Chapter 8

The magic tool for learning magic, commonly known as a sheet, was a thin piece of paper about two centimeters by three centimeters.

The usage method was simple.

Just place it on your tongue.

It would dissolve in an instant, and the knowledge of the magic contained within would be added to your mind.

Since the destination was a territory inhabited by fire-elemental monsters, he learned a few water-elemental spells.

Additionally, he successfully devised ice magic by combining water and wind elements.

Shiro was surprised, but even without considering talent, he thought it was possible conceptually.

And indeed, it worked.

To reach the territory, they went through a different city gate that led to the temple.

The reason there was a bounty for slaying monsters, even with magic tools, was simple.

Monsters can leave the territory.

And most Arcleans do not have the status to defeat monsters.

Therefore, stopping them at the border directly contributes to the peace of the people.

In fact, regular troops were stationed near the entrance to the territory to deal with any monsters that might emerge.

The regular troops do not enter the territory unless ordered by the king, partly because they are not an army designed to fight monsters, but also for other reasons.

Thanks to Shiro, they passed through what seemed like a checkpoint almost effortlessly and continued on.

Following a small path off the main road, they arrived at the entrance of a cave.

This was the only entrance to the low-level fire-elemental territory, Zest.

"By the way, what do monsters eat?"

"Ah, monsters don't need to eat anything. They maintain their life activities by drawing magic from this world. However, for a more efficient method, they can prey on creatures that contain magic, so if a human appears in front of them, they'll happily eat them."

"I see. Well, if you're going to station regular troops, why not just let strong explorers exterminate the monsters? This is a low-level place, right?"

"Well, dungeons periodically change their structure. When that happens, new monsters are born, so it's impossible to completely eradicate them."

"The power of the evil god, huh."

"The Tower of the Gods' dungeons also undergo structural changes. Incidentally, magic tools are also repositioned during these changes."

Even places that have been cleared once can become different when you return.

There might be new treasures in places you previously checked.

This means that even new explorers have a chance.

Standing at the entrance of the cave, they felt a slight warmth.

"Are you ready?"

"Yeah."

"Are you nervous?"

"Moderately."

"I almost forgot to mention, but there's no resurrection magic in this world."

"It's not a game, it's reality."

"In other words, if you die, you're dead."

It was a very obvious statement.

But perhaps because it was obvious, it needed to be engraved in one's heart.

Shiro, on the other hand, was looking at the entrance with eyes as bright as a child at an amusement park.

To avoid the hassle, I'll just use the same pose, but her breasts are still bouncing.

I'm getting used to it, but doesn't it feel strange to have bouncing breasts?

It's a feeling that men can't understand.

In any case, she's excited.

By the way, she said it had been two months since the last visitor.

So, has it been two months since she last entered the dungeon?

Kousuke felt a bit anxious.

"Your skills haven't gotten rusty, right, signboard girl?"

"Even if they had, Kuro wouldn't know, would he?"

That was true.

He didn't know her prime.

"But I understand what you're saying. Don't worry, even if Kuro is incompetent for her stats, I'll cover for her."

"Yeah, I'll ask for help in a pathetic way, so lend me a hand."

Shiro laughed as if she was amused.

"Try to have a little pride, boy."

Kousuke consciously tried to smile.

"I'll think about it."

His heart was racing.

It was a different kind of excitement from the dark thrill of hurting and killing people.

Unfortunately, it was the same kind of excitement that Shiro felt.

Kousuke was excited.

Free from entanglements.

At the start of a new life.

He was happy to be in an environment where he could immerse himself in adventure without any reservations.

Shiro extended her hand.

"Let's go."

"Yeah, take me there."

"To the dungeon?"

"To the days of adventure."

"Hehe, sure thing. One customer, coming right up."

And so, Kousuke's adventure began.