Chapter 28

"Didn't we get quite a bit of experience points?"

After defeating the Sky Green Mini Dragon, we muttered such thoughts.

Indeed, we did get a fair amount of experience points.

"Yeah, I think it's better than the Rock Lizard."

"It seems stronger, though. The knife got stuck when I tried to cut it."

I guess a knife isn't enough to handle a dragon, is it?

"It might be a difference in abilities. Maybe we need a higher level to face it."

"Yeah... I think so too."

In terms of abilities, I do think the knife is one of the better pieces of equipment.

It wasn't that it was dull; it still worked to some extent.

"Rather, it's strange that this sword can cut so easily, even against a Mini Dragon."

"True. Either way, I think we can still go further."

"Yeah. But maybe it's better to level up a bit more around here?"

"Right. We got some good materials, so I think we can manage by just replacing the leather on what we're currently equipped with."

From lizard leather to Mini Dragon leather...

If this were a game, we could probably get a full equipment upgrade.

"But I'm not sure if it will dramatically increase our defense."

"Since it's a good point, shall we return for now?"

"Yeah. It's almost time, so let's go back."

"Right."

So, we returned and decided to wait for the next opportunity.

Next time, we'll go hunting with Hagizawa.

"Sometimes bold, sometimes cautious. It's better to level up around there if stronger monsters appear."

"Understood... but still..."

We observed the combat team after they returned from Moshin's workshop.

"Frankly, how strong is the combat team?"

"Hmm... They're exploring and updating their equipment, so I heard the top one, Taniizumi, is around level 17."

Huh? That's not as high as I thought.

But it's still higher than I expected.

At least, it's hard to catch up at this stage due to the time constraints for free movement.

Should I tell Moshin and the others that I can teleport alone?

No, not that I can return to Japan, but that I can move to other places.

They might know this from the experiments with Ono and Meguru.

But the half-hearted surveillance is the problem.

"Should we buy night vision goggles with points? The two-hour hunting session is a bit of a hindrance."

"True..."

...At least, I want to find a way to catch up and earn points in a short time.

Currently, we have to return to the base every two hours to maintain the barrier.

Moreover, Moshin has to respond to the combat team to avoid suspicion.

If the timing is good, we can go hunting three times a day.

But Taniizumi and the others are probably leveling up all day.

Despite that, their levels are low.

They're not fighting all day, right?

Safety first? Or maybe they don't have the right equipment.

Well, there might be a difference in efficiency between five people and the entire combat team.

"How long will it take to get the night vision goggles, including the points?"

"Hmm..."

I heard they sell them at toy stores, so we can probably get them quickly, but considering the cost of crossbows, it's not cheap.

If we need enough for everyone, we don't have enough money right now...

"Honestly, it's tough. It might be better to prepare some light sources instead of getting enough for everyone."

Moshin's shoulders drooped at my response.

It's definitely a bit of a difficult problem for us right now.

"If Hagizawa can make something for night combat, that would be great."

"We wouldn't be talking about it if we had something like that."

"Should we order some flashlights?"

"In this case, maybe high-end camping lanterns? If we each have one, it should be brighter."

Hmm... Not a bad idea. We can manage that.

Where do they sell those things?

I remember there are bright ones that use lights.

I need to check in Japan.

"I'm worried about dangerous monsters at night, but it's worth a try."

We earned 3,000 points on this mission.

That's 3,000 yen.

If we use cheap ones, we can probably get two for the next mission.

No... If we use the Metal Turtle sword effectively, we might be able to get more.

"Do you think we can gain enough distance without the player group noticing?"

"It's a bit suspicious."

As we were talking, Meguru opened the workshop door.

"Kousuke-kun, a monster has come to the transfer point. It's where we set the flag."

Right, we're experimenting to see if we can kill monsters remotely.

I imagined the location of the flag where I left the monster's corpse.

When the monster arrives, Meguru will report, and I'll try to throw something to kill it.

"Understood."

I laid a wooden board sideways and instructed it to teleport.

I'll try to make the range as wide as possible.

"How long will it take to finish eating?"

"From what I can see, dog-like monsters are scavenging the corpse. I think we have enough time."

"OK, let's try throwing it roughly!"

Five minutes later... I teleported the wooden board.

It disappeared from in front of me with a puff.

"It hit! Two out of three were hit and struggled... then fell."

We got experience points even though we killed the monster remotely.

It seems we can fight from here if we do it right.

"Was the bait strategy successful?"

"Ah, did Moshin and the others get experience points?"

Moshin and the others checked and shook their heads.

"It seems that if the distance is too far, the party doesn't get experience points."

That makes sense.

If not, Taniizumi and the others would form a party and hunt monsters en masse.

They would grow rapidly in no time.

"I thought it was a good idea..."

"Kousuke-kun can still earn experience points, so it's not bad. Can you order them?"

"I'll try."

But when I tried to order them... it didn't work.

I don't know what the issue is, but it seems I need to go to the location in person once.

"Looks like we need to go and collect them."

"Should we do it if we're going to go anyway?"

"Since I can return quickly, it's fine."

"Then, Kousuke and Meguru, can you fill the time with this plan?"

"Understood."

"But I need time to recharge, so I can't return immediately."

"Can you prepare the monsters in the meantime?"

After thinking for a moment, Meguru nodded.

"Got it. Let's go, Kousuke-kun."

Meguru activated her teleportation ability.

"See you later."

We arrived at the trap location immediately.

"Wow... gross..."

A Horizon Wolf was cut in half by the board.

The upper half of the wolf was even more gruesome.

Maybe I should adjust the angle a bit?

"Shall I start disassembling it?"

"Yeah. It's not edible, and it's better to carry less."

"Should Kousuke-kun throw it?"

"For this, it's better to carry it back. Let's be on guard for the next monster..."

Just then, we noticed something approaching.

We each drew our weapons.

A single Mini Dragon appeared...

"One is doable!"

I ran forward, with Meguru slightly behind.

"Yeah! Rather—"

Meguru snapped and threw the Metal Turtle sword at the Mini Dragon, which was focused on me.

"Ga—"

The Mini Dragon, trying to avoid my attack, was hit in the belly and fell to the ground.

"Finishing blow."

I pulled out the Metal Turtle sword and cut it sideways.

The Mini Dragon died instantly.

"We can win with two people."

"Yeah, it feels good."

I didn't expect to have such good teamwork with someone other than Moshin.

Maybe Meguru is good at syncing up?

"But..."

I held the Metal Turtle sword and examined the blade.

I recalled the feeling of delivering the finishing blow to the Mini Dragon.

It didn't feel like cutting. It was so sharp, it felt like a swing.

I didn't even feel the cut.

No wonder Meguru was surprised.

Checking the stats... wow, it's off the charts!

A knife is nothing compared to this.

"Amazing sharpness, right?"

"Yeah... With this, I don't know how far we can go."

"Yeah. It's so good that it's scary to distinguish dangerous opponents."

Indeed... We need to be very careful.