Chapter 19: Area 3 – Opening Act

With Area 5 just ahead, the three members of “Monthly” were taking a break.

“Actually, just the other day, I was asked to subjugate the ‘Undead King.’”

As he adjusted his armor, Genzo casually interjected with a grunt of acknowledgment.

“You refused, right?”
“While refusing, I also recommended a comrade—Isshiki Itsuki.”

“Another strange thing.”

Genzo frowned, expressing his doubt. Even with his talent, Isshiki Itsuki was still a newcomer. As a request, it would likely be too much of a burden. It was almost synonymous with telling him to “go die.”

Mitsui lifted his face from his beloved light novel and adjusted his glasses.

“Our leader, despite appearances, is an intuitive type. Even if Genzo-dono asks, no proper theory will likely emerge.”
“Hey Mitsui, your words have a bit of a sting.”

“Then explain, Shigeatsu-dono. Why did you recommend him—surely, you wouldn’t say it’s because Isshiki-dono is stronger than us, would you?”

The eyes behind his glasses were unexpectedly emotional, and Shigeatsu hurriedly shook his head.

“Of course, we’re much stronger. But dungeons aren’t just a simple test of strength. I believe they’re a complex game of rock-paper-scissors that combines various elements: weapon compatibility, magic compatibility, teamwork proficiency, and so on.”

After looking between Genzo and Mitsui, he slowly smiled.

“We can bring any opponent to a ‘draw.’ But perhaps… our comrade can freely create a ‘winning hand.'”
“You really think highly of the kid, don’t you?”

“Well, he’s the man Shiraishi-san recognized, after all.”
“Shiraishi Haruka, huh…”

She’s now completely established as the beautiful receptionist lady, but those who knew her when she was an adventurer have a slightly different perception.

A talented magician who stood shoulder to shoulder with a genius swordsman.
The era when Haruto and Haruka were called the HaruHaru Combo remains impressive.

However, dungeons aren’t places where the capable always remain. The only one still continuing as an adventurer is the girl who was in their shadow at the time.

Normally, Genzo would dismiss it as Shigeatsu being lovesick, but when it concerns the “Undead King,” the story changes. Genzo’s expression remained clouded. Faced with his piercing gaze, Shigeatsu made a resigned face. He clasped his hands behind his head and swayed his body backward.

“We can only ever be ‘Monthly.’ But he can be anything. There are many minor reasons, but that’s the biggest one.”

He looked at the two of them as if asking if that was good enough, and a gentle gaze welcomed him.

“My apologies for doubting you.”
“For now, you’re still the leader next month.”

◇

Getting through the sea of trees is just a warm-up.

“[Flexible Enhancement] Muddling [Falling Blossoms, Flowing Water]”

I practice using two spells simultaneously while moving three-dimensionally from branch to branch.

I try to blend them well, but somehow [Falling Blossoms, Flowing Water] always takes precedence. It’s not bad, but [Falling Blossoms, Flowing Water] only strengthens point-to-point movements. If I want to cover longer distances, I need more of a flexible motion like [Flexible Enhancement].

“Hey, don’t wear yourself out!”

Kirishima-san calls out from the ground, bringing me back to my senses. I feel a slight fatigue. It’s still within acceptable limits, but if I had kept pushing, it could have been dangerous.

“Sorry! I got a bit carried away!”

I quickly jump down from the branches and run alongside Kirishima-san.

“Did you manage to grasp anything?”
“I thought I could get the hang of it, but it was no good at all. I’ve got two physical enhancement spells, so I want to use them at the same time, but…”

Kirishima-san carries a spear on her back and wears light armor. Even though she should be heavier than me, she continues running without breaking a sweat.

“In situations like this, decide which one to base your moves on. Generally, [Falling Blossoms, Flowing Water] works best. Think of it as dividing the roles, with one creating movement and the other enhancing your defense.”
“Oh, I see. That definitely sounds more manageable…”

“If you’re itching to try, do it here.”
“Thank you!”

Sensing my eagerness, Kirishima-san gives me permission. She’s a nice person. I must seem like such a kid.

I act composed in front of my family, but around someone older, I tend to loosen up. I need to keep myself in check.

…That aside,

“[Falling Blossoms, Flowing Water]”

I use magic to control my entire body from the inside. It feels like manipulating my nerves.
On top of that, I add a layer of muscle, overlaying another spell.

“[Flexible Enhancement]”

By combining the flexible magic, my range of movement greatly increases.
Using the springiness of a branch for momentum, I accelerate fully. After a satisfying leap, I land on the ground, where Kirishima-san catches up with me.

“You can do it when you try… Honestly, this is why geniuses…”
“Sorry?”

“Why are you apologizing? It’s reassuring to have you.”
“I’m trying my best?”

“You don’t need to doubt that.”

While having a somewhat clunky conversation, we emerged from the trees into a clearing far flatter than any other. This is the entrance to Area 3.

“Is this your first time coming this far?”
“No, I’ve scouted a few times, but I’ve never approached the camp.”

“Why not?”
“It could be troublesome if there’s a fee.”

“Is now really the time to say that?”

She tapped me on the arm, not painfully, but with a remarkably clean snap. To find a talent on par with Nina here.

“The camp is an essential base for adventurers. As long as you pay, you can live comfortably even within the dungeon, so there’s no reason not to use it.”
“…How much per night?”

“The monsters are still weak here, so it’s 5,000 yen per night with meals included. Item storage is another 5,000 yen, so a total of 10,000 yen.”
“Aren’t they overcharging for item storage?”

“Well, it’s a business. If it were too cheap, you’d worry about theft, right?”
“I suppose that’s one way to look at it…”

Each additional day of exploration increases the cost by another 10,000 yen. I heard the money spent in the dungeon is deducted at the next cash-in.
Even in the dungeon, it seems like I must be wary of expenses.

“Don’t worry. You’ll earn enough to cover it.”

The camp is said to have everything you need for daily life, including accommodations. You can purchase additional necessities here, though the prices are higher than on the surface. I vow not to spend unnecessarily.

Clothes can be washed with magic if needed. Don’t underestimate polyester.

“This will be our lodging for today. But first, let’s go earn some money.”
“Got it.”

To move to the third area, we’ll use another gate like the entrance.
It’s in the middle of the camp, so we can go right in. No special procedures are needed. Reaching this point proves we’re ready to challenge the next part.

“Here, give me your hand.”
“Okay.”

I offer my right hand as instructed, and to no surprise, she holds it tightly.

“To make sure we don’t miss the teleportation spot—even in a party, this is how it should be done.”
“Is that so?”

“At least, that’s how it is for me.”

Kirishima-san smiles, and in the next moment, we are swallowed by the gate.

◆

A pitch-black sky spread out before us.
It seemed we had been transported to the top of a sheer cliff.

The ground beneath us was faintly glowing, allowing us just enough visibility. However, anything beyond a short distance was shrouded in mystery. A light and soft darkness, like a towel blanket, enveloped us completely.

“So, what do you think of this place on your first visit?”
“It’s unpleasant… It feels like something is watching us.”

Inside a dungeon, all living creatures are in contact with mana to some extent. You could say we’re all slightly interconnected through it.

We can use it to search for enemies or to taunt them.

But this…

This is more direct, unhidden malice. A clear intent to kill, devoid of any hatred or anger. It drapes over this area entirely.

As long as we’re within this darkness, there’s no escaping the “Undead King.”

Kirishima-san, standing next to me, pats my shoulder.

“This place gnaws at your spirit. Stay strong.”
“Understood.”

I nodded and tried to take a deep breath.

At that moment,

Zzzt.

I felt a sharp sensation like a stab of pain in my temple.

“They’re here.”
“Yeah. Looks like zombies are greeting us. Worthless trash, not even worth a yen. Let’s take care of them quickly.”

Lumps of rotting flesh in human form shuffled toward us, making a hiss as they moved. Their movements were sluggish. There were two of them, advancing side by side.

“I’ll handle them.”
“I’ll leave it to you.”

I kicked off the ground and directed my hands at the zombies’ heads.

—I’m pretty much ambidextrous.

“[Frostbite]”

Ice fangs exploded, causing the heads of the two zombies to burst apart.