Chapter 74

Today's update as well ('ω')

"Sorry, I'm fine now."

After a brief rest, I apologized to everyone with a clear head.

"It's okay! I was just a bit surprised..."

"To have been so tired... I'm sorry, I didn't notice."

Marina and Silk looked at me with concern, and I gave a light smile and turned my face toward the stairs.

"Ah... actually, the light here reminds me of the color when I fought Simon. It's been a bit of a trigger for me."

I sighed softly as I looked at the light streaming in. I had been troubled by this for a long time, but it came out of my mouth more easily than expected. Maybe it was because I had already talked about it with Rain and Nene, or perhaps I had become less resistant to showing my vulnerabilities.

...On the other hand, the two of them fell silent after hearing it.

"Once I calm down, it's not a problem. I've gotten a bit used to it recently. The labyrinth setting just shook me up a bit more... but it's fine now. Let's start the status check."

I spoke almost as if to cover it up, but the next moment... Marina and Silk hugged me from both sides.

"Hey, hey..."

I'm glad I cut the broadcast. If this had been shown to the whole country, it would have caused a big problem later. People are already jealous enough as it is.

"I didn't know you had it so hard, Yuki."

"Why didn't you tell us?"

I returned the hug lightly and apologized, "Sorry."

"It's not that I didn't trust you. I just thought I had to deal with the aftermath of what I did on my own."

But by doing so, I had been carrying the trauma, and talking about it made me feel better. In other words, I was wrong.

"From now on, let's talk things through properly, Yuki."

"Please tell me properly too, okay? It's a promise, alright?"

"Sure, I will."

I nodded with a wry smile, and the two of them released the hug with satisfied faces. Feeling a bit of lingering warmth, I switched my mindset. We were still in the middle of the dungeon, after all.

"Alright, let's have a meeting now that we've calmed down. Should we explore the first floor or go up to the next level?"

"I think we should investigate the upper levels."

"Me too!"

Nene and Marina raised their hands. Marina was probably just curious, but what about Nene?

"I think we should go up too. It feels a bit different from other dungeons."

"What do you think, Yuki?"

I was planning to give my opinion last, but if everyone agreed, it would be fine.

"I'm also curious about the upper levels. To be honest, the underground waterway area doesn't seem very promising, and I think it's better to check what's beyond this staircase before our second dungeon run."

"I agree. I can sense a disturbance in the environmental mana and spirit energy beyond this staircase, and I want to see what's there."

I nodded, looking at everyone. In the worst case, we could take some time to map the underground waterway on our way back and check for the reappearance of the chained man. But more than that, I wanted to confirm the strange atmosphere I felt beyond the staircase.

"Before that, let's have a meal."

I took out cooking utensils and a table from the magic bag while smiling at everyone, who looked tense. It had already been five hours since we entered. We needed to eat something to keep our strength up in case of an emergency.

"Ah, what about the broadcast? Aren't you going to broadcast?"

"It's fine if we do..."

"Yay!"

Marina took a small 'GoPro' out of her bag and floated it in the air. Surprisingly skilled, Marina knew how to use several magic items, especially those for broadcasting, and even had her own.

"Are you going to film with that?"

"We need to separate the national mission broadcast, right?"

She also seemed to understand the appropriate time and place.

"Alright, let's start the broadcast!"

"Sure thing."

I smiled lightly and, as usual—though it had been a month—began preparing the meal. First, I placed a frying pan on the stove heated by a magic stone and melted some butter.

"What's the soup today?"

Rain looked at me with expectant eyes, so I smiled wryly and tapped the edge of the [Standing Pot] with a ladle. Before long, a rich-smelling beef stew filled the pot. Yeah, this one's a good hit.

"It's a meat stew!"

"I love this one!"

Marina and Nene clapped their hands in joy. Rain also seemed very pleased. ...Despite appearances, she's quite a big eater.

As I was doing this, the frying pan was getting hot, so I threw in some herbs and chicken and cooked them lightly... then added a splash of white wine and covered it. Today's dish is herb-steamed chicken.

"Your cooking skills keep improving every time I see them."

"Feeding you guys good meals is part of my supporter's job."

While warming the baguette with the stove's residual heat, I cut up cheese, tomatoes, and oranges. Cheese is high in nutrients, and vegetables and fruits are good for you too.

"...Alright, it's done."

I arranged the steaming herb-steamed chicken with various side dishes, creating a rather impressive plate. Next to me, Silk was dishing out the stew and setting it out.

"Here you go. There's extra stew and bread."

"It looks so delicious!"

Marina brought her plate close to the 'GoPro' and smiled. It's worth the extra effort if they enjoy it.

"Let's eat then."

As Marina finished boasting to the 'GoPro' and bit into the meat, a warm and cozy dungeon lunch time began.

How was it? ('ω')

The dungeon attacks will start again from the next update, so I wanted to have a bit of a relaxed moment.

If you found it "interesting" or are "curious about the next part," please don't hesitate to give a ★★★★★ to support me.

Thank you very much.