Akatsuki Translations

“Gya.” -Lean

“What is it?” -Evie

It was as if she was trying to cheer me up. Ridiculous to think I’d need encouragement from a dumb Lean.

“I’ll do my own searching, it’s fine. Adding one more to make a five-person party won’t cause any complaints.” -Evie

While running, I didn’t forget to search for enemies, and soon enough, Lean and I drew our swords upon spotting some. There were no archers in sight, so we quickly closed the distance. Frustrated, I struck down with my sword, easily taking down two. Then, cutting through another two was just as effortless.

“Gya.” -Lean

“Definitely a piece of cake.” -Evie

“Gya gya.” -Lean

“It truly is. This would be impossible in America.” -Evie

At level 3, the first floor should be this manageable.

Yet, if this were the first floor in America, it wouldn’t have been this easy. Although higher-level explorers collected guns, the stronger ones didn’t always have time for such tasks. Neglecting to level up could lead to defeat by less savory characters.

If the explorers with good sense, who collected guns for the sake of newcomers, lost to those with bad intentions, the situation would worsen. Hence, American dungeons remain chaotic, virtually inaccessible to amateurs.

Wealthy individuals who tried to use money to force their way into dungeons would find their orders misconstrued, violating dungeon rules and being barred entry. Thus, those individuals couldn’t enter unless they were willing to risk their lives.

“It’s enviably peaceful here.” -Evie

There’s room for romance, and no goblins attacking with guns out of nowhere. Deciding to leave there was the right choice. Honestly, I don’t have a boyfriend. I’ve never had one. Becoming an explorer, I wanted to live alongside someone who’d stay with me through it all.

“I want to reach level 1000. Seeing that figure made my desire genuine. That’s why I came here, to become stronger.” -Evie

For the first time, I saw something far more beautiful than myself. Both the angel seen in videos and the dragon witnessed in reality were astoundingly beautiful. And it wasn’t impossible to become like them. After all, reaching level 1000 in a dungeon makes it possible for anyone.

So, since turning 15 two months ago, I’ve continued to challenge the dungeons. Good men never seemed to appear for me. Even when I entered the dungeon with ten models and attracted many men, none of them resonated with me.

“Ah, enough already.” -Evie

Honestly, when Mei Kiriyama mentioned having male party members, I felt a premonition. In the past, I might have scoffed at the idea of Japanese men, but in today’s world, nationality becomes irrelevant as levels rise. Especially if that person’s level increases alongside mine, I thought it would be even better.

“But it’s impossible. He’s rugged and muscular, just my type, but if I made a move and it got out, it could fatally damage my relationship with Misuzu. She’s quite into Yuuta.” -Evie

“Gya.” -Lean

“Should I just find some random guy?” -Evie

“Gya gya.” -Lean

“No way. It’d be annoying to have someone clingy, especially since I’ll be spending most of the next few years inside dungeons. It’d be pointless to get involved with a guy now.” -Evie

Both of them were serious about the dungeon. In that respect, I’m grateful to them. And if the dungeon continues like this, staying overnight seems feasible. Overnight stays were out of the question on the first floor in America due to the danger. But here, it’s possible.

Staying overnight in the dungeon could mean a week or two isn’t unusual. For those exploring the 10th floor and beyond, not returning for a year is common. And only those willing to go that far can become high-level explorers.

“Gya—” -Lean

“Want to kiss? Right, neither of us has done that with anyone but family. Oh, I know. Since harems are the norm in dungeons, maybe we should just ‘all get along together’?” -Evie

“Gya—” -Lean

“Eh? You’d hate being shown off in the dungeon all the time? I understand. It’d drive me crazy too, not just the kissing, but hearing all the ‘ah ah, bang bang’. It’s great there are hardly any gunmen around, but that alone is depressing.” -Evie

While talking with Lean about such things, the lower levels of Japan’s dungeons still felt very peaceful, and at least on the first floor, I didn’t feel in any immediate danger. By 12 o’clock, I had arrived at the meeting point with the two of them.

There, Misuzu and Yuuta were waiting, hand in hand. I managed to suppress the grimace threatening to spread across my face. Misuzu and I took turns using the bathroom. It took a while since we’d been holding it in, and doing it in front of Yuuta was a bit embarrassing.

“Phew, I feel much better after holding it in for so long. Yuuta, did you need something?” -Evie

“Ah, no, I was just going to go myself. Could you keep watch for me?” -Yuuta

“OK. Don’t worry, I won’t peek.” -Evie

“That would be appreciated.” -Yuuta

“Hehe. Yuuta, you’re cute.” -Evie

I couldn’t help but laugh at the bashful reaction of Japanese men. But I held back, remembering he was Misuzu’s boyfriend. After Yuuta finished, he also asked Lean to take her turn.

“She’s smarter than I thought.” -Yuuta

Yuuta seemed surprised by Lean’s behavior. She might not speak, but she could understand a significant amount of human language.

“Right? She’s been a big help.” -Evie

“Can’t you summon more than one?” -Yuuta

“No, I think my magic power limits me to just one. Somehow, I just know I can’t summon more than that. Maybe that will change as I level up.” -Evie

I didn’t understand the finer details myself.

“Are onigiri okay for both of you?” -Misuzu

“That’s fine. Japanese convenience store onigiri, right? I’ve heard they’re delicious.” -Evie

Misuzu explained how to open the rice ball packaging, and I enjoyed eating it. Previously, I couldn’t eat so freely, always having to manage my diet strictly to avoid ruining my figure.

A slight deviation in my figure could end my modeling career, so it was a significant concern. However, as I leveled up, diet became less related to appearance. Now, I don’t need to manage my diet strictly to maintain my figure. Leveling up has been truly amazing in that regard.

“Let’s meet up again at 7 p.m., then.” -Evie

Saying that and taking the lead, I felt Misuzu getting closer to Yuuta behind me. I didn’t want to look; it wouldn’t be pleasant, so Lean and I went on to explore.

“Gya.” -Lean

“Don’t say it. I know.” -Evie

I had intruded on the couple, so Misuzu might have complaints. Still, since I don’t have someone myself, I wish they wouldn’t flaunt their relationship. In the dungeon, being constantly exposed to life-threatening situations intensifies the longing for the opposite sex.

I won’t say I fell for Yuuta the moment we met today, but I came all the way to Japan feeling that he might become that someone for me eventually. Dungeons are mysterious places. It’s said that those favored by the dungeons are led to meet people with whom they are highly compatible.

The first time I heard about Yuuta, I had a strong premonition about this. That’s part of why I came here. However, Misuzu clearly likes Yuuta, and it seems Yuuta doesn’t mind Misuzu’s advances either.

“Gya.” -Lean

“You want to make a move? That’s a bad idea. Doing so could potentially dissolve our party.” -Evie

It seems Lean, being a goblin, has strong desires. Yet, she’s never been involved with a man before. Being around a man without acting on those impulses hasn’t been an issue, but it seems those desires accumulate significantly when a man is nearby.

“Even I can’t handle it, so you better restrain yourself. Besides, in America, it’s impossible for me to reach level 1000. I can’t give up this environment.” -Evie

I had no intention of letting go of this environment. I also aim to become the most beautiful in the world and want to heal my model friends’ injuries. Misuzu and Yuuta are a perfect match in terms of their stats. They’re undoubtedly the best party members. If I’m serious about reaching level 1000, they’re absolutely necessary.

“But, you know…” -Evie

The exploration went smoothly, and having Lean around meant hardly ever feeling in danger. It made me wonder if those dangerous explorers Yuuta mentioned even existed. Perhaps, unlike Hazumi and his group, those on the first floor just weren’t of interest to them.

When exploration ended at 7 p.m., Yuuta suggested,

“Since Misuzu and Evie seem to be doing well, how about we start staying overnight in the dungeon from tomorrow? What do you think?” -Yuuta

I naturally agreed and instructed David and the others to stock up on two weeks’ worth of supplies. As an American, I wanted to show generosity, so I promised to prepare supplies for Yuuta and Misuzu too before we parted ways.

“Ah…” -Evie

Watching Misuzu and Yuuta walk away arm in arm, I envied them, thinking they were probably going to be intimate. I had Lean remove her light armor and dressed her in as much clothing as possible, adding a mask for disguise, then we waited in front of the dungeon for the limousine prepared by David.

“About those two just now, David and Mark. If you’re okay with it, I could ask them if they’d be willing to offer themselves to you. How about that?” -Evie

The limousine had a partition between the driver’s seat and the back seat. David and Mark were puzzled by Lean’s appearance but didn’t ask for details and drove us to the hotel where we’d be staying long-term.

“Gygya.” -Lean

“Eh? Why not?” -Evie

Somehow, I could understand what Lean was saying. Yuuta and Misuzu seemed completely clueless, so maybe this is a special ability of summoners. Still, it seems Lean is not fond of David and Mark.

“Gygya.” -Lean

“Not your type?” -Evie

“Gya.” -Lean

“I thought they were sturdy and good men. What kind of man do you like?” -Evie

Lean’s appearance isn’t something I can just show to anyone. So even mentioning introducing her to men is limited.

“Gygya.” -Lean

“Yuuta? That’s why I said no. Misuzu has claimed him. Besides, male goblins are fine with any hole, even if it’s an animal. Aren’t you being a bit too picky?” -Evie

“Gygya-gygya.” -Lean

“Don’t compare me to that? Well, yes, the appearance is entirely different.” -Evie

Anyway, it’s impossible to offer Yuuta as a man. If that were permissible, I’d want to try kissing Yuuta myself. And to verify whether my premonition to come here was correct.

“Anyway, so it’s a no-go with those two, OK?” -Evie

“Gya—” -Lean

“So you’re also all about Yuuta. Is that guy wearing some kind of woman-attracting perfume or what?” -Evie

“Gya.” -Lean

“No? You understand?” -Evie

“Gya—” -Lean

“Sigh, I’ll think it over, so you can go back for today.” -Evie

“Gya gya.” -Lean

After that, I returned Lean to her summoning origin and hurried back to the hotel I had arranged hastily, facing David and Mark. These two were hired to support me during my stay in Japan. If I wished, they would be willing to become that kind of partner for me instead of Lean.

And choosing either of them wouldn’t cause any issues with Misuzu.

“Is something wrong?”   -Mark

Perhaps the company had that in mind when they hired them.

“No.” -Evie

“How was the exploration?”  -Mark

“Surprisingly smooth.” -Evie

While I answered, I pondered. Coming out of the dungeon, my desire for a man was heightened. But something felt off. I felt I could understand Lean’s feelings after returning her to her summoning origin. It’s not like any male goblin would do; I don’t just want anyone.

“What do you guys do when I’m not around?” -Evie

I asked, suddenly curious.

“We’re given free time.” -Mark

“I know that. I was just curious.” -Evie

“Well, if you must know, we think Japanese women are pretty cute.” -Mark

“Hey.” –David

Mark smirked, and David chastised him. The two seemed to have a long history of friendship, having met in the American military.

“I see. So you’ve been enjoying yourselves.” -Evie

“Ah, sorry about that.” –David

“David. There’s nothing to apologize for. A monkey like that in Japan would be easy for Evie to pick up. Have you already done it?” -Mark

“That’s a rude question. I’m not promiscuous, and I’ve decided there will only be one man in my life.” -Evie

I felt uncomfortable. David was still acceptable, but Mark’s sense of decency seemed to be the worst.

“Yeah, yeah. Seriously, I envy that kid. Misuzu is pretty beautiful, too. And to think he could also get with Evie. I’m done with diving into dungeons, but that’s one thing I’d like to take his place in.” -Mark

“Enough, Mark. Evie, don’t mind what he says.” –David

“Are you really okay with this? Depending on how things go, I might terminate our contract.” -Evie

They were both level 10. I couldn’t beat them now, but I wasn’t going to show any weakness.

“It’s okay. We’re under a contract that we can’t engage in physical relations with you. If that were to happen, we’d incur a penalty, and for someone aiming for high levels like you, we wouldn’t be sufficient anyway.” –David

“I don’t think I’d lose to a Japanese monkey anyway.” -Mark

“Stop it, Mark. If you say any more, I won’t forgive you. You know we’ve given up. Or do you want to try the dungeon again?” –David

“…Understood.” -Mark

I had heard that these two had a terrible time in the dungeon, suffering injuries that made them give up being explorers. They were saved by potions provided by the boss of the modeling agency. I trusted they wouldn’t betray me, but having seen Hazumi and his group, I couldn’t help but be cautious.

“Besides, I have Chika. She’s my angel.” –David

“Chika?” -Evie

“Nah, just that he managed to pick up a pair of cute girls recently. That’s why he’s so cheerful. Forgive him. He’ll do his job properly. We’re staying overnight starting tomorrow, right? We’ll take care of all the shopping for supplies and everything.” -Mark

“Ha, I’d appreciate that.” -Evie

Being called a miracle at 15, I felt somewhat belittled even by my two supporters. Without having to worry about my chastity, it seemed they were managing just fine on their own. Confusing. In my frustration, I was left to comfort myself with my own hands.