We thank them, and the guildmaster leaves with Hana.
Aki and Maki are clinging to me from both sides, so I calm them down while telling them the results.
“Ah, well then. I took down the rare monster of the hill wolves, so let me share its information. Its stats and drops are like this, and it spawns in craters.”
“That was fast. Thank you for the information. I’ll update the database.”
“As you can see, they also drop Command, so I have spares. I want to put two up for auction.”
“Understood. I’ll deal with the formalities!”
Aki starts working on her smartphone, adding information about the second floor monsters by hand.
Meanwhile, Maki carefully packs the skill orbs, and uses the door in the back for personnel to take them somewhere.
I just stand and watch, until I notice the sweets Ayane bought are lined up in front of me, along with black tea. I guess Aira brought them.
“Ah, there are only four of these sweets.”
“Yes. The lady’s departure was decided last night.”
“I see… What is her mother like anyway?”
I ask Aira, and Aki raises her head from her phone.
“Ah, I guess you wouldn’t know. Sakuya is the one who manages the intermediate dungeon in this first area. And much like my grandfather, she was one of the first members who built up the Japanese association.”
“Eh…”
She sounds great.
“I should visit her before too long, since I’m taking Ayane.”
“Yes. But I think that time will come soon.”
“Really?”
“She called Ayane, right? I’m sure she’ll ask for something only you can do, and you’ll be stuck having to go.”
“I believe so as well. In negotiations, the higher the demands, the higher the price. But with her, the price skyrockets. And being family won’t change that for her.
I am a top class human resource even among her mercenaries, if I may say so myself, so surely the conditions will match that.”
“Hm? But it will be related to dungeons, right? If it is, it will work out.”
Apparently it was her who suggested those ‘requests’ in the first place. There’s no doubt she’s after specific skills.
“Well, I really don’t think she would ask anything not involving dungeons from you, so don’t worry.”
“That’s good to hear, Aki. I wouldn’t even know what to say.”
“But we really should update your equipment. It all ended well today, but that magic iron leads to people underestimating you.”
“Yes. I’d feel bad for Ayane and Aira since they’re working with me, but about you and Maki too, since you’re my exclusives.”
“Nihihi.”
“Then should we go to uncle Ryuu’s place?”
Asks Maki, who’s back from shipping the skill orbs.
“Uncle?”
“Yes, the branch manager of the high rank dungeon of the first area. He was also one of the founding members, and he’s been good to us for a long time!”
“Ah, I see! There’s a store in the association of the high rank dungeon, so we should be able to get equipment that’s better than magic iron there!”
“And we have one Super Strength and two Swift that he ‘requested’. Let’s go deliver them together.”
“Yes!”
I see, high rank dungeon. I was thinking about checking it out one day, but if it’s just to go shopping, it shouldn’t be dangerous or anything. I definitely want to buy better equipment than magic iron if I can.
“Let’s go then. Is it far?”
“About an hour by car.”
“Then let’s all go after lunch.”
“Eh? That soon?”
“Time is money.”
“Yes, let’s go then!”
“I will accompany you.”
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
After eating sweets and having lunch, Maki returns after arranging for us a bus to take us.
“Shouta, it will take them some time to bring it over.”
“I see. Then in the meantime, let’s think about what to do with all these Fast Run.”
Aira takes twenty-five from her bag.
“…I expected it, but it really is a lot.”
“Yes…”
“From what I saw on the application, Fast Run doesn’t put a strain on the body. How did Fast Run II feel, Aira?”
“I felt no strain. Also, it felt to me as though the maximum acceleration increased a little.”
“I felt that too. That means it’s a skill with nothing but upsides.”
Even if it spends magic energy, it’s still useful to have. There’s no reason not to learn it.
“You can learn Fast Run II too, Aki and Maki.”
“Eh? Are you sure?”
“Sure. These are so easy to find, that there really isn’t any reason why you shouldn’t.”
“A-all right. We will.”
Both use one skill orb at a time.
It would be easier if they could use four at once. I tried using three at once too, but it only worked with one at a time. I guess I’m the only one who can afford to even think about this sort of thing.
It’s annoying, but putting them all together…
…Hn?
“Wait…”
“Shouta?”
“Would it work? My Intuition…”
Aki and Maki look puzzled, but I ignore them and reach for the skill orbs.
Then I grab four Fast Run orbs, and chant.
“Skill Compression.”
‘Applicable skills confirmed.’
‘Compressing applicable skills…’
‘Compression of applicable skill successful.’
‘Compressed four Fast Run into Fast Run II.’
“Haha, it worked…”
A Fast Run II skill orb shines brightly in my hand.
Join my patreon to support me and read ahead.
Woahh clever. I bet he’s the only person who can do this too. I bet the price will go much higher now.
Wow, instant upgrade. Thanks.