Chapter 1: The Gyaru Working at the Convenience Store: (Y-Yeah, totally a breeze! ♡♡♡ This kind of stuff? Pfft! ♡♡♡♡♡)

"Welcome."

I went home, lazed around for a bit, realized I didn't have any dinner, and headed to the convenience store. When I walked in, I was greeted by the listless voice of a part-timer. There was a gal at the register. Well, I call her a "gal," but she didn't look gaudy or anything. She had blonde hair and a bored attitude, so I just mentally categorized her as a gal clerk.

She had a short blonde bob with styled ends, sharp eyes, and thin lips. Her uniform was worn loosely, a single gold accessory on her wrist, a small piercing in her ear, and violet-colored eyes.

A cool blonde gyaru. That was the vibe. Which meant she was exactly the type I was bad at dealing with. When I see people who are so committed to their own style, I can't help but feel incredibly childish and withdraw into myself.

I moved away so I wouldn't stay in her line of sight while she kept messing with her phone without giving me a single glance, and started browsing for tonight's dinner.

My favorite was the frozen tantanmen. It was a bit of a pain to defrost, but it had the perfect level of spiciness and was delicious.

However, if I only ever ate tantanmen, my diet would get pretty biased. Should I go with a different bento today? No, no, I should stick with the usual tantanmen...

As I was stuck in this incredibly meaningless loop of thought, I heard a shouting voice from the register.

"If you're a clerk, stand up straight like one! This is exactly why I can't stand young people these days!"

My shoulders jumped as I looked toward the voice. A middle-aged man was shouting at the blonde girl.

The girl looked annoyed, but she didn't seem scared.

"Is there something you're looking for, sir?"

"I'm talking about your attitude! Do you have no respect for your customers?!"

"Ah, if it’s not there, then we don't have it."

"You...! Stop making a fool of your elders!"

Dungeons appeared in the world about ten-plus years ago. Before that, apparently, there was a trend that was—while not quite "men above women"—pretty close to it. That was probably why some older men still acted aggressively toward women. They just couldn't keep up with the times.

"And what’s with those ears! What were you thinking, putting holes in the precious body your parents gave you?!"

"Yeah, yeah. And it looks like you've let your precious body get pretty bloated, sir. I recommend the salad chicken over there."

"Y-You social trash!!"

Since the gal was doing nothing but provoking him, the old guy was just getting more and more heated. I didn't think I really needed to help her, but if she didn't clear the register, I’d never get to eat my tantanmen.

I had no choice but to use my own "weapon."

I was 177 centimeters tall. That was pretty tall. And while it was useless in a modern world where EXP was everything, I was somewhat good-looking. If I pushed back my bangs and stood up straight, I could be fairly intimidating.

I grabbed a random ice cream from the freezer and spoke to the two at the counter.

"Hey, can I talk to you for a second?"

"Hah?! What! I'm still in the middle of... talking... to her..."

The old guy, who had been shouting with momentum, saw me, and his voice trailed off into nothing. These types were always weak against big guys.

"Sorry, old man. I want to buy this ice cream. If I don't hurry, it's gonna melt."

I made a point of giving him a gentle smile and a bow. By doing this, he’d feel good about the fact that a "young man was bowing to him," and his anger would subside.

"H-Hmph. Fine. Next time, try to have some respect for your customers."

He spat those words out and left.

"Got it. I'll make sure to restock my 'respect' inventory," the gal called after him.

Fortunately, her parting shot was drowned out by the chime of the automatic doors.

"Phew. Oh, sorry. Could I get these, please?"

When I placed the tantanmen and the ice cream I didn't even want on the counter, the girl was looking at me with surprised eyes.

"Wait, are you 'Tantanmen-kun'?"

Who the hell is this "delicious-sounding" person?

"My shift is almost over anyway. Hang on a sec."

"Wait, uh?"

The girl quickly finished the transaction and went into the back before I could even reply. She was probably going to change.

Left with no choice, I sat on the silver pipe barrier outside the store and waited. Eventually, the gal came jogging out, now dressed in a school uniform. I tried my best to keep my eyes from being drawn to her loose collar. I recognized the uniform. Apparently, we went to the same high school.

"Man, you really saved me back there. Thanks a bunch!"

"Oh, it was nothing. I didn't do much."

"I totally didn't expect Tantanmen-kun to be the one to save me. You're always moping around and looking down, so I thought you were just some loner guy. You actually have a cool side."

She laughed loudly, slapping me on the back. Gals are scary. She was way too close.

"For real, though, you aren't bad-looking. You should totally keep your bangs up."

"Well, in this day and age, a man's value is all about EXP. I'd rather not have people expect something and then be disappointed."

"Is your EXP like, super low or something?"

"Something like that. By the way, what’s with 'Tantanmen-kun'?"

She’d said it so naturally I almost just accepted it.

"I mean, you only ever buy tantanmen."

"I don't think I only buy it..."

"Whenever I'm at the register, that’s all you get. Do you remember ever buying something else?"

"..."

I tried to search my memory, and she was right. I only ever bought tantanmen. I’d always agonize over it, but in the end, I always picked the tantanmen.

"You're always there looking super serious, agonizing over it, but you always end up with the tantanmen. So, Tantanmen-kun."

That was a very straightforward nickname.

"Do you live alone?"

"Oh, yeah. I wanted to get away from my hometown for reasons."

I wanted to be somewhere where no one knew about Yura-chan, so I’d gotten permission from my parents to live alone and enrolled in this high school.

"Hmm. Well, I get wanting to get away from your parents, but make sure to show them some love while you still can."

She was probably right, but those were unexpected words coming from a gyaru.

"You're thinking those words don't really suit me, right?"

Apparently, it had shown on my face.

"Er... yeah. To be honest, yeah. You didn't really look like the type."

"Ahaha! You're honest, at least!"

She laughed and slapped my back again.

"I just like dressing how I want, you know? But people just slap labels on me. Gal, delinquent, yankee... There ain't no rule saying blonde hair makes you a yankee."

"I... I'm sorry."

I had also labeled her a "gal" without thinking. I couldn't help but apologize.

"It’s fine. I was the one who labeled you a loner guy anyway."

"Well, I am a loner guy, so you aren't wrong."

"Nobody would think that if you kept your bangs up and stood up straight. Come on, chest out!"

The girl struck my back hard without hesitation, forcing me to straighten up.

We kept up that kind of idle chatter until I finished the ice cream. I didn't really know how to end the conversation, and while part of me wanted to be released, another part of me honestly wanted to keep talking to her.

Once it got late and the foot traffic had died down, the girl seemed to suddenly realize something.

"Oh, wait! You bought tantanmen today too! You good? It's probably a mess by now."

"Ah, well, it’s definitely defrosted. But I can still eat it."

When I looked into the bag, the once rock-solid frozen tantanmen was now lying limp and lifeless.

"Yikes. Sorry, I held you up..."

"No, it’s fine. I was going to heat it up anyway."

"But it probably won't taste as good now, right? Besides, eating nothing but tantanmen every single day is totally bad for you. Oh, I know!"

Oh, I had a bad feeling about this.

"As a thanks for helping me earlier, I'll make you something. Dinner, I mean."

My feeling was spot on.

"Um, could you give me a second to clean up...?"

"Don't worry about it! Pardon the intrusion~!"

Well, I'm worrying about it.

After buying some random ingredients at the convenience store, the blonde gal came straight to my apartment. She’d been serious about making me dinner. She walked right in before I could even stop her.

"Whoa, you actually keep this place pretty clean."

Her long blonde hair swayed as she looked around the room with interest. This was making me nervous.

"Alright. Let’s get cooking. Wait, you haven't even taken the plastic off this cutting board?"

When I’d started living alone, I’d been fired up to cook and bought all sorts of kitchenware, but I’d never ended up using any of it. I survived entirely on convenience store food and meals from my part-time job.

"Well, just chill and wait a bit."

The gal started humming as she began chopping ingredients, so I sat quietly and messed with my phone.

After a while, a delicious smell began to waft through the room.

"Here you go! A random meat and vegetable stir-fry set!"

"That was fast."

In less than twenty minutes, she’d whipped up a stir-fry and soup. Since I didn't have any rice, we were using the microwaveable kind.

"It’s just washing, cutting, and frying. It's totally easy. Anyway, let’s eat!"

"Thanks for the food... Wow, this is good."

I’d been a little worried since it was her cooking, but it was genuinely delicious. Salt, pepper... and I didn't know what else, but it was great. It had a nice little kick to it too.

"What did you use for the seasoning?"

"Salt, pepper, chicken bouillon, soy sauce, and... maybe some doubanjiang? You're always eating tantanmen, so you totally like spicy stuff, right? So I gave it a kick."

"You're like a pro..."

"Don't underestimate the pros! But hey, that makes me feel pretty good."

She grinned and stuffed her mouth with the stir-fry. She wasn't just cute; she was cool.

"But is this okay? Won't your family be waiting for you to come home for dinner? Oh, are you living alone too, Miss Gal?"

"Who the hell is 'Miss Gal'? Naruse Suzuka. High school sophomore. Just call me Suzuka."

"I'm Mura Tatsuya. So we're the same age. I'm a sophomore too."

"Nice to meet you, Tatsuya. Wait, you go to Soukoku too, right? We're at the same school!"

She’d switched to first names instantly. Her ability to close the distance was insane.

"I'm living alone... kind of. Well, I'm the only one in the house right now."

That was a bit of a roundabout way of putting it. She looked like she didn't want me to press her on it, so I changed the subject and we finished our dinner.

"Phew! I'm stuffed!"

"Thanks for the meal. I'll take care of the dishes."

"Nah, it’s fine. I'll do it. More importantly, now that we've got some food in us..."

As I stood up to clear the table, Suzuka-san gave my shoulder a shove. I fell back onto the bed. Suzuka-san leaned over me, her face filling my vision. She smelled really nice. Her fine blonde hair tickled my cheek.

"I'm gonna take some EXP, okay?"

"Uh..."

"You can't just let a girl into your room like that. You can't complain even if I attack you, you know?"

"Well, yeah, but I don't have any EXP."

"Even if you say you have 'none,' it can't be literal zero, right?"

"I’m really sorry to say this, but..."

I showed her the characters on my arm while making sure not to actually touch her. The character for <None>.

"It really is zero..."

"...For real?"

She stared at the <None> mark with a blank expression for a moment, then...

"Are you kidding meeeee?!"

Suzuka-san buried her face into the bed with a thump.

"You're always so careful about not letting me touch your hand at the store, so I totally thought you were one of those guys with a ton of EXP! I got my hopes up for nothing!"

"Uh, I'm sorry..."

"Nah, it ain't your fault. It’s totally on me."

As expected, EXP was everything for a man. Seeing Suzuka-san looking so disappointed made me feel incredibly guilty.

"I'm really, truly sorry."

"I told you, it’s not your fault. Ah, but man... no EXP, huh?"

Men without EXP weren't popular. If they had even a little, there was hope, but a man with absolutely zero had no charm.

Suzuka-san sat up and looked at me as she spoke.

"Well, let’s put the EXP stuff aside and just get busy then."

She seemed to have recovered and was pressing me again.

"Wait, why would it lead to that?!"

"I mean, we've already got the mood going, and I actually kind of like you, Tatsuya."

"But, um..."

"It’s fine, it’s fine. Is it your first time?"

"It is my first time, but..."

"It’s my first time with a guy who has no EXP too. I'm kind of curious what it’s like."

Suzuka-san straddled my waist and gave a mischievous grin. She started lifting my shirt... but I grabbed her shoulders and stopped her.

"No, we can't. We only just met today."

"What are you talking about? We've known each other for like, six months."

"No, no, no, we only found out each other’s names today. A man and a woman who aren't even dating shouldn't be doing this..."

"What are you, some kind of 'purity-obsessed' grandpa?"

As I resisted while being careful not to touch her skin directly, she pouted.

"What, do you hate the idea of doing it with me that much?"

"I don't hate it. In fact, I'm totally 'welcome' to the idea, but there are... circumstances."

"What kind of 'circumstances'?"

I couldn't exactly tell her that she’d die from pleasure if we did it.

"Well, whatever. If you have a reason, I guess I can't force you."

Suzuka-san didn't complain any further and smoothly pulled away from me. She gave a big stretch, revealing her slender waist and cute belly button.

"Alright, I'll finish the dishes."

"Oh, right. Thank you."

"And stop with the formal speech already."

She gave a "nishishi" laugh and started cleaning up as if nothing had happened, humming a song I didn't recognize in her beautiful voice.

Her beautiful profile, the small piercing. Her chest, which definitely wasn't small, pushing against her blouse. Her short skirt swaying, showing off her healthy-looking thighs.

To put it mildly, she was incredibly cute and cool. I wondered how happy I’d be if I could actually do it with a girl like her.

"Alright, all done! Tatsuya, I'm gonna head out now... Tatsuya?"

Ugh, if my EXP really was <None>, I could have lost my virginity today... Am I gonna die a virgin?

"Wait, Tatsuya, why are you crying?! Did I do something you hated?!"

"Uwaaaaaah... I wanted to get busy so baaaaaad...!"

"Huh?! Then you should've just done it earlier! I don't get you at all!"

As I shed pathetic tears, Suzuka-san comforted me while looking totally bewildered. Man, she really was a good person.

"You okay now? You good?"

"Yeah. Sorry for showing you such a pathetic side of me."

"It’s fine."

"And it’s gotten so late..."

I looked at the clock and saw it was past ten. Time for a wholesome high schooler to be home.

"It’s fine, I told you. There ain't no one at home anyway."

That reminded me, she’d said she was living alone.

"Can I ask you something... insensitive?"

"Depends on what it is. I might punch you, but go ahead."

"You're looking for someone with a lot of EXP, right? Do you have a reason for wanting to level up so fast?"

"Ah... well. Yeah. It ain't exactly a fun reason, but you want to hear it?"

"If you're okay with telling me."

Suzuka-san hesitated for a moment, then straightened her posture and began to speak.

"My mom has Petrification Disease."

Petrification Disease. It was a condition where the body became hard like stone. It usually started from the extremities—fingers or toes—and gradually spread. If it reached the lungs or throat, it caused breathing difficulties; if it reached the heart, it caused cardiac arrest. It could even affect the brain. It was a terrifying illness.

"There’s a plant in the dungeons that can cure Petrification Disease. I think it’s called 'Soft Gold Peach.' It only works for Petrification, and it’s a super rare plant, so the supply is tiny. There's no way I could ever afford the price they charge for it."

"So you want to get strong and go get it yourself?"

"Totally. I'm nowhere near the level I need to be yet, though. That’s why I'm working at the convenience store, looking for a guy who might be the one. And I need money for equipment too."

"Is your mom... still okay for now?"

"Yeah. She can't walk anymore, but she isn't gonna die right this second."

"Well, we don't know how long she’s got, though," she added in a small voice.

I didn't know what to say to such a heavy story. As I sat there in silence, looking down and searching for words, Suzuka-san looked up at me tentatively.

"...Are you put off?"

"Huh?"

Her unexpected question caught me off guard.

"Put off by what?"

"By the fact that my mom has Petrification. Sorry I didn't tell you."

"I don't think that’s something you just bring up to everyone, is it?"

"I mean, yeah, but..."

Suzuka-san’s eyes wandered as if she was having trouble saying something.

"There are rumors that Petrification is contagious, right? I mean, it’s totally a lie, obviously. But people still worry about it... people around me tend to avoid me because of it..."

"Ah..."

Hearing that, I finally understood what Suzuka-san was trying to say. Petrification wasn't contagious or hereditary. But because the symptoms were so frightening, people shunned those affected. Some people just didn't want to be anywhere near a patient.

"But didn't we learn about that in elementary school? That it isn't the kind of disease you can catch?"

When I said that, Suzuka-san gave a small smile.

"If everyone was as honest as you, Tatsuya, it’d be great. But people still avoid me. I guess it can't be helped."

Even though she was smiling, she looked down and pressed her hand to her eyes. She must have gone through so many painful experiences that I couldn't even imagine.

"I don't mean this as just a platitude, but I don't care at all."

"...For real? You aren't worried about being around me? You don't think you might catch it?"

"Nope, not at all. And despite turning you down earlier, if I could, I'd totally love to get busy with you, Suzuka-san."

"Pffft! What the hell is that?!"

Suzuka-san burst out laughing and wiped her eyes.

"Geez. Here I am being all serious. But thanks. Hearing you say that makes me super happy."

She said it with a smile, as if shaking off the dark atmosphere.

"So, can I come over and hang out again sometimes?"

"Yes, of course."

"You're too nice, Tatsuya. This isn't exactly a 'thank you,' but... once your 'circumstances' for not being able to do it are sorted out, tell me. I'll totally let you do it then."

"For real?! Yes, please!"

I answered instantly with a bow, making Suzuka-san laugh out loud.

"Where's your pride? Anyway, it’s late, so I'm gonna head out. Today was fun. Don't just eat tantanmen, okay?"

"Got it. I'll try to do some cooking myself."

Suzuka-san gave a casual wave over her shoulder and left without looking back. She was just way too cool until the very end.

"Man... I really wanted to get busy."

I wonder when the day will come when I finally get to lose my virginity.

◇　

"Mura! Hey, Mura! Look over there—it’s Billion-senpai!"

I was drifting off into a pleasant nap, lured by the warm spring breeze after fifth period, when Sakakibara poked me hard in the back.

"C'mon, man... I was finally having a good dream. What is it?"

"I told you, it’s Billion-senpai! God, it must be nice. Born with enough EXP to guarantee a high-class life... Some guys have all the luck."

I leaned out the waist-high window facing the hallway. Down below, a handsome guy with a troubled look on his face was walking by, surrounded by a swarm of female students. That was "Billion-senpai." His entourage was likely made up of girls from the Labyrinth Exploration course.

"Man, if I had a billion EXP, I’d have a harem of girls following me around just like that. I'd do whatever I wanted."

"I don't know, Sakakibara. He doesn't exactly look like he's having the time of his life."

"He's faking it! Totally playing it humble. I bet he's cycling through girls like crazy behind the scenes. Well, not like guys like us would ever know."

As I listened to Sakakibara ramble, I instinctively rubbed my arm—the one hiding an amount of EXP that made Billion-senpai look like a rounding error. If only I didn't have such a ridiculous amount like Immeasurable, maybe I could have had a normal, happy high school life surrounded by cute girls too...

"Whoa, look at that gyaru-ish girl! She’s smoking hot!"

I looked up at Sakakibara’s shout. Walking a short distance away from the crowd was a cool-looking blonde. Short bob, little piercings... a total standout.

Our eyes met as she turned toward us, likely having heard Sakakibara’s loud voice. It was Suzuka-san. When she spotted me, a grin spread across her face and she started heading our way.

"Crap, the scary blonde is coming this way!" Sakakibara hissed, immediately looking away. His "small-fry" energy was off the charts.

"Yo. First time catching you on campus, huh?"

"Oh, uh, yeah. Hey."

"What’s with the formal talk? You're killing me!" Suzuka-san let out a bright, peal of laughter. Then, she hopped up and perched herself lightly on the windowsill between the classroom and the hallway.

"Friend of yours?"

"Yeah. This is Sakakibara."

"Kakkie! What's good? I'm Naruse Suzuka. Nice to meet ya~"

"Oh, uh... yeah. I'm Sakakibara. Nice to meet you too..."

Sakakibara, who was usually loud and obnoxious when it was just us guys, turned into a shivering puppy the moment a girl talked to him. It was almost cute.

"Man, his guard is way too high," Suzuka-san said with a sigh. I followed her gaze to see Billion-senpai and his group of girls disappearing around the corner of the hallway.

"Billion-senpai?"

"Yeah. I thought I might have a 'one-in-a-million' chance if I approached him, but those third-year girls have him on total lockdown. Probably a lost cause."

Suzuka-san had mentioned wanting to level up quickly to find a cure for her mother’s Petrification Disease. Getting EXP from Billion-senpai would certainly bring her closer to that goal, but it looked like a tough nut to crack.

I touched my arm again. If only this number was a little smaller, I could have saved her mother myself.

"Well, I'm gonna give up for today and head back to class. Catch ya later, Tatsuya! You too, Kakkie!"

Suzuka-san waved over her shoulder as she walked away. Once she was out of sight, I felt a heavy fist thud into my back.

"Hey! Hey, Mura! Who was that?! Since when did you become buddies with a cute girl like that?!"

"It’s not a big deal. She just works at the convenience store near my place. We're just acquaintances."

"Liar! She called you by your first name! You were totally acting all buddy-buddy!"

"She’s just got crazy social skills, man. She called you 'Kakkie,' didn't she?"

"...I guess you're right. Damn, gyaru social energy is no joke."

"Besides, she’s in the Labyrinth Exploration course. There’s no way she’d actually be interested in a guy like me."

"Sad, but true. Heh... Still, does this mean my fun high school life with a cute gyaru is finally starting?"

Sakakibara started laughing like a creep, lost in his own delusions. I envied how little he had to worry about.

◇　

Since the day I didn't "get busy" with her, I started talking to Suzuka-san more often. We’d chat when we passed each other at school, eat ice cream in front of the convenience store after her shift, and sometimes she’d come over to my place to cook dinner.

Watching Suzuka-san in my kitchen wearing an apron, I couldn't help but wonder if this was what having a girlfriend felt like.

"A'ight, thanks for waiting!"

"Whoa, looks amazing!"

Tonight’s menu was Mapo Tofu. I didn't even know what seasonings went into making something like this. People who could cook were like magicians to me.

For the record, I paid for the ingredients. I got a delicious meal, and she got to save on food costs—it was a win-win for both of us.

"So, how's it going lately? Collecting much EXP?"

"Ugh, not at all. There aren't many 'good' prospects... I might have to just dive into the dungeons to get stronger, but diving deep without proper gear is way too risky..."

"I see..."

"Well, my mom’s condition is stable for now, so I guess I'll just keep looking the old-fashioned way."

It sounded like things weren't going as well as she’d hoped.

To break the heavy atmosphere, Suzuka-san reached for the remote and flicked on the TV.

'And now, performing their hit song "Comet," please welcome the three members of Trinity Spark!'

"Oh, look, it's Trispark!" Suzuka-san stopped her chopsticks, her eyes glued to the idols on the screen.

"Trispark?"

"Wait, you don't know them? They're the Idol Divers who've been blowing up lately."

"Idol Divers?"

"Yeah. Idols who also work as dungeon divers. Tatsuya, you're seriously out of the loop. You should watch this—it’ll totally change what you think about idols."

I turned my attention to the screen. There were three girls: one with white hair, one with pink hair, and one with blue hair. They stood on a darkened stage with their heads bowed. As the short intro ended and the song ramped up, they all looked up in unison.

"Whoa, no way!"

Suddenly, the three idols began to glow. And I don't mean that metaphorically—they were physically emitting light. White, pink, and blue trails followed their hands as they danced.

"When your level goes up, your aura increases. If you release that aura, your body actually glows. Combining that with an idol performance... it's a genius idea, right?"

While being idols, they were their own stage effects. They utilized jumping power impossible for normal humans and sometimes even used magic or skills to dazzle the audience.

The one who caught my eye the most was the white-haired girl in the center with a bob cut. She looked like the quiet type, but there was a fierce determination in her eyes. Even the sweat running down her face looked beautiful.

"Yurarin is so cute, right?"

"Yurarin?"

"The center with the white hair. Apparently, that’s her natural color."

"Huh. She looks like she was born to be an idol. Feels like a totally different world from mine."

I looked away from the TV and went back to my Mapo Tofu. A delicious meal right in front of me was more important than some distant idol world.

"Seriously, your cooking is the best! I can't stop eating!"

As I shoveled food into my mouth, Suzuka-san looked at me with a mix of exasperation and something that looked like happiness.

"I tell you idols are changing the game, and you care more about Mapo Tofu?"

"Well, it's delicious."

"Heh. Whatever. Thanks, I guess."

Suzuka-san gave me a "nishishi" grin. For a second, the line 'I think you're cuter than those idols' popped into my head, but I swallowed it along with the tofu.

◇　

The situation changed right around the time the cherry blossoms began to fall. When I went to the convenience store as usual, I saw Suzuka-san standing at the register with a hollow look in her eyes.

"Oh... Tatsuya..."

"What’s wrong? You don't look so good."

"Yeah... can I come over to your place today?"

"Sure. What about dinner?"

"I don't need any. I'm off soon, just wait for me."

It was rare to see the usually bright Suzuka-san so depressed. Feeling a sense of foreboding, I waited outside. When she finally came out, her head was still down.

We walked to my apartment in silence. A cherry blossom petal drifted down and got caught in her bangs. Suzuka-san just stared at it and sighed. She didn't even have the energy to brush it away.

Once we were inside, I made some coffee. Suzuka-san took hers black; I added milk to mine. It felt like a small defeat.

After a sip of coffee, Suzuka-san’s dry lips parted.

"Remember what I told you about my mom?"

"Yeah."

"The Petrification... it progressed..."

"...I see."

"It looks like it... metastasized... near her heart..."

"..."

Drip. Drip.

Tears began to fall from her beautiful eyes. They landed on her crossed legs and rolled off, forming dark spots on the carpet.

"They said... maybe a year... if that... sob..."

She hung her head, tears falling steadily. Seeing her so broken made my heart ache, but a stray thought crossed my mind—maybe that was why her lips were so dry, because she was losing so much fluid through her tears.

"Tatsuya... what do I do? I didn't make it in time... I didn't make it... I haven't gotten strong at all. I can't even dream of diving deep into the dungeon..."

"Suzuka-san..."

"I was an idiot for trying to rely on someone else... for looking for a guy with high EXP. If I’d just ignored the part-time job and spent all my time diving and grinding, maybe I could have found the Soft Gold Peach by now... I'm so stupid! I messed everything up! It's my fault... my fault Mom is gonna die! ...Uwaaaaaaaaaah!"

Suzuka-san grabbed my uniform and wailed. All I could do was stroke her back.

I don't know how long we stayed like that. Maybe ten minutes.

Eventually, Suzuka-san rubbed her eyes and looked up. Her light makeup was ruined, and her eyes were red, but she still looked beautiful and strong.

"Sorry, Tatsuya. I'm okay now."

"Don't worry about it."

"So... one year, huh? I guess I'll just have to charge into the dungeon and hope for a miracle. Maybe I'll get insanely lucky and find the peach."

She tried to sound like she was joking, but her eyes were cold. She’d made her decision—even if it meant dying in there.

But I wasn't going to let her die.

"Hey, Suzuka-san. I have a proposal. Can you listen? I don't think your choice was wrong. Because the person you're looking for... he’s right here."

I took off my jacket and removed the arm cover. I showed her my true EXP—the number I’d never shown anyone. The characters for Immeasurable.

"Muryou... taisuu? What... what is that?"

Suzuka-san stared at my arm in a daze.

"It’s a unit. Simply put, it’s a lot."

"Then why... why didn't you tell me sooner?!"

She lunged at me in a fury, and I had to hold her back without touching her skin directly.

"Because... you might die."

"Hah?! Die?! My mom is already—"

"No. You, Suzuka-san. You might die."

"I... I don't get it..."

I pulled out my phone and searched for a specific educational site—one meant for high school Health and PE classes.

"The amount of EXP transferred increases exponentially based on the intensity of the act. You know that, right?"

"Duh, it’s common sense..."

"So, holding hands or hugging only transfers a tiny amount. Most people only level up a little bit."

"So what?! Get to the point!"

"But that’s only when we're talking about millions or billions."

Next, I showed her a math site. One that listed numerical units.

One, ten, hundred, thousand, ten thousand, hundred million, trillion...

"Quadrillion... Quintillion... Sextillion... Septillion...? What is this? How far does it go...?"

Suzuka-san read through the unfamiliar units with a confused expression.

"Asamkhyeya... Nayuta... Acintya..."

And finally, at the very end: <Muryoutaisuu>.

"It’s not just a few zeros off. Even if the transfer is only a tiny fraction, the starting amount is so massive that just holding hands would transfer an insane amount of EXP."

"Ah... that’s why you were so careful about not touching my hand when I gave you change..."

"I tried to calculate it once. To see how much would transfer just by holding hands. And..."

Suzuka-san gulped.

"It was impossible. There isn't a calculator on Earth that can handle the numbers. They don't even fit on the screen."

"No way..."

"I’ve touched two women before. One was a former dungeon diver. She should have been strong, both physically and mentally. But she screamed and passed out."

"..."

"The other was a girl my age who wasn't a diver and probably had no experience with men. She collapsed the moment we touched and was taken away in an ambulance. I never found out what happened to her. If she woke up in the hospital, or if..."

If she never woke up again. The unspoken words reached Suzuka-san, and she wrapped her arms around herself.

"The person you were looking for is right here. It’s me. But I might 'break' you. I might even 'kill' you. If you're okay with that..."

I held out my hand. A hand of heaven, hell, hope, and despair.

"I'll give you my EXP."

Suzuka-san gave a violent shudder and took a deep breath.

"...Like I’m gonna say no."

"You won't regret it?"

"I won't. I'm gonna devour every last bit of your EXP, Tatsuya."

Suzuka-san’s eyes pierced right through me. This wasn't the desperate resolve from before. This was the resolve to take a step forward.

"Alright. Then just touch my finger. Just the tip."

"..."

Another deep breath. Slowly, her finger drew closer. Every nerve in my body was focused on my fingertip. Her white, soft fingertip grazed mine just a tiny bit.

"...Wait... No way... Ah, ah, ah..."

Because the surface area was so small, Suzuka-san didn't lose consciousness immediately. However, her eyes went misty, her cheeks flushed, and her body began to tremble.

"Nngh! ...This is bad... this is seriously bad... Ah..."

She was clearly struggling not to be swept away by the pleasure. She gritted her teeth hard, her eyes trying to stay focused.

"I... I didn't know... I didn't know it was like this! Hieeeeeeeeeeh!"

How much EXP was being transferred from just that tiny bit of contact? What was she feeling right now? I couldn't even begin to comprehend it.

I could only pray that she’d hold on.

"D-Damn it! I... I won't lose... for Mom... Ah, ah, ah..."

Suzuka-san endured. Her eyes were moist, and a thin trail of drool escaped her parted lips. Her loose uniform collar was damp with sweat, looking incredibly erotic, and her skirt was in disarray, revealing her beautiful thighs.

She looked... really sexy.

Even though she was enduring pain—or rather, "pleasure"—for her mother’s sake, I couldn't help but get incredibly turned on watching her. The amount of EXP transferred increases with excitement, and pleasure increases along with it. Sure enough, Suzuka-san’s face turned bright red and she began to writhe.

"Huh? Wait, wait! Wh-What?! Suddenly... it’s so... ah! It's so intense! Aaaaaaaah! Nnnnnnaaaaaah♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡!"

※We were only touching fingertips.

Unable to handle the incoming flood of pleasure, Suzuka-san arched her back violently, and our fingers broke contact.

"What was that? Seriously... what the hell was that...?"

She looked at me with eyes that were terrified, yet pleading, yet full of expectation.

"Are... are you okay?"

"Like hell I am!!"

Her knees were shaking uncontrollably, but she managed to stand up and glare at me.

"I-I'm going home for today!!"

"Ah, Suzuka-sa—"

Stumbling and walking with her knees together, Suzuka-san fled the apartment.

◇　

The next day, I went to the convenience store, but Suzuka-san wasn't there. Feeling a mix of anxiety and loneliness, I returned to my apartment to find a blonde high school girl sitting cross-legged in front of my door. A Boston bag was on her lap. She was resting her chin on her hand, looking up at me with an annoyed expression.

"You're late."

"Uh... welcome?"

"Hurry up and open the door."

"Oh, right."

She seemed incredibly grumpy, but at least she looked healthy. I unlocked the door, and she marched inside like she owned the place, flopping down onto my bed.

"Um, were you okay after yesterday?"

"...Shut up!"

When I asked, Suzuka-san’s face turned bright red and she threw her Boston bag at me. It was mostly full of clothes, so it didn't hurt.

"What’s with the bag?"

"Clothes. Toothbrush. Skincare stuff. Other things."

"Why did you bring all that?"

"................Because I'm moving in."

"Huh?"

"I said I'm staying here for a while! Read the room! You idiot! Stupid Tatsuya!"

"That’s a bit much..."

Suzuka-san crawled into my futon, only her flushed face peeking out as she pouted.

"What? You got a problem with it?"

"It’s not that I have a problem, but... give me a reason."

"............There’s no way I could've gone home and taken a bath in that state."

She muttered the words in a tiny voice.

"Wait, what?"

"Shut up! Don't make me say it twice!"

She grabbed my pillow and chucked it at me.

"I mean, I'd let you use the bath..."

"I know you could hear me!"

She looked around for something else to throw, grabbed the desk clock, and wound up... but then put it back down, probably worried about breaking it. What a good girl.

She shook her head like a dog to straighten out her messy blonde hair and then sat up straight.

"Yesterday... my level went up a ton. But I almost passed out. I want to level up faster... and, um..."

She was blushing and stuttering, not making much sense.

"So, basically?"

"Give me your EXP, Tatsuya. Please. I know it’s a bother, but let me stay here for a while."

She gave a small, polite bow.

"Are you... sure? I might do something to you if you pass out."

"Fine. I was gonna get busy anyway. More importantly, I want the EXP. I want to save Mom. Before it’s too late."

Suzuka-san’s mind was made up. I also wanted her mother to live and for Suzuka-san to keep smiling.

"Alright. Let’s do our best together."

And so, my life with Suzuka-san began.

"I'm a guy, so I don't really get the whole level thing. How high do you need to go?"

"Nngh... the dungeon floors... and... nnh... the level... ah... if you think of them as... having the same value... hieeeeeeh! That... that works... ah, ah, ah..."

"I see. And the Soft Gold Peach you're looking for... which floor is it on?"

"Seven... ty... hiiee!♡ Seventy-two! There have been reports... of it being found... there!♡"

"Right, so we need to get you to at least level seventy-two."

Suzuka-san and I were lying on the bed, our fingertips lightly touching. We were having a conversation that was the furthest thing from "erotic" to keep her from being swept away by the pleasure.

"But... nngh! ...That’s... huff... only if you have a... well-balanced party... hwaaaah!♡"

"I see. Since you're solo, you need to be at a much higher level."

"I... I'm a speed... and evasion type... so, so, sooooo!♡ ...It's easier... to explore... solo... with those stats... hwaaaaaah!♡ ...So I don't... need to... go that high... huff... huff... maybe a hundred... one hundred... hyaaaaaaa!♡"

"A hundred, huh? I guess the level cap isn't a hundred then."

"The... the highest level... in the world...♡♡ ...is... over five hundred... ah, ah, ah, ah...♡♡♡"

"Five hundred! She must be crazy strong. What level are you now?"

"Twen-twen-twenty-two...♡ ah, ah, ah... wait, twenty-three...♡ it just went up...♡ Tatsuya, Tatsuyaaaaaa!♡♡♡"

※We were still only touching fingertips.

"I see. It seemed like Sagara-sensei leveled up faster, but it really does look like the amount of EXP transferred is proportional to the surface area of contact. When Sensei fell on me, our bodies touched, so the surface area was much larger. Maybe we're only at about a hundredth of that right now?"

"A hundredth?!♡♡ If it was a hundred times this... I'd die!♡♡ No way!♡♡ I'd definitely die!♡♡♡"

Suzuka-san, who had been gritting her teeth, looked at me with moist, pleading eyes. Her gaze was intense.

"Tatsuya...♡ Tatsuya...♡ please...♡ Aaaaah! I can't... I can't take it anymore! Let go! Let go of me!♡♡♡"

"You're the one who has to let go, Suzuka-san. I can't tell when you've hit your limit."

"No!♡♡ I don't... I don't want to let go! I don't want to! Nnaaaaaah!♡♡♡♡♡♡"

"What am I supposed to do...? Oh, and make sure to tell me when your level goes up. I want to know how much EXP is flowing."

"Twen-twenty-eight...♡ nngh... twenty-eight...♡ right now!♡ I'm at twenty-eight!♡♡♡ Aaaaaaaaaah!♡♡♡ Twenty-nine! Twenty-nine! Nine! Niiiine!♡♡♡♡♡"

※She was reporting her level while we touched fingertips.

Suzuka-san’s eyes were starting to lose focus. She was at her limit. I gave her hand a quick squeeze and immediately let go. It was soft, hot, and a little damp.

"?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! THIIIIIIIRTYYYYY!♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

※I only held her hand for a second.

Suzuka-san gave an especially large jolt, then collapsed onto her pillow, breathing heavily.

"You hit thirty! Congrats!"

"Ta... Tatsuya... you... you're gonna pay for that..."

For some reason, she glared at me with feverish eyes. I silently moved my hand toward her face again.

"Aaaah! No, no, no! I was kidding! I was totally kidding! Thank you! Thank you, Tatsuya! I'm super grateful! Argh!"

As if trying to shake off feelings she couldn't quite name, she ruffled her hair and stood up with shaky legs.

"Where are you going?"

"To the bath! Stop asking me stuff, you virgin!"

Suzuka-san spat out the words and leaned against the wall as she stumbled toward the bathroom.

After a few minutes, she finished her shower and flopped face-down onto the bed without even drying her hair. She was clearly exhausted. She tried to dry her wet hair with a towel, but her hand soon fell limp.

I knew she was tired, but she really needed to dry her hair properly.

"Suzuka-san, Suzuka-san. Aren't you going to dry your hair?"

"...Nn-lo. Tatsuya, do it for me."

Suzuka-san slowly sat up and crossed her legs on the bed. Her eyes were barely open, and her small head was swaying.

I had no choice but to get the hairdryer from the bathroom. That’s when it hit me. A girl—and a seriously beautiful one at that—was in my room, in her loungewear.

The collar of the oversized T-shirt she was wearing was slightly lopsided, revealing a black strap that looked like a bra strap on her slender shoulder. Her crossed legs were bare up to her thighs, barely hidden by the hem of the shirt. Wait, is she even wearing anything underneath?

As I stared at her in spite of myself, her drooping eyes opened just a crack. My eyes met her hazy ones.

"Tatsuya...? Hurry up..."

"O-Oh. Yeah. On it."

The sight was way too much for a virgin like me, and I started acting like a total weirdo.

I swallowed hard and sat behind her. The scent of shampoo tickled my nose.

"H-Here I go."

For some reason, I announced it formally and carefully started drying her fine hair, being careful not to touch her scalp.

While I was nervously and meticulously drying her hair, Suzuka-san was swaying her head sleepily. Every now and then her neck would snap, and I could even hear the faint sound of her breathing as she slept.

"..."

She was so cute. Too cute. Drying her hair on the same bed... that’s something only couples do. Smelling her scent was making me more and more turned on.

"Wait, she did say I could do stuff to her..."

That’s right. I had her permission. Anything should be allowed. Yes, anything!

"...Well, I'm not actually the kind of guy who can do stuff to a person who's sleeping so peacefully."

Suzuka-san was clearly trusting me. Breaking that trust felt wrong.

But at the very least, I could satisfy a small urge.

The moment I finished drying her hair, Suzuka-san fell over onto the bed. I turned off the light and lay down next to her.

Being careful not to touch her skin directly, I gently hugged her slender waist from behind. Her body felt so fragile, like it might break. She was trying to brave the dungeons with such a small body. If there was anything I could do, I wanted to help her.

"Good luck, Suzuka-san. For now, sleep well."

I whispered the words and closed my eyes.

"Nngh..."

Just then, Suzuka-san rolled over and turned toward me.

Before I could move away, something soft brushed against my lips.

"Oh."

"Nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnngh!♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

Her body gave a sharp jolt, and then all the strength left her.

"Wait, no way... are you okay...?"

"Nn... ngh...♡ ...zzzz... zzzz..."

"Oh, thank god..."

Seeing her go back to sleep a moment later, it seemed like there were no major issues.

"G-Goodnight, Suzuka-san."

To make sure no more "accidents" happened, I decided to sleep on the floor.

Even though this was my apartment…

◇　

"Hey, wake your ass up already."

"…Is that any way for a squatter to treat their landlord?"

When I opened my eyes, I found Suzuka-san sitting on the bed, grinding her foot into my hip. Her foot felt surprisingly good against my back, which had grown stiff from sleeping on the hard floor.

Suzuka-san didn't answer my question. Instead, her face flushed red as she averted her gaze.

"…What’d you do while I was asleep?"

"Huh? Nothing in particular. I just dried your hair. You really should dry it before you pass out, you know. I was worried the pillow would start growing mold."

"D-Don't lie to me! It went up! My level!"

It seemed Suzuka-san’s level had increased because of the ‘accident’ yesterday. I see. That’s how she found out.

"I didn't really do anything. I might have touched your head a bit while I was drying your hair, though."

"You think a little touch could make it jump this much?!"

"How many did you gain?"

"Seven! Seven whole levels! You definitely did something weird to me!"

So, her level jumped by seven in just that short span of time? That’s incomparable to just touching hands.

"Well, it’s a good thing it went up, right? Besides, didn’t you say I could do whatever I wanted while you were asleep, Suzuka-san?"

"That! …Well, I mean… I did say that, but…"

Suzuka-san began to fidget, her knees pressed together.

"………………I-If you’re gonna do it anyway, do it while I’m awake… you idiot, Tatsuya."

She whispered those words in a voice so tiny I almost missed them.

"Eh, what was that?"

"N-Nothing! Idiot! Idiot Tatsuya!"

"If I did it while you were awake, you’d just lose consciousness anyway."

"~~~! So you did hear me! Stop pretending you didn’t!"

A bright red Suzuka-san started chucking pillows at me. I have to admit, she’s surprisingly fun to tease.

I checked the clock; it was just before eight in the morning. I’d actually managed to get a decent amount of sleep.

"Suzuka-san, what are you doing today? I’m going to be out until pretty late."

"It’s Saturday, isn't it? What’ve you got going on? Makeup classes?"

Do I really look that stupid?

"It’s a part-time job."

"Oh? You’ve got a job? Doing what?"

"I’m a hall staff member at a somewhat high-end French restaurant. I just carry food and pour wine, stuff like that."

"You’re tall, Tatsuya, so I bet you look the part."

"The customers are all couples or big shots, so they don’t even look at a staff member like me. Here, I’ll leave a spare key for you."

"Thanks."

She took the key and tossed it onto the desk before reaching for a manga on the bookshelf. It looked like she was planning to use my room as a private internet café today. Suzuka-san gave me a casual wave without even looking back, and I waved back before heading off to work.

"Tatsuya-kun, once you’re done bussing that table, you’re free to head out."

"Thank you. Man, today was exhausting."

Matsumoto Honoka-san, my senior at work, gave my shoulder a gentle pat as she spoke. Wiping the sweat from her brow, Honoka-san gave me a radiant smile.

"The reception today was a huge success! The look on the guests’ faces when they ate the Rossini! And the bride and groom looking so proud of themselves! It was the best!"

Honoka-san was clearly delighted that the wedding banquet had gone off without a hitch; she couldn't stop smiling. Seeing her like that made the rest of the staff break into happy grins as well.

The place I work is a French restaurant that caters to a high-end clientele and is often used as a wedding venue. The level of busyness during a reception is on a whole different level compared to a normal shift. Honestly, fifteen hundred yen an hour feels a bit cheap for this. However, my reason for working here isn't just the paycheck.

The food made by the chef—Honoka-san’s father—is absolutely incredible. He uses ingredients harvested from dungeons, and the flavor is nothing short of exquisite.

Generally speaking, "dungeon ingredients" are incredibly expensive. They can’t be mass-produced, and gathering them involves risking one's life. Given their superior taste, it’s only natural for the price tag to be steep.

But by working at this restaurant, I get to eat those superlative dishes for my staff meal.

"My dad said that since we harvested a lot of ingredients with my mom this time, there’s plenty for the staff meals. Look forward to it."

"Are you serious?! Does that mean…?"

"Of course! The main dish, the Rossini, too!"

"Yes!"

I couldn't help but pump my fist in victory.

Tournedos Rossini. It’s the height of luxury—a thick cut of beef tenderloin topped with foie gras and garnished with black truffles. It looked so delicious that I’d had to fight back the urge to drool while serving it to the tables. And now, I was going to eat it. To be honest, the staff meal is becoming more of a draw than the actual wages. A high school student doesn't usually get the chance to eat Rossini.

Honoka-san and her mother handle the ingredient procurement, and her father does the cooking. That’s why they can provide it so affordably.

"We also have Dungeon Pufferfish, so you’ve got a lot to look forward to."

"Pufferfish! Is it really okay for a high schooler to be eating such fancy stuff…?"

"Ahaha, you might have a hard time in the future once your palate gets spoiled."

"I’m worried about my future too… Oh, right. This is a bit of a cheeky request, but would it be possible to take some home? A friend is coming over today, and I’d love to let them try it."

"Sure! I’ll ask my dad for you. Go ahead and make that friend a captive of our cooking!"

Without a hint of annoyance, Honoka-san headed toward the pantry with a smile. She was likely going to put in the word with her father.

While I changed from my uniform back into my street clothes, I received the food packed for takeout and headed home with a satisfied grin.

"I’m back—"

As I opened the door to my apartment, a soft, pleasant scent tickled my nose. It was a slightly sweet aroma, perhaps shampoo or fabric softener. It wasn't the kind of smell that usually belonged in a bachelor's room.

There was no reply, so I thought she might have stepped out, but the duvet on the bed was bulging, and I could see a hint of blonde hair. On the desk sat a half-drunk cola and a half-eaten bag of snacks.

It seemed Suzuka-san had spent the entire day being a total slob. And here I was, having worked since morning. This must be how a husband feels when he comes home to a lazy stay-at-home wife.

Since I’d spent the day working and sweating, I figured I was entitled to a little prank on my lazy wife. I thrust my hand under the duvet Suzuka-san was sleeping beneath. Since I couldn't tell what position she was in, I wasn't sure where I was touching, but I fumbled against her soft body and made contact with her bare skin.

"…………♡♡♡♡♡! …………………………♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡!"

The duvet bucked and jerked several times before I pulled my hand away. I could hear heavy, ragged breathing coming from under the covers, but I ignored it and began preparing dinner.

Following the instructions from Honoka-san’s father—who had been quite reluctant to let me take the food to go—I briefly heated the beef tenderloin in a frying pan and plated it. He’d been worried about the flavor changing, but honestly, neither Suzuka-san nor I have such refined palates that we’d notice such a subtle difference.

Just as I finished setting the Rossini, the pufferfish carpaccio, and some bread on the table, Suzuka-san suddenly bolted upright.

"Hah!"

"Whoa, you scared me! Suzuka-san, what’s wrong?"

With her hair a mess and sleep still in her eyes, Suzuka-san looked around frantically before speaking.

"I had… the most insanely erotic dream."

Are you a middle school boy?

"Wait, is that… something that smells really good?"

"You’re quite busy, jumping from lust to gluttony. I got a staff meal at work today, and they let me take some home as a special favor. Of course, I brought your share too."

"For real?! You’re a god! I’ve literally only eaten snacks all day, I’m starving!"

Despite having just woken up, her appetite was fully active. She hopped off the bed and took a seat at the small table.

"…"

Her honest, straightforward reaction was so much like a Golden Retriever that I found myself instinctively patting her head.

"…Whadda you want?"

"Nothing, just thought you were kind of cute."

"Hah? …Shut up."

Her words were harsh, but her cheeks were slightly flushed. She was definitely embarrassed.

Shaking off the mood, I picked up my chopsticks. This room didn't have anything as sophisticated as knives and forks.

"Well then, itadakimasu."

"Time to dig in!"

When I pressed my chopsticks into the meat, the foie gras and the tenderloin sliced apart as easily as warm butter. Swallowing once, I popped a piece into my mouth.

"…This is bad. This is really bad. High schoolers shouldn't be allowed to eat this."

The moment I bit down, a juicy yet delicate burst of umami exploded in my mouth. That was followed by the rich, creamy texture of the foie gras. Finally, the savory, aged aroma of the black truffles was tied together by an exquisite red wine sauce. It was just… delicious. It was delicate, yet violently flavorful.

"…Oh my god. Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit."

Suzuka-san was muttering "holy shit" over and over again. Her vocabulary had completely failed her, but the message that it was delicious came through loud and clear.

Apparently, truly incredible food robs humans of their words. In the end, Suzuka-san and I finished our dinner without having anything resembling a real conversation.

After finishing the mind-blowing Rossini and the pufferfish carpaccio, we even used the bread to wipe up every last drop of sauce from the plates. For a while afterward, we both sat there in a daze.

Surprisingly, I didn't feel any sense of loss now that the meal was over; I was simply filled with a profound sense of satisfaction and euphoria.

"…We just ate it like it was nothing, but… that was definitely dungeon food, wasn't it?"

After about five minutes of stunned silence, Suzuka-san asked while opening and closing her hands.

"Yeah. Good catch. I guess anyone would know with a taste like that."

"It’s not just the taste. I can literally feel power surging through me."

"Surging power? What do you mean?"

I tried tensing my muscles, but I didn't feel anything out of the ordinary.

"Ah, maybe guys don’t get it. Dungeon ingredients have special effects, you know? It’s like food in a video game. Like, 'Attack Up for 3 minutes' or whatever. Maybe it only works on women, since they’re the ones with the concept of levels."

"Heh, I didn't know that. So, what’s the deal with what we ate today? They said the black minotaur tenderloin, the king duck foie gras, and the dungeon pufferfish were all harvested from the 70th floor."

"That’s a lineup a commoner could never even dream of touching…"

Suzuka-san began searching for something on her phone. She probably found a site that listed ingredients and their special effects.

"Black minotaur meat is Attack and Defense Up, foie gras is Stamina Up, and pufferfish is Poison Immunity. Looks like the effects last for about two hours. Since they’re high-end ingredients, the buffs are insane."

"It feels like a bit of a waste that we aren't going into the dungeon then."

"It really is a waste… In that case, we better put them to good use."

"Good use? You want to go to the dungeon now?"

"Not that."

Thud. A shock hit my shoulders. Before I knew it, I was pinned to the floor with Suzuka-san mounting me.

"If my defense and stamina are up, that means I can handle more of the pleasure when I take your experience points, right? Probably."

Suzuka-san looked down at me with a feverish gaze. She no longer saw me as anything but prey.

"…Is there a 'Lust Up' effect in there too, by any chance?"

"Heh, you’re pretty sharp. The foie gras had it. Libido Up."

Of course it did.

"Tatsuya… you better be ready."

"P-Please go easy on me…"

There was no way I could win against her strength anyway. I gave up and let my body go limp.

"Huuuuuuh♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡………… Huuuuuuuuh♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

Suzuka-san remained straddled on top of me, her teeth clenched as she tried to endure. Her eyes were moist with tears, and her focus would occasionally waver. She was desperately fighting against the pleasure.

Even with the buffs from the dungeon food, we hadn't quite reached the stage of… well, doing it.

What we were doing right now was 'lover’s hand-holding.' Suzuka-san was sitting on my stomach, her fingers tightly interlaced with mine.

Compared to last time, she was holding out much better, but she was still nowhere near being able to handle anything more intense.

"Suzuka-saaan. How’s the count lookin'?"

"Huuuuuuuuh♡♡♡♡♡ Huuuuuuuuuh♡♡♡♡♡ F-Fifty………… twooo♡♡♡♡♡♡ Huuuuh♡♡♡♡♡♡ Huuuuuuuh♡♡♡♡♡♡"

Note: They are literally just holding hands.

"Coming along nicely, then."

"Huuuuuuuuuh♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Tatsuyaaa♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Don’t you………… underestimate me♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

"I mean, it’s hard not to when you’re in that state… Where’d all that bravado from earlier go?"

"S-Shut up♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ You stupid Tatsuyaaaa♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

"Instead of not underestimating you, how about I just lick you? Your level would probably go up way faster that way."

"AAAAAAAAAAAAAA No no no no no♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ I’m sorry, I’m sorry! I was just getting cocky♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

That day, Suzuka-san endured until she hit level 70 before losing consciousness.

◇　

Since crossing level 70, Suzuka-san’s leveling speed has started to slow down. It’s only natural that the amount of experience required increases as the level goes up.

Now, just touching fingertips won’t even gain her a single level in a day.

Well, even so, Suzuka-san’s mother still has nearly a year left. If we just take it slow and level up bit by bit without overdoing it, we should make it in time.

However, a cruel reality arrived to mock our optimism.

One day, Suzuka-san came over after her shift as usual. But her expression was different than usual.

"Welcome back, Suzuka-san. …Suzuka-san?"

Suzuka-san stood in the entryway, staring into my eyes with a dead-serious expression. Her eyes were fixed.

"My mom… she’s fallen into a coma."

"…That’s sudden."

"The petrification disease metastasized near her brain. The doctor says we don’t even have a month left."

"That’s… not long at all."

"That’s why… that’s why I want to raise my level today. As much as we can in one night. Then, starting tomorrow, I’m going into the dungeon."

"Can you handle it? At worst, you could die, you know?"

"I don’t care. If I don’t do this, my mom is going to die."

Suzuka-san spoke with eyes full of iron resolve. I knew nothing I said would change her mind.

"If I die, I’m sorry. It’ll cause a lot of trouble for you, Tatsuya. I know it’s a selfish request. But this is the only way. I don’t have any other options. No other chances. So, please."

Suzuka-san, uncharacteristically formal, bowed her head deeply.

"It’s fine. I want your mom to live too. Let’s do our best together."

"Yeah. Thanks, Tatsuya."

I invited Suzuka-san into the room, and we sat on the bed facing each other.

"The amount of experience that transfers is proportional to the surface area of contact. So, let’s just hold each other until morning."

I took off my shirt as I spoke. Suzuka-san looked somewhat dissatisfied.

"We aren't going all the way?"

"You’d definitely die if we did that. Well, if you think you can handle it, I don’t mind, though."

"You said it."

With a slightly provocative smirk, Suzuka-san took off her uniform as well, leaving her in just her underwear. Her long, slender limbs were laid bare.

Noticing my eyes were glued to her, Suzuka-san grinned.

"You’re really staring, huh?"

"…I’ve never done anything like this before. Of course I am. By the way, the amount of experience transferred also fluctuates based on how excited I am, so you probably shouldn't provoke me too much."

"Just what I wanted."

Suzuka-san moved closer to me, pressing her chest against mine. Her soft-looking twin mounds looked cramped as they were crushed against the fabric.

"Then, get ready."

I gently placed my right hand on Suzuka-san’s shoulder. It was smooth, slender, yet soft, as if it were suctioning to my skin. I moved my hand to her neck, then her cheek.

Immediately, Suzuka-san’s body flushed hot. She sat in a seiza position, her body beginning to writhe. Yet, she didn't let out a sound.

Only her heated breath escaped in silent gasps.

"You’re doing great."

"I-I’m fine… this is nothing… nnhっ♡………… gah♡"

Despite her tough talk, Suzuka-san was struggling to keep from being swallowed by the pleasure. To push her further, I touched her thigh with my left hand.

"aah♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

Suzuka-san’s body tilted for a moment, but she managed to steady herself.

"Look at you, hanging in there."

"…I told you, it’s a piece of cake♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ This is nothing♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

Even though it was obvious she was at her limit, she continued to act tough. I actually felt a bit of respect for her.

"How’s your level? Is it going up?"

"Eighty………… three♡♡♡♡♡♡♡…… guh, giii…♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

"It’s going up, all right."

It was rising, but not at a pace that would clear level 100 by tomorrow morning. Suzuka-san’s mother’s condition was dire, and Suzuka-san was likely going to push herself in the dungeon no matter what.

In that case, I wanted her level to be at least 150 just to be safe. Since she didn't seem to have any decent equipment, I wanted her to be strong enough to handle the 100th floor with just her bare body.

"Suzuka-san, brace yourself."

"What… are you…?"

I pulled Suzuka-san’s body, which was already trembling from the pleasure, firmly toward me. Then, I embraced her. Her warm, soft body fit perfectly in my arms. The sweet scent of her hair mixed with the milky aroma of her skin.

"~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~っ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

Her hot body bucked and jerked in my arms.

"Suzuka-san, how are you feeling?"

"……………………………………………… Tatsua♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

"Suzuka-san?"

"………… Nine, ty…………………… twooo♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

"It went up."

It was a good pace. Now, it just depended on whether Suzuka-san could endure it. I had no way of knowing what kind of pleasure or what kind of hell she was experiencing. But for the sake of her precious mother, Suzuka-san would hold out.

After a while, Suzuka-san squirmed, so I loosened my grip slightly to look at her face.

"You okay?"

"Phew~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡, phew~~~~~~~~~~~~♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

She wrapped her arms around my neck, sat on my lap, and stared at me with eyes that were completely melted. This was the cool, gyaru Suzuka-san.

"Suzuka-san, should we stop for a bit?"

"…Don’t stop♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡…… nnh-ah."

Suzuka-san brought her face close and pressed her lips firmly against mine.

"─────────────────────────♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

"Suzuka-san?!"

My mind went blank at the suddenness of it. Just from the surfaces of our lips touching, my body felt like it was on fire.

I tried to pull away, but she had me held in a lock and wouldn't budge. A man has no hope of winning against a leveled-up woman.

While our lips had touched once before during the accident, this was the first time we’d ever truly kissed like this. The squishy, soft, and moist sensation made my heart beat faster and faster. I felt an urge to just lose myself and ravage her.

Then, Suzuka-san began to peck at my lips with her soft ones.

"Hamuuh♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ ah, ah♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ amuu…♡♡♡♡♡♡ Nnnnnnn♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ nchu, ngh-aaaaah♡♡♡♡♡♡"

I never imagined that the act of kissing could bring so much pleasure. I was so filled with pleasure and euphoria that my head felt dizzy.

If she was receiving a massive amount of experience points while kissing like this, I couldn't even imagine what she was feeling. If it were me, I definitely wouldn't be able to stand it.

Even as her slender body convulsed violently, Suzuka-san held me tight and wouldn't let go. If anything, her grip was getting stronger. It was as if she were saying she’d never let me go, that she was going to squeeze every last drop out of me.

"…Ku, nngh-uuuuuuuuuuh ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

Suzuka-san arched her back particularly far, and our lips parted in the process.

"Haah♡♡♡♡♡♡ Haah♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ One hundred… and twooo♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡…… Kissing really is, like, insane♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

She’d already passed level 100. But I couldn't take my eyes off the lips we’d just been sharing. My first proper kiss in my life. My pulse wouldn't settle down.

"Ahaha♡♡♡♡♡♡ Don’t look at me with such a hungry face♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

Our bodies were still pressed together. Even though she must have been feeling a near-breaking level of pleasure, Suzuka-san managed a smirk.

"If you want it that bad, I’ll give you something even better♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Amuuh♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

Once again, those soft lips touched mine. Then, I felt something slimy being forced between my lips.

"Nngh-ah?!"

My vision flickered with sparks as I was drowned in pleasure. I instinctively tried to arch my back and get away, but she grabbed my head and forced it back.

"NNNNNNNNNNNN♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Ah… nngh♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ I’m not letting gooo♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Tatsuyaaa♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

I was being force-fed inescapable pleasure. Even though she should have been feeling even more pleasure than I was, Suzuka-san refused to let go of my head. Levels, experience points—none of that was in our minds anymore.

Ah, so this is what it feels like to be ‘devoured.’ That was the thought that crossed my mind. My brain was melting from the pleasure of our tongues entangling. I wanted to run, yet I was held by a powerful force, and pleasure was being forcibly poured into me through my lips. I felt like I understood Suzuka-san’s feelings just a little bit.

"Feels good, right? ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ It feels good, Tatsuyaaa♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Nn-ah♡ Nn, nn, nn♡♡♡♡♡ You want to keep doing this forever, don’t you? ♡♡♡♡♡ Kuuh♡♡♡ Ah♡♡♡ Kuuh♡♡♡♡♡ Ahaha♡♡♡♡ Holy… holy shit♡♡♡ Already… oh god♡♡♡ I’m gonna… gooo♡♡♡♡ I’m go-ing♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ I’m gonna cum nowww♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Tatsuyaaa♡♡♡♡ Chu♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Nchu♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ It’s not enough, is it? ♡♡♡ Still… still not enough at all♡♡♡♡♡ Not enough, right? ♡♡♡♡♡ More… give me more♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Pour more and more and more of yourself into me, okay? You’ll feel even better and better and better, right? ♡♡♡♡♡ Right, Tatsuyaaa? ♡♡♡♡♡ Wah♡♡♡♡ This is crazy♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Are you getting excited? ♡♡♡♡ Do you want to do more dirty things that bad? ♡♡♡♡♡ Fine with me♡♡♡♡ Until I pass out♡♡♡♡ you can pour all of yourself into me♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Ah, ah, ah, ah, ah♡♡♡♡♡ My… my head is… flashing♡♡♡ I’m gonna eat everything up, okay? Nishishishi♡ You’re happy, aren't you? ♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Let’s stay like this forever, okay? Forever♡ Let’s be stuck together for life, okay? Ah, shit, holy shit♡♡♡♡ It’s cuming♡♡♡♡ A big one’s cuming♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ K-Ku, nngh-aaaaaaaaaaaaah♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡ Holy shit, holy shit, holy shit, holy shit♡♡♡ I’m cumming-uuuuuuuuuuuh♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡"

That hellish pleasure continued until we, soaked in sweat, both lost consciousness.

◇　

The city of Shibuya, before the sun had even risen. Right in the middle of it was a gaping hole about a hundred meters in diameter. That was the entrance to the Shibuya Dungeon. I’d heard it used to be a scramble crossing where people frequently came and went.

Among the dungeons found all over the world, this one was apparently quite far along in its exploration, with the current deepest point being the 312th floor. Relay points up to the 30th floor could be seen on large displays mounted on the walls of nearby buildings.

Amidst the people frequently passing by with large amounts of equipment and luggage, Suzuka-san stood out, looking completely out of place in her disheveled school uniform and backpack.

Even though she looked totally out of her element, she was likely stronger than almost anyone else here.

The level Suzuka-san had reached yesterday was 170. Even if she went to the floors where the Petrifaction Peaches grew, she should be fine. Probably.

Suzuka-san showed her diver card to the Dungeon Management Bureau official at the entrance. She took a step into the dungeon and then turned around.

"Tatsuya. I’m going."

"Yeah. I know it’s useless to tell you not to overdo it. So…"

I trailed off for a moment and thrust my fist forward.

"For your mom’s sake, make sure you find it!"

Suzuka-san’s eyes widened for a second, then she broke into a grin and bumped her fist against mine.

"You bet your ass I will! Nngh♡ Nishishi, level 171! I’m off!"

Suzuka-san leaped down the stairs leading to the first floor.

For a while, I stood at the entrance of the dungeon, staring at the large displays reflected on the walls of the buildings. Even though the sun hadn't risen yet, it was bright thanks to the lights from the buildings and the displays; in fact, night never truly came to this place.

Suzuka-san dashed through the relay points without stopping once. After she sped past the 30th floor, she disappeared from all the displays. From there on, it was impossible to watch her progress. She would likely be running around the dungeon for at least a week.

She might show up on the channels of some dungeon streamers, but I didn't see any need to go out of my way to look for them.

This was as far as I could go. All I could do now was pray she’d have the luck to achieve her goal quickly.

As I absentmindedly watched the brilliantly lit displays for a while, I noticed footage of an idol diver playing.

"I guess they’d play that. Apparently, she’s exploding in popularity right now."

It was the idol diver trio called Trinity Spark that I’d seen with Suzuka-san before. The one who stood out most was the center, Yurarin. Her image color was white, matching her own white hair. Watching her dance while draped in a white aura that was slightly tinged with blue, she looked as beautiful as a fairy.

Trinity Spark’s dance finished, and they moved into a free talk segment.

'Actually, I’m looking for someone. I thought if I became an idol and stood out, maybe they’d notice me and get in touch someday.'

'Whoa! Is it your first love, maybe?!'

'No, it’s not really anything like that, but…'

The beautiful girl and the host went back and forth.

"Man, that’s a whole different world."

On one side was a beautiful girl who was both an idol and a diver; on the other was a plain guy who couldn't even manage an experience point transfer properly. We lived in different worlds.

Averting my eyes from the glamorous world on the screen, I headed home.

◇　

A week had passed since Suzuka-san left for the dungeon. I still hadn't heard a single word from her about her return.

"I wonder if she’s okay…"

I let the solitary thought slip into the quiet, suddenly too-spacious room.

It was 4:00 AM—exactly one week to the hour since Suzuka-san had first stepped into the abyss. Sleep eluded me, so I sat watching the clock, my mind drifting. What was the dungeon actually like?

It was a place where plants could cure diseases modern medicine couldn't touch, and creatures lived that tasted more divine than anything on Earth. It was a literal treasure trove of mineral wealth and energy resources. A dream-like vault of wonders, strictly forbidden to men.

I recalled a story about a CEO of a major corporation who headed into the lower floors with a massive detachment of bodyguards; in the end, only the CEO returned—as a corpse.

"I definitely don’t have the guts for that," I muttered.

In this world, a man’s only real role was to serve as a walking battery of experience points for women.

As I was lost in these cynical reflections, my front door suddenly erupted in a violent cacophony of rattling and banging.

"Tatsuya! Tatsuya! You in there?!"

"Whoa! What the—?!"

I bolted upright at the sudden shouting and rushed to wrench the door open. There stood Suzuka-san, looking absolutely ravaged. Her school uniform was shredded at the shoulders and stomach, revealing nasty gashes; one of her bra straps had been snapped clean through. Her skirt was barely hanging on by a thread, featuring a slit so deep it left her pale thighs completely exposed. She wasn't even wearing shoes—they’d likely been worn to nothing. She was covered in cuts—on her cheeks, forehead, arms, and legs—but her eyes were burning with a brilliant, triumphant light.

Suzuka-san reached into her backpack, pulled something out, and thrust it right into my face.

"Look! Look at this!"

"Is this… could it be…?"

Gripped in her hand was a soft, golden, shimmering peach. A <Soft Gold Peach>, perfectly true to its name.

"Yeah! A <Soft Gold Peach>! I finally found one! Come on, we’re going to the hospital!"

"Go? Like, right now?"

"Duh! What if she doesn't make it because we sat around after I finally found the damn thing?! Come on!"

Overwhelmed by her sheer intensity, I shoved my feet into my shoes while still in my pajamas, only to be grabbed and yanked along.

"Hurry! Run!"

"Wait, isn't the hospital really far from here?!"

"It’s fine! I’ll pull you!"

"Even if you pull me, I can’t—"

"Ugh, forget it! You're too slow!"

Suzuka-san scratched her head in frustration for a split second before suddenly scooping me up in a princess carry.

"Whoa! What are you doing?!"

"Don't bite your tongue!"

"You aren't seriously going to… Wait, whoa!"

With me held firmly in her arms, Suzuka-san took off at an incredible, bone-shaking speed.

We blurred through the pre-dawn streets. In the blink of an eye, we arrived at the night entrance of the massive hospital. Finally, Suzuka-san set me back down. Having my feet on solid ground had never felt so wonderful.

Leaving me to wobble in place, Suzuka-san marched up to the night reception desk where a security guard was mid-yawn. The man’s eyes nearly popped out of his head when he saw her.

"W-What happened to you?! The ER entrance isn't here! H-Hang on, I’ll call someone!"

Looking at Suzuka-san’s tattered state, I couldn't blame him for getting the wrong idea.

"No, I’m here to see my mom! Kanako Naruse in Room 507! She’s in critical condition and we had to get here fast! Open up!"

"Oh, goodness! I’ll open it right now!"

The man hit a button, and the automatic doors slid open. Suzuka-san slipped inside like a gale, and I followed in her wake.

"And who’s the boy?!"

"My brother!"

Wait, since when am I her brother? The guard didn't seem to doubt it for a second, nodding earnestly.

"Go on then! Give your mother all the support you can!"

With the kind guard’s voice at our backs, we sprinted through the hospital. Waiting for the elevator was clearly out of the question for Suzuka-san; she bounded up the stairs with such speed I nearly lost sight of her. I barely managed to keep her in view until we reached the room.

Inside the dim sickroom, a woman lay on the bed with an oxygen mask over her face. Her breathing was shallow, her eyes slightly open but unfocused. She looked incredibly frail, as if her heart might stop at any moment. But she was still alive.

This woman had to be Suzuka-san’s mother, Kanako-san.

"…"

For a brief moment, Suzuka-san simply gazed at her mother. Then, she pulled the <Soft Gold Peach> from her bag. She removed the oxygen mask and squeezed the fruit over Kanako-san’s mouth, letting the juice drip in.

Though she seemed unconscious, her throat moved with a faint gulp as she swallowed the juice.

"Mom… please…"

A heavy, silent five minutes passed. The only sounds were the electronic beep of the heart monitor and Kanako-san’s weak respirations.

Suddenly, the interval between the beeps on the monitor shortened. The machine began to chirp with an urgent rhythm. I looked at the screen; one of the values was spiking. It had been in the forties, but it climbed to fifty, seventy, ninety…

"I-Is this okay?! Is it supposed to do that?!"

"I-I don’t know! Mom! Mom! Are you okay?!"

Suzuka-san became frantic, shaking Kanako-san’s body. Neither of us had an ounce of medical knowledge; the monitor might as well have been written in ancient runes. I lunged for the nurse call button.

The nurses must have been monitoring the vitals remotely as well. A short, "We’re on our way!" crackled through the speaker before the line cut.

"Mom! Mom! Hang in there! Mom!"

Kanako-san let out a low, pained groan. Suzuka-san continued to shake her.

Within a minute, a female doctor and a nurse came rushing into the room.

"What do you two think you're doing?!"

"Doctor! Mom is… Mom is…!"

Suzuka-san grabbed the doctor’s lab coat, screaming in desperation.

"She looks like she’s in pain! Help her! Please save her!"

"Hey! Let go of me!"

The doctor tried to pry her off, but she was no match for Suzuka-san’s enhanced strength.

The doctor’s eyes flicked to Kanako-san. The removed oxygen mask, the wet lips, the crushed golden fruit…

"You… you didn't…"

"My mom’s gonna die! Mom! Mom…! I don’t want her to go!"

As Suzuka-san spiraled into a panic, the doctor pulled her into a firm embrace. She stroked Suzuka-san’s head, trying to calm her down.

"You’re her daughter, Suzuka-san, right? Calm down. It’s going to be okay. Just breathe."

The doctor pulled back and looked at Suzuka-san’s battered state, a sympathetic smile touching her lips.

"You really worked hard, didn't you? You did so well. It’s okay now. Take a deep breath and look at your mother."

The doctor gently turned Suzuka-san toward the bed. What Suzuka-san saw was Kanako-san, sitting up in the bed.

"……………………Mom?"

"Suzuka… good morning."

"Mom……………… Mom! Mom!"

Suzuka-san stumbled forward, collapsing onto Kanako-san’s lap and sobbing uncontrollably.

"Mom’s alive! Mom’s really alive! Waaaaah! Thank god! Thank god!"

Kanako-san gently stroked the head of her weeping daughter.

It seemed the <Soft Gold Peach> had made it in time.

After Kanako-san woke up, the doctor gave Suzuka-san and me a thorough scolding. Apparently, removing an oxygen mask and administering a <Soft Gold Peach> without a medical professional’s supervision was a massive no-no. Honestly, we deserved it.

While we were being grilled, Kanako-san just sat there silently with a gentle, soft smile, watching us.

Finally, the lecture ended. The doctor and nurse left the room, leaving the three of us alone. Though, I felt like the scolding should have been reserved just for Suzuka-san; I was mostly just a witness.

In the now-quiet room, Kanako-san gestured for Suzuka-san to come closer. Looking a bit embarrassed, Suzuka-san sat on the edge of the bed. Her mother reached out and stroked her hair.

"Thank you, Suzuka. You’re the one who got it for me, aren't you? The <Soft Gold Peach>. You went so far for me…"

"It’s whatever. I’m fine."

"Oh, you. Always acting so tough. That must have hurt so much."

Kanako-san traced the cuts on Suzuka-san’s cheek and the tears in her uniform with an expression of pure love.

"I’m totally fine. Mom… ahem. As long as you’re healthy, Mother, that’s all that matters."

"Truly, thank you, Suzuka."

"Thank you, for getting better."

"Fufu. You can still call me 'Mom,' you know. Just like always."

It was a touching reunion between a recovered mother and her daughter. I felt entirely out of place. Just as I reached for the door handle to make my escape, Kanako-san called out to me.

"And you must be… Tatsuya-san? Suzuka told me a little about you. She said you've been taking very good care of her. Thank you so much."

"No, really, I didn't do anything special."

"So, how far have you and Suzuka gone?"

With that same gentle smile, Kanako-san dropped a total bombshell.

"M-Mom?! Don’t ask weird stuff like that!"

"I didn't hear the specifics, but the reason Suzuka got strong enough to go into the dungeon was thanks to Tatsuya-san, right? You gave her lots and lots of experience points?"

"W-Well, yeah, but…"

"Did you guys already do the deed?"

"No way in hell! We just… we just held hands!"

"Oh, is that all? How boring. I was looking forward to being a grandmother in my thirties."

"That is way off in the future!"

"Oh? If you say it’s 'in the future,' that means you are planning on having Tatsuya-san’s babies eventually?"

"That’s not what I meant! Idiot! Mom, you're a total idiot!"

Suzuka-san squawked and protested while Kanako-san just kept teasing her with a carefree grin. After a while, a nurse marched back in, her footsteps heavy. She had a smile on her face, but a vein was throbbing in her temple.

"This is a ward for seriously ill patients. Making a scene like this is quite the nuisance, you see~"

""W-We're sorry!""

"Anyway, for today, you two need to head home. Since she’s ingested the <Soft Gold Peach>, Naruse-san’s condition is stable. We’ll monitor her for about a week, and then she should be discharged. Now, go home. It’s outside of visiting hours anyway. Shoo. Right now."

The nurse effectively shooed us out like pesky cats. Kanako-san just waved at us with a smile as we were forced out.

With no room for resistance, we left the hospital.

We took a taxi back to the apartment. As soon as we walked in, Suzuka-san disappeared into the bathroom to shower. She had to be beyond exhausted. When she came out, she was wearing a shirt over her underwear, but she hadn't bothered to do up a single button. It was my shirt, by the way.

"Suzuka-san, what is that look you're rocking?"

"Limit reached. Sleeping."

She’d probably spent the last week sprinting through the dungeon without a single real break. Her fatigue had clearly blown past its limits long ago.

She flopped onto the bed, and within seconds, I heard her rhythmic snoring.

"I really wish you’d let me dry your hair first…"

Recalling that this had happened before, I set about drying Suzuka-san’s hair. By the time I finished, a wave of intense drowsiness hit me. I hadn't slept a wink all night either.

"Today, you’re letting me use the bed too."

Careful not to touch her, I crawled into the bed and immediately surrendered to consciousness.

The next morning, the sound of rustling woke me up. Suzuka-san was tidying up the room.

"Morning, Suzuka-san. You're up early."

"Dude, it’s noon. Why were you dead to the world longer than I was?"

With an exasperated sigh, Suzuka-san kept cleaning. To be fair, she didn't have much luggage to begin with. Clothes, a toothbrush, some makeup. She was packing them all into a Boston bag.

"Right. You're heading home, aren't you, Suzuka-san?"

"Yeah. My mom’s getting out in a week, so I gotta get the place ready. It got pretty messy while she was gone."

She paused, turning to look at me with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

"You gonna miss me?"

"Well, yeah, of course. We lived together for a month, after all."

"I-I see…"

My straightforward answer made Suzuka-san rub her cheek in embarrassment. Then, in a tiny voice, she whispered, "…I’m gonna miss you too."

"Eh?"

"Ah, nothing! I’m not gonna miss you at all! It’s not like we’re never gonna see each other again anyway!"

"You don’t have to act tough. If you're gonna be lonely—"

"I told you! If you can hear me, stop pretending you didn’t! God, you've got such a shitty personality!"

Suzuka-san, face bright red, chucked her Boston bag at me. The part containing what I assumed was her toner hit me right in the forehead. Ouch.

It didn't take long for the rest of her belongings to vanish into the bag.

"Oh, right. Tatsuya. Here, take this."

She pulled a pale fruit from her backpack.

"What’s this?"

"A <Silver Peach>. They grow in the dungeon. Basically, it’s a high-tier recovery item. They're super rare, but I found it before the <Soft Gold Peach>, so I figured I’d grab it just in case. Look, my wounds are already gone, right? I ate one this morning."

Suzuka-san casually hiked up her T-shirt. I caught a glimpse of her pale, unblemished stomach and a bit of her bra. She hiked it up way too far.

"As long as you keep it in a cool place, it supposedly won't rot. Stick it in your fridge. You know, for emergencies. In exchange, let me have these sneakers. Mine are totally trashed."

"…Isn't the value of these things way out of balance? That peach has to be worth a fortune. Are you sure?"

"I mean, if I sold it, sure. But Tatsuya, you gave me something way more valuable than money. Just take it."

"Okay. Thank you."

I accepted the <Silver Peach> and tucked it into the refrigerator.

"Well then. I’m heading out."

At the entrance, Suzuka-san spoke casually as she stepped into my sneakers. Seeing her with her bag slung over her shoulder, looking back at me, she seemed incredibly cool.

"Later, Tatsuya. Let’s hang out again soon."

"Yeah. Definitely."

Faced with her radiant presence, I found myself looking down.

Suzuka-san was a cool gyaru. If we’d been in the same classroom at school, we probably never would have spoken. Our worlds were never meant to intersect.

From here on, I figured my relationship with her would slowly fade away. The thought made me feel a sudden, sharp pang of loneliness.

"You’re thinking something weird again, aren't you?"

As if reading my mind, Suzuka-san frowned.

"Tatsuya, look up."

"Suzuka-sa—mph!"

I looked up as instructed, only for her face to fill my vision. I felt the soft pressure of her lips on mine. She hugged me tightly, squeezing the air out of my lungs.

"Mmm………… nnh-ah♡ Hey, Tatsuya. You remember, right? What we talked about?"

"What we talked about…?"

"I said once that stuff about you not being able to do dirty things got sorted out, I’d take you on."

Now that she mentioned it, we had discussed that when we first met.

"I’m gonna be a professional dungeon diver. I’ll get strong, and I’ll find all kinds of items. If I do that, maybe one day I’ll be able to do normal dirty stuff with you. So until then, you’re on a leash, okay? …Mwah♡"