I’ve been preparing for tomorrow’s exploration from morning until noon.
I’m going to get my armor at noon, and I’m going to be staying in the dungeon starting tomorrow, as a way to make adjustments too.
I say stay there, but I don’t want to stay there until new year’s eve, so I think it will only last two days.
With plans made in my head, my smartphone rings. It’s AI.
Hello. Yes, yes. I’ve been well.
Report?
Ah, mappingool. No, I didn’t forget. You’re off work starting tomorrow?
Then I’ll report after the new year. Okay.
You found me a place? What… Ah! I forgot!
Sorry. Thanks!
I completely forgot about moving.
I’m glad I spoke to her about it. At this rate, I would’ve been out on the street next spring.
That’s Ai for you. Ai-mazing. She doesn’t like that, but I’m gonna keep saying it.
It’s time, so I leave for the weapon store.
I’ve been there so much lately that I’ve been thinking I might as well move there. I’ve been there every day.
I picked my current apartment because the rent was cheap, but maybe it’s time to start picking based on location.
I pass in front of a realtor, and see the prices of rent.
Hm, expensive. That’s twice what I’m paying now.
I knew the price of land went up recently, but I didn’t think I’d see effects so quickly.
It’s not like I can’t pay, it just feels like a waste when I’ve been paying so little.
Well, let’s look at property after seeing what Ai has.
◇ ◇ ◇
Have a match now?
I’m in the weapon store to get my armor, when the owner tells me to have a match with him as we agreed.
It’s sudden, but I ask him where.
“It has to be the dungeon.”
He’s raring to go, but I tell him to calm down. And I ask to check if the armor really is done.
It’s nice that he’s full of vigor, but I want to tell him to think about his age.
After I tell him to show me the armor, he says okay and looks smug for some reason.
He disappears behind the counter, and comes back pushing a cart. There’s the guardian beast armor, without any marks or damage from my slashes. It’s like it’s brand new.
Cool.
I knew it when I fought the armored hobgoblin, but now that it’s repaired, it really strikes at my chunni heart.
And on the left gauntlet there is a small shield I recognize. The same that came with the magic mirror armor.
Is this… I react with surprise, and understand that smug expression.
Is he trying to get me to spend more money again!?
“I’m not!”
He says, but considering his prior record, I have to look at him with suspicion.
Really? Are you really not charging?
He denies it with his face bright red, as I look with suspicion.
“I repaired and reworked this armor without profit in mind! It’d normally be more than thirty million! Got it boy!?”
I see, I’ll believe it then.
But who told you to rework it?
◇ ◇ ◇
The thirty-first floor.
After that, the owner’s eyes started shifting as he said it was fine since it was free, but I figured I should press him, so I did.
Do you think it’s okay to just rework other people’s stuff?
Is that a good policy for a store?
If I called a lawyer, you’d end up paying me.
Could I get reimbursed?
Do you know you’re trampling on people’s feelings?
My memories with the hobgoblin are ruined.
I said with a cutting tone, and he suddenly told me to give the armor back, raised a hammer, and I panicked.
I said it was a joke, to ease the tension, and felt bloodthirst building in his eyes.
Now we’re on the thirty-first floor to have a match, but that bloodthirst is still there.
I think I joked around too much.
I reflect on that a little, and hold up the greatsword of fortitude.
I’m still not wearing the armor. Since this is a match, I’m wearing the same broken protector I wore yesterday. I have my divine bird boots and protection on my arms and legs, but my body is bare.
Well, we’re not fighting to the death, so I think I’ll be fine, but…
When I look at the owner’s expression full of anger, I start to think he might have murder in mind.
Not to mention that he’s pretty strong, since we came here through the thirtieth floor’s portal.
He has a spear. It’s the color of lead from the butt end to the tip. He’s wearing light armor that emphasizes ease of movement. If I remember correctly, it’s made from big ant materials and suited for beginners.
He also has a magic gun holster on his waist, and five bullets. But only the bullets, not a magic gun. I imagine that would only get in the way, but he’s not taking it off.
He steps forward with his left leg, drops his posture, and holds his spear.
It’s very fluid, like a work of art. How much has he trained this posture? I can’t imagine.
The air around him changes.
Warrior. If I were to describe him in one word, that’s it.
I’ve fought monsters skilled in combat, like the warrior kobold and the armored hobgoblin. And as for people, Akira Niijima.
Even compared to them, I know this weapon shop owner is on a different level.
“…Limit Break.”
This is a match, not a fight to the death.
But I feel nervous, like I might get killed if I get careless..
We both hold our weapons and glare at each other. We’re pretty far from each other, but I feel like we’re close.
I exhale rapidly, and I’m confused by the inconsistencies in the information I see, and what I get from Spatial Grasp and See Through.
He’s standing ready, but my skills tell me he’s approaching me.
I only realize my visual information is wrong when he moves to thrust his spear.
I quickly block with my greatsword, and I’m blown back far from the reach of the spear.
My skills are working. It was my mistake not to trust them.
I hold my greatsword up again, and focus on the owner.
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