Chapter 83

After that, Lucie and I took the lead and were able to quickly dispose of the remaining three Mummyranas.

It was easier to move because Celt, who was in a poisoned state and couldn't come forward, stayed back as a rear guard.

【You have gained 651 experience points.】

The body of the fourth Mummyrana that fell to the ground melted and disappeared as if it were vaporizing.

In the end, we were able to deliver the final blow to all four of them with Lucie and me.

Meabel waved at us with a smile from behind Celt, who looked dissatisfied.

When Celt turned around, Meabel quickly changed her hand movements and expression.

"Good work, you two. Are you okay with the recovery?"

"Ah, yeah, the damage isn't that bad, so we can manage with potions."

In "Magic World," recovery items generally take time to take effect.

They only have the effect of slightly increasing the natural recovery rate, so they are almost useless during combat.

In "Dream Hole," it's also unknown when the next enemy will appear, so magical recovery is generally preferred.

"Elma, let's collect the magic stones! Oh, there's a strange item dropped here!"

I looked at the remains of the Mummyranas.

Out of the four remains, three had dropped a black mushroom item.

The drop rate for this type of item is higher compared to weapons, but even so, the drop rate from these minor monsters is abnormal.

"…What's with this drop rate? Is something possessed by them?"

Celt glared at the remains of the Mummyranas with envy.

The dropped items belong to the adventurer who delivered the final blow, but the magic stones are divided among the party members according to their levels after being converted into gold by the guild.

In that sense, the benefits of dropped items are greater than usual in "Dream Hole" exploration.

I collected the magic stones and picked up the black mushroom.

It had a face-like pattern on the cap.

――――――――――――――――――――

<Zombie Mushroom>

[Market Value: 400,000 Gold]

A fragrant mushroom. As poisonous as it looks.

It is said that humans who inhale its spores turn into zombies, but it is not that deadly.

At most, it can turn insects and small animals into zombies.

――――――――――――――――――――

After confirming the information, I threw it into my "Magic Bag."

"…Um, is it really okay to collect this?"

"It's fine. Even small animals are safe unless they are very weak and inhale it at close range."

"Who would buy something like this…?"

"It seems to have various uses in alchemy."

It's what you might call a material item.

While Lucie and I were talking about the items, Celt approached Meabel again, looking reluctant to give up.

"Alright, you can stop the act. I underestimated you as a second-rate priest. I admit defeat and will yield."

"…What are you talking about, Celt?"

"I've been an adventurer for a long time. I can tell you were making up excuses to put things off. Those two are family, and if you were being sidelined like this, it would be unbearable. Let's put aside our differences and get along. You don't want to pick a fight with someone as well-connected as me, do you?"

Celt touched his "Magic Bag," apparently trying to bribe her again.

"I really will get angry, Celt! I'm in a position where I'm responsible for people's lives! For this large-scale request, the recovery class also receives special rewards from the guild! I'm satisfied with that, and I don't plan to outdo others! I understand the desire to gain a little more than others, especially when you're risking your life, but I don't want to be involved in your schemes!"

Until now, Meabel had been quiet, but she raised her voice in anger.

Her face was flushed with anger, and her breathing was heavy.

Tears were welling up in her eyes.

Celt, who hadn't expected Meabel to raise her voice, looked flustered.

He tried to maintain his composure but had a visibly awkward and pitiful expression.

"Wh-what's with you, tch. Getting so worked up over trivial things. You're a stubborn one, and we'll both lose. I'm surprised you made it to C-rank with such a naive mindset."

Celt spat out these words and fled from Meabel.

"Hey, are we done collecting? Let's move on!"

Celt took out a map and compared it as he advanced to the fork in the passage.

Meabel walked over to Lucie and me with a smile.

"If we confirm it, the risk of being resented and the risk of unnecessary rumors spreading will increase. Once you show hostility, a healer's rule is never to reveal your true intentions, no matter how much you are suspected."

"Ah, I see…"

"I don't want to cause unnecessary trouble, but Celt was the one who started it. As a healer, if you're seen as weak, you'll keep getting the short end of the stick in negotiations."

Meabel glanced at Celt, then put her index finger to her lips and whispered, "Shh."

"Of course, I won't say anything unnecessary."

Meabel smiled contentedly at my words.

… I definitely won't say anything unnecessary.

If I get on her bad side, I don't know what form it will take.

"Um, Meabel, can I give you some of my dropped items?"

"As I said, the healer class receives special rewards. I'm fine with just doing my job normally. I'll take the thought, though."

Meabel smiled at Lucie.

"O-oh, okay, hehehe…"

Lucie also returned an awkward smile.

… I thought Meabel was quick-witted, but she's even tougher than I imagined.

She needs to avoid being underestimated while not incurring resentment.

Given that she has been fighting in this middle ground, it's only natural.