Chapter 48

Starting from December 25th, it has been exactly half a month. This time, I was honored to receive the top spot in the Low Fantasy category on "Shousetsuka ni Narou."

Starting today, there will be three consecutive episodes (2/3).

In the supposedly safe dungeon, an unknown rare monster appeared. Before opening the terminal, Youko asked Maki for confirmation.

"When did it appear?"

"About an hour ago."

"Is there anyone nearby?"

"Absolutely no one. We three witnessed it, and Shouta here defeated it alone."

Her gaze briefly turned to me but quickly returned to Maki.

"I understand your feelings. Of course, you must have questions. However, for the sake of explanation, please look at this first. The situation of its appearance and the footage of the monster are recorded on this terminal."

"I understand..."

With a solemn expression, Youko opened the terminal. Several photos and videos appeared.

The photos showed the moving smoke that signaled its appearance and the dropped items. The smoke in the photos looked colorless and transparent to me, perhaps because they were photos, but I could definitely see something.

The video started from when I began the battle and ended when I finished fighting.

Hmm, I'm clearly in it...

Later, I learned that if the footage is kept as internal material, the information of the adventurer in battle can be masked during editing. Of course, this is a specialized job.

I can trust Maki with this.

"Here is the data of the monster that my sister saw."

******

Name: Golden Bug

Level: 18

Strength: 250

Dexterity: 20

Toughness: 250

Agility: 20

Magic Power: 400

Intelligence: 50

Luck: None

Equipment: None

Skills: Adamantine Strength, Adamantine Wall, Adamantine Armor

Drops: Golden Seed, Golden Cup

Magic Stone: Large

******

There, all the stats of the creature Akira saw were written.

The stats visible with "Appraisal Lv.4" are not much different from those of humans. And there are no small fractions in the stats, giving the impression that they were created by a system.

"What is this creature...? A monster like this in the first floor..."

"I searched the guild's archive data under the name 'Golden Bug,' but it was a completely new species. However, as seen at the beginning of the video, this monster seems to be completely neutral until it is provoked or approached. If you see it, you should be fine as long as you don't get close."

"Even if it's not a problem, its massive size could cause panic if it appears in a crowded area!"

"Let's ask the professionals. Shouta, where did this rare monster spawn?"

"Me?..."

I might be a professional, but I wish you had told me beforehand.

"Right, it spawned in a corner of the map. Youko, do you have a detailed map of the first floor?"

"Ah, yes. Please wait a moment... Here it is."

The 3D map I received when entering the dungeon today is far more precise and accurate. This is amazing. I want one.

If I ask, will they give it to me...? No, it's probably classified information.

"...Yeah, as I thought. There are similar forest-surrounded squares only at the four corners of this dungeon. I believe these are the spawning points for rare monsters."

"Believing is not enough. Without confirmation, we can't bring in customers in the future!"

That's true. ...Since I was the cause of this, I can't just say goodbye and leave.

Just because it hasn't been found in two years doesn't mean it won't appear again soon.

"Then... When do regular customers leave?"

"The guild opens to the public at 8:00 AM and asks customers to leave by 7:30 PM. By 8:00 PM, everyone must check out. There are no days off."

"During the night, there are no regular customers, huh."

Adventurers, as expected. No days off, that's impressive.

But, I shouldn't be impressed right now.

"Then, we can only test the spawning of rare monsters when there are no people around. I've already tested the left front, so let's try the right front, left back, and right back. We'll also test the map center. If the last test at the map center shows that it appears in one of the four corners, it's safe. If it spawns in similar points, we might need to reconsider our strategy."

"Managing the spawning of rare monsters. Is that possible?"

"Yes, the method is a trade secret."

Youko glanced at Akira and Maki, who nodded simultaneously.

Akira had a slightly smug look.

I haven't told them about the 100 kills, but they've seen it in action. They probably have a general idea.

"Will you help us with this?"

"Well, since I was the one who made it spawn in the first place..."

"Then, I guess we have no choice but to ask you. How long will it take?"

"Shortest, one day. Longest, about three days."

It all depends on luck.

"That's an incredible speed. Four in total? ...Can we start today?"

"Then, I'll take a nap. Can you lend me a bed?"

The sooner, the better. I'm sorry to the two of you, but I'll be staying here from today.

"There's a staff bed next to this room. You can rest there. Is there anything you need to prepare?"

"Please prepare a light meal for when I wake up. Ah... Akira, Maki, I'm sorry for this."

"No, we'll take full responsibility. This is a wonderful thing."

"Go with your head held high. We'll support you to the best of our ability."

"Wait, you're not going home?"

You two are off duty, so I thought you were going home...

"We can't leave Shouta behind, can we?"

"We are your dedicated staff. Please let us come with you. We'll take proper breaks."

"In that case, I guess... How about we go on a date again? Somewhere other than the dungeon."

"Sure."

"Okay."

"I'm off."

With that, I left the room, borrowed a nightgown, and jumped into bed.

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