Chapter 86

Various equipment items were lined up on the table.

Among them was a substitute bracelet.

"Originally, I wanted to give these to you earlier, including the adjustments, but they just arrived. I think the sizes should be fine."

Minister Uematsu prefaced his explanation of the equipment with this. First, he introduced the individual outfits and weapons.

"These are Oshino's equipment. I prepared a special ninja outfit and a Fuma kunai. The outfit was made to fit your size."

"To have custom-made dungeon equipment in just one day is quite exceptional. I appreciate it."

"Next is Ichino's equipment. First, the sword is a replica of the Futsu no Mitama sword."

Huh? Is it the same as the sword I have now?

But it looks different.

"Taira, the Futsu no Mitama and the Futsu no Mitama no Tsurugi are different. Do you know about the Ame no Murakumo no Tsurugi?"

Milk added a comment from the side.

"Huh? I think I've heard of it... or maybe not?"

In other words, he doesn't know.

"It's the divine sword that Susanoo used to defeat the Yamata no Orochi."

"I thought you would at least prepare the Kusanagi no Tsurugi. It's the strongest sword that the country of Japan possesses."

The princess said this with a slight hint of disappointment.

"I did try to ask, but even if it's a replica, the country cannot give the Three Sacred Treasures to an individual, even on loan."

I understand about the sword.

What I'm more curious about is this outfit.

It looks a bit flashy with a red lining, and it feels like the coat is the main part rather than the outfit.

When I appraised the outfit, no special effects were displayed, but the coat was different.

[Dark Fire Rat Coat: A coat made from the skin of fire rats that live in the demon world. It has the effect of resisting fire and darkness.]

Wow, that's impressive.

It's impressive, but when I hear about red and black rats, I can't help but think of that world-famous mouse character... No, I shouldn't think about it.

"This is equipment that resists fire and darkness. There are many dark-attribute monsters in the Black Dungeon. It's perfect for you, who will be protecting the women in the front line."

"Thank you."

Yeah, I kind of like it.

"Next, I'll introduce Tō's and Milk's—excuse me, Makino's equipment."

"Uncle Uematsu, you can call me as usual."

"I'm glad you say that, but there's also a position to consider. I prepared a staff and a robe for you."

He then brought out the staff and robe.

When I heard about their effects, it seemed that Ayame's current staff and robe were better.

Even if Milk uses it, she mainly uses a gun.

For now, I decided to use only Milk's robe.

I also received equipment that further increased our stats and the substitute bracelet.

There are about a hundred of the substitute bracelets in stock, but I'll take what I can get.

We changed into our outfits in the changing room.

I thought the coat might be a bit cumbersome, but it turned out to be more flexible than I imagined.

This way, it won't get in the way when I swing my sword.

I was torn between using the Futsu no Mitama and the Futsu no Mitama no Tsurugi, but I decided to start with the Futsu no Mitama.

As we delve deeper into the Black Dungeon, I'll get used to it. If not, I'll switch to the Futsu no Mitama no Tsurugi.

Everyone finished changing.

The princess's ninja outfit has a bit more skin exposure.

Was this the tailor's preference?

On the other hand, Milk's robe looks quite cute.

"This is really easy to move in. The agility value has increased by 10%, which is great."

"I feel the same. The magic defense has increased significantly, and it seems to have a blade resistance function, but I can't really feel it."

"You both look great."

"Taiga also looks good."

"Yeah, you look cool. That coat has a Meiji or Taisho era vibe."

Indeed, it does look like old-fashioned clothing.

We went outside and moved to the front of the Black Dungeon.

Ayame was already waiting there.

It's 12:55 now.

I'm not feeling particularly nervous.

Maybe it's because we're all together.

"Cro, wait for us outside."

"Waf?"

"You want to come with us? I said wait for us here."

If something happens to us, I want Cro to defeat the monsters.

"Minister Uematsu, can my dog wait here at the entrance to the dungeon? He's very smart and won't cause any trouble."

"So, he's like a modern-day Hachiko. That's fine. He doesn't seem like an ordinary dog."

Does Minister Uematsu realize that Cro isn't a dog?

Or is he just making a joke?

We laughed it off.

"It's time."

Minister Uematsu said.

We nodded and stepped onto the pitch-black stairs leading underground.

I couldn't sense any barrier.

"You all."

The minister called out.

We turned around.

"Come back if you think it's dangerous. Prioritize your own lives."

We nodded and turned back to face forward.

No more looking back.

We descended the stairs as if diving into the darkness.

And then—

"I've been waiting for you, the princess and her attendants."

When we reached the bottom of the stairs, he was there.

I drew my sword.

"You don't need to be on guard. I have no combat ability. Just like Dampom. If you want to kill me, go ahead. I'm just one of many bodies."

What he says is probably true.

But I can't just relax my guard because he says so.

There's a reason for that.

He looks exactly like Dampom.

But black, not white.

A giant chocolate marshmallow-like creature.

"Nice to meet you. I am Dampul, the host of this game."

Dampul, the mastermind behind this incident, introduced himself without any remorse.