After the party was formed yesterday, I taught them how to mine and we came back to the surface.
They were surprised to see me mine using Earth Magic, but I told them that as he gains experience, Satoru will be able to do it too.
We stopped by a family restaurant where I paid as a way to congratulate them on the birth of their party.
Akihiro said he wished his siblings could eat that too, so we got takeout and a lot of sweets at a supermarket for him to take home.
When it comes to young kids, I’m always reminded of my nephew and niece and get weak. That’s just a part of my character, so there’s no point trying to fix it.
◇ ◇ ◇
Toufu and the others said they’re going to the dungeon today.
If it goes well, they’ll be able to take on the boss of the thirtieth floor, so I wish them luck.
I’m also planning to stay in the dungeon for a few days starting tomorrow, and I’m going to plan today.
I’m running low on stuff like medicine and monster repellent, so I’m going to buy a lot.
I think I’m going to get a lot of food too. Most of what I had was used in the last exploration. I made a lot for ten days, but it was still rough. It won’t spoil in my Storage space, so I intend to make even more.
◇ ◇ ◇
I’m in the shopping mall in the morning. I’m here to buy food and get the greatsword of fortitude from the weapons store.
When I get to the weapons store, I feel like there are more people than usual. Normally, there are five here on a good day, but there are twice as many. There are also people gathered outside, and when I look closely, I see a mannequin in the middle, wearing armor and holding a greatsword.
That’s definitely the greatsword of fortitude.
…That old man did it again.
I enter and complain. He says sorry, and that it was the only weapon that went well with the armor.
That’s no reason to display it.
At least get my permission. You have my contact information.
What if it was stolen?
What? That’s not a worry?
What do you mean…
As we talk, I hear a painful yell from where the armor is.
I head there to see what that’s about, and see a big guy laying in front of the display, spasming here and there.
I ask the owner what happened, and he says the display releases an electric shock when touched.
I see, so that’s why he’s not worried.
Wait, nevermind that!
That’s too dangerous! What if someone just doesn’t know about that!?
It’s okay because they won’t die? It won’t activate if no one touches it? It’s only the greatsword so there’s no problem?
…No, that’s the biggest problem.
I’m thinking it might activate when I, the owner, touches it, but he says they’ll remove the mechanism before giving it back to me.
I’d be really pissed if they didn’t.
I take the greatsword of fortitude back, and head straight to the guild.
I buy potions and magic potions, throw them into my Storage Space, and since I still have time, I wander around the store.
Is there anything new? I’ll buy it if it’s useful, but I don’t see anything that catches my eye.
There’s cooking equipment, portable rations, and sweets to store in a backpack, but they don’t resonate with me.
As I look at the shelves, I find one that’s empty. It says ‘mister move suppressor is sold out, please wait for the next batch’.
Looks like mister move suppressor is a popular item. I didn’t expect it to be put out for sale with that name.
There might be a lot of seekers that bought it because of the impact of the name.
There’s a price tag and warning on the shelf. It’s ten thousand yen a piece and people have to show ID when buying it. That way, they know who bought them in case they’re misused.
I leave the store feeling impressed.
On my way to the guild, I come across Toufu’s party.
Hey, are you starting?
I see, good luck.
I’m going to the dungeon tomorrow, so tell me how it went when I get back.
Yes, thanks, I’m looking forward to it.
Come back safely then! Have a nice seek!
…Ah? What’s that you ask? Have a nice seek, nice seek! The greeting among seekers, right?
Eh? Only some do that?
Seriously? I liked it, so I’ve been using it.
Well then, see you later. Have a nice seek.
I’ll use that anyway.
They’re the words taught to me by a drunk, but it’s okay if I see it as wishing for the other person’s safety.
And thus, I see Toufu’s party off as they go start their exploration.
◇ ◇ ◇
The twenty-first floor.
I’ve just come across Toufu’s party.
We didn’t come here together or anything, we just happened to cross the portal at the same time, and just happened to both land on the twenty-first floor.
Toufu’s party is pulling a big cart. It has weight reduction and dynamic assist, so one can pull it one handed even if it’s full.
They’re taking turns pulling it, aside from Hajime, but they say it doesn’t make them tired.
Hajime is excluded due to being the party’s scout, who goes ahead and investigates if there are monsters or other dangers.
It’s the most important role of the party, and it’s no exaggeration to say he holds the lives of his party in his hands.
Hn? What?
How long am I going to follow you?
I don’t have an answer, we just happen to be going in the same direction.
What’s this cart? It’s portacool. The Honto Corporation asked me to use it. It’s useful, it even follows me up stairs.
Did I form a contract with them?
No, that’d be a pain. I think I’d feel restricted too.
Did they invite me?
…Twice.
They treat me like an idiot, saying it’s a waste because Honto is a good company and these opportunities don’t come every day, but I get that.
Still, I had to say no because I feel like I wouldn’t be free.
I can trust Ai and the president, but that doesn’t mean the other executives are like them.
Maybe I could just quit if I didn’t like it, but it’d be a real pain if they held a grudge and wanted revenge.
Most importantly, I don’t have good memories of their employees. They abused me verbally and their security treated me badly. Just thinking back irritates me.
Ah… I’m getting annoyed.
Don’t you agree?
I ask as I punch the orc walking next to me in the stomach.
The angry orc swings its club at me, but I take it down with my tyrant greataxe.
◇ ◇ ◇
I reach the staircase to the twentieth floor, and say goodbye to Toufu and the others after saying good luck.
Hajime lost his confidence after letting an orc get that close, but I say goodbye after telling him he’ll be fine.
I tell Takeshi and Ruri I’m looking forward to their marriage ceremony, and say goodbye.
I tell Naito not to overdo it, and say goodbye.
I jokingly tell Takeshi and Ruri I’ll pick their kid’s name, and say goodbye.
I laugh and tell Toufu we should go drink together when they get back, and say goodbye.
I tell Chisato she has a dream, so she definitely needs to make it back, and say goodbye.
They tell me not to be cheeky, but I say have a nice seek with a laugh and say goodbye, so it’s fine.
I dream of exploring with this party.
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That party is so dead