Chapter 14

In the midst of cherry blossoms dancing in the wind, Misaki opened the old diary and read the words of promise written there.

---

Xiaoming stood at the classroom door, took a deep breath, and firmly gripped the secret letter from his mother.

---

In the game's dungeon, there are treasure chests.

There are different types of treasure chests: some that never reappear once opened, and others that reappear after a certain amount of time.

Of course, the former is more likely to contain valuable equipment or items.

--- I really want to open a treasure chest.

But, do the people in this world, where the game has become reality, know about the existence of treasure chests? Since some are not hidden, it's not strange if they do know...

While I was thinking, Reina exclaimed, "Ah!"

"There's a treasure chest!"

"---!!"

While I was hesitating, Reina, who was walking ahead, seemed to have discovered a treasure chest.

There's a dent in the passage where a regular treasure chest appears, and there's also a first-time treasure chest in Elngore's mansion. There are two types in this dungeon.

Regular treasure chests mainly contain consumable items, money, and materials, but rare items sometimes appear. It's said that the contents become more luxurious the longer the treasure chest remains unopened.

...If no one has cleared the dungeon, the treasure chest in Elngore's mansion might still be there. I'm a bit hopeful about that.

"Finding a treasure chest is a good start!"

"I wonder what's inside?"

"Amazing! It's said that treasure chests in dungeons are not easily found!"

It seems the existence of treasure chests is known. Frey and the others smiled and ran happily to the treasure chest. Since it's my first time seeing one, I followed behind.

The treasure chest is a simple wooden box with simple decorations. However, just the shape of a treasure chest makes me excited.

I peeked from behind as Frey reached for the treasure chest.

When the treasure chest opened, it shone brightly.

---! The light only appears when a rare item is inside, which means there's something good in there.

"Wow, it's shining!"

"What will come out!? I found it!"

Reina and Frey's voices were filled with excitement, and everyone's eyes were full of anticipation. I also wanted to see, so I leaned forward, placing my hand on Frey's shoulder.

Inside the treasure chest were money, healing potions, a dagger, and an item I had never seen before.

...What is it?

This game has many items, ranging from important ones to useless ones with no set purpose. Since I've seen most items, it's rare for me not to recognize one. It's either a very useless item or an extremely valuable one.

"Dagger! And money, healing potions, and—what's this?"

Reina picked up the unknown item curiously.

It looked like a fragment of a relief with some carvings on it. However, since it's a fragment, the overall design is unknown.

Frey, Luna, and Torte also looked at the relief with puzzled faces but soon shook their heads.

"I don't know..."

"I've never seen it before."

"But it looks dirty and old."

It seems no one knows what it is. I was a bit disappointed, thinking someone might know.

Since the item's purpose is unknown and it's not equipment, Frey's attention quickly shifted to the dagger.

"For now, let's have Torte keep the healing potions and money... and the dagger."

"Okay."

After Torte put away the items, Frey looked at me.

"Sharon, I have a question... Is it okay to give this dagger to Reina?"

"Eh?"

--- Why do I need to give permission?

I tilted my head in confusion.

"Usually, we decide on item distribution after leaving the dungeon, but Reina is the only one who can handle a dagger. This seems to be a good item, and it might be useful for clearing 'Elngore's Paradise.'"

So, he wants Reina to equip it. I nodded in agreement. If it's a new and useful piece of equipment, it's best to use it.

"Sure, no problem."

"Thanks!"

When I immediately agreed, Frey smiled.

"...But the way you said it makes it sound like I'll also get to participate in item distribution."

"Of course."

"Of course..."

I blinked in surprise at his unexpected response.

"I'm just a guide, right?"

"But you're also working as a 'Healer,' right? That's a good enough reason to share items."

Frey is a very nice person.

Usually, hired porters or guides only receive the initial payment. It's rare for them to share items obtained in the dungeon. In fact, it's almost unheard of.

...But if I can get some, I'll gratefully join in the distribution.

"Reina, use this dagger."

"Okay, thanks. Sharon, you're so nice."

"No, no."

Reina took the dagger from Frey and started examining it closely. When she drew it from the sheath, a thin red blade appeared. The blade's color change indicates it has an attribute, in this case, fire.

"An attribute dagger!? That's pretty rare!"

"Wow, that's amazing!"

I was shocked by Reina and Frey's excitement.

While attribute weapons are useful, this dagger is not rare. It's a 'Stiletto: Fire' that blacksmiths can make in the early stages. In fact, the two 'Flower Dew Daggers' Reina has are stronger.

...But there's no need to dampen their excitement. This fire attribute dagger should be effective against earth attribute monsters.

We continued walking, defeating the monsters that appeared, and finally reached our destination, Elngore's mansion.

As expected of a party of 'Heroes,' their speed was quite fast. I secretly cast 'Heal' on my feet.

"Huff, huff, huff... My stamina..."

"I'm pretty tired too~"

Luna, the rear guard, sat on the ground, and Torte also put down her large backpack for a short break. It seems I wasn't the only one exhausted, which made me feel relieved.

"Heal for Luna and Torte."

"! Thanks, Sharon."

"Thanks a lot, Sharon~!"

"No, no."

When the exhausted two stood up, Frey looked up at the building.

"This is Elngore's mansion."

Since Frey was looking up, I followed his gaze.

"Wow, what a magnificent mansion! All our hard work was worth it!"

Elngore's mansion was made of brick with a calm and dignified appearance.

The reddish-brown walls were covered with plant vines. The garden area had rare herbs, and the mansion contained various magical devices. It was about half the size of a school playground, with a gate surrounding the property.

I unconsciously admired the mansion. Such an atmospheric mansion is rare. This brings me one step closer to my dream of seeing the entire world.

"Alright, let's go!"

When I saw Frey about to open the gate, I quickly stopped him. This dungeon has many traps, and there's bound to be one to enter the mansion.

"Don't just open it! First, knock—"

"I'm sorry, it seems I'm too late..."

In front of us were several 'Ghosts.'