Chapter 4: The Threat of the Mutant Monster
And so, the next day.
To keep leveling up, I head to the Hellhound Dungeon’s boss room early in the morning to start farming the boss.
First Run
Defeated the High Kobold using the same method as yesterday.
『Level increased by 15』
Second Run
Same method as yesterday (etc.)
『Level increased by 14』
Third Run
Same as (etc.)
『Level increased by 14』
Fourth Run
I try changing my fighting style a bit.
Since my ranged attacks are guaranteed to hit, I shoot two arrows made with 【Magic Arrow】 simultaneously.
I was a bit worried if both would hit, but the guaranteed hit effect holds true.
No issues, defeated it cleanly.
『Level increased by 13』
Fifth Run
Maybe because my level’s getting too high, the creaking sound from my bow is louder than yesterday.
But it’s probably still fine.
『Level increased by 13』
Sixth Run
My level’s too high (etc.)
『Level increased by 12』
Seventh Run
Fought the High Kobold after lunch.
Full of energy!
Maybe I put too much strength into it, but the bow creaked even more… I really need to replace it with one suited to my stats soon…
『Level increased by 12』
Eighth Run
Tried shooting three 【Magic Arrow】 arrows at once.
It was much harder than shooting two, but I managed.
I want to practice this more to get used to it.
『Level increased by 12』
Ninth Run
Etc.!
『Level increased by 12』
Tenth Run
The milestone tenth run.
This time, I decide to fight head-on, fair and square.
Entering the boss room, I see the High Kobold as usual.
As I step in, just like the first time, the High Kobold closes the distance in an instant and swings its sharp claws.
But now, with my leveled-up Agility stat and my solo experience, I dodge with plenty of room.
Then I fire an arrow.
The High Kobold, hit by my arrow, is blown back, crashing into the wall with a groan as it stands.
Before it can move again, I fire 【Magic Arrow】 one, two, three, four, five, six, seven times.
The High Kobold stops moving on the spot.
『Level increased by 11』
I decide to stop at ten boss kills this time.
Or rather, I have to stop.
“My bow…”
Maybe because I overused it with my skyrocketing stats, the bow was creaking loudly.
It won’t break immediately, but at this leveling pace, it’ll hit its limit soon, so I need to replace it beforehand.
…This bow was pretty expensive, and since bows aren’t commonly used, they’re rarely sold. Finding a better one might be tough…
“…No choice. I’ll sell some magic stones to fund a new bow.”
Luckily, I have magic stones, and I’ve got a few Kobold materials in my 【Item Box】, so that should fetch some money.
…What about the High Kobolds?
Just a few days ago, I was diving in E-rank dungeons. If I suddenly sell multiple C-rank monster materials, it’s like announcing something’s up.
That could lead to people finding out I have two Unique Skills, which would be bad.
“No helping it. The High Kobolds will stay in my 【Item Box】 for now, like clothes gathering dust in a drawer.”
High Kobolds are pretty unpopular among explorers. With low supply, they’d probably sell for a lot, but… oh well.
“For now, let’s head out.”
Checking my watch, it’s only 1 p.m., so if I leave now, I’ll have plenty of time to sell materials and look for a bow.
Worst case, I can take a break from dungeon diving tomorrow.
“Alright! Time to find a bow!!”
With that, I head toward the dungeon’s exit.
I move cautiously, but Kobolds inevitably appear, so I defeat them while progressing.
After about an hour, I finally make it back to the first floor.
“Phew… Almost at the exit.”
Just a bit more.
Stay focused, stay cautious, and avoid getting injured unnecessarily.
“Noooo!!! Someone, help!!!”
“…!? A scream!!”
And…
“That voice sounds young… That was a kid!!”
The voice I heard definitely wasn’t an adult’s.
I don’t know why a kid’s in the dungeon, but I sprint toward the sound.
After running for a bit, I see two kids sitting on the ground, crying, and Aoi-kun, being held up by the neck by a white Kobold.
Aoi-kun keeps kicking the white Kobold to make it let go, despite being lifted off the ground.
But the white Kobold, unfazed by a statless kid’s kicks, just keeps grinning creepily.
“…! Let Aoi-kun go!!”
The fact that the Kobold holding Aoi-kun is white bothers me.
But first, I need to save Aoi-kun!
I fire a 【Magic Arrow】 at the Kobold.
Using 【Lock-On】 would guarantee a hit, but I don’t know what trajectory it’d take, and it might hit Aoi-kun, so I can’t use it.
I aim and shoot purely with my archery skill.
Thanks to my boosted Dexterity stat, the arrow flies accurately toward the white Kobold.
“GARUAA!!”
“Ouch!!”
But the white Kobold drops Aoi-kun to the ground and easily dodges the arrow.
I fire follow-up shots, but it evades them with incredibly fast backsteps.
Still, I succeed in forcing it to back away from Aoi-kun and the others.
“Are you three okay!!”
Keeping an eye on the white Kobold, I approach Aoi-kun, who’s coughing.
Cough! Cough! “B-Big bro…”
“Alright, you seem okay. Aoi-kun, I really want to know why you three are in this dungeon, but that can wait.”
I’ve been on guard since earlier, but I’ve got a bad feeling.
The unnatural speed of those backsteps dodging my arrows, the white appearance unlike normal Kobolds, and the abnormally developed left claws and fangs.
I have a hunch about this white Kobold, so different from the norm.
“A Mutant Monster… My first time seeing one…”
Mutant Monster.
Unlike regular monsters, these have further enhanced stats and abnormally developed body parts compared to their normal counterparts.
Their defining feature is their white coloration, making them easy to distinguish from regular monsters.
The biggest difference is their strength.
Their enhanced stats are strong enough to raise their rank by one.
That means this white Kobold is equivalent to a C-rank monster.
It’s the same rank as the High Kobold, but its smaller size makes it trickier.
Fighting such an opponent while protecting kids?
That’s tough. But I have no choice.
In that case…
“Aoi-kun, and you two, absolutely stay behind me.”
“O-Okay…”
The other two don’t respond but stay behind me.
No, maybe they’re just too scared to move?
Either way, as long as they don’t move from behind me, it’s fine.
Luckily, this is a straight corridor, so I only need to focus on the white Kobold ahead.
“Grrrr…”
“…”
The Kobold growls, glaring at me.
Don’t lose focus. Concentrate.
Right now, think only about defeating the white Kobold.
The white Kobold lowers its stance, ready to charge, while I ready my bow with a 【Magic Arrow】 arrow, prepared to fire.
We lock eyes in a tense standoff.
“GRUU!?”
The white Kobold moves first.
It kicks the ground, charging low to close the distance.
“Shi!!”
I use 【Lock-On】 and fire a 【Magic Arrow】 arrow at the white Kobold.
“GARUAA!!”
The arrow flies straight at the white Kobold, but as it barks, it blocks the shot with its abnormally developed left claw.
“No way!!”
It technically hit, so it counts as a guaranteed hit, but knowing it would absolutely hit makes the block all the more shocking.
Worse, the white Kobold closes in and swings its left claw down.
“Shi!!”
I’m not going down quietly, so I quickly create two more arrows and fire them simultaneously at the white Kobold.
“GAA!!”
It can’t block like before—one arrow is blocked by its claw, but the other pierces its right shoulder.
Yes! It hit this time.
“GRUAA!?”
“Guh!!”
But the white Kobold, as if unfazed by pain, kicks with its right leg.
I block with my left arm, not holding the bow, but the impact is tremendous.
“Ow…”
Its stats feel slightly lower than the High Kobold’s.
But its small size is the problem. Without 【Lock-On】’s guaranteed hits, its high Agility would’ve made my arrows miss entirely.
And it’s not just fast—it has strong attacks too.
It feels like the white Kobold has the kind of stats I’m planning to build: dodging attacks with swift movements and overwhelming with high attack power.
This is beyond troublesome.
“GUU!!”
“Whoa!!”
The white Kobold swings its right fist at me.
I can’t let go of the bow… but my left arm blocked the kick…!?
Damn it!
I block with my right arm holding the bow, but the sheer force numbs my arm.
“GRUAA!!”
“Gah…!!”
Seizing the opening, the white Kobold leaps, swinging its left claw with a wide arc.
By the time I realize it’s bad, it’s too late—the sharp claws dig into my right shoulder.
The white Kobold lands, rips its claws out, and throws me.
“Gaha…”
Thrown, I can’t break my fall and slam my back against the wall.
“Big bro!!”
Aoi-kun’s worried voice rings out.
I want to reassure him, but when I try to speak, the words won’t come.
“Gah… cough…”
Looking at my shoulder, the flesh is gouged, and blood pours out. My bones don’t seem broken, but it’s a serious injury.
My arms, used to block, aren’t broken either, judging by feel, but they’re in excruciating pain.
The fact that my bones aren’t broken is a small mercy.
“Grrrr…”
The white Kobold, assuming I can’t move, approaches the kids.
I want them to run, but they’re frozen in fear, just trembling.
“Stop… it…”
I try to speak, but only a raspy voice comes out.
At this rate, not just me, but the kids’ lives are in danger.
I have to do something. But my body won’t move.
“GRUOH!?”
“Kyaa!!”
“Waaa!!”
The white Kobold swings its claws at Aoi-kun.
…Why can’t I move?
Move, damn it! I can save those kids, can’t I!?
“GRUOH!?”
“Stop!! Don’t come closer!?”
“Ah… ah…”
The white Kobold’s claws get closer to the kids.
I watch the scene as if in slow motion.
Move…!
My body’s at its limit, sure.
But I haven’t lost yet…!
Only ranged attacks? Can’t do close combat?
So what?
Who said that…!
I’ve come this far believing in my own strength, haven’t I…!
If I give up here, what was all my effort for…!
They mocked my Unique Skill, saying it was too weak to make me strong.
Did I give up then?
No, I didn’t!
I pushed past my limits to get here.
Then it’s simple.
I just need to break through my limits again…!!!
“UOOOOOH!!!”
Roaring to psych myself up, I stand, using my bow as a shield to protect the kids.
I catch the white Kobold’s claw attack head-on.
“Guh…! UOOOH!?”
The pain in my shoulder nearly buckles my knees, but I roar, fueling my resolve to endure.
The white Kobold, startled, pauses for a moment but quickly sweeps its claws sideways.
…I don’t have technique. Just raw power… Kick it away!!!
“Take this!!”
My kick lands squarely on the white Kobold’s torso, sending it flying.
Leveling up really is crucial.
Before leveling, I couldn’t have sent it flying like that or fought this far.
But in exchange, the bow I used as a shield snaps in two.
It’s sad, having used this bow for a year, but no helping it.
Right now, I focus on defeating the enemy in front of me.
And even without a bow, I still have ways to fight!
“Come at me! I’m not done yet!!”
“【Magic Arrow】!!!”
Normally, 【Magic Arrow】 costs 20 MP, but I pour 160 MP into it, creating eight transparent arrows.
“HAA!!”
Holding them between my fingers, I throw them at the white Kobold as it stands.
Throwing arrows counts as a ranged attack.
The guaranteed hit effect should work!
As planned, 【Lock-On】’s guaranteed hit effect activates, sending the arrows from various angles toward the white Kobold.
Without a bow, their speed and power are significantly reduced.
“GRURU!!”
The white Kobold dodges them with ease, intercepting some.
But that’s fine.
This is just a diversion.
The real attack…
“Is ME!!!”
As I throw the arrows, I charge, gripping a 【Magic Arrow】 arrow tightly in one hand, and rush at the white Kobold, whose stance is disrupted from intercepting the arrows.
“You can’t dodge now with your stance broken!!!”
“GRUAAA!?”
I grip the arrow with both hands and thrust it toward the white Kobold’s heart.
Despite its disrupted stance, the white Kobold forcibly swings its claws down.
“Guh…!!”
“GRUAA…!!”
Just before the claws swing, I catch its eyes locking onto my neck.
But I dive into its range faster than it can swing!
“My win!!!”
Screaming, I plunge the arrow deep into the white Kobold’s left chest, pinning it to the ground.
“GAAAAA!!!”
The white Kobold thrashes, trying to break free, but with me on top, it’s helpless.
I pin its most dangerous left claw with my right foot, ensuring it can’t move.
I won’t let it move!
“I’m not letting go!!”
This is my only path to victory.
It’s too fast—if it gets close, I can’t win.
Plus, with my bow broken, even throwing multiple arrows lacks the speed and power to prevent easy interception.
It’s almost checkmate.
So, instead of closing or keeping distance, I stick to zero range!
And with my boosted Defense and HP from leveling up, I'm gonna overpower it!
This is my best solution right now.
“GAA! …G… aa…”
I endure the white Kobold’s thrashing, and gradually, its struggles weaken.
Its voice grows quieter, and finally, it stops moving completely.
I stay on guard, just in case.
『Level increased by 12』
The level-up notification sounds.
The level-up sound… that means…
“I won… I WON!!!”
Thus, I defeat the Mutant Monster, the white Kobold.
――――――
Kaede Amamiya
Level: 328
HP: 250/3240 MP: 94/2160
Attack: 400 (+52)
Defense: 350 (+12)
Agility: 920 (+577)
Dexterity: 505 (+152)
Mental Strength: 1120 (+787)
Luck: 50
BP: 60
SP: 710
Skills: 【Magic Arrow Lv.11】【Archery Lv.5】【Hawk Eye Lv.2】【Item Box Lv.4】【Lock-On Lv.10】【Appraisal Lv.1】【MP Boost Lv.5】【MP Recovery Speed Boost Lv.5】
――――――
After confirming the white Kobold’s defeat, I open my status to check my HP.
Ugh… only 250 HP left.
And since the bleeding hasn’t stopped, my HP is dropping by 1 per second.
“I need to heal fast…”
“Big bro!!!”
“Are you okay, big brother!!”
“B-Big bro, blood, you’re bleeding!!”
Aoi-kun and the others run toward me.
I pull two potions from my 【Item Box】.
Thank goodness I stocked up on potions…
Without them, I’d have beaten the white Kobold only to die afterward…
“It’s fine, don’t worry. I’ve got potions. You should use one too, Aoi-kun. That thing grabbed you by the neck, right?”
I hand one of the potions to Aoi-kun.
“Th-Thanks, big bro.”
I confirm Aoi-kun takes the potion and drinks it before using mine. I open the cap, pour half on my shoulder wound, and drink the rest.
“Ugh!!”
The potion stings as it seeps into the wound… but it’s bearable.
The pain from when the white Kobold’s claws pierced my shoulder was way worse.
Thanks to the potion, the wound on my shoulder gradually closes, and the pain subsides.
I open and close my hand, then rotate my shoulder.
Alright, it moves. No issues.
Checking my HP, it’s recovered to 550, and the HP drain has stopped. I should be fine now.
I close my status and stand up.
“A-Are you really okay, big bro!!”
“Yeah. The potion closed the wound, and the bleeding’s stopped. I’m good.”
I pat Aoi-kun’s head as he asks worriedly, then do the same for the other two.
Now, then…
“A~oi-kun? And you two. Why are you kids in the dungeon?”
“““Uh…”””
At my words, the three of them pale as if the color drains from their faces with a whoosh.
“W-Well, um—”
Aoi-kun, along with the unnamed boy and girl, haltingly explain.
Their explanation is both utterly ridiculous and strangely off.
“So, you saw me, an explorer, fighting barehanded and thought if you had weapons, you could enter the dungeon and defeat monsters. That’s the gist, right?”
“““Yes…”””
“Seriously… that’s way too reckless…”
My exasperated tone makes all three hang their heads in shame.
Well, they got the idea after seeing me, since I had my bow stored in my 【Item Box】, so I can’t scold them too harshly.
Putting that aside, there’s something I need to ask.
“Fine, we’ll leave that for now. But why were you able to get into the dungeon? Didn’t the overseer stop you?”
First off, it’s weird that three kids are inside this dungeon.
Every dungeon has an overseer—an Explorer’s Guild staff member.
Their job is to stop people without an explorer’s license from entering.
They verify licenses using a hidden surveillance camera-like device, crafted by staff with the 【Magic Tool Creation】 skill, to monitor the dungeon daily.
The camera checks faces against the Explorer’s Guild database, so unregistered people should be caught and stopped by the overseer immediately.
Even without that, kids like these should obviously be stopped.
So why are they inside the dungeon? It’s baffling.
“There wasn’t anyone, and no one stopped us.”
“Yeah! We got into the dungeon super easy!!”
“We haven’t seen anyone in the dungeon except you, big brother.”
“…I see…”
What the heck?
Overseers wouldn’t miss kids. They’re leveled up enough to at least detain anyone trying to enter.
There’s no way they’d overlook statless kids.
…Which means…
“No overseer?”
The thought makes me clutch my head.
Overseers don’t just stop unlicensed people—they also report dungeon abnormalities to the Explorer’s Guild immediately.
If there’s no overseer and a monster stampede happens, it’d be catastrophic.
Monster stampedes require quick response—the later the Guild is notified, the worse the damage, and delayed action could lead to many deaths.
To think there’s no overseer for such a critical role…
“…Sigh. I was gonna lecture you more, but let’s get out of the dungeon first. My head hurts from all this…”
“““Yes…”””
I let out a small sigh and instruct Aoi-kun and the others to head for the exit.
“Oh, hold on a sec.”
I remember I forgot to collect the white Kobold’s drop item and walk toward its corpse.
A Mutant Monster white Kobold.
If the info’s right…
I’m nervous.
Reaching the white Kobold, I touch its corpse.
“Whoa!!”
Suddenly, the spot I touch glows, blinding my vision with white light.
A few seconds later, the light fades, and when I open my eyes, a bracelet rests on the white Kobold’s body.
The bracelet’s eerie aura makes me gulp.
“Th-This is the equipment item you get from defeating a Mutant Monster…!!”
I’d heard defeating Mutant Monsters yields items, but I didn’t expect it to appear like this.
I stare at the bracelet.
Using 【Appraisal】, I learn it’s called the Hellhound Bracelet, but my 【Appraisal】 skill level is too low to see its effects, so I decide not to equip it.
I store the white Kobold and bracelet in my 【Item Box】, rejoin Aoi-kun and the others, and head out of the dungeon.
Once outside, I’ll find the kids’ parents to report, look for the overseer—whether they’re here or not—and contact the Explorer’s Guild.
Plus, treat my injuries, since my potions didn’t fully heal me.
And explain everything to the Guild staff who arrive.
…I don’t wanna leave the dungeon…
Luckily, we make it out without encountering the white Kobold or any regular Kobolds.
With Aoi-kun and the others, I didn’t want to fight, so that’s a relief.
Outside, it’s already evening, and the sun is setting.
The dungeon’s always bright, day or night, so my sense of time gets thrown off.
The moment we exit, people outside turn to us and start making a commotion…
“Didn’t we see that guy yesterday? That… explorer…”
“Yeah… He might know something about Aoi-kun and the others.”
“…Wait! Behind the explorer!!”
“They’re there! All the missing kids!!”
From the voices, it seems they were searching for Aoi-kun and the other two.
Seeing them behind me, the adults grow louder and approach.
“Hey! Are the kids okay!? Wait, you’re covered in blood, explorer!!”
One man comes to me to ask questions, while others rush to the kids.
“No need to worry about my injuries. I’ve treated them, so I’m fine. The kids are safe too.”
“I-I see… Thank goodness…”
The man looks relieved at my words.
Others hug the kids or pat their heads.
“So, what happened?”
“Well, I’d like to explain, but first…”
I step away from the man and search the dungeon’s surroundings.
I check above the entrance, the trees around it, blind spots, places where overseers might fix cameras when they use the restroom, and the restroom itself, looking for any sign of an overseer.
Overseers fix cameras when they step away to ensure alarms sound if unlicensed people enter, so they shouldn’t miss anything.
But there’s no sign of an overseer—or anyone.
No fixed cameras either.
At the very least, a camera should be positioned to see the entrance, so it shouldn’t be this hard to find.
…Well, I suspected as much, given Aoi-kun and the others got inside and the commotion outside hasn’t drawn an overseer.
“Hey, explorer, what’re you doing?”
“No, it’s nothing. Please take care of the kids for now. I’ll explain later.”
I feel bad for the man, but I leave without waiting for a reply.
Pulling my smartphone from my 【Item Box】, I call a certain department.
“Hello? Explorer’s Guild?”
The kids entering the dungeon was wrong, sure.
But the overseer, one of the reasons this happened—you’re not getting off easy…
The scene shifts to a village meeting hall.
Present are me, the main party, Aoi-kun, and the other kids.
Aoi-kun’s parents, grandparents, and other relatives.
A village leader-like figure.
A representative from the Explorer’s Guild, whom I contacted.
And finally, the overseer in charge of the Hellhound Dungeon, a man named Tagaya.
Aoi-kun and the others, thoroughly scolded, still have swollen eyes and are looking down.
“Now, could you explain what happened?”
“Yes. I’ll explain the events that took place—”
I recount everything that happened in the dungeon.
How Aoi-kun and the others were inside and attacked by the Mutant Monster white Kobold.
And how the overseer, who should always be stationed near the entrance, was absent.
Those are the two main points.
“—That’s everything. Now, Tagaya-san, I have a question. Why weren’t you, stationed near this village, at the dungeon? Please answer.”
“…”
Tagaya lowers his gaze and stays silent at my question.
Seeing this, others besides me start raising angry voices.
“Hey! Sure, our kids entering the dungeon was wrong! We’re not blaming them—they knew the risks and went in anyway. As parents, we take responsibility and don’t have the right to blame them. But what’s with the overseer not being at the dungeon!!”
“Yeah! You’re supposed to report abnormalities to the Guild!!”
Amid the adults’ accusations, Tagaya remains silent, saying nothing.
He just stares at me without speaking.
His bloodshot eyes feel more like a glare than a stare.
“…Haa…”
…A sigh?
A faint sigh escapes Tagaya, unnoticed by anyone but me, thanks to my enhanced stats.
“…I’m terribly sorry! My negligence caused great trouble! Please accept my deepest apologies!!”
Suddenly, Tagaya stands, performs a perfect bow, and begins apologizing.
Everyone, including me, is stunned.
Uh, what’s with the sudden change…?
Then, the Guild representative stands—not bowing as deeply but still apologetic.
“We deeply apologize for the oversight by Tagaya, whom we dispatched. We’re truly sorry.”
After that, both continue bowing until Aoi-kun’s relatives calm down, explain the next steps, and leave.
As for the next steps, Aoi-kun and the others entering the dungeon was partly due to Tagaya’s absence, so they receive a stern warning.
Tagaya, absent today due to a failure to report taking leave, faces suspension and a pay cut.
Honestly, I’m sure he wasn’t at the dungeon other days too, but without proof, I can’t say anything.
It’s just my hunch.
Frustrating…
Tagaya will take responsibility and return to the Guild’s branch.
I finished scolding Aoi-kun and the others while waiting for the Guild, so I’m done for today.
“Man, I’m exhausted. Time to head home—”
“Please wait, explorer.”
Just as I stand to leave, someone calls out.
Turning, I see an elderly man in his sixties with white hair.
“Uh… you’re…”
“I’m Seizo, Aoi’s grandfather. Thank you for saving my grandson.”
He bows deeply, his gratitude for saving Aoi-kun clear.
“No, I didn’t do anything special, so don’t worry about it.”
“That won’t do. Aoi told me you were gravely injured and lost your bow. I must show my gratitude.”
“N-No, really, I’m fine.”
“No, no, that won’t do. Despite promising you we’d keep an eye on him, this happened… So, as a token of apology, I’d like you to come to our home. Is now alright?”
“Y-Yes, sure…”
His commanding presence makes me agree without thinking.
And so, I’m invited to Seizo’s home.
Seizo’s house looks like a typical home.
But the large building next to it and the neatly shaped timber nearby completely shatter that impression.
“This is my home… Hm? Something wrong?”
“N-No, nothing.”
Most people would be thrown off seeing this after expecting a normal house.
Seizo tilts his head, puzzled by my reaction.
“? Well, no matter. Come in.”
“…Excuse me.”
Inside, the entrance is filled with lived-in charm.
But instead of regular shoes, there are work boots and tactical boots.
Seizo leads me to a tatami guest room.
I sit on a cushion and wait.
“Sorry for the wait.”
Seizo returns, carrying a large wooden box, and places it in front of me with a thud.
The sound suggests it’s heavy.
“I’m sorry to keep you waiting after inviting you.”
“No, that’s fine, but… what’s this?”
“This is a token of gratitude for this incident. I’d like you to accept it and see what’s inside as a surprise.”
Seizo slides the box across the tatami toward me.
Uh, is it okay to accept this?
The box exudes an expensive aura.
“N-No, no, I can’t accept something this fancy!!”
“Please, I want you to have it.”
“But… are you sure?”
“Yes. It’s thanks for saving my precious grandson, Aoi. And after hearing Aoi’s story, I decided you’re the right person for this.”
Seizo pushes the box closer.
At this point, I have to accept.
Refusing further would be rude.
Steeling myself, I take the box.
“Alright. I’ll gratefully accept it.”
“I’m glad you will. This is for someone with strength of heart, skill, and body—aligned in harmony.”
Seizo smiles happily as I agree, saying such things.
“I liken this harmony to Motonari Mouri’s lesson of three arrows to his sons. With a strong heart, sharp skills, and a robust body, one can face any hardship without breaking. That’s my belief.”
“Seizo-san… Thank you. I’m honored by such praise…”
“No, this is your rightful evaluation. I look forward to your future achievements.”
Seizo laughs, clapping my shoulder.
His hand is strong, conveying reassurance.
…I need to get stronger.
To be valued this highly, I have to work harder.
“Phew… I’m beat…”
Honestly, too much happened today, and my brain’s about to overload.
I just want to get home, finish up, and sleep…
As I put on my shoes at the entrance, it happens.
“Big bro!”
“Hm?”
Almost simultaneously, something slams into my waist.
Outside the dungeon, I let my guard down and didn’t sense anything, so it catches me off guard, but I manage not to fall and look at the person.
I had a hunch.
As expected, it’s who I thought.
“…Aoi-kun, huh.”
“What’s with that ‘huh’! I was trying to thank you…”
“Thank me? Nah, you don’t need to do that.”
“Come on! You saved me, so let me thank you properly!”
“Alright, alright. I’ll accept your thanks. Can you let go now?”
Aoi-kun, barely reaching my waist, is clinging to me, and it’s straining my posture.
I got tackled while putting on my shoes…
“S-Sorry! You okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. Just calm down.”
“O-Okay…”
I pat Aoi-kun’s head as he fidgets after letting go.
“Well, this much energy’s pretty boyish.”
I was pretty rowdy at Aoi-kun’s age too.
“…Boy… I’m a girl…”
“Hm? Did you say something?”
It sounded like Aoi-kun said something, but it was too quiet to hear, so I ask.
“Nope, nothing! Oh, right! Mom said to stay for dinner!”
“Huh? For real?”
“Yeah! Please, come on!”
“…Well, alright.”
I was just gonna go home and sleep, so…
“Got it. I’ll gratefully accept.”
“Really!? Awesome!!”
Aoi-kun cheers, bouncing with joy.
That excitement feels age-appropriate, like a proper kid.
Very nice.
“Come on, big bro! I’ll tell Mom!”
“Hey! …And he’s gone.”
Before I can stop him, Aoi-kun dashes off with a clatter.
After enjoying dinner, I return home past midnight. After a bath, I collapse onto my bed and fall asleep instantly.
No need to set an alarm for tomorrow… or rather, today…
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