Chapter 22

As I have maintained the top position in both the daily and weekly rankings, I will, as promised, post four episodes today (1/4).

While cherry blossoms danced in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of the promise written there.

---

With the people of "First Star" and I having grown closer, just as I was about to continue the report, I grabbed Maki's arm.

I decided that these people seemed trustworthy, so I resolved to share more information.

"Shouta?"

"Sorry, Maki, but I have one more thing to ask."

"What is it?"

She gestured for me to come closer, and this time I whispered in her ear.

"Is it okay to say the 'Appraisal' level values here?"

"Hmm...?"

Upon hearing this, Maki's face showed confusion, and after a moment of contemplation, she looked exasperated.

"There's no helping it. First, can you tell me?"

"2."

"If that's the case... Yes, if Shouta is okay with it, it's fine."

Maki smiled gently, and with her encouragement, I returned to the others.

"Sorry, I kept you waiting."

"Oh, it's fine. We're the ones interrupting your rendezvous!"

"Shu, Shu-san!"

"Shu, don't say unnecessary things."

"Haha!"

Huh? Did he just say "rendezvous"?

Was I mistaken...?

"Um... I have 'Appraisal Lv.2.'"

"Wow? Really!"

"But this is also—"

"I understand, let's keep the promise. So, with this skill, you can see the enemy's skills, right?"

Shu urged me to continue, clearly excited. He really has a keen interest in new information.

"Yes. The 'Murder Rabbit's' skill is 'Agility.'"

"Wow!"

"Agility, you mean?"

"Yes. It's a secondary skill that affects status, following 'Brute Force.'"

"Secondary skill?"

"Yes. 'Brute Force,' which drops from 'Hobgoblins,' is a skill influenced by 'Strength' and is ranked as secondary. Its lower-tier equivalent is the primary skill 'Power.' Similarly, 'Agility' is influenced by 'Dexterity' and also has a lower-tier equivalent."

'Power'... I remember one of the stalkers had it. Still, everyone can instantly picture what a skill does just by its name. I only knew about slimes. I could talk about their movements and ecology in great detail, but...

Still, Maki spoke smoothly about the types and characteristics of skills without referring to any materials or even pausing to recall. She must have a vast amount of knowledge. She must work hard to be so popular.

"Shouta, thank you this time. Thanks to you, it was a very enjoyable time. Will you continue to operate in the second floor?"

"Yes. I just started today, and I haven't seen everything yet. I plan to hunt there for a while."

"Got it! If we meet again, please share any interesting stories. From next time, I'll pay you for it."

"Sure, if we meet in the dungeon again, I'll count on you."

"Yes, me too!"

With that, I said goodbye to the members of "First Star," and only Maki and I were left in the room. Maki then sighed deeply, and her usual adorable smile turned into a grim one. I felt a cold chill as she glared at me with a piercing gaze.

"Shouta."

"Y-Yes."

I instinctively straightened my back and tensed up. Seeing this, she smiled softly.

"I have a lot to say... But first, I'm glad you returned safely. Let me correct something from earlier. The new rare monster, 'Murder Rabbit,' was already known to our association to some extent."

"Really?"

"Yes. Although it was unconfirmed in this dungeon, it had been spotted in other dungeons alongside 'Killer Rabbits.' However, 'Murder Rabbit' is not the only rare monster that appears with 'Killer Rabbits,' so we couldn't confirm it definitively. It's difficult for a single adventurer to get accurate information from other dungeons, so it's understandable that the 'First Star' members didn't know."

"I see."

Maki lowered her eyes, and her expression seemed mournful.

"Also, not limited to this dungeon, in several floors, there have been mysterious deaths of adventurers."

"Mysterious deaths..."

"More accurately, deaths that are inexplicable given the monsters that appear on those floors. Several such cases have been reported on the second floor as well. Thanks to you, Shouta, we've discovered one of the previously unexplained causes."

"Could it be..."

"Yes. The 'Twisted Horn of the Murder Rabbit.' It seems the victims were hit by this. Their bodies were split in two or had large holes. ...They must have died instantly, without suffering."

A tear rolled down Maki's cheek.

"Sadly, being an adventurer means living with the constant threat of death. As you defeat monsters, you grow stronger, but the monsters also grow stronger as you delve deeper into the dungeon. Eventually, even the toughest adventurers will either retire with injuries that can't be healed or pass away. Only a select few survive and become top-ranked adventurers."

Maki looked up at me with moist eyes.

"Shouta, you won't... die like the others, will you?"

"..."

I was speechless. I understood.

Maki must have witnessed the deaths of many adventurers. She must have shed tears and endured time and time again. There must be a reason why a popular receptionist like her doesn't have a dedicated adventurer. How many people has she lost?

Today, I felt the most danger in my adventurer life. The thought of 'death' crossed my mind.

I had been hunting slimes, which posed no threat to my life, and called it a battle. By focusing on increasing my 'Luck,' I earned enough to live comfortably. I didn't have to risk my life.

I had been living in a warm bath. Today's experience was the real battle, the real adventure. The one who risks their life to seek something. That is what an adventurer is. Today, I fought as an adventurer for the first time.

"Maki."

I held her trembling hand. I wanted to tell her the truth, not a fabricated lie or a comforting word.

"Indeed, I almost died today. One wrong step and I would have. But it was because I was unprepared. I thought, 'I've been fine so far, so I'll be fine this time too.' But that was arrogance. My sword broke at the first strike, and the monsters were far too strong for my equipment. But I won. I won because my 'Luck' was high."

"..."

"That's why this time, I will prepare thoroughly. If I do, I won't lose to anyone. But I don't know where to start. Maki, I want you to support me. Even if it's just temporary, I want you to become my dedicated supporter. No, I will make you my dedicated supporter. I won't say two weeks; I'll prepare the promised item within three days. With your support and my 'Luck,' there's no obstacle we can't overcome. I want you to believe in that."

"..."

"Haha, what is this? I've never heard such a pick-up line before."

She wiped her tears and gently placed her hand on mine.

"Alright. I believe in you, Shouta. Let me believe in you. I will support you with all my might. So, please, always come back. ...It's a promise."

"Yes, it's a promise."

I have one more reason to challenge the dungeon. It's not just about uncovering its mysteries and secrets. I need to become strong enough not to worry her. Stronger, much stronger!

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