Chapter 42

Today is Chapter 2 (2/2)

We got on the train and came to the 810th branch of the Dungeon Association, four stations away, commonly known as "Heart Dungeon."

The moment we stepped out of the station, I thought, this place is filled with couples no matter where you look. If you came alone, you'd definitely stand out and feel uncomfortable. But now, being sandwiched between the beautiful sisters, I was standing out in a different way. This was awkward and embarrassing in its own right.

Looking inside the association, it was also crowded with people who were not used to dungeons, mostly ordinary couples. At the reception, they were being guided through date courses and introduced to adventurers who could serve as bodyguards.

It seemed that all the bodyguards chosen here wore full-face masks. This was probably to avoid disrupting the date. It would be distracting to see someone's face watching you during a date, right?

“Hmm, this place is like a full-fledged attraction.”

“Yeah. It became famous as soon as it opened. There are hardly any dangerous monsters, and the scenery is beautiful, making it the best dungeon.”

“The bustling atmosphere. It’s hard to believe it’s only been two years since it opened.”

“It must have been quite a challenge to promote it to the general public. It’s a testament to their business acumen, or something.”

I had heard of "safe dungeons" before, but I never imagined a dungeon could be this carefree.

Incidentally, you can't just walk into any dungeon from the outside. This is to prevent confusion when search reports are filed and to ensure that unauthorized people don’t slip in.

Of course, most dungeons have checkpoints at the entrance, and you need to show a ticket issued daily by the association to enter. The only exception is the completely unpopular "Unlucky Hole."

Therefore, we were now in line at the reception counter, where a sign read "Date Course Guide," to get our tickets issued.

“It’s my first time here, but the atmosphere is pretty good.”

“Everyone is smiling and there don’t seem to be any major problems.”

“Well, as long as you follow the basic rules, nothing major should happen.”

“Have you two never been here before? It’s not that far away.”

“Of course not. This is a couples-only dungeon, right? By the way, this is Shouta’s first time too.”

Aki blushed and linked her arm with mine.

“Members of this association are prioritized if they are in a relationship, engaged, or married.”

Saying this, Maki also held my other hand.

“Why is that?”

“Well, you have to look at all these couples every day, right? It would be hell for a single person without a boyfriend. They would definitely suffer mentally.”

“…That makes sense.”

As a man, if I didn’t have a girlfriend and had to work here every day, I’d probably shed tears of blood.

“By the way, this dungeon is generally not open to the public beyond the fourth floor. Floors 1 to 3 are designated as date courses. They are, from top to bottom, a flower field, a beach, and a forest bath.”

“Wow. It’s a feast for the eyes. But, despite being so large, there are no reports of rare monsters.”

“Yes. Is that concerning?”

“Of course it is.”

“Being honest is good.”

“Hehe, that’s just like Shouta.”

After all that, it was our turn. The staff was surprised by our combination of two companions, but I was recognized as an adventurer and was exempt from a guide. They are receptionists, but they have received special training and are treated as general visitors.

As a result, we couldn’t take them below the fourth floor. Well, we didn’t come here today to explore or hunt, but for a date.

Also, it seems that equipment rental is available here.

Since they were dressed up for the date, the girls decided to rent light female equipment for the dungeon.

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“Wow…!”

“Oh!”

Before our eyes was a scene that you rarely see without traveling far in the real world. The entire area was a flower field. This kind of scenery is hard to find in urban areas.

There were dense forests scattered here and there, and the flower fields, divided by these forests, seemed to have different colors and types of flowers. Thanks to this, couples were walking around in various places without stopping in one spot.

Still, every couple has a full-face-masked adventurer following them.

This is probably normal for this place, but it looks surreal from the outside.

“Maki, are the adventurers here part-time workers or something?”

“Yes. For those who prefer stability and don’t seek large sums of money by taking risks, this kind of dungeon job is recommended. The monsters are safe as long as you don’t provoke them, and even if you do, they’re not that strong. It’s said that as long as you can defeat a goblin, there’s no problem.”

“I was thinking of recommending Shouta to work here if he got tired of slimes.”

“Is that so? Hmm, but it would be tough for a single person to be thrown into this place….”

Even if I extended my luck as much as possible, if I didn’t encounter a rare slime… Well, I would have remained the weakest and wouldn’t have found any enjoyment as an adventurer.

“What are you talking about? Even if the branch manager didn’t allow it, I would still be here.”

Was there such a world line?

But, you know.

“I think the current relationship with Aki is thanks to Maki. If I hadn’t formed a relationship with Maki, I would have remained distant from Aki.”

“Aki is shy, so it might have turned out that way…”

“Ugh. …But it’s fine now, we’re together!”

Saying this, Aki took my arm. Really, it was Aki who suggested it.

“Hehe. So, Shouta, which way should we go?”

“Huh, can I decide?”

“Yes. Today, we’ll get to see Shouta’s usual adventures up close.”

“Aki and I are at a certain level, so you don’t need to worry.”

“In that case… How about we fill in the edges of the map?”

Pointing to the map we received from the association, I suggested filling in the map as a skill.

“I’ll accompany you.”

“Let’s go!”

And so, the exploration and date began.

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