Chapter 47

Suzune showed Haruki the armor and weapons she had recently ordered, as well as the weapons she had previously commissioned for production.

First, the "Ichi" series, a werewolf dagger.

Given that it is made from the materials of monsters that appear in the middle layer, its sharpness is formidable.

However, it is a bit heavy.

It seems that Haruki has not yet fully recognized the weapon.

Still, it is a weight that can be used without any problems.

If he fights, he will quickly get used to the weight.

The hand and foot armor were also renewed. These are also from the "Ichi" series.

Since they are of a higher rank than the previous armor "Ichi," they fit Haruki's body better.

The grip is also quite effective, allowing for quick response to sudden changes in movement.

Next, Kuren.

The prepared armor was a centipede breastplate.

Suzune had specially ordered the same type of armor for her.

The hand and foot armor were also renewed to the "Ichi" series for Kuren.

A new robe made from werewolf fur was added.

Furthermore, Suzune had also prepared a new bag for Haruki.

Even though it is a bag, it is part of the "Ichi" series.

Its defensive power is higher than that of mediocre armor.

With this, accidents like pots and planters breaking can be avoided to some extent.

Kuren, who is in the rear, rarely receives attacks in normal circumstances.

Since her level is hard to increase, her durability is inevitably a weakness.

With the centipede armor and werewolf fur, she should be able to avoid serious injuries even if she receives direct attacks.

However, the person wearing it seems to find it a bit difficult to move.

She has not yet reached the required level.

She should still be able to move, so it shouldn't be too difficult to wear.

If she levels up, it should gradually become lighter, so she will have to endure until then.

All the equipment is of the middle-class "Ichi" series.

While it is a relatively inexpensive model within the "Ichi" series, it still cost a considerable amount.

A total of 30 million yen.

The money that Haruki had recently taken from Suzune was taken back.

Suzune's high-pitched laughter still echoes in his ears.

Next, it's his turn.

He will take it back in a way that leaves no room for complaint.

So Haruki decided in his heart.

After checking all the equipment, Haruki and the others headed for the ticket gate.

"We will explore the 9th floor today."

"Melons...?"

"Another time."

A hint of dissatisfaction appeared on Kuren's face.

This is the first time she has shown such a reaction.

It can't be helped.

Since the first stampede, sweets like chocolate and ice cream have become hard to come by.

For a girl of her age, it's understandable that her soul would be firmly grasped by the long-awaited sweetness.

"If you want to hunt melons, I can go with you."

"Eh!?"

"But I aim for the 9th floor. We're almost at the middle layer."

It's just a little more.

There is a significant difference in strength between beginner and intermediate adventurers.

It's not clear exactly what the difference is.

Even on "Narou," accurate information is not available.

"Isn't it this?"

"I think it's this."

Such uncertain information abounds.

However, there is a difference between adventurers who have stepped into the 10th floor and those who haven't.

This is a rumor that has spread on "Narou" as a matter of fact.

What exactly changes?

He will soon be able to confirm it.

He can't afford to stand still.

If it were the Haruki of a little while ago, he would undoubtedly have indulged in melon hunting to his heart's content.

However, this morning, Haruki witnessed three men as heroes.

Even though they were weak, they fought with all their might, scattering fragments of clothing.

Their appearance reminded Haruki of the初心 he had when he obtained his adventurer's license.

He was captivated by the dungeon, captivated by adventure, and captivated by a strong presence.

By the untainted emotions...

Moreover, he had obtained new weapons.

Haruki's enthusiasm for conquering the dungeon today was considerable.

"I'm sorry for being selfish, Kuren."

"Not at all! Since we aim for the middle layer, we can't afford to be distracted!"

"...Thank you."

Perhaps his enthusiasm was conveyed.

Kuren nodded, with determination in her eyes to reach the middle layer.

*

After reaching the 8th floor at the gate, Haruki and the others hurriedly headed for the 9th floor.

Naturally, they would encounter melons, but they couldn't afford to spend much time.

They would harvest a moderate amount and quickly defeat the monsters to move forward.

Still, they should have earned enough for Kuren's snack.

The boss of the 8th floor was a vine with many melons.

When approached, it scatters seeds in all directions.

With many nozzles and a large number of seeds, it is very difficult to avoid.

Knowing this, Haruki and Kuren, along with Rea, decided to win quickly with long-range attacks.

Haruki's throwing cut the leaves,

Rea's bullets severed the vines.

Finally, Kuren's magic eliminated the root of the monster that Haruki and Rea had cut open.

It was a well-executed battle.

The dungeon flickered.

The boss was sucked into the ground.

The drops were vines and melons, priced at 10,000 yen per meter.

"Again..."

Haruki picked up a melon toy that had been cut in half, with a weary expression.

It was intricately made, from the seeds to the flesh and skin.

Is toy making a trend among the bosses in this dungeon?

While wondering, Haruki picked up the toy and the vine.

A light impact on his shoulder.

"Huh?"

Rea was shaking her leaves behind him, as if trying to say something.

"Do you want it?"

"(Nod Nod)"

The leaves shook hesitantly.

Rea had learned from the time she was scolded for taking items.

"Rea wants it, but is it okay, Kuren?"

"Yes."

With Kuren's permission, Rea was immediately given the gift.

Rea buried the melon in the ground and nodded once, holding it carefully.

"Ah, thank you!"

It was a pitiful shake, as if her voice could be heard.

What a cute one.

Haruki gently stroked the leaves on his shoulder and started moving toward the 9th floor.

After activating the gate to the 9th floor and exploring, a pangolin monster appeared.

The pangolin that appeared before Haruki and the others stood up and spread its arms in a threatening manner.

"..."

The sound of Kuren's heart being pierced could be heard.

"Kuren, that's a monster."

Never be deceived by its appearance.

"Y-Yes, I understand... but it's so cute."

"Even if it's cute, don't let your guard down or show sympathy. I fought the geckos with all my might, didn't I?"

"..."

Kuren seemed to realize something, slightly pulling back her chin.

Her eyes seemed to lose some of their shine.

Does she have some kind of complaint?

He had certainly fought the geckos with all his might...

While wondering, Haruki attacked the pangolin with all his might.

As he approached, the pangolin attacked with its hands and tongue.

The attack was incredibly fast.

Its movements were refined.

Rea fired stones with "Double."

Kuren cast a spell to hinder its movement.

Haruki continuously slashed the slowed pangolin.

The improved sharpness of the magic sword easily cut through the skin.

The new werewolf dagger severed the flesh.

"Whoa!?"

Haruki was surprised by the power of the dagger.

But only for a moment.

He immediately switched his mindset and quickly overpowered the pangolin.

"...Yeah, it seems fine."

The pangolin's strength was below that of its owner.

Still, the pangolin was not weak.

The owner was just too strong for the floor.

Subhumans only appear in "Chikaho."

They usually appear from the middle layer onward.

"Still, that's impressive."

The power of the werewolf dagger exceeded Haruki's expectations.

As expected of the "Ichi" series, a middle-class weapon made from middle-layer materials.

While admiring the sharpness of the werewolf dagger, a strange atmosphere emanated from the magic sword on the opposite side.

...Yeah, I get it.

I'll use you properly, so don't worry.

Haruki moved forward while easily defeating the pangolin.

"Um..."

After a while, Kuren spoke hesitantly.

"Hmm, is something wrong?"

"There's something I want to ask...—"

Kuren's lips trembled as if making a decision.

"Rea's nozzle, which fires bullets, has somehow become two!"

"—Eh!?"

It was only then that Haruki noticed.

Indeed, as Kuren said.

The thick vine that had separated from her body—the attack nozzle—had increased from one to two.

Was it happy to be noticed?

Rea raised the two nozzles, as if humming an effect sound, "Shakkin."

"...Rea, that's cool. I'm jealous!"

"Eh, no, is that a good reaction?"

"What else could there be?"

"Rea's nozzles suddenly increased! Don't you think that's strange!?"

"No?"

Haruki tilted his head.

"Rea can grow, can't she?"

Rea is a plant.

It's not strange for it to branch out.

"Ah... Yes."

Kuren nodded, as if swallowing a stone.

This is normal for her...

I can even feel a sense of resignation.

If her body has grown, her skills might have changed as well.

Thinking this, Haruki took out the board.

Rea (0) Gender: Female

Skill Points: 2 → 3

Evaluation: Leaf Strike → Dual Leaf Strike

- Vitality

Stamina 1

Natural Recovery 0

- Strength

Strength 2

- Agility

Burst 1

Dexterity 2

- Technique

Weapon Proficiency

Throwing 3

Dual Throwing 0 NEW

- Intuition

Detection 1

- Special

Treasure Vault 2

"Wow!"

Rea's technique has branched out!

"Even with a skill level of 3, it can branch out..."

The trigger was definitely the increase in nozzles.

But why the nozzles increased is not clear.

Before the nozzles increased, they had defeated the boss and stored toys.

Did the nozzles increase when the level went up, or did the body grow as they continued to store the mysterious items dropped by monsters in the treasure vault...?

Based on Haruki's intuition, the latter seems closer.

If so, what kind of form will Rea take as she continues to collect monster drops?

It's a bit intriguing.

However, Rea is quite picky.

So far, she has only shown interest in four items: potatoes, magic stones, eggplants, and melons.

She has shown no interest in anything else.

Continuing to give her rare items is a difficult task.

There is a desire to see her ultimate form.

But it can only be enjoyed day by day, watching her grow slowly.

"However, this means that there is a possibility of skills branching out at any time."

Haruki already has the potential for a unique skill to be unlocked, like Masatsugu's "Holy Sword."

Just knowing this is a big deal.

He can only slightly hope for branching.

Just that alone boosts his motivation.

Haruki's body feels warm.

Good.

It's really good!

While aiming for the boss room, Haruki wished for a branching skill.

(If it branches, I want an existence amplification skill! Please, an existence amplification skill!!)

Dreaming of the day when such a skill will appear...

Such a day will never come (cough cough

Thank you for reading my work!