Akatsuki Translations

“It was really scary.” -Misuzu

Misuzu’s face was still pale. Evie, too, seemed to have been shocked by the sight of four severed heads, as she was pale and hugging herself.

“But if Hazumi and the others were such dangerous people, it was good that they were killed, right?” -Misuzu

Seeing those severed heads, Misuzu seemed to be wondering if it was really okay. The first floor of the Kofu Dungeon was as hot as ever, making sweat break out, but it was unclear whether it was due to the heat or if it was cold sweat.

“That’s true. I’ve never been involved in matters of life and death in such a way, so I can’t say with confidence, but since the other party was a mid-level explorer, there was no option to capture them.” -Evie

“There was no choice but to kill them?” -Misuzu

Misuzu asked Evie again. Perhaps because Evie appeared more mature despite being the same age. But Evie was also 15. There was no clear answer to the act of killing someone.

“I want to believe so. But honestly, I was surprised. Explorers above level 300, not as much as high-level explorers, but they are rarely judged unless something significant happens.” -Evie

“I don’t quite get it, but are people who level up that great?” -Misuzu

“Not great, per se. It’s been said recently in America that leveling up means an increase in military power. Before dungeons appeared, no one could complain to countries with military power, right?” -Evie

“Well, that’s true.” -Yuuta

I answered that. As someone who frequently browses the internet, I was well aware of how much unreasonable demands have been placed on this country based on the national origins of the people in front of me.

“It’s the same with that. It’s the reason America could boast before, and it’s also the reason they can’t boast now.” -Evie

“My dreams of becoming an explorer are getting shattered.” -Misuzu

“In America, crazed individuals often have connections with crazed high-level explorers, and dealing with them requires a lot of resolve. Seeing how easily they were killed, it seems it’s not the case in Japan. It makes me glad I came to this country.” -Evie

“I wonder if Nagumo-san is okay. He seemed to be pushing himself too hard.” -Yuuta

Killing monsters in dungeons is one thing, but killing people is entirely different. If it was because of me that it happened, I would feel incredibly guilty.

“Yuuta. There’s no use in us worrying about high-level explorers. Besides, they said they would kill for us.” -Evie

“Yeah, but still. Ah, I’m an idiot. It wasn’t sane to think of going back to Ikebukuro to change my base. I should have focused on leveling up more here.” -Yuuta

I looked over the savannah of Kofu. The scenery was the same as Ikebukuro, with the same monsters appearing, but it felt more peaceful than Ikebukuro. Just the dilution of human fear makes such a difference in perception.

“It’s not only your fault, Yuuta. I got carried away too, thinking I made it to level 3.” -Misuzu

“Level 300, huh? Those are some incredible levels.” -Yuuta

After all, even getting to level 3 nearly killed me once. To go far beyond that and reach level 300, Hazumi and the others must have put in a lot of effort.

“I don’t know how many times they must have nearly died to get there, so why did they go crazy?” -Yuuta

“There are plenty of nuts with screws loose over there too. The ones who go too far have to be dealt with. Once they go crazy, it’s over. They could have been pampered and had a good life if they just kept at it seriously, stupid idiots.” -Evie

Misuzu, Evie, and probably I too, had a hard time getting to level 3. Thinking about that, the relief of Hazumi and the others being dead was mixed with a sense of emptiness.

“No, let’s change our mindset. Anyway, we should focus on leveling up here, for half a year, no, maybe even a year would be good.” -Yuuta

“Indeed. If we get tangled with something like that again, we’re done for.” -Misuzu

“Well, there are definitely people in Kofu I never want to meet. Like the Contract-Killer Jack, the Monster Enthusiast Yonezaki, or the Demon-Eyed Mikaela.”  -Yuuta

“You know the nicknames of low-level explorers?” -Misuzu

“Well, I just thought they sounded cool…” -Yuuta

“Chuunibyou…” -Misuzu

“Well, being low-level explorers, I don’t think they’re that absurdly strong. Also, Kunimaru-san said he’s in Kofu, right? He plans to change locations soon, but it’d be nice to meet him before that.” -Yuuta

This incident quieted down Misuzu’s and my eagerness to level up quickly. It’s not a game. Life is precious, and not cherishing it means death. Those four severed heads could have been us. Despite having been close to death before, we were far too lacking in a sense of crisis.

“Ah, our stuff!” -Misuzu

Misuzu exclaimed.

“Ah.” -Yuuta

Looking at my hands, I realized I was carrying absolutely nothing and was completely empty-handed. Carrying bags around would draw unwanted attention on the train, something I wanted to avoid, so I had left everything in a locker dedicated to explorers in Ikebukuro. Not having my things was definitely a problem.

“What should we do? Go back to get it?” -Yuuta

“Doing that seems kind of silly…” -Evie

“Yeah. Besides, if Nagumo-san saw us, he’d probably get angry. He’s scary.” -Misuzu

“You guys are better off. I went and bought a condo in the Ikebukuro Dungeon with all my might.” -Evie

Evie raised her hands and shook her head in a gesture that seemed uniquely American, so captivating in its elegance. Feeling the exotic charm, I couldn’t help but admire and asked,

“How much did it cost?” -Yuuta

“About $10 million, so maybe 500 million yen?” -Evie

“Whoa…” -Yuuta

Misuzu and I exchanged looks, shocked by the price. A condo in the Ikebukuro Dungeon was that expensive? Living there would definitely require a lot of money. It might just be the place with the highest land value in the world right now.

To think Evie could afford such a condo, I had underestimated her financial power.

“Well, it’s okay. I’ll be going back in a year anyway, then you guys can live with me, okay?” -Evie

“Really?” -Yuuta

“Of course. We’re comrades.” -Evie

Evie winked. Her gesture was as graceful as ever. But of course, I had to maintain my decorum.

“Um, I think I’ll be okay on my own by then.” -Yuuta

“Aw, really, it’s fine.” -Evie

“Um, Evie, we’re dating.” -Misuzu

Misuzu crossed her arms, coming closer. Whether we were actually dating was up in the air, and Evie watched with interest.

“So, what about the luggage?” -Yuuta

Feeling uncomfortable under her gaze, I changed the subject.

“Don’t worry. I’ll have David and the others bring it over.” -Evie

“David… you mean the men in black standing behind you?” -Yuuta

“Yes. David and Mark. Both of them used to be explorers. Well, two of their comrades died, and they retired after that.” -Evie

“I see.” -Yuuta

It made me realize again how close death was to us.

“Could you ask David and the others to bring our luggage too, please?” -Yuuta

“OK. Just wait a bit.” -Evie

Without weapons, it was dangerous to be in the dungeon, so we decided to head outside. Using the rings Nagumo-san gave us, Misuzu and Evie changed their appearances. Misuzu became a nondescript man around 40 years old, and Evie became a plump woman of the same age.

After discussing, we decided to go with the setup of a financially struggling man, his wife, and their child. With this trio, surely no one would bother us, too tragic to approach.

“Pfft.” -Yuuta

I couldn’t help laughing at their drastic transformations. Despite both being attractive, their current appearances were unimaginable from their original selves. Especially Evie’s transformation into a plump woman was too funny not to laugh at. She looked so much like an aunt that it made me wonder what went wrong for her to end up in a dungeon.

“Don’t laugh. We decided this look was the best, remember?” -Misuzu

“Misuzu, watch your language. With that appearance and using feminine speech, it’s not just strange, it’s creepy.” -Yuuta

“Ah, uh, Yuuta, don’t laugh at your father!” -Misuzu

I burst out laughing even more at that. No matter how hard Misuzu tried to speak in a masculine way, it was hilarious. Evie, despite looking like an aunt from Osaka, ended up with gestures and a way of speaking that were strangely seductive. Despite the aunt-like appearance, there was an unexpected allure.

“It really shows that what’s inside a person is what matters.” -Yuuta

After a good laugh, I managed to calm down, despite the painful looks from the two. The cold outside drove us hastily into a dungeon shop, where we decided to buy some clothes and choose equipment. David and Mark arrived in the meantime and delivered our luggage.

The lady at the Ikebukuro locker was asked to open it for us. In the end, Misuzu, Evie, and I decided to borrow money from Evie. Now, each of us had 55 million yen, including the money from Misuzu’s sister. This was not an amount a supposedly financially troubled couple would have.

So, we asked David and the others to buy additional equipment for us. The most expensive item we invested in was the necklace “Aristo,” costing 30 million yen. Misuzu bought it for herself after returning the one she borrowed from Nagumo-san.

I suggested Evie should buy one too, but

“I have my own, so I’m good. Actually, I’d like to buy one even better than Aristo. When you go to lower floors with something better than Aristo, the increase in status becomes quite bad. ‘Quality leveling for better status’ is a phrase that’s been getting attention in America recently.” -Evie

“It’s an element you can’t ignore if you’re aiming higher, right?” -Yuuta

“Also, I was able to get four magic bags for the whole party as an investment from the office, so we can put our luggage in here.” -Evie

Evie brought out the magic bags. They were waist pouch types that could hold up to 200kg.

“Isn’t this really expensive?” -Yuuta

People like Nagumo-san, who develop the item box skill, can store items infinitely, but for those without it, dungeon-produced items like these are a substitute. However, due to the risk of being used for smuggling and other crimes, they are not officially on the market.

Explorers are reluctant to part with them, so they must be incredibly expensive.

“One billion each.” -Evie

“One billion!?” -Yuuta

“Yes. It’s a huge price. The boss has high expectations for me. He also has a lot of hope for me to become a high-level explorer in Japan. It’s an investment with expected returns, so don’t hesitate to accept. But if you do become a high-level explorer, remember to give a little something back.” -Evie

“Well…” -Yuuta

I was hesitant about whether to accept it, but since the magic bags are for carrying items and not directly related to combat, they wouldn’t have a weird effect on our status. Plus, they would make exploring dungeons much easier. Despite the scary thought of the expected return, I decided to accept it.

“Sorry. I’m still relying on Misuzu and Evie’s money. I think I can pay it back soon with the gacha.” -Yuuta

“I might not be able to until I can do a bronze gacha pull…” -Misuzu

“I actually intended to give it to you. If you insist on paying it back, I’ll accept it, but more importantly, I don’t want the repayment to hinder our exploration.” -Evie

Having a wealthy member in the party makes a big difference. It was already a great help to have Misuzu’s sister, especially since Evie joined us at the beginning.

Then, the three of us entered the dungeon again. Despite wearing necklaces, we were also equipped with body armor and helmets. They might not look cool, but until we get dungeon-produced armor from the gacha, it was necessary.

“Shall we start by sharing our stats with each other?” -Evie

Evie suggested this as soon as we entered the dungeon. It was an essential part of forming a party, so I nodded in agreement.

“Here. Don’t share this with others.” -Evie

Name: Evie Nova Timberlake

Race: Human

Level: 2→3

Job: Explorer

Title: Rookie

HP: 13→17

MP: 15→22

SP: 13→15

Strength: 13→16

Agility: 13→16

Defense: 14→17

Dexterity: 14→18

Magic: 14→20

Intelligence: 14→17

Charm: 71→72

Gacha Luck: 2

Equipment: Bronze-grade [Magic Staff]

　　　　Bronze-grade [Aristo] (Barrier Value 100)

　　　　Silver-grade [Magic Bag] (Capacity 200kg)

　　　　Gold-grade [Translator Device]

　　　　Sapphire-grade [Ring of Celestial Change]

Magic: Stone-grade [Summon Lean] (MP15)

　　　Stone-grade [Fire Ball] (MP4)

Skills: None

“Wow… summoning. But…” -Yuuta

Evie’s stats were quite impressive. However, one thing caught our attention more than anything else.

“[Ring of Celestial Change]…” -Yuuta

“Sapphire-grade…” -Misuzu

“N-Nagumo-san…” -Yuuta

We nodded to each other and carefully removed the ring before entering combat in the dungeon, making sure to store it properly in the magic bag so it wouldn’t get damaged just in case.

“That’s a pretty amazing status. A wizard type summoner.” -Misuzu

Misuzu peered over and commented.

We decided not to touch upon the ring. The price was beyond our imagination. Wearing such a rare item in the dungeon could have unpredictable effects, even if it wasn’t directly involved in combat actions.

We agreed to only wear it outside the dungeon when absolutely necessary, understanding this implicitly among ourselves. Anyway, Evie’s stats were quite impressive across the board.

Given that using firearms is common in America, I thought the improvement in stats might not be great, but that wasn’t the case. Moreover, she’s a rare summoner-type wizard. And what’s with this charm value? It’s rare to find anyone in the world with over 70.

“Show us yours, Yuuta.”  -Evie

“Okay, but it’s pretty average.” -Yuuta

I sighed as I looked at my status. My stats were the typical kind. Most people start with magic or skills like mine and then develop them further.

Name: Yuuta Rokujou

Race: Human

Level: 2→3

Job: Explorer

Title: Rookie

HP: 15→20

MP: 10→14

SP: 13→18

Strength: 16→19

Agility: 15→19

Defense: 15→20

Dexterity: 13→15

Magic: 12→14

Intelligence: 14→16

Charm: 16→24

Gacha Luck: 5

Equipment: Bronze-grade [Aristo] (Barrier Value 100)

Silver-grade [Magic Bag] (200kg)

Magic: Stone-grade [Stone Bullet] (MP4)

Skills: Stone-grade [Double Strike] (SP3)

“Don’t worry about it. Being average makes it very versatile. Plus, you’ve got two abilities just like me at level 3. Actually, having that much gacha luck at level 3 is pretty amazing.” -Evie

“Really?” -Yuuta

Evie encouraged me.

“If Yuuta is average, then I’m definitely worse off.” -Misuzu

Misuzu’s stats might be the least versatile among us. However, [Level Down] and [Precision Shot] were both long-range support types, not bad at all. She could outshine me where she could play her part.

“Really? In terms of our balance, it’s optimal. A close-range samurai. A mid-range summoner. A long-range archer. Plus, if the [Level Down] magic continues to develop, it’ll be very helpful in critical moments. We each have our strengths, and that’s a good thing.” -Evie

“But, it’s kind of natural to compare, isn’t it? I also wanted to try using summoning magic.” -Misuzu

“Yeah. I wanted to try it too.” -Yuuta

Despite thinking my stats were average, I found myself smiling. Entering the dungeon and fussing over our stats with friends, without anyone like Ikemoto making unnecessary comments, purely exchanging opinions was genuinely enjoyable.

“Misuzu, thank you.” -Yuuta

“What’s the matter all of a sudden?” -Misuzu

“No, just thinking… it’s all because Misuzu was willing to enter the dungeon with someone like me from the start.” -Yuuta

“What are you talking about? If that’s the case, it should be me saying thanks. If I hadn’t been with Yuuta, I definitely wouldn’t be doing this now. I would still be playing the cool character at school as usual. I’m the one who should be grateful. Thank you, Yuuta.” -Misuzu

Misuzu looked at me, her face drawing closer.

“Hey, don’t get all cozy just the two of you.” -Evie

However, Evie interrupted.

“Ah, sorry.” -Yuuta

“Hey, Evie. Can you really use this Summon Lean?” -Misuzu

Feeling embarrassed, Misuzu and I backed off a bit.

“Yes, I can use it. Shall we try?” -Evie

“Yeah. I’d like to see it if you can do it.” -Yuuta

“Me too!” -Misuzu

Misuzu and I were both interested. Then, Evie took out the staff she had been carrying at her waist. It was the magic wand listed in her status. A red feather was attached to the handle, said to assist in using magic, enhancing the power of spells like Fire Ball.

For summoning magic, it helps reduce MP consumption. Evie closed her eyes, seemingly gathering magical power, focusing on the space in front of her. The red feather on the wand responded to the magic, glowing. Then, a magical circle appeared in the air.