We get on a train, and get off four stations away, in the 810 branch of the dungeon association. Commonly known as Heart Dungeon.
I thought this the moment I left the station too, but there are couples everywhere here. Someone coming here alone would definitely stand out, and I’d definitely feel awkward. But right now, I have two beautiful sisters, one at each side, which also stands out in its own way.
I’m not really awkward though, more embarrassed.
Looking around inside the association, I see it’s full of people that aren’t used to dungeons. Most are couples who aren’t adventurers. The receptionists are talking to them about the date activities, and introducing adventurers to them that they can hire as bodyguards.
Apparently all the bodyguards here wear full-face helmets. That’s probably so they don’t disturb the dates. It’d probably be distracting to see a stranger’s face all throughout the date.
“Hm, this really is just an attraction.”
“Yes, this place started buzzing the moment it appeared. There are pretty much no dangerous monsters here, and the scenery is nice, so it’s a great dungeon.”
“It’s nice that it’s thriving. You wouldn’t think it’s only been around for two years.”
“It’s pretty hard for a place like this to become known to common people. They probably have a great commercial spirit or something.”
I’ve heard of ‘safe dungeons’, but I never imagined such an easy going dungeon.
By the way, this goes for all dungeons, but people can’t just wander inside. This is so there isn’t confusion when a search is called, and so people not authorized by the association don’t get mixed up with the others.
Most dungeons have checkpoints at the entrance, where adventurers show notes issued daily by the association. Only places like Unlucky Hall are exceptions to this rule.
We just got ours, so now we’re lining up in front of a reception desk with a sign saying ‘date activities letter of invitation’.
“It’s our first time here, but this place has a nice environment.”
“Everyone has smiles on their faces, so I imagine there’s never any major trouble.”
“Well, I’m sure nothing really happens as long as they make sure to follow the basics.”
“Have you two been here? It’s relatively close.”
“It is, but this is a place for dates. It’s your first time here too, isn’t it Shouta?”
Says Aki, while grabbing my arm despite her embarrassment.
“People who work here tend to get sent here because they already have a partner, are engaged, or married.”
Says Maki while grabbing my other arm.
“Hum, why?”
“Well, they have to look at couples every day, right? It’d be hell for single people. It can’t be good for the heart.”
“…I guess so.”
Even as a guy, I’d probably cry blood if I had to work here every day and didn’t have a girlfriend.
“By the way, this dungeon is typically closed from the fourth floor down. Date spots are designated in the first to third floors, going from flower fields on the first, a beach on the second, and a tranquil forest on the third.”
“Eh… You can really pick what you want. But there haven’t been any rare monster sightings in such a big place?”
“Yes. Are you curious?”
“Very.”
“It’s nice to be honest.”
“Fufu that’s just like you, Shouta.”
Then our turn comes, and the receptionist is surprised to see someone with two exclusives, but still acknowledges me as an adventurer, which means I’m exempt from having to get someone to guide me.
As for Aki and Maki, they’re receptionists, so they received special training, but they’re still treated as regular people here.
Because of that, I can’t take them to the fourth floor or below. Well, it’s not like I’m here to explore or hunt today. It’s a date, so it’s fine.
Also, apparently they rent equipment too.
They dressed up for the date, but despite everything, this is still a dungeon, so they have to borrow female light armor.
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
“Wah…!”
““Oh…””
In front of me, there’s a scenery that in reality, I should only be able to see if I traveled far away. There are flowers all around. It’s not something you expect to see in the middle of a city.
There are thick forests dotted around, but they’re separated by fields of flowers, each with different colors and species. That’s probably why couples don’t stay in one place, and instead choose to walk around.
Still, there really are couples going around with adventurers wearing full-face helmets.
I guess it’s normal here, but it looks pretty surreal to me.
“Maki, do adventurers that work here do this as a part-time or something?”
“Yes. This kind of work is recommended to people who are looking for something stable, rather than expose themselves to danger for high rewards. It’s perfectly safe if monsters don’t attack, and even if they do, they’re not strong. It’s fine if you’re able to defeat even a goblin.”
“I was actually going to recommend this place to Shouta once he got tired of slime.”
“Really? Hm… But it’d be pretty rough for a single guy to get thrown in here…”
If, even after improving my luck, I didn’t come across rare slime… Yes, I would’ve stayed the weakest adventurer, and would’ve never found joy in it.
“What are you talking about? If the branch manager didn’t allow… Maki, I would’ve still been here.”
So there’s that alternate line too.
But…
“My relationship with you comes from Maki’s involvement, so if I didn’t meet Maki, we’d probably still be distant.”
“My sister isn’t pushy enough, so I’m sure it would have turned out that way…”
“Uu… Whatever, we’re together now!”
Aki says as she takes my arm. Geez, you’re the one who brought it up.
“Fufu. So Shouta, where are we going?”
“Eh? It’s up to me?”
“Yes. I want to see your adventures up close.”
“Me and Maki are both leveled a bit, so don’t worry.”
“Then… I know. How about filling the map?”
I point to the map we got from the association, as I suggest filling the map in my skill.
“We will accompany you then.”
“Let’s go!”
And so, the exploration/date begins.
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