Chapter 29

"Is it that we can only gradually progress while earning points and forging equipment?"

If we take our time, we won't be able to stand up to the combat group.

Well, that's not entirely true.

If we can get through the forest, it will be like a victory for us.

If we can gather all the base group members and have Meguru teleport us, the reign of Taniizumi and the others will end.

In a safe town, the abilities of the base group can't be underestimated.

Of course, that's assuming we confirm it's a safe place.

"The monsters get stronger the deeper we go, right? It's scary because it's not clear."

"Yeah."

After we pass the rocky area with the Rock Lizards, it's Wallabies, right?

There weren't any particularly strong ones after that.

There might be stronger ones further ahead, but their strength is inconsistent.

"Getting stronger is important, but I think the most important thing is that we might be able to get out of the forest."

"Exiting the forest successfully... yeah. If we can do that, things will get better. Our current actions won't be in vain."

That's right.

We still have many conditions for victory.

We talk about such things while waiting for Meguru's ability to be ready for reuse.

"I'll check if there are any Metal Turtles or other creatures wandering around other areas."

"Yeah. But I'm not sure if I can visualize that area."

The problem is that without a clear landmark, we can't target it.

I envy Meguru's千里眼 (千里眼 means "千里 eye" or "far-seeing eye").

I hope I can learn it when I reach level 10.

If I could, I could defeat monsters while staying at the base.

With that in mind, we returned to Shigemasa's workshop to prepare for the next hunt.

"Phew... I feel most refreshed when we go out hunting."

Hagizawa stretches and answers.

Yeah... the base is tense and suffocating.

Recently, the barrier and the cooks have started acting like a privileged class.

Their attitude has become more pronounced day by day.

Well, the cooks have calmed down a bit since the discovery of the Pig.

Thanks to the appearance of monsters that look like meat, they are now asked to prepare side dishes and soups.

I think it's lucky that we've graduated from the job of processing Horn Rats to make them edible, but he must be anxious in his own way.

"I think it was lucky to be part of the Shigemasa faction."

"I'm glad you think so. As Shigemasa's friend, I'm happy too."

"Yeah, especially you, Hanehashi. You've really changed my opinion. Thanks for the MD Burger."

"Praise won't get you anything. You probably just want some more junk food, right?"

"You got me. I want sushi today."

"Sushi... you know, it's a bit of a point drain?"

In terms of price.

Is sushi considered junk food?

If we're talking about the price per piece, I guess...

"I know. Well, I want some donuts or baked bean buns."

"You're playing it safe. Well, I can probably get those."

"Hehe, Daisuke, you seem to enjoy the meals that Kosei gets for you."

"Of course! Otherwise, I couldn't endure that environment."

Meals are the highlight of the day.

I'm starting to feel the same way.

"So, let's earn enough points today to order food!"

"Let's do it. Hagizawa, there are plants and materials you can identify, so I'm counting on you."

"Sure thing!"

This enthusiasm is quite different from when we started our secret hunts.

It's a good change... I hope.

"It would be nice if we could invite other base group members like Daisuke."

"...I think it's dangerous in many ways. Still, I share the desire to return to the environment we had before we came here."

"Yeah. I also want to talk about using points to order things someday."

"Be careful. Otherwise, you might lose access to food!"

"If it gets out, I'll still find a way to get it for you."

"But, I'm worried about Hanehashi's life."

...That's right.

That's why I've kept it a secret so far.

Taniizumi will definitely target me.

If I can't get Japanese items because of my mood, Taniizumi won't be happy.

In that case, he might try to make it look like an accident and kill me, or at the very least, monopolize Japanese items.

He might even take Shigemasa, Hiyama, Himeono, and the other classmates as hostages.

In the end, we'll have to explore as planned.

If we can get out of the forest quickly and find a safer place...

"So, let's hunt monsters quickly! I don't want my new bomb to be a point drain."

"Your ability is a point drain, Hagizawa."

"Yeah, if possible, I want to go for close combat. That's our trump card."

"I want to save points for a second Metal Turtle sword."

Meguru mumbles.

"What about armor?"

"Of course, that's important too. But the Metal Turtle material is used for protectors, so it's quite helpful."

Right?

That's how we continued our exploration...

Three days have passed since we started exploring.

Apart from the combat group changing their direction of attack, there haven't been any significant changes... on the surface.

However, the issue is that Jitsu is being forcibly invited by Taniizumi and the others.

Jitsu, who can recover magic power, is indeed capable.

Well, apparently there are a few others who can recover magic power.

Magic exchange and such.

In the worst case, they might be relying on Ono.

Probably, the depletion of magic power in battles with monsters has become a problem.

According to Shigemasa, they are looking for items that can speed up magic recovery in weapons and armor.

They are also focusing on collecting honey from bee-type monster nests and herbs.

They are also trying to make do with bento boxes prepared by the cooks.

Some monsters have such items.

"Are they going to start training the base group?"

It's not a formal meeting, but the player group decides where to go in the morning.

The privileged base group members like Shigemasa are summoned.

"I told them... but they didn't listen."

"It's just a chore, so they should just delegate it."

"According to Taniizumi, it's not feasible to send the vulnerable base group into battle."

"Even just carrying supplies would give them experience points. They should just admit it's too much trouble to train them."

Shigemasa agrees with my words.

"Kosei, do you think honey can help with magic recovery?"

"Should we try it?"

It's easy to get from Japan.

We can probably buy it at a supermarket at a reasonable price.

So, we tried it... but it didn't work with Japanese honey.

However, honey with magic power added by Jitsu was effective.

"Do we even have anyone in our group whose magic power is tied to combat?"

Hagizawa answers in an exasperated tone.

...I shouldn't have noticed that.

"There's no one... and isn't it your job to handle recovery potions and magic potions?"

"Apparently, they can make do with cooking. In the worst case, they'll copy the recipe and have Ono make it."

How far are they going to belittle Hagizawa?

"Is Taniizumi the type who hoards recovery items in an RPG and fights without using them?"

You know?

The type who doesn't use herbs or potions and relies on inns and recovery spells.

The type who doesn't use the ultimate recovery potion even to defeat the final boss.

It might be that kind of mindset.

"Maybe. But it seems the combat group's basic strategy is to get good equipment."

"Avoiding hunts that would put us in the red in terms of points. I can understand that. We were in a similar situation."

Yeah... to be honest, Jitsu has an exceptionally useful ability.

Without her and Meguru's cooperation, we wouldn't be where we are now.

"By the way, it's not really related, but recently Otsuka and Ono have become close. I never thought they would get along."

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Note: The term "千里眼" (chiryuugen) is a Japanese term for a supernatural ability to see things far away. In the context of the story, it refers to Meguru's ability to see distant places.