Chapter 7

The TV news is full of information about the dungeon that suddenly appeared at the summit of Mount Fuji.

Moreover, it seems that similar dungeons have been confirmed around the world.

When I asked PD Danpon, he only said he still doesn't know.

Probably, they can't leak information at the speculation stage.

Despite all the commotion, it's still Golden Week, and today is April 30th, meaning school is normally in session.

"Ta-da!"

During lunch break, while eating bento, Aoki enthusiastically showed me a cheap laminated card. The card, which read "Dungeon Explorer Assistant and Instant Video Editor," also included Aoki's name and date of birth.

"I got certified!"

"You already got it?"

"Yeah, I went for a job interview and got accepted."

"You already decided?"

His actions are divine.

"Still a small personal office, but I get to help with editing and even appear on camera. I was in a video yesterday. Look, this is it."

"Huh, let me see—!"

The video showed Aoki and another person—Hibiki. The content was a challenge to buy 100 D-cans and not return home until one opens.

Apparently, this is a standard video for dungeon explorers outside the dungeon.

"Pretty cool, right? I made my video debut."

"So, did it open?"

"Well, watch until the end—"

I took Aoki's smartphone and fast-forwarded to the end.

It ended with "Ultimately, it didn't open on the first day!"

"You went home, didn't you?"

"It's clearly written. Assistant-kun goes to school but can't go home."

The video has 3,000 views.

I don't know if that's a lot or not.

"If it actually opens, the views will increase. Videos of D-cans opening are sure to get at least 100,000 views. According to Hibiki, it's impossible to open, so the video will end with 'Sorry' after a day of playing with D-cans."

"Hmm. By the way, here, take this."

I took a D-can from my bag and gave it to Aoki.

"Is this the one you got from the treasure chest before? I don't really want to see it."

"It's fine. I'll do the opening spell. Open sesame!"

"You're just being casual... but thanks."

Aoki took the D-can and I re-evaluated it in detail.

【Opening Condition: Transfer ownership to 10 or more people and wait 5 hours (Remaining time: 4:59:52)】

The timer is working properly.

But Aoki getting a job at Hibiki's personal office...

I doubt he's trying to dig into my social circle.

I watched the video again.

Hmm, I still can't evaluate the D-can in the video.

"By the way, if the can opens, ask if you can get the remaining D-cans as a thank you. And don't mention my name or anything, just say you got it from a friend."

To make it clear it's from me, I wrote a '1' on the can with a highlighter.

It shouldn't come off in a day.

"Why keep it a secret?"

"I don't want to stand out."

"You sound like a web novel protagonist. Got it, I won't say anything."

Aoki easily agreed, probably thinking it won't open.

Good, maybe I can get a few more D-cans this way.

After class, I went to the dungeon as usual.

I've leveled up quite a bit since the holiday, and my level is now 21.

――――――――――――――――――

Kazuyoshi Ichino: Level 21

Cash Value: 53,519D (Ranking: 10K-50K [JPN])

HP: 196/196

MP: 0/0

Attack: 98

Defense: 85

Skill: 78

Agility: 73

Luck: 183

Skills: PD Generation, Aura Sensing, Basic Swordsmanship, Simple Synthesis, Detailed Appraisal

――――――――――――――――――

I've already earned 2.5 million yen from medals alone.

I should be close to entering the top 10,000.

Rank 10,000 explorers are already at the level of professional explorers, so the point distribution is thick.

I can go to the third floor of Umeda D, but if the same staff member is at the reception, they might suspect something if I go to the third floor so soon after the second floor.

I might go to a different dungeon during this Golden Week.

If it's the third floor, I shouldn't have to wait in line.

I picked a dungeon in the Kansai region that is open to the public.

Hyogo's Shirasagi Castle D, Awaji D.

Osaka's Umeda D, Expo Park D, Kishiwada D.

Nara's Wakakusa Mountain D.

Kyoto's Kyoto D.

Wakayama's Wakayama D.

Shiga's Biwako D.

That's the list.

There used to be dungeons in Wakayama's Shirahama and Hyogo's Kinosaki.

But like Ishiden D, the Ishino Group bought them from the government and operates them exclusively.

Despite the high fixed asset tax, they probably think it's profitable because of the increasing number of high-level explorers.

After finishing the monster hunt and returning to the entrance, Danpon is having an online meeting on a computer, not a game.

I can't hear any sound, and there's no sign of headphones (he doesn't even have ears for them), so he might be using telepathy.

Since he seems busy, I'll wait to cash in the D-coins and drop items and go back to my room.

I borrowed my dad's tablet and set it up.

I watched Hibiki's live stream on the video site.

Aoki and Hibiki were playing catch with the D-can.

They're trying this because a D-can has opened when thrown before.

Oh, the can hit Aoki's head.

That must have hurt.

While watching the video, I took out a large number of mushrooms from my backpack and sorted them with detailed appraisal.

I left the poisonous mushrooms at the dungeon entrance, so these are all safe to eat.

I did this to avoid any accidents if my mom uses them by mistake.

So, these are all edible mushrooms.

51 Experience Mushrooms.

32 Healing Mushrooms.

24 Delicious Mushrooms.

5 Super Delicious Mushrooms.

I made potions from these.

5 Experience Mushrooms make an Experience Potion, which the father at the milk shop bought for 5 million yen.

5 Healing Mushrooms make a Mushroom Potion, which significantly restores HP.

Delicious Mushrooms and Super Delicious Mushrooms are for eating, so I don't synthesize them.

Apparently, you can make a flavoring, but it's like a commercial flavor enhancer.

To make potions, I use the Simple Synthesis skill, which I learned at level 15.

With this skill, potions are completed as long as I have the materials.

However, it takes 1 hour to make an Experience Potion and 30 minutes to make a Mushroom Potion.

I've grown from level 15 to 21 in a short time because of this.

I've already drunk about 40 of them.

There are still about two hours until dinner, so I can make a few more.

By the way, I do this at home instead of in the PD because there are no tools to pass the time in the PD.

I held Experience Mushrooms in my left hand while operating the tablet with my right hand.

I read the comments.

[Aoki, nice header!]

[Character is already set on the second day!]

[Hibiki petting Aoki's head is cute!]

[5000 JPY for Aoki's treatment!]

[Definitely Hibiki x Aoki!]

[Don't rot, don't rot!]

What? He's called Aoki-kun?

He does have a face that tickles maternal instincts, but he already has fans.

And a 5000 JPY Super Chat.

He's suited to being a streamer.

It's about time.

"Hey? Hibiki, this! The D-can is glowing!"

"No way! The D-can opened! I've never seen it happen live. Why?"

"This is the one I got from a friend. It has a highlighter mark. Hey, are you watching? It opened!"

Yeah, it opened properly.

I wonder what's inside.

Hibiki looked inside first.

I was wondering what was inside when my phone rang.

It was from Milk.

I answered the call and turned down the tablet volume.

"Milk, what's up?"

"Kazuyoshi, have you heard about the Mount Fuji dungeon?"

"Yeah, I heard. I mean, there's no one in the country who hasn't heard about it. What's up?"

"Well, Dad has been asked by the government to join the Mount Fuji dungeon investigation team, so he can't go to the Ishino Resort Dungeon."

"Even during Golden Week, top explorers have it tough."

"Yeah. But if we cancel the hotel now, we won't get a refund, so Mom and I are going alone. Would you like to come with us?"

"Huh? No, no, it's not good for a high school boy to crash in with two women."

"It's fine. There's a guest room, so we'll have separate rooms."

"Guest room!?"

What? Do hotels have guest rooms?

It's definitely a suite.

It can't be cheap.

Even as an Osaka person, I'd be scared to ask, "How much per night?"

"Mom said it's fine if it's you. What do you think?"

I used to meet Milk's mom often because of our childhood friendship. Her homemade cakes were delicious.

The Ishino Resort Dungeon.

It's fully booked for three years, so this is the only chance.

But even if the rooms are separate, going to a hotel together...

"Did you get Dad's permission?"

"Um, it's a secret from Dad."

"Even if Milk's dad is away for work, it's not good to bring a guy, even if he's a childhood friend."

"Yeah... you're right. Kazuyoshi, what about just exploring the dungeon together? I want to see your magic."

"Let me check—"

Milk put down her phone and called somewhere else on a landline (?).

She's probably confirming with the hotel.

"They said it's fine to explore freely in the afternoon, but there's a beginner's training session in the morning."

"Then I'll come in the afternoon. Is it really okay?"

"Yeah, I'm looking forward to it."

"Me too."

—That means I need to prepare a birthday gift for Milk.

I was planning to give it to her when we meet, so I don't have it now.

What should I get?

As soon as the call ended, another call came in.

"Kazuyoshi, did you see it?"

"Is your head okay?"

"What, sudden concern!?"

"No, you had a bump."

"Oh, that. I'm fine. So, did you see what was inside the D-can? It's amazing!"

"I was too focused on the call to see it."

"Why!?"

"Anyway, how was it? Can you get the D-cans?"

"They said it's fine to give all the D-cans as a thank you—more importantly, what was inside?"

"What was inside?"

I'm curious too.

What was in it?

"Gold coins! A lot of gold coins I've never seen before. It's already on the news. They're worth at least 5 million yen."

"Wow, congrats."

It wasn't a skill candy.

That's fine then.

"At first, we were going to split it three ways between me, Hibiki, and the editor, but Hibiki said you should get a share too. She's planning to adjust her schedule for the 5th—"

"Sorry, I have plans that day. I don't need a share, so you can handle it."

"Hey!? It's over a million yen! Really?"

"Sure. Buy some good sake for your dad with the money. You haven't made up yet, right? Oh, since you're 18, you can't buy alcohol, so go with Hibiki. She knows good sake."

"Aaah... you're a good friend..."

Aoki seems touched, but more importantly, what should I get for Milk's birthday?

I should leave a comforting favorite, rating, and review message for Aoki, who got a bump on his head.