23 The Promised Day With Kodachi-san

On the slope of the river bank, the green of early summer spread out as a field of grass.

I pedaled my bicycle on the paved road on the bank to my destination.

When I reached the meeting place in front of the dungeon, I saw Kodachi-san fidgeting at the desired spot.

When Kodachi-san noticed me, she gave me a quick, blossoming smile and waved her hand.

"Musou-san, long time no see! You came as promised, so I didn't have to do the devil's den."

Kodachi-san looks wonderful today as she smiles at me.

I walk to her, stop my bike, then reply, hiding my nervousness.

"That's good to hear. I'm glad to hear that. I mean, Kodachi-san, aren't you coming early? It should still be about 15 minutes before our appointment."

"Hehehe. I've been waiting so long that I came a little early. I was lonely exploring the dungeon by myself until yesterday.

"Oh, I see. Then, let's go to the dungeon right away."

"Yes!"

I parked my bicycle in the designated place and followed Kodachi-san who was heading for the dungeon with a happy step.

I'm the type of guy who easily misunderstands things, so I thought, "Isn't this practically a date?" But of course, I didn't say anything about it.

I collect my equipment at the equipment storage counter and put it in the changing room.

At the dungeon general information desk, I received my official license as a seeker.

I submitted my photo and other documents last week.

The Seeker's License is similar to a driver's license, and I can use it for identification.

I tucked it securely into my wallet.

I then went to an armorer's store, bought a Leather Helmet for 6,000 yen, and put it on my head.

Now I have about 15,000 yen left in my dungeon budget.

I want to save the remaining amount to buy a Long Spear for 25,000 yen.

Equipped with a short spear, wood shield, leather armor, and leather helm, I looked like a fully equipped warrior.

It may look a little tacky, but I suppose it's a lost cause if I care about that.

After I had finished equipping myself, I went to the dungeon entrance with Kodachi-san and used a magic circle to transfer into the dungeon.

After landing on the 1st floor, Kodachi-san and I started walking toward the stairs to the 2nd floor.

As we proceeded through the dungeon, Kodachi-san peeked into my face.

"... By any chance, Musou-san, are you a little tired?"

"Eh, do I look that way?"

"Yes, I feel that way. Somehow."

"Well, I don't think it's that bad. I've been putting in dungeon exploration on my day off from my part-time job, so until today, I've been working 13 straight days. As expected, I'm feeling a little tired."

"Wow, I see. I'm sorry to hear that. I mean, am I asking too much of you?"

"No, no, not at all. Exploring dungeons with Kodachi-san is a lot of fun, and I want to do it too. Besides, I've submitted my resignation from my part-time job, so if I can hold out for one more week, I'll be a full-time seeker myself."

"Oh? Then, we can dive as a party together every day."

After she had said that much, Kodachi-san held her mouth with her hand and fell silent.

She seemed to be blushing with embarrassment.

Kodachi-san then coughed, as if trying to cover up something, and continued.

"Well let's not dive too late today, shall we? We always end up late at night."

"Yes, that's right. I'll be in at 8:00, so I'd like to plan my search around 5:00 or so."

"Yes, that's right. Let's go in that direction. Musou-san you have a visitor."

Kodachi-san's [Presence Detection] detected the presence of a monster.

A single kobold appeared from the end of the cave.

"One kobold isn't much to get used to, right? ─ ─ Well…"

I attacked one of the attacking kobolds with my spear, instantly turning it into a magic stone.

Then, solemnly picking up the magic stone, I proceeded through the cave as if nothing had happened.

Compared to the first time, I think I have become much stronger.

Today's objective is to explore the 4th floor.

It's my first challenge, but let's see how far I can go with my current abilities.

(End of Chapter)