A timid-looking boy, clad in U.S. Army gear, enters a changing room. I watch him with a grimace, my body feeling heavy. I had been in the dungeon earlier and things hadn’t gone well, which was quite frustrating.
Despite this, I wonder why I am showing such kindness to a kid who seems so ordinary.
To be frank, just as that damn woman suggested, I could have let him buy some pricey gear and be thrown into the dungeon. Thoughtless children would eventually give up on their own. I don’t care about what happens afterward. It’s not like I’m directly stopping him, so there’s no reason to worry about the dungeon taking offense.
“I getting some major déjà vu.” -Nagumo
“You are being surprisingly kind, young-Nagumo.”
Hearing the voice, I turned with an astonished expression.
“Well, well, if it isn’t the damn old woman? Old people sure are early risers.” -Nagumo
A woman stood there, looking as young and beautiful as any foreign model. With her long ears, she resembled an Elf, a very attractive one at that, yet she had the aura of a shitty old hag.
“Don’t add ‘damn’. It’s vulgar.” -Old Woman
“Hmph, a damn old woman is still a damn old woman.” -Nagumo
“You used to call to me saying, ‘granny, granny’ and come running to me. When did you lose that affection? I wish you’d show me the same kindness you showed to that boy.” -Old Woman
“I’m always kind.” -Nagumo
“That child doesn’t seem suited for the dungeon at all. I think it’s probably futile.” -Old Woman
I had thought the same, but it irked me to hear it from someone else.
“If he recognizes reality and gives up, so be it. If he’s a fool willing to risk his life, then let him.” -Nagumo
“Hmm, you were 15 once, weren’t you? Bullied at school and took refuge in the dungeon.” -Old Woman
“I was young back then. By the way, doesn’t that kid resemble me a bit?” -Nagumo
“Please, spare me. The thought of him becoming like you in 5 years terrifies me.” -Old Woman
“I was also shocked to see that in 5 years, an old hag like you turned into such a beauty.” -Nagumo
“Cut the sarcasm. You know, don’t help him too much. Just make sure of that.” -Old Woman
“Goooot it. You’re the same as ever, grandma.” -Nagumo
“Hmph, that’s what being old is all about.” -Old Woman
“Being old…” -Nagumo
Looking at the impossibly beautiful woman in front of me, I pondered the term ‘old.’
“Threatening such a cute girl like that makes you a terrible man.” -Old Woman
“I got annoyed thinking about the past. I don’t regret it.” -Nagumo
“Hehe, should I go and comfort her then?” -Old Woman
The damn old hag, after saying that, walked towards the restroom. She seemed to have been watching from the start. By just her appearance, she looked too beautiful to be of this world.
“She seems to be attacking her rather than comforting.” -Nagumo
A soft laugh escaped my lips. After a while, a disheveled woman with a flushed face and another with a radiant complexion emerged from the restroom side by side. Around the same time, the young boy emerged from the fitting room.
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