Chapter 45

Today is Chapter 2 (1/2)

"299! ...Phew—"

I turned around to take a moment to catch my breath. It seemed the balance between collection and supply was off, as items were scattered everywhere.

"Oh, I overdid it again."

Looking at the map, two white circles were moving busily in the forest two areas back. It seemed that no new cotton caterpillars had respawned in that forest yet, so it should be fine. I had already informed them of the route to the forest they were moving to, so I decided to head towards them to collect items.

Holding dozens of items, I finally met up with the sisters and suddenly remembered the reality. The backpacks I had given them and the bags they had brought were bulging with the dropped items. I suddenly felt a sense of guilt.

The fact that I had dragged them along to this extent, which was now visible in quantity, was piercing my conscience.

"Hehe, Shouta, don't look so worried. I'm actually enjoying this?"

"Yeah, I just realized. I always thought it was great that items dropped every time, but when you have to pick them all up, it's such a hassle. No wonder we sometimes skip magic stones."

Their kindness was touching...

"I think it's better to hire a porter. Someone who can keep up with Shouta and keep secrets, at a high level... Otherwise, if high-value byproducts other than magic stones appear, we'll have to stop every time, and that will lower Shouta's efficiency."

That's a concern I have too...

But to be honest, I don't want to earn money in the dungeon; I want to uncover various secrets. I think I can manage with the extra skill orbs and money...

"Hmm..."

But the more I think about it, the more I realize that the sisters' evaluation by the guild will improve with each delivery.

While magic stones have the highest evaluation ratio, I believe that delivering skill orbs and byproducts also increases the evaluation. I think such an evaluation system usually balances multiple factors. An adventurer who consistently delivers a variety of items over a long period is more appreciated than one who only delivers skill orbs.

So, if possible, I want to collect and hand over magic stones too... But it's become quite a hassle now.

"The problem is what to do with the secrets..."

Especially the gacha. I haven't even told the two about it.

"In a peaceful dungeon like this, we could take turns accompanying you each day."

"In a regular dungeon, I would be a hindrance."

"Um..."

But no matter how much I think about it, I can't come up with such a convenient person.

"Let's put this on hold for now. I think I'll make the next one the last for today."

"Understood."

"Okay. Oh, there's one conveniently appearing right there."

Alright, let's call it a day if nothing else appears. With that in mind, I skillfully separated the cotton caterpillar into two.

Then...

"It's here!!"

Smoke began to rise from the dead cotton caterpillar. Normally, it would dissipate, but the smoke from a rare monster doesn't.

*Click! Click!*

The shutter sound came from behind. I had asked Maki to take evidence of the signs of a rare monster's appearance.

"Shouta, I took the photos, but... the smoke isn't very visible."

"Huh? The smoke with the color of the cotton caterpillar isn't showing up?"

"Yes..."

"I can barely see it too. It looks like a mirage, wavering. Can you see it in color, Shouta?"

"Yeah, but..."

What's going on? Why can't they see it? Could there be a condition to see the smoke?

It's concerning, but I'll have to put this test on hold. The smoke's behavior is strange. In the case of 'Hobgoblin' and 'Murder Rabbit,' it floated in the air, but this time it expanded on the ground like kneading clay. Is it because it's a caterpillar?

Then the smoke transformed into a small cotton caterpillar-like form and moved towards the forest at a speed similar to a child running.

"I'm going to chase it! The monsters on the way should disappear, but keep an eye out and follow me!"

Without waiting for a response, I headed deeper in. The smoke was heading towards the forest at the corner of the map, which I suspected might be the rare monster's spawn point. This was because, in addition to being at the corner of the map, the deepest part was an open field.

Looking at the map, the cotton caterpillars that respawned in the corner forest were dispersing at several times their normal speed. Aki and Maki were slowly making their way towards me.

If it looks dangerous, I'll shout to get them to run, but for now, I don't think it's necessary. If my 'Intuition' says it's fine, it should be, but I have no concrete proof. I won't be as naive as last time and will consider the worst-case scenario.

"If it looks like we can't win, I can just leave it for an hour without getting close!"

Running alongside the smoke, I reached the back.

I waited at the edge of the open field, watching for what would emerge.

The smoke immediately expanded into something much larger than a cotton caterpillar but retained its shape.

If this continues, will the opponent have the same appearance...?

*Slurp*...

A single insect emerged from the smoke. Its form was nothing like a cotton caterpillar.

It was a super-giant caterpillar, about 4 meters long and 2 meters tall.

Most notably, its entire body was glowing gold. Additionally, a thin, translucent membrane surrounded its body. What is that...?

Still, despite being a rare form of the cotton caterpillar, it had no cotton-like features. It seemed to only retain the insect element.

* * * * *

Name: Golden Worm

Level: 18

Equipment: None

Skills: Adamant Force, Adamant Wall, Adamant Exterior

Drops: Golden Seed, Golden Cup

Magic Stone: Large

* * * * *

"Skills and items are all gold, gold, gold. This is truly rare... No, extremely rare."

But having three skills is something I've never seen before.

Its level is lower than the 'Murder Rabbit,' which was specialized in 'Agility.' In contrast, the 'Hobgoblin' was specialized in 'Strength.' So, this one, based on its skill combination, is likely more 'Strength' and 'Toughness' oriented...? Its level is low, but the magic stone is a 'Large Magic Stone,' which I've never seen before. I can't afford to be careless.

I can't tell how strong it is until it moves, but from what I can see, it might be a type that doesn't move unless attacked? If so, it should be safe for a while.

Looking at the map, I could see the two sisters' reactions in a position where I should be able to see them.

Without taking my eyes off the monster, I sent them hand signals.

Even if the two approach and it starts moving, its golden body is quite heavy. It should move slowly, giving us plenty of time to escape. In the worst case, I can carry them and use 'Swift II' to put some distance between us.

As I thought this, I could feel the two sisters holding their breath behind me.

"Maki, do you have any information on this?"

"…I've never seen it before. Is this monster not moving?"

"It might be inheriting the characteristics of the original monster. Record it while we can."

"Y-Yes. I'll take photos."

I left that to Maki and had something to confirm with Aki.

"Aki, can you see this thing's stats?"

"Yes. From the skill names, I can tell its 'Strength' and 'Toughness' are exceptionally high. I've never seen stats over 250 at this level. On the other hand, 'Dexterity' and 'Agility' are minimal, around 20."

"Extreme. It's easy to run away from, but close combat will be difficult."

"…Are you going to fight it?"

"Of course. …By the way, are all the skills known?"

"Two out of three are. 'Adamant Force' is a 'Strength' skill. 'Adamant Wall' is an enhanced 'Toughness' skill. However, it seems to be a different skill from the usual 'Super Strength' type, and its effects are unclear, though I've heard it's quite powerful. And 'Adamant Exterior' is completely unknown. A completely unknown skill."

"Understood."

If Aki, who has the authority of the branch manager, doesn't know, it's safe to assume there's no information.

So, is that glowing membrane 'Adamant Exterior'?

"Shouta, those stats are a threat. Be careful of body slams that take advantage of its tough body. We'll watch from a safe distance, so fight with peace of mind."

I nodded, and Maki seemed to have finished her work.

"Recording complete. Good luck, Shouta."

"I'm rooting for your victory."

Surrounded by Aki and Maki, I received kisses on my cheeks from both of them.

This is motivating.

"…Since I've received the blessing of the goddess, there's no other choice but to win."

Alright, let's do this!

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