Chapter 25

"Here... it ends! And so it is."

"Peegii!"

I launch a thrust at the last remaining slime. This is aimed at the core, a tiny nucleus within the semi-transparent jelly-like body, which can be considered the true body of this type of monster. The thrust, powered by my enhanced physical abilities and a skill that boosts my power to an extreme degree, hits the minuscule nucleus with pinpoint accuracy, piercing through it and reducing its very existence to particles.

What remains is the drop item, "Slime Jelly Sashimi." I stuff it into a bag and put it in the backpack I brought along. It looks exactly like sashimi konnyaku. Despite feeling a bit uneasy, I mutter:

"Eating this... it's supposed to be delicious, right?"

"It is delicious. Berry jam goes better with it than soy sauce."

"You've actually eaten it! And it's a dessert!?"

I turn to Goudou, who delivered this surprising statement with ease. Eating monsters... consuming the materials they drop isn't unheard of, but it falls under the category of exotic foods, like insects. You can eat them if you cook them, but I doubt they'd be a common choice when deciding what to eat for lunch while walking around town. They are, indeed, rare delicacies.

I don't mean to criticize or think badly of such tastes, but I didn't expect Goudou to be into it, so I'm genuinely surprised. Goudou continues:

"During a large-scale dungeon exploration, I was stranded. Humans can eat anything if they have seasonings, even when cornered."

"Is that so?"

"I've eaten a few others, and they were surprisingly delicious. However, I don't think I'd eat them in my daily life."

"I see..."

Indeed, a top-ranked A-class explorer. You give me vivid and useful advice. If I ever get lost in a dungeon alone, I'll be prepared. Monster food isn't impossible if there are pioneers and enthusiasts.

We finally reach the deepest part. The unique iron smell of this dungeon permeates the air in the deepest section, which has a standard structure. I'm starting to feel a bit queasy. The smell of iron reminds me of blood, and since I hate injections, I'm not a fan of things that remind me of blood.

Let's get out of here quickly. I approach the central pillar and swiftly extract the core. Alright, if I return now, the exploration will be complete. Since the trip in took about 10 minutes, the return should take about the same, making the whole process around 30 minutes. Sasaki's dungeon took about the same time, so it should be around an hour in total. The only one left is the E-class dungeon on the outskirts of the hill. This one is crucial for my promotion, so the increased difficulty makes me nervous.

"What's the E-class dungeon like...?"

"The monsters are just a bit more varied. For you, Kihara, it shouldn't be much different from an F-class dungeon. Don't get worked up; just do what you usually do, and you'll be fine."

Goudou reassures me, seeing my fear. Well, I do think that with my current skills, E and F shouldn't be much different. The skill enhancements are so powerful that even if I'm negative, I can't be too pessimistic in this state.

But still... mentally, I'm still anxious.

I've always been weak when it comes to tests. When I feel like I'm being tested and have no room for error, I tend to get intimidated, and that ultimately affects my performance.

...I think I was just bad at studying, too. Anyway, having the physical ability and the mental fortitude are completely different.

"Is there any tip for dungeon exploration?"

"You've cleared two F-class dungeons so beautifully and quickly, why are you so timid just because the rank is a bit higher... There are tips, of course. Have confidence."

"Confidence, huh?"

"If you have confidence, you are the best explorer, unmatched by anyone. Yes, even as the savior who will open the next era."

Goudou takes my hand and intertwines her fingers with mine. The warmth of Goudou's hand is somehow calming...

The savior and the next era... as always, her words are full of faith. But there's no mistaking the trust she has in me. I have to live up to it; otherwise, I don't deserve to be an explorer.

"...I'll try my best. Thank you, Goudou."

"Call me Kanae soon, Kihara."

"Ah, sure. If I successfully get promoted, then I will."

"You said it! I'm recording this, so you can't back out!"

"How much do you not trust me? Scary..."

I was just thinking that I want to get closer to this person, and this is what happens! You didn't have to mention that you have evidence, Goudou. That's just like her.

Well, I'll try my best.

If it's not just for myself, I feel like I can do it.

At the time of posting this story, it has received:

1st place in the Low Fantasy Daily Ranking

4th place in the Overall Daily Ranking

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