Chapter 22: The Missing Piece

After taking a two-day break, Kirishima-san and I headed back to Area 3.
Today marks the final day of our four-day, three-night adventure.

Our base is the same as before, and our routine hasn’t changed. We walk endlessly, defeating monsters along the way. Once our combined earnings exceed 100,000 yen, we return to camp to eat and rest. Even considering the facility fees, our daily income is around 40,000 yen.

We’re making a lot. Seriously, a lot.
If we keep at it for 15 days, we could earn a simple total of 600,000 yen. Spending half the month with family while also saving money is possible.

“No wonder being an adventurer is so popular…”
“What are you impressed about?”

Kirishima-san, having fetched dinner, sits across from me.

“Oh, I just realized how much adventurers can earn.”
“Well, you do run around a lot.”

Kirishima-san chuckles, glancing at my outfit. I’m wearing my usual tracksuit, which might make the other adventurers think I’m in pajamas.

“Plus, since you don’t have weapons or armor, you don’t have maintenance costs. It’s perfect for earning.”
“Polyester really is reliable, isn’t it?”

“That’s not something you’d expect an adventurer to say.”

Kirishima-san laughs in amazement.

We put our hands together and start our dinner. This adventure lasts four days and three nights. Tonight is our last night, and tomorrow we head back.

Thanks to three days of experience, I’ve become quite adapted to the buffet style. Since you never know what’s ahead, the trick is to take a bit of everything. I plan to bring my family here next time and teach them the ropes. Although they’d probably be happier with an all-you-can-eat yakiniku.

With an income like this, I can afford such thoughts.

However, behind these earnings lies the existence of a curse.

For three days, we’ve used this camp, but the faces we see change daily. For most adventurers, this seems to be just a stopover on their way to and from the area.

There aren’t many adventurers who choose Area 3 as their hunting ground. That’s understandable. Few would want to stay long in a place where a lapse in attention for 13 seconds could mean death.

If the Undead King is defeated and the curse is lifted, more adventurers will choose this as their hunting ground. Then, the monsters will dwindle, and so will the income. I’ll have no choice but to move forward.

…I think I’ve done something similar before.

But if we do manage to defeat it, we’ll earn a substantial reward. We might even have enough to replace some home appliances. Considering these factors, there shouldn’t be any financial issues.

“Isshiki, can you stay a bit after this? I have something to give you.”
“Got it.”

Kirishima-san finishes eating first and stands to retrieve something. Meanwhile, I continue eating, as directed by Kirishima-san, “Eat plenty.”

Although the effects won’t be immediate, such consistent body-building efforts will likely pay off in the long run. I also want to try supporting Mitsuru when he joins a sports club, starting with my own body.

All I know for now is that the food is delicious. I realized it might be good to have a scale at home if I want to record my progress.

As I finish my meal and sip my tea, Kirishima-san returns. She sits down and hands me a couple of sheets of paper.

“Here, I’ve summarized information about the Undead King. Take a look.”
“…Thank you.”

I had heard there are similar dungeons worldwide, and information about unique entities is shared.

During my recent break, I did a little research, but unfortunately, I couldn’t find much about the Undead King. It was simply a lack of data. It can’t be helped, though; there have only been seven officially recognized defeats so far.

Despite that, the papers Kirishima-san handed me are filled with detailed information. Starting with the Undead King’s height, weapons, habitat, and even the spells it uses and how to defeat it.

“How did you get this information?”
“I just did a bit of world traveling and talked to adventurers involved in the defeats.”

“…With locals?”
“Naturally.”

“Did you hire an interpreter?”
“Like I’d have that kind of money. I did it all on my own.”

“……”

I’m speechless.
This person keeps calling me a monster or talented, yet they’re unaware of how extraordinary their own actions are.

“Kirishima-san, you’re pretty smart, aren’t you?”
“Even if I can speak, it’s all just the basics. My English is middle school level. It’s no big deal.”

If that’s not impressive, most people in the world would be crying.
I shake my head and refocus on the papers.

I skim through them.
I think I understand why Kirishima-san chose me.

“How does it look?”
“At a glance, I think there’s a chance.”

“Alright. Then I’ll leave the basic strategy to you.”
“…Understood.”

I nodded and began simulating the battle in my mind.

The spells used by the Undead King are detailed. I categorize those I can counter with my current spells and those I can’t. I want to leave areas I can’t handle to Kirishima-san, but there are some that can’t be helped.

There are several clearly dangerous spells.
Prioritizing countermeasures for those is necessary.

With just the two of us, our options are limited. How can we seize victory within those constraints…?

I heard the sound of an instrument and looked up. I wondered how much time had passed. Kirishima-san was looking at the same papers, sitting in front of me.

When our eyes met, Kirishima-san smiled gently.

“Someone’s playing in the square.”
“That happens sometimes?”

I wonder if it’s a string instrument. A peaceful melody that seems to meld into the night.

“Want to go listen?”
“I’d like to.”

I folded the papers, stood up, and moved to the square. In the center, a bonfire burned, drawing a small crowd. At the center, a man with a thick beard skillfully plucked strings.

Kirishima-san and I watched from a short distance away.

“Hey, Isshiki.”

Kirishima-san wasn’t looking at me. She gazed at the fire with a serene expression.

“Being an adventurer is fun, isn’t it?”
“—Eh, oh, yes. It is fun.”

I hadn’t expected those words, so my response came out awkward.

Kirishima-san laughed with her shoulders.

“Do you really think so?”
“I do. It’s surprising, even to me.”

When I first dove in, driven by the desire to support my family, I honestly didn’t have the luxury to look around. Had I not met anyone, I would have led cold days, mechanically slaying monsters.

Being able to feel this warmth is thanks to the people who reached out to me.

Blessed, supported, encouraged, entrusted.
That’s how I’m standing here.

So, who will reach out to that person—
To say “reach out” feels presumptuous.

In truth, I just want to be helped. Like always.
There’s more than one way to fill in the missing pieces.

“Kirishima-san.”
“What is it?”

“You said I could develop the basic strategy, right?”
“Seems like you’ve thought of something.”

I nod. Keeping my gaze on the fire.

“Please give me a week’s break. There’s something I want to try.”

◇

Upon returning from the dungeon, I head to the exchange to sell skeleton cores.

After having lunch with Kirishima-san, we part ways. I go to bathe. Recently, soaking in a bathtub after dungeon trips has become a joy of mine. I thoroughly enjoy the outdoor bath and change into clean clothes.

I saw that Shiraishi-san was at the exchange just a while ago. Being the middle of the day, there shouldn’t be many adventurers coming for exchanges.

Sure enough, when I peek in, Shiraishi-san looks bored.

“Hello.”
“Oh, Isshiki-kun. It’s been a while. What brings you here?”

As always, Shiraishi-san, with her silky hair tied back, exudes an aura like a goddess. I wonder how many returning adventurers have been saved by her smile.

Thinking that way makes what I’m about to do feel like a grave sin. If Toda-san were here, he’d have a sword drawn. I’m glad he’s a strong adventurer who can delve deep.

“I thought I’d drop by partly to update you on my progress…something like that. Here, please have this.”

I hand over a coffee, the same kind she once treated me to. To avoid her declining, I bought one for myself too.

“Thank you. Your adventures seem to be going well.”

Shiraishi-san looks surprised as she takes the can, pauses briefly, and smiles.

“Thanks to you. Lately, our dinner table has had meat, vegetables, and fruits.”
“That’s amazing. It’s all thanks to your hard work, Isshiki-kun.”

“It’s all because of you, Shiraishi-san. I don’t think anything would’ve changed if it was just me.”
“That’s not true.”

“No…really.”

I hook my finger under the pull tab and open the can. Drinking the bitter liquid inside, I muster my courage.

“Shiraishi-san, could I have some of your time during your next break?”

I take a breath and continue.

“I want you to come to the dungeon with me. It won’t take long.”

Shiraishi-san tilts her head slowly, looking puzzled.

“Sure, but why?”
“There’s a magic spell I want to show you, Shiraishi-san.”