Akatsuki Translations

The meal, which was scarier than fighting Goblin Riders, finally ended, and we resumed our battle against the Goblin Riders. The procedure remained unchanged, yet it was still painful that Imari, our fourth member, couldn’t enter the dungeon. With just the three of us, things didn’t always go as planned, and we had to rely on the Type 20 rifle to finish them off more times than I would like.

Despite the precariousness, we steadily decimated the horde of Goblin Riders.

[Level Up Notification: You have defeated 40 Goblin Riders and reached Level 4.]

First, I received the level-up notification, followed by Misuzu, and after two more battles, Evie’s level-up announcement echoed in my mind.

“It doesn’t seem like things will go smoothly until Imari can join us,” Misuzu remarked.

“That’s right. Going any deeper might be dangerous until she arrives,” Evie agreed.

“Imari’s birthday is on March 15th. What should we get her?” I mused.

“I don’t know.” -Evie

“Think for yourself.” -Misuzu

The cold responses from both of them made me question if they were really looking forward to Imari joining us. Their words were so cold, colder than ice. For a moment, it felt like the dungeon had turned into winter.

I began to wonder if it was safe for Imari to join us. But there was no way I could leave her out, and if I did, she would undoubtedly cut off my manhood while I slept.

“Anyway, let’s check our status.” -Yuuta

“We had to rely on the Type 20 rifle when necessary, but we also used magic and skills and engaged in close combat. So, our stats shouldn’t be bad, right?”

“Guys, I did it! My skills have grown!” -Yuuta

And so had my manhood(wtf). No, I should stop thinking like that—it’s unhealthy. Besides, my stats had improved significantly.

“I’ve got a new skill too.”

“Heh, next time, I’ll have a new skill too.” -Misuzu

“The Goblin Riders are Level 7, and the Red ones are Level 8. I guess fighting higher-level enemies gives us more bonuses.” -Yuuta

“Plus, even though Lean is here, we’re basically a three-person party.” -Misuzu

We had been hunting since dinner, and it was nearing 9 PM. Despite being inside the dungeon, where the sun blazed down at a sweltering 35 degrees, we had been moving around so much that we were starting to feel drowsy.

“It seems that gaining skills really does require some thought, Yuuta,” Misuzu noted.

“Yeah, if we want to become high-level explorers, it’s definitely something we need to consider.” -Yuuta

I pondered the conditions under which stats improved and how magic and skills emerged. After considering various factors, I managed to acquire the skills I wanted to some extent, which was a great relief.

“The penalties for using modern weapons don’t seem to apply if we do it this way.” -Misuzu

“Judging by the results, as long as we don’t rely entirely on guns and only use them when our lives are at risk, it seems like there’s no negative impact on our stat growth. The three-person party handicap might also be a factor.” -Yuuta

“I wonder how much thought others put into using modern weapons? They say it’s pointless beyond the tenth floor, but I think it’s quite important early on. What do you think, Yuuta?” -Misuzu

“Opinions on the internet are all over the place. No one shares their exact stats, so even if they discuss effective uses for modern weapons, they don’t explain how it affects their stats. Comments like ‘stun grenades are very effective’ are too vague. If it doesn’t help with stat growth, it’s meaningless.” -Yuuta

In the end, those aiming for the top had to resort to something like a no-gun challenge even on lower floors, or they had to experiment with modern weapons themselves to find out the effects.

“It’s all about secrecy. I get why people become cautious after being involved with the dungeon.” -Yuuta

“Yeah. Let’s compare our stats. This time, I won’t lose.” -Misuzu

Misuzu said something that puzzled me. Had she lost before?

“Alright. The one with the biggest stat increase gets to sleep with Yuuta.” -Evie

“I-I’m fine with that. I’m confident I won’t lose.” -Misuzu

I was made the subject of a happy wager, no complaints there. In fact, I was delighted. Both of them clung to my arms, pressing their chests against me. Evie was on my right, Misuzu on my left.

What was this situation? It didn’t seem like they were arguing. With a bit of unease, we revealed our stats to each other.

Name: Yuuta Rokujou

Race: Human

Level: 3→4

Job: Explorer

Title: Rookie

HP: 20→26

MP: 14→17

SP: 18→24

Strength: 19→25 (+3)

Agility: 19→25 (+3)

Defense: 20→26 (+3)

Dexterity: 15→18 (+3)

Magic Power: 14→17

Intelligence: 16→17

Charm: 24→32

Gacha Luck: 5

Equipment:

Stone-grade [Headband]

Stone-grade [Body Armor]

Stone-grade [Greaves]

Stone-grade [Gauntlets]

Stone-grade [Battle Surcoat]

Stone-grade [Amulet] x2

Stone-grade [Mikamaru’s Flame Sword] Yuuta Rokujou Exclusive Equipment

Stone-grade [Dagger]

Stone-grade [Footwear]

Bronze-grade [Aristo] (Barrier Value 100)

Magic:

Stone-grade [Rock Bullet] (MP4)

Skills:

Stone-grade [Double Strike] (SP3)

Stone-grade [Acceleration] (SP3)

Name: Evie Nova Timberlake

Race: Human

Level: 3→4

Job: Explorer

Title: Rookie

HP: 17→21

MP: 22→29

SP: 15→18

Strength: 16→19

Agility: 16→19

Defense: 17→20

Dexterity: 18→22

Magic Power: 20→26

Intelligence: 17→20

Charm: 72→73

Gacha Luck: 2

Equipment:

Stone-grade [Underwear]

Stone-grade [Mage Robe]

Stone-grade [Cloak]

Stone-grade [Gloves]

Stone-grade [Hair Ornament]

Stone-grade [Amulet] x2

Stone-grade [Magic Staff]

Stone-grade [Ring]

Stone-grade [Boots]

Bronze-grade [Aristo] (Barrier Value 100)

Magic:

Stone-grade [Summon Lean] (MP15)

Stone-grade [Fire Ball] (MP4)

Skills:

Stone-grade [Summon Beast Enhancement] (SP5)

Name: Misuzu Kiriyama

Race: Human

Level: 3→4

Job: Explorer

Title: Rookie

HP: 18→23

MP: 14→19

SP: 16→21

Strength: 17→22

Agility: 17→22

Defense: 17→21

Dexterity: 19→25

Magic Power: 16→20

Intelligence: 16→18

Charm: 46→49

Gacha Luck: 1

Equipment:

Stone-grade [Hair Ornament]

Stone-grade [Body Armor]

Stone-grade [Greaves]

Stone-grade [Gauntlets]

Stone-grade [Underwear]

Stone-grade [Amulet] x2

Stone-grade [Bow]

Stone-grade [Dagger]

Stone-grade [Footwear]

Bronze-grade [Aristo] (Barrier Value 100)

Magic:

Stone-grade [Level Down] (MP3)

Skills:

Stone-grade [Precision Shot] (SP2)

Stone-grade [Sturdy Bow] (SP3)

“Summon Beast Enhancement. The consumption is intense, but with this I can have Lean at the front lines.” -Evie

Evie seemed quite happy. As a summoner, she must have had things on her mind about her summon beast only being able to deliver potions.

“Evie. Want to do leveling exclusively for Lean’s sake tomorrow? If we do that, I think we can expect quite a bit from Lean’s next stats too.” -Yuuta

This time, Lean was mostly relegated to a support role.

That’s why she didn’t level up and remained at level 3. We could level up together with her now that we’ve reached level 4, but it would be better to adjust the number of goblin riders with guns and level up just for Lean’s sake.

“Is that okay? If we do that, we’ll spend the whole day tomorrow just on that, you know?”  -Evie

“The more Lean’s level increases in a good way, the more our party will become a group of four. If Imari joins us, it will essentially be like fighting as a party of five.” -Yuuta

If it goes well, the battles will become much easier. Once a level has gone up, it can’t be lowered, and there’s nothing worse than having your level increase in a bad way. We learned that lesson all too well with David and the others.

“Evie, I agree with Yuuta. Let’s raise Lean’s level tomorrow.” -Misuzu

“Misuzu… Thank you. Then I’ll gladly take you up on that offer.” -Evie

“Misuzu got some good skills too.” -Yuuta

Next, I checked Misuzu’s skills. While I was checking Evie’s, I felt Misuzu’s intention for me to look at hers too. In fact, she tugged at my clothes.

“Yeah. I was worried about whether we could complete the quest, but now I see a bit of a path forward. [Sturdy Bow] should significantly increase the attack power of my arrows. Based on my research, it should be able to penetrate armor like the goblin riders’.” -Misuzu

Perhaps because she was so happy, Misuzu’s face was very close. I thought she wanted me to kiss her, so I did. Doing so seemed to be the right thing, as she smiled even more.

“Misuzu, do you think you will be able to aim well?” -Yuuta

“I think it will be used in combination with [Precision Shot]. Apparently, the accuracy of [Sturdy Bow] is too low without it. So I can only shoot the bow four times at most. However, the range will be extended. I can accurately aim at a goblin’s head even from 150 meters away. Since the power is high, the speed is also fast, so it seems it can’t be avoided much either.” -Misuzu

“I see. Yeah. Misuzu, we’re definitely getting stronger.” -Yuuta

I was happy to feel that realization. I clenched my fist tightly.

“But I still think Yuuta’s skill is the most convenient to use. [Acceleration]. If I had that, I could do close combat on Yuuta’s level, but…” -Evie

“If you could do that, Evie, I wouldn’t have a role anymore.” -Yuuta

“It’s a well-known skill for being easy to use. Apparently, it makes you much faster.” -Evie

“But the effective time is only 10 seconds.” -Misuzu

“Even 10 seconds is plenty. Yuuta, you could completely take down two goblin riders in that time.” -Evie

In other words, in those 10 seconds, I would have to thoroughly defeat two goblins and lions. I would essentially need to attack four times. Considering if I could do it and adding in [Rock Bullet], I thought I might even be able to take down three. That’s how convenient the [Acceleration] skill is.

“Well, let’s not make any optimistic estimates. We won’t know how it will actually turn out until we try it. Let’s do our best tomorrow without letting our guard down.” -Yuuta

I tightened my grip to pull the two of them closer by the waist. They both nodded. Good. It seems the strange tension has ended. After that, we set up a tent to prepare for sleep. Even though we’re going to sleep, it’s still completely daytime.

The sweltering heat remained unchanged, and when the two of them took off their equipment, they used soap that came out of the gacha to clean their bodies at the water source. Still, sweat quickly flowed again.

“Okay, Evie. I won the status match, so I’m the one sleeping with Yuuta tonight.” -Misuzu

“Got it. Hey, let’s alternate each day. I’ll let you have today, so give me tomorrow.” -Evie

“Are you serious?” -Misuzu

“Is that not okay?” -Evie

Just as we finished setting up the tent and I thought I would sleep with Misuzu as usual, the two of them started talking about that. Regardless of the outcome, it’s scary, so I wanted to run away. I deeply felt that I shouldn’t have cheated. I wanted to go back to yesterday and redo it.

But if I did that, Evie’s dissatisfaction would likely reach its peak, and if that happened, the party would fall apart anyway. In fact, from Evie’s words, I was certain. It seems Evie told Misuzu about last night.

Why would she do that? No matter how I think about it, I can’t see any benefit for Evie. Or were there other factors that exposed it? I really don’t know. Still, Misuzu didn’t directly blame me for it. It didn’t turn into a breakup talk either.

What’s going on?

When did such an exchange happen between the two of them?

Someone tell me… I mean, it’s scary. It’s really scary to see two super-beautiful girls arguing. But the two of them don’t stop talking. My life points were at zero.

“What will you do if I say no?” -Misuzu

“I’ll do it in secret. I’ve come to like him too. I don’t mind prioritizing you, but I told you not to monopolize him.” -Evie

Scary. Americans are too blunt. Her beautiful blue eyes firmly captured Misuzu, asserting that she absolutely won’t back down.

“Fine then. Go ahead and do as you please in secret. But stop being all lovey-dovey with Yuuta where I can see.” -Misuzu

“Is that okay with you?” -Evie

“Of course not! But if you do it in secret, I won’t know!” -Misuzu

“…I’m sorry about that. I apologize. But it’s painful to have it flaunted in front of me. This is the first time a man has caught my interest. That’s why I want to get close to Yuuta. But I also want to get along with you just as much. I don’t want to fight in the dungeon. Can’t you understand that?” -Evie

“It’s because you’re the one saying things that will make our relationship worse, Evie! Yuuta is my boyfriend! I was properly confessed to and told that he likes me!” -Misuzu

Huh? I don’t think I said that…

“I-I was also told by Yuuta that he likes me!” -Evie

I didn’t say that either! I can say that for sure! No, either way, I’m the worst…

“That was just him getting swept up in the moment! Right, Yuuta?” -Misuzu

Misuzu looked at me imploringly.

“That’s not true! He definitely said that because he really likes me! Right!?” -Evie

Evie looked at me too. I wholeheartedly thought, “Of course you’d turn to me.” It was what they call a scene of carnage. If I responded incorrectly, the party would likely collapse. I mean, why are these two fighting over someone like me?

They could just write me off as a tool that just has a wee-wee attached, so I don’t understand at all what’s so good about me. What would happen if I said I like both Evie and Misuzu here?

What did Nagumo-san say when I consulted him the other day?

“Women are all the same, just judging by appearances. You’ll be fine as long as you sleep with them appropriately and please them appropriately.” -Nagumo

I was so shocked remembering it, I was in despair at how utterly useless those words were. Nagumo-san. That level is too high for me, it’s impossible.

“U-Um, well, uh, why don’t we just prohibit that sort of thing while we’re in the dungeon…” -Yuuta

“”I don’t want that.”” -Misuzu&Evie

Their voices harmonized.

I think for a while.

I think for a while.

No good, I can’t think of anything.

“S-Sorry. To be honest, I like both of you. If I had to choose one, I’d want to choose both. But that’s impossible, so I’ll choose Misuzu. S-Sorry. Evie.” -Yuuta

“Yuuta… You’re okay with me?” -Misuzu

“Sorry. Yesterday, I cheated with Evie. But if I’m asked who I like more, I like Misuzu.” -Yuuta

I first saw Misuzu in my first year of middle school. I thought she was so beautiful that I couldn’t believe such a pretty girl existed in this world. And I’ve liked her ever since then. Evie is an even more beautiful girl, and if I had met her earlier, I might have liked Evie instead. But that’s not how it is.

“…Evie, I’m sorry. That’s how it is, so from now on, don’t lay your hands on Yuuta. That’s fine, right?” -Misuzu

Misuzu followed up on Evie. The thought of Evie leaving the party because of this pained my heart. But it couldn’t be helped. Things can’t go the way they do in manga and anime. If you get involved with multiple women at the same time, you’ll face terrible consequences. It was the moment I learned a life lesson.

“O-Okay. I understand Yuuta’s feelings. Misuzu, I’m sorry for causing trouble. Please get along well, you two. I’ll back off.” -Evie

Will Evie leave the party now? I thought she was the best companion as an explorer, so it’s really unfortunate. While I had concerns about future exploration, a part of my heart felt relieved.

Now I’ll be freed from these stomach-churning days. I guess these things need to be made clear after all. However, Evie just stood outside the tent and didn’t particularly seem to be preparing to leave.

“Evie, aren’t you leaving? If you’re scared to be alone, I can escort you to the entrance.” -Misuzu

Misuzu seemed to be saying she wanted Evie to leave quickly.

“I didn’t say a word about leaving the party. I’ll allow you two to get along. But I can’t return to America that easily either. The public safety inside the dungeons over there is incomparably worse than here.” -Evie

“Then why don’t you find someone else in Japan?” -Misuzu

“Misuzu, there’s no one like that. There’s no party member better than Yuuta. It shouldn’t be a problem since I said I won’t lay my hands on Yuuta. Besides, if you two aim to be high-level explorers, do you have a better party member than me? Summoners rarely appear. And Misuzu, what do you plan to do about your debt to me? Will you pay it back in full right now?” -Evie

“That’s…” -Misuzu

Misuzu was at a loss for words. It’s not easy to find a summoner companion. More than anything, we had been greatly helped by Evie’s extraordinary financial power in the early stages. Whether we have that or not changes the exploration itself. If Evie leaves, we won’t be able to level up like we are now.

And then there’s the debt issue. If I said I would pay it on Misuzu’s behalf here, that would be the end of it. But if asked who else we would have as a companion, I didn’t have anyone in mind. Above all, there’s Imari. Imari likes me.

At this point, it’s certain that I can’t avoid women troubles. I don’t have confidence in myself, so I don’t want to bring in any male companions, and if possible, I wanted Evie to stay.

“Yuuta, you’re the leader, right?” -Evie

“Y-Yeah, sort of.” -Yuuta

“Then do you want to kick me out of the party?” -Evie

“No, that’s not it, but…” -Yuta

I mean, I want her to stay. I want her to stay, but… This is weird. I thought I made things clear, but it feels like the atmosphere has gotten worse.

“Yuuta.” -Misuzu

Misuzu looked at me accusingly.

“Well, but Evie said she’ll back off, so…” -Yuuta

“…” -Misuzu

Don’t look at me like I’m scum. But no matter what, I want to reach level 1000. I want to surpass human limits and see what’s beyond. I want to see the scenery ahead. And I think Evie is absolutely necessary for that.

“Fine. Then Evie, watch from there every day.” -Misuzu

“I’ll do just that.” -Evie

Misuzu didn’t say any more than that. I think she couldn’t say more because she also has a debt to Evie. From there, she silently stood guard outside the tent. The distance between us was ridiculously close. Close enough to reach out and touch.

It was so hot that we absolutely needed the tent to sleep, and shade was also necessary for keeping watch. So we had no choice but to be close in distance.

“Ah geez, this sucks. It feels like there can’t be any secrets at all in a dungeon party.” -Misuzu

“Bear with it. It’s not like I’m standing here because I want to.” -Yuuta

“Evie, stay quiet. I can’t concentrate.” -Misuzu

“Yes, yes.” -Evie

On the sheet laid out on the grassland, Misuzu embraced me with her sweaty, sticky body.

Furthermore, Misuzu’s lips overlapped with mine once more. She didn’t part from me for a while. I thought we were seeking each other. I couldn’t help but look at Evie out of concern. I couldn’t tell what she was thinking because I could only see her back.