Akatsuki Translations

Early in the morning, data listing the items for our overnight stay was sent to my smartphone. Not long after, I received a call from Evie. When I picked up the phone, Evie’s voice seemed a bit dull, but the conversation itself was normal.

“Hopefully, we find the stairs to the second floor soon.” -Yuuta

“That would be nice.” -Evie

It was Evie’s suggestion, but leaving all the food supplies for a two-week stay to her might have been relying on her too much. I regretted it, but it was too late to change anything now.

“Yuuta, is this okay for the luggage? Are the food supplies alright?” -Evie

“Ah, yeah. Sorry for leaving it all to you.” -Yuuta

“It’s okay. It was my suggestion, and David and the others took care of it.” -Evie

Given Evie’s condition from yesterday, it seemed there would be no problems with the combat in the dungeon, so we decided to start our dungeon stay today.

We each contacted our families to let them know we would be staying in the dungeon and made preparations. Evie called again at noon to say she was ready.

“Take care, Yuuta. Make sure you come back safely.” -Evie

“I will.” -Yuuta

Having returned home, I spent time with Imari, who had taken a day off school, as we wouldn’t see each other for up to two weeks. We kissed at the entrance, the same kiss I shared with Misuzu.

“Yuuta, can you sleep at night without me?” -Imari

Lately, the boundary between Imari and me had become blurred. Sleeping together had become the norm, and there were many hugs. I found myself unable to resist anymore. Or rather, my willpower was gradually eroded by Imari’s ample bosom.

“I’ll be fine.” -Yuuta

“But let’s hug one last time?” -Imari

“No, that’s okay.” -Yuuta

“Why not?” -Imari

“I’m… doing well with Misuzu. It might be okay now, but I still think Imari should find someone she truly likes.” -Yuuta

Because of what I said before, Imari had recently been seeking more physical closeness with me than necessary. It wasn’t this bad before, and I was starting to feel a bit weary of it.

“There’s no one like that.” -Imari

“Even so, you should look. I’m going now.” -Yuuta

“Wait a bit. Let’s spend a little more time together. I’ve already told Mom I’m skipping school today.” -Imari

“It’s not fair to everyone else, Imari… Then,” -Yuuta

“Y-Yuuta!” -Imari

Leaving those words behind, I left the house. I arrived at the Kofu Dungeon later than the arranged time. After receiving the luggage from David and the others, we entered the dungeon. Evie and Misuzu reverted from their disguised forms as a couple in their 40s. By then, it was already 3 p.m.

Although we were late, we immediately started exploring, each running in the direction indicated by our map apps. There were no problems, and having replenished our spirits, we continued exploring until midnight. Finally, the three of us met up, marking our first overnight stay in the dungeon.

“The sun always shines, so it messes with your sense of time.” -Yuuta

“Yeah. You’d never believe it’s midnight.” -Misuzu

“To stay in such a hot place all the time, you’re really okay with it?” -Yuuta

The weather inside the dungeon is fixed. It’s always daytime, and the temperature is set at 30 degrees Celsius, making it humid. On our first night, it was time to sleep, and we decided to take turns sleeping. We set up a canopy in the shade of some bushes so that two of us could keep watch while the other two slept.

“Then, I’ll go ahead and sleep first.” -Yuuta

“Well, just so you know, if you plan to make love, we can’t help but see.” -Evie

Evie said this quite bluntly. Perhaps it’s a cultural difference, but Evie is very open about sexual matters.

“No, we won’t.” -Yuuta

“Oh, really?” -Evie

It seemed like a normal statement to me, but Evie blinked in surprise.

“Don’t worry, we’ll keep watch properly.” -Evie

“It’s not about that, it’s just that we’re not…” -Yuuta

“Yuuta, let’s just go to sleep.” -Misuzu

I was about to explain that Misuzu and I weren’t in that kind of relationship, but Misuzu pulled me into the shade of the canopy. Normally, a tent would trap heat during the day, so we only set up a canopy. I was pulled beside Misuzu to sleep. Misuzu was right in front of me.

“Yuuta, do you really want to do it?” -Misuzu

“Do what?” -Yuuta

“I haven’t decided yet, but if you really want to, we can.” -Misuzu

“Eh? No, I really don’t mean it like that!” -Yuuta

“Hmm, is it because you have someone you like?” -Misuzu

“No, it’s not that…” -Yuuta

I hadn’t cleared up that misunderstanding with Misuzu. However, based on Imari’s behavior this morning, it didn’t seem like she was looking for another man. If I confessed my love to Misuzu now, I would be abandoning Imari. Abandon her? After we’ve been together for so long?

“Can’t you tell me who you like, Yuuta?” -Misuzu

“No, that’s…” -Yuuta

“Why isn’t it me?” -Misuzu

Misuzu’s face came closer, and our lips met. Misuzu closed her eyes while pressing her body against mine, and didn’t let go. I was quite tired from running all day. Despite our lips still touching, I began to doze off.

We stayed like that, kissing. Maybe Misuzu and I are now in a relationship. I haven’t properly confessed my love. The relationship with Imari continues to bother me. Who is the most important to me? I should decide on one. While thinking, I fell asleep due to exhaustion.

“No, that’s not okay.” -Evie

“Gya” -Lean

“Are you perfectly asleep? It’s not about that.” -Evie

So, I think that was a dream. For some reason, my lower body felt restless. However, my body was too exhausted to fully awaken.

“Gya” -Lean

“You must be unsatisfied, right? Is that how it is with men…?” -Evie

“Gya”-Lean

“Poor thing? Well, yes, that’s true. A Level 3 man is pretty tough; a kiss alone won’t do. Misuzu needs to go all the way.” -Evie

“Gya Gya” -Lean

“Won’t notice if it’s while sleeping? Hmm, Misuzu thinks so. But surely you won’t wake up?” -Evie

“Gya” -Lean

“Perfectly asleep…” -Evie

“Gya” -Lean

“Wait, don’t try to undo the belt. No, that’s not allowed.” -Evie

“What are you both doing?”  -Misuzu

In the dream, I saw a scene where three women were fighting over me. It was an utterly unrealistic dream, but it was so absurd that it made me laugh. However, I was too sleepy to care. So, I fell into a comfortable sleep.

“Ah, Misuzu has woken up.” -Evie

“What do you mean, ‘woke up’? It’s good that I was on guard! Evie, don’t mess with other people’s men!”  -Misuzu

“But, are you two dating?” -Evie

“We are dating!” -Misuzu

“Then what’s this about Yuuta having someone else he likes?” -Evie

“That’s… none of Evie’s business!” -Misuzu

“It is my business. If Misuzu is making moves on Yuuta while he has someone else, then why can’t I? It’s not like I actually want to do anything. I just want to try sleeping while kissing a man.” -Evie

“Don’t talk about Yuuta like he’s an object!” -Misuzu

“But you’re doing the same, aren’t you? Even though Yuuta likes someone else?” -Evie

“That’s not…” -Misuzu

That was the end of my dream. After that, I completely fell asleep. Whatever the outcome, it felt like it would only lead to something terrifying, so I chose to sleep in denial.

“Sigh, it seems it still can’t be found.” -Yuuta

As the search entered its eighth day, the mental fatigue was becoming significant, despite having potions. If it wasn’t found within two weeks, we had agreed to temporarily exit the dungeon. That’s when I spotted a group of six goblins ahead, two of which were armed with bows.

“Can I take them?” -Yuuta

I had become quite adept at dealing with goblins. The largest number they form in the first layer is six, and seeing them no longer instilled fear in me. Instead, I charged at them.

When I closed to about 50 meters, the goblins noticed and shot arrows at me, which I dodged with steps. I either dodged all the arrows or knocked them down with my katana.

“I’m even impressing myself.” -Yuuta

I marveled at my own ability to do such things. As I reached them, the four goblins launched a coordinated attack, which I no longer found intimidating.

Without panicking, I used my polycarbonate shield to blow one away, killed another before it could attack, and kicked another just before it hit me, sending it flying like a soccer ball.

Yet, the goblins, undeterred by the strength of their opponent—devoid of fear, driven solely by the intent to kill—continued their assault. I knocked down more arrows with my sword and killed another goblin with a returning slash.

From six, their number was reduced to four. With the goblin archers holding back, only two were in front of me. It was an easy victory. I swiftly killed the two and then closed in on the goblin archers.

“It’s over!” -Yuuta

Once I got close, the goblin archers stood no chance. I quickly beheaded them. I took a moment to revel in my skill.

“My body moves exactly as I want it to. I no longer feel fear even when facing goblins. If only I could direct this assertiveness towards Misuzu.” -Yuuta

The real challenge, I mused, was not during battles but in the moments of rest. Despite everything, I had not yet made a move on Misuzu. Perhaps it was cowardice or the fact that Evie and Lean would inevitably witness it, but I hesitated.

“And I haven’t even confirmed if I like her.” -Yuuta

That was another issue. We weren’t officially lovers; no confessions had been made. What about Imari? In the dungeon, it seemed our bodies were ahead of our hearts. Just then, I noticed more goblins and, feeling annoyed, I readied my M17. A simple shot and the goblins were easily eliminated.

Clap, clap, clap, clap.

Hearing applause, I turned to see Evie and a beautiful girl with blue skin, Lean, flitting about behind her.

“What’s up?” -Yuuta

I already had an inkling of what it might be, given that this was not the first time Evie had approached me outside of break times.

“Bathroom.” -Evie

“I figured as much. Got it.” -Yuuta

Misuzu and I had experienced similar interactions. As humans, our need for the bathroom didn’t align perfectly with meal times at noon. Unexpected needs arose, and we would alert each other.

Despite the ease of victory, we had agreed not to go to the bathroom alone, a decision made among the three of us. And when these moments arose, it seemed Misuzu, Evie, and I were the chosen companions. Though I thought a same-sex companion might be preferable, they always turned to me.

Evie, as always, was stunningly beautiful and bold, removing her body armor due to the heat and her shoes to avoid getting them wet, then began to lower her pants.

“Yuuta, look this way.” -Evie

As I averted my gaze, she called out to me. Confused, since I thought she wouldn’t be wearing anything, I looked back to find her in shorts, squatting and looking at me with a face that seemed to say her prank was successful.

“Stop that, please.” -Yuuta

“It’s okay to look,” she said.

“Evie, you’re beautiful, but let’s try to maintain some decorum.” -Yuuta

“I’ll keep that in mind.” -Evie

Evie was enchantingly beautiful, to a degree that Misuzu couldn’t compete with. I hastily averted my gaze, then the sound of her relieving herself reached my ears.

Having a top model from America doing her business near me was quite a thought. After all, what needs to come out, comes out. And such moments are the most vulnerable. That’s why we stick together.

“I’m sorry about that.” -Evie

“It’s okay. Even if Evie is beautiful, this is natural.” -Yuuta

“Not that, I mean about the sleeping arrangements.” -Evie

“Ah, right.” -Yuuta

Her words made me recall the arguments that erupted at bedtime between Misuzu and Evie. Initially, I thought it was a dream, but by the third day, I realized it wasn’t. My relationship with Misuzu. It seemed to bother Evie quite a bit.

“So, you were awake then?”  -Evie

“Well, yes. How could I not wake up with all that arguing?” -Yuuta

“I can’t really understand Japanese people. Even though you’re intruding yourself, you tell me not to. Besides, we’re in a dungeon. It wouldn’t hurt to let me have Yuuta a bit, right? Yuuta has someone else as his number one, doesn’t he?” -Evie

“Ah, well, um…” -Yuuta

If asked who my number one was, it became ambiguous, and I found myself unsure. It was supposed to be Misuzu, but I kept thinking about Imari. More than anything, not being able to clearly express my relationship with Imari to both Misuzu and Evie made the situation complicated.

“I’m not trying to interfere with your relationship with Misuzu, but it seems I can’t even give a proper hug without it being an issue. Even though I’m not your main girl, I’m told kissing is off-limits. Do you dislike doing it with me? Don’t you dislike how Misuzu acts like she’s in charge?” -Evie

“Ah, well… It’s not that I dislike it…” -Yuuta

I gave a vague response.

For some reason, all the girls that approach me are aggressive and seek a physical relationship. I end up flustered, unable to cope. I used to scoff at Japanese men for not being proactive even when they have a girlfriend.

But when faced with such advances, as a man, I was just bewildered every day. Especially since Imari, Misuzu, and Evie were all incredibly beautiful. How did a guy like me end up in such a situation? That was the biggest mystery to me.

“I wouldn’t do this outside, you know. I dislike guys who play the field, and believe it or not, I’m still a virgin. I don’t really have a boyfriend either. I’m thankful to you and Misuzu for accepting me, so I initially thought I wouldn’t make a move on Yuuta.” -Evie

Is that so? It felt like I was being seduced. And now she’s standing up without her pants, coming closer.

“But I underestimated having the opposite sex in the dungeon. This situation is impossible. If I keep holding back, I’ll go mad.” -Evie

“I get where you’re coming from.” -Yuuta

If the roles were reversed, I’d go mad too.

Imagine if Misuzu and another man entered the dungeon, started kissing, and flaunted it every day, while I couldn’t even touch Misuzu. I’d definitely leave the party.

“So, since Misuzu isn’t here, it’s okay, right?” -Evie

It seemed my response was taken as consent. Evie wrapped her arms around my neck, her face close to mine without even wearing her pants, and her voice seeking more.

“Gya” -Lean

“Look at Lean. Aside from her blue skin and pointed ears, she looks completely human. And quite cute. She’s short and childlike, with nothing much developed, wearing something like a black leotard.” -Evie

She too had removed her gear. It seems Lean follows Evie’s lead.

“Lean, you can’t.” -Yuuta

“Gya” -Lean

“Lean’s being cheeky for a 0-year-old, right, Yuuta?” -Evie

“But if Misuzu finds out…” -Yuuta

“It’s okay. I’m not trying to be number one. Misuzu is second, right? So I’ll be third, no problem.” -Evie

“Gya” -Lean

“That is…” -Yuuta

“Gya” -Lean

“Lean, you’re noisy.” -Evie

Saying so, Evie showed me the map app.

It displays the current location of all team members. Misuzu was about 5km away from us, and the distance was increasing. Although she could see our location, frequent contacts for bathroom breaks meant she might not be aware of Evie’s current actions.

“It’s okay, right?”  -Evie

“Why are you so fixated on me? Honestly, I’m just a normal Japanese middle school student. Nothing special about me. Besides, if you just want a man, there’s David and Mark.” -Yuuta

“You’re surprising. You don’t realize your own appeal. Besides, if I slept with them, would you want to be with me?” -Evie

“No.” -Yuuta

“See? I also don’t like being with multiple people at the same time. That’s why I’m fine with just Yuuta.” -Evie

“I’m fine with just me? But I’m practically dating Misuzu… And there’s another important woman in my life, and I’ve kissed her too. I’m that kind of guy, Evie. The kind you said you hate, involved with multiple women.” -Yuuta

Our faces were almost touching. Despite the sweat and the potential smell, it didn’t bother us at all.

“I know you have another woman. I also know she will soon join us. But, you know, I came here thinking that was fine from the start. I heard from Mei that it would be a party with one man and three women. I came here knowing it would turn into a harem party. So, it’s not a problem.” -Evie

“No, that’s exactly the problem.” -Yuuta

“Why? In adventurer parties, harems are common. Sometimes there are more women, sometimes more men. In such cases, they share one person among many. It’s something even society recognizes. Yuuta, you have nothing to be ashamed of.” -Evie

“…Evie.” -Yuuta

Evie’s words were true. In middle school dungeon classes, they also taught about harem parties. Ethically, it’s not yet openly accepted, but they are taught to get along without fighting in such cases.

It’s common for parties to end up in a harem situation. However, that’s either because the person holds a very rare job or because they are very attractive. A person as inferior as me would never find themselves in a harem situation.

Above all, it was said that more than half of such groups would argue and disband.

“Are you saying you like someone like me too?”  -Yuuta

Our faces drew closer. Our noses touched as we spoke, and our lips seemed about to touch as well.

“Dungeons are a mysterious place. The moment I heard about you, I felt a strange fate. Don’t you feel the same?” -Evie

“That is… I felt it. I don’t understand it, but you’re someone I’ll live my life with from now on.” -Yuuta

“Then words are no longer necessary.” -Evie

Our lips met. While we were like that, Lean voiced her dissatisfaction. I was kissed by Evie and my head felt like it was going to explode, unable to resist.

I wonder why the dungeon attracted such beautiful girls to someone like me. This act continued until we were attacked by goblins.