her thirties  were exchanging pleasantries.


    <i>Is Kuno leaving already?</i>


    <i>I thought we were supposed to finish work at the same time today.</i>


    You did a good job too, Suzuki.


    Huh? Wh-what?


    What  whats up? Is something wrong? Youre so weird, Suzuki. Are you free at all today?


    Looking at the clock in the rest area, I realised that it was four oclock in the afternoon.


    <i>What?! Its time for me to go home!</i>


    My shift had already finished.


    In the kitchen, Suzuki, you were, like, snapping your head back and forth as if your body was pulling it. Your work was perfect, thoughKuno exined.


    I didnt remember a thing about the work Id done.


    <i>Oh! Maybe?</i>


    Shizuku?


    The moment I called her name, the clothes that I was wearing trembled slightly.


    <i>I get it.</i> Basically, Id gone to work wearing Shizuku.


    Id fallen asleep in the kitchen, and Shizuku had moved my body for me.


    Youre adorable, Shizuku!Iplimented her.


    But Shizuku jiggled ufortably. I could understand her emotions now from the way that she trembled.


    <i>But why is Shizuku embarrassed that Im praising her?</i>


    Boss, Suzukis started talking to himself.


    He must be possessed after all.


    Yeah. Hes got dark circles under his eyes, he was moving weirdly in the kitchen, and he keeps saying stuff like youre adorable, Shizuku


    <i>Crap!</i> My boss and Kuno were looking at me with concern.


    Apparently they were suspicious of me talking to myself and of how Id been moving during my shift.


    <i>So thats why Shizuku was trembling ufortably?</i>


    Suzuki!


    Kuno called my name suddenly.


    If youre free, shall we head home together?


    <i>This is aplete misunderstanding.</i>


    U-um, its okay. Im fine. Ha ha ha


    Youre not fine. Lets go.


    Kuno grabbed my arm.


    See you, Boss!


    See you. Im relying on you to sort Suzuki out!


    She said goodbye to our manager and led me out through the restaurants back yard exit.


    Hold on a sec, where are we going?


    She was dragging me in the general direction of my apartment, but we were making a slight detour.


    The temple.


    The temple?


    When I heard that, I didnt understand what she meant, but after a while I realised what was going on.


    She and the manager seemed to be under the impression that I was suffering from a spiritual disorder caused by living in a stigmatised property. <i>Im happy that theyre going to such trouble for me, but its all a big misunderstanding.</i>


    Its all right. There arent any ghosts or anything.


    <i>There </i>are <i>goblins and slimes anddy knights and elf sorceresses, though.</i>


    Just follow me. Well get them to do a purification ritual, or maybe a full-scale exorcism if needs be.


    Whaaat?


    <i>A purification ritual? A full-scale exorcism, if needs be?</i>


    A magnificent temple appeared in front of us. I didnt usually pay it much attention, but I knew there was one in the neighbourhood.


    <i>Nonono.</i><i>I dont mind if they just think Im weird, but an actual </i>exorcism


    Does it cost loads of money?


    Religion and spending money have always gone hand in hand.


    Its okay, Ayame will do it for free.


    Ayame? Oh


    <i>The Ayame that Kunos talking about must be Tateishi Ayame, the high-schooler who works at our part-time job.</i>


    Although she was a high-schooler, she was very calm, and didnt act all cute. But she was a beautiful girl. You might say she was a snow queen.


    She seemed pretty cold to me. <i>Not recently, though. And more importantly</i>


    Hang on a minute. Howe Tateishi can perform exorcisms? Shes a high school student.


    Ayame was born in the temple.


    Oh, r-really? I didnt know that. She was born in the temple, and her names Tateishi Youre not telling me shes T, the temple kid?!


    Shes amazing at sensing the supernatural.


    <i>R-really? Well, if she really can sense the supernatural, then shell figure out straight away that this is all just a misunderstanding.</i>


    Kuno went into the temple precinct.


    There was a sizeable forest behind the main hall of the temple.


    Oh!


    Tateishi was looking at us intently.


    <i>Her clothes are so white! But theyre wet</i> Behind her, I could see something that looked like a well.


    Wh-white clothing And, on top of that, bathing in cold water at this time of year


    <i>Its gonna be a full-scale one. A full-scale exorcism.</i> Kuno approached her.


    See? I told you about it on the phone during my break. Arent those bags under his eyes just awful?


    <i>No. These are just the eyebags you get fromck of sleep when you stay up for three nights in a row.</i>


    <i>If you can sense the supernatural, youll understand that, right?</i>


    Tateishi said gravely, Mr Suzuki, you cannot go on like this.


    I doubted that she really had any feeling for the supernatural.


    Cant wait to see more? Want to show your support? <strong>CLICK HERE</strong> to be a patron and get additional chapters ahead of time!

 Book 3: Chapter 2: (2)

    Book 3: Chapter 2: (2)


    The three of us knelt on the wooden floor of the temples main hall.


    Tateishi and Kuno were the picture of seriousness.


    But maybe because she liked the temple atmosphere, or maybe because she found it interesting, the slime that I was wearing as my clothes was jiggling subtly, enjoying herself.


    <i>No evil spirit could beat out an upbeat rhythm like this in the main hall of a temple.</i>


    Im telling you, its all a misunderstanding!


    No, it absolutely is a ghost.


    Many people, being seriously told by a beautiful Japanese girl in white clothes washed in cold water that It is a ghost, would probably believe her.


    If Shizuku hadnt been beating out her upbeat rhythm, even I might have ended up inadvertently believing her.


    Tateishi seemed to be offering to perform the exorcism for free, but if shed been a greedy priest, she probably would have demanded loads of money.


    Temples seemed to be profitable both in the other world and in Japan.


    Do you have proof that the ghost is doing bad things?


    Before, a strange person wearing a mask, hat and sunsses came to meet Suzuki after theyd eaten at the restaurant, saying that they wanted to thank the chef. Do you remember that?


    Oh yeah That.


    <i>Of course I remember it.</i>


    The truth is, that person wearing the mask, hat and sunsses is not of this world.


    <i>Huh? A person whos not of this world?</i>


    Timidly, Kuno asked Tateishi in a small voice, Really?


    No That was


    What had really happened was that Shizuku, after taking on my appearance and starting my work in the kitchen, had put on a mask, hat and sunsses to y the part of a customer and summoned the chef, saying that she wanted to meet him.


    <i>The person whos not of this world was actually just me</i>


    Without doubt, its a ghost.


    Tateishi was turning me into a ghost. Kuno gulped.


    <i>This is no good. Tateishi might have been born in the temple but clearly she has no feeling for the supernatural at all.</i>


    Suzuki, Im going to go to your house now and cleanse it.


    Whaaaaat?


    Apparently Tateishi intended to purify the apartment block where I lived.


    <i>Of course it has a lot of issues, but I get the feeling that theyre not caused by ghostly phenomena. Even that shady estate agent knew that the apartment didnt have ghosts.</i>


    N-no but.


    When I tried to refuse, Tateishi smiled sweetly.


    Dont worry about a thing, Suzuki. For the time being, this will


    For the time being?


    I was born in the temple, after all.


    Tateishi was always soposed, but her smile was absolutely adorable. <i>Shes probably trying to put me at ease.</i>


    <i>But however much I think about it, shes T from the temple, and she has no sense of the supernatural.</i>


    Well then, lets head to Suzukis haunted apartment!


    At Kunos fighting words, the two of them rose valiantly. I got to my feet like a zombie.


    We arrived at the road in front of my apartment block.


    Is this the ce? The ghost is giving off sinister energyTateishi muttered, her expression the picture of seriousness. She was wearing a coat on top of her white clothes.


    I s-see.


    <i>Is that so she doesnt catch a cold?</i>


    All right, well, Im a guy living alone, so Im just going to go and clear up in my apartment quickly. Ill be right back.


    Okay.


    I got the two of them to wait by the road in front of the apartment block.


    <i>Never mind Kuno, having Tateishi  a female high school student ing into my room is</i>


    <i>Up until three days ago, it was in no state for me to invite Japanese people inside.</i> Thats because Ria, Deet and Miri  people from the other world  were there.


    But now they had gone.


    <i>When they were here, their being here was a problem, but now that theyve gone, Im lonely without them around.</i>


    Thats why I was happy to have Tateishi and Kunoe to visit. <i>Mainly Tateishi.</i> Thinking this, I put my key into the lock of my apartment door.


    <i>Huh? Thats weird!?!</i>


    <i>Maybe I went out without locking my door.</i> It wasnt locked.


    I sometimes did that, so it wasnt that strange. I went into my apartment.


    Theres probably no-one there, but Ill say Im home! anyway. H-huh?


    <i>Somehow</i><i>I feel like theres someone here.</i>


    U-um


    I heard a voice that I recogniseding from the direction of the Western-style room. The light in that room was on.


    There were crisp packets and cans of Ultra Dry next to the pillow, and someone was sleeping there. <i>I know who that someone is.</i>


    Shes r-radiant


    The figure of Deet in bloomers, her thick hair tousled, emerged from the bed.


    Oh, Thor! You came home. Wee baaack!


    Deet, wh-wh-wh-why are you


    Should I not havee back? I came here because Im going all the way down to the deepest levels of the dungeon. I cant get from the first floor to the fifth floor in one go.


    I know that, but youve got a key, Deet. Cant you go in at the first level underground ande out at the fifth level straight away?


    <i>There shouldnt be any need for you to sleep in my bed and drink beer and eat crisps.</i>


    Come on! I came to see you, Thor. I bet you missed having me around, right?


    She put her arms around my neck and brought her face close to mine.


    <i>She stinks of alcohol. </i>Getting a better look, I realised that there were containers of Red Crane cooking sake scattered about underneath the bed. <i>This elf has adapted to the Japanese lifestyle, all right.</i>


    Thats when it happened.


    Eeeeeeeeeeeeek!


    I heard a shout from the bathroom. I recognised this voice, too.


    Ria?!


    Yeah, now you mention it, she turned up after me. I wonder whats wrong with her?


    <i>This is no time for talking! She just screamed!</i> I ran to the bathroom.


    Whats wrong, Ria?!


    The second I opened the frosted ss door to the bathroom, I was soaked by the showers violent Water Attack.


    S-Sir Thor! Im sorry. Its been a while, so I mixed up the cold and hot water again. And the waters on the highest setting


    N-no, thats fine, but. Um


    Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!


    Ria crouched down, hiding her heavy boobs.


    Atchoo! Be careful.


    Okay, okay.


    As I left the bathroom, a towel came flying at my drenched face. Todays starting pitcher was Deet.


    Jeez! I cant believe youve been getting it on with Ria already, Thor! You havent done anything with me!


    It wasnt on purpose!


    Hmph! Im going to sleep until dinner, so dont wake me up!


    <i>Is my apartment your rest stop?</i>


    Well, even if they were using my apartment as a rest stop, I was still happy to see the two of them.


    I could tell that they were going to be visiting for a while.


    <i>And I got to see something special, too.</i>


    However, I had the feeling that Id forgotten something important.


    Ding dong, ding dong!


    It was the inte. <i>Who could that be?</i>


    Suzuki! Are you okay? I heard a scream! Was it the ghost?!


    <i>Aw crap. Its Kuno!</i>


    Idpletely forgotten about Tateishi and Kuno.


    My ability to think had deserted me thanks to myck of sleep.


    Who is it?


    The elf in gym shorts looked suspiciously towards the entrance hall.


    Deet. Will you get in the closet in the Japanese-style room for a bit?


    Why? Who is it?


    A colleague from my part-time job.


    Really? Then Ill go and say hi.


    Deet was more courteous than I expected.


    No, didnt I tell you that there are no high elves in Japan?


    <i>Not to mention that women in their early twenties wearing gym shorts only exist in this special environment.</i>


    I pushed Deet towards the Japanese-style room.


    Hey, wait!


    I opened the closet, where I kept loads of adult books.


    <i>Deets going to find me out, but you cant make an omelette without breaking eggs, I suppose.</i>


    Sorry. Hide in here for a bit.


    You owe me big time.


    Dont say freaky things like that. What do you want from me?


    Two banana chocte cream crepes.


    <i>Thats nothing. Shes such a kid.</i>


    Okay, got it.


    You bettere back quickly!


    Id ended up hiding not only erotic doujinshi in my apartment closet, but also a beautiful real-life elf dressed in gym shorts.


    Suzuki! Whats wrong?!


    Nothing, nothing. Im on my way now.


    Here, have some ck tea.


    Tateishi and Kuno were sitting across from me at the table.


    I handed them some morning tea.


    Thank you. This feels like a pretty normal apartment block, doesnt it?


    Cant wait to see more? Want to show your support? <strong>CLICK HERE</strong> to be a patron and get additional chapters ahead of time!


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!