Chapter 69

We entered the Jūfuku Dungeon and moved to a slightly more open space.

There, Katagiri addressed everyone about what was to come.

"From now on, I will have you all attempt to obtain a status. As you already know, a status can be obtained when you defeat a monster for the first time, but the probability of this happening is about 50%."

Upon hearing these words, the students began to murmur and chatter.

"So, only half of us here can get a status. I'm getting really scared..."

"We've finally made it this far, I'm definitely going to get one!"

"Unique skill, unique skill, unique skill, unique skill, unique—"

It was a scene that was hard to describe.

Well, considering that their entire lives could be decided in the next few minutes, it was only natural.

I glanced sideways and saw that Hana was also trembling, her hands shaking.

So, I placed my hands on top of hers.

"Big brother?"

"Obtaining a status is completely down to luck, so there's no need to be so nervous. Though, saying that might not be very reassuring..."

I might have given the wrong encouragement.

As I was thinking this, Hana let out a small laugh.

"What's that? If you're going to encourage me, do it properly, big brother."

"Sorry."

"No, thanks to you, I feel a bit better. Thank you."

True to her words, Hana's expression was calmer.

Most importantly, I was glad I could help ease her tension.

Still, I wondered.

Why did Hana want to become an adventurer in the first place?

I had never heard her talk about it before.

I thought about asking, but Katagiri resumed his explanation before I could.

"Basically, I will take three of you at a time to the monsters and assist in their defeat, while the rest will wait here with Yanagi. However, if you have a companion who is level 100 or higher, you are free to act on your own. However, if you manage to obtain a status, please come and report to me or Yanagi."

I nodded at this explanation.

"So, we can either have the guild people help us or go on our own. Hana, which do you prefer?"

"Hmm, I don't really like the idea of being watched by others. Let's go together, just the two of us."

"Alright, then let's do that."

With our plan decided, Hana and I separated from the group and set out to defeat a monster on our own.

It seemed that nearly half of the group had made the same choice.

After walking for a few minutes, the monster appeared.

"Big brother, is this...?"

"Yeah, it looks quite different from the famous ones in games, but it's a slime."

In front of Hana and me was a transparent, fluid-like creature without eyes or a nose—a slime.