vol 5 PT 1

ARIFURETA SHOKUGYOU DE SEKAI SAIKYOU (WN)

V5 C1

Chapter 1 : In Brook Town II



Because guilds have the image of a place where rough people gather, Hajime thought it'd be a dirty place, but it was unexpectedly clean. There was a counter in front of the entrance, and a restaurant to the left. There were some people that seemed to be adventurers, eating and chatting. Judging from how no one ordered sake, it might be because they didn't serve it. For those who wanted to drink, they had to go to a bar.

When Hajime and his party entered the guild, naturally the adventurers turned their gazes toward them. At first, because it was just three unknown people they only paid a little attention to them, but when their gazes turned toward Yue and Shia, the curiosity in their eyes increased. There were those who, "Hou", raised voices of admiration, there were those who stared blankly in admiration just like the guard, and then there were those that were beaten by their girlfriends. It was just like adventurers to not stop at a slap.

It was a favorable template, even though there were some people that tried to mess with them, it seemed that they logically held back and simply observed. Because there was no need to keep standing still, Hajime happily went toward the counter.

In the counter was a charming… … smiling auntie. Her build was good. Her width about twice Yue's. Apparently a beautiful woman as a receptionist was just a fantasy. It was like how the real and professional maids on Earth were aunties. No matter which world you're in the harsh reality is the same. By the way, Hajime was just normal, he didn't expect to see a beautiful woman as the receptionist. If he said he didn't then he didn't. That's why, Hajime wanted Yue and Shia to stop their icy glares. From a little while ago, their glares had been pierced into him.

Maybe because she knew what was going on in the mind of Hajime and his party, the auntie kept giving them a charming.

"Even though you have a flower in both hands, is that still insufficient? It is regrettable that I am not a beautiful receptionist"

… … The auntie probably didn't use special magic for mindreading. Hajime, with twitching cheeks was somehow able to give an answer.

"No, I have never thought about that"

"Ahahahaha, are you underestimating a woman's intuition? I am simply able to understand a man's simplicity. Don't try to avert your eyes too much, it'll reduce your credibility, you know?"

"… … I am deeply impressed"

Hajime's answer was, "Oh my, to be old and suddenly giving out a sermon, because it was our first meeting, can you forgive me?", an unapology-like apology to the auntie, after all it's not like he hated her. The adventurers who were eating, took a peek at Hajime while saying, "Ah~ he also got preached to by the auntie~". It seemed the adventurers were behaving because of this auntie.

"Well then, once more, welcome to adventurer guild, Brook's branch. What is your business?"

"Aa, I want to know where to sell raw materials"

"Selling raw materials it is. Then, can you show me your status plate first?"

"Nn? Is it necessary to show your status plate for purchasing something?"

To Hajime's question, the auntie was, "Oh my?", showing that kind of expression.

"Aren't you an adventurer? Certainly, the status plate isn't necessary to purchase something, but if you are confirmed as an adventurer there will be a 10% increase in the price of the things you sell"

"I see"

Just as auntie said, there were various privileges as an adventurer. It was because the adventurers were the ones that collected raw materials such as magic stones and recovery medicine that's necessary for everyday lives. Also, it wasn't known when the town would be attacked by demonic beasts, so no amateur tried to collect those raw materials. It was natural to give out privileges corresponding to the dangers.

"There are other benefits, such as 10-20% discount for hotels and shops associated with the guild, and it's possible to freely use carriages for people with a high rank. What will you do? Do you want to register? The fee is 1,000 ruta."

Ruta is this world's common currency that's used in the northern continent, Tortoise. Zagaruta ore is the special ore used to make this currency, the difference in colours are made by mixing it with different minerals using a special method along with the carved seal. Blue, red, yellow, purple, green, white, black, silver, and gold were the colours, from the left the values are 1, 5, 10, 50,100, 500, 1.000, 5.000, and 10.000 ruta respectively. Surprisingly, its value was the same as Japan's.

"U~n, I see. Even though it was explained with great effort, I can't register now. I am sorry, I don't have any money at all. Is it possible for me to sell it first? Of course, the first sale value is good as it is."

"Don't say that in front of these two cuties. I will help, it's not like it'll inconvenience me, you know?"

Auntie was so cool. Hajime decided to accept her goodwill, and showed his status plate.

He made sure to conceal it this time, it only displayed name, age, sex and job. Although auntie also asked for Yue and Shia's, but was cut off. Although these two didn't have plates to begin with, it was possible to ask for it. However, their status's numerical value and skills column would be seen by auntie.

Although Hajime wanted to see their statuses, he thought their special magic would be described on the skills column for sure. If these three existences were publicized it'd only be troublesome, so they decided to put it on hold.

New information was written on the returned status plate. There was an occupation column beside the job column, what was written there was "adventurer" along with a blue mark at its side.

This blue mark was the adventurer's rank. It continued with red, yellow, purple, green, white, black, silver, and gold. … you might have noticed it. That's right, adventurer ranks are the same as currency. In other words, blue ranked adventurers were, "Your value is only 1 ruta, ptchoe", or something along that line. It was painful. Surely, the previous guild master who thought of this system was someone twisted.

By the way, the limitations for someone with a non-combat profession was black. It seems because the black rank barely reached four digits, you'd be applauded to make it that far. Someone who reached gold rank would be the object of admiration, you should be able to understand how the colours stand for adventurers now.

"If you're a man, then work hard to reach black, okay? Don't show any uncool sides to these girls."

"Aa, I'll do that. Then, is it okay to sell them now?"

"No problem. I have the qualifications for appraisal, so show it to me."

It seemed auntie was not only a receptionist but also able to appraise sold items. She was an excellent auntie. Hajime already took out the raw materials from the "Treasure Box" and placed it in a bag beforehand. Those items were demonic beasts' furs, nails, fangs and magic stones. When the container was put on the counter and the raw materials were seen, auntie displayed an astonished expression.

"Th-these are-!"

She timidly took it, then ascertained the items inside-out. After holding her breath in nervousness, auntie finally looked up, then she gave out a sigh and looked at Hajime.

"You've brought something unexpected. Aren't these… … from the Sea of Trees' demonic beasts?"

"Aa, that's right."

Hajime also wanted to remove the template here, that was why the raw materials from Abyss's demonic beasts couldn't be taken out here. If unknown materials were taken out, it'd immediately cause a big commotion. Even though he was hesitating because the raw materials from the Sea of Trees' demonic beasts were also unusual, he didn't have any other raw materials, so he sold that. Having seen auntie's reaction, it was unusual after all.

If he took out raw materials from the Abyss, it'd be like, the Guild head appeared! Sudden raise in rank! The Receptionist lady's eyes became hearts!, it'd be that kind of template… … it was a good thing he didn't do that. That's why, Hajime wanted Yue and Shia to stop looking at him with icy glares, because it made his body tremble.

"… … You are also unexpected" Auntie looked at Hajime in amazement.

"I don't understand what you mean."

Even though he had changed, his otaku soul couldn't be erased… … somehow it became like this. Hajime who pretend to not know anything, looked away from reality.

"Because there are a lot of good quality raw materials from the Sea of Trees, thanks for selling them."

Auntie, even though she didn't know anything, continued to speak. It seemed she was capable of reading the mood. She truly was a pleasant and excellent auntie.

"Are these unusual after all?"

"You know. A human's sense of direction would be driven out of control inside the Sea of Trees, because once you get lost there would be no second time. It's a place with high risk. That's why no one tries to go there. Although it's possible to buy demi-human slaves to enter it, it's more profitable to sell them at central. They will sell at a high price, and it'll make it easier to raise one's name."

Auntie took a peek at Shia. She probably guessed that they received Shia's help to go around the Sea of Trees. It seems, thanks to Shia, she didn't become suspicious of the raw materials from the Sea of Trees.

After auntie assessed all of the raw materials, she presented the money. The value of the sold items were 487,000 ruta. It was an excellent amount.

"Is this much okay? I think it'll sell for more at central."

"Well, I don't mind this much."

Hajime received 51 pieces of the Ruta currency. This money, maybe because of an ore characteristic was strangely light, that's why it wasn't bothersome to carry more than 50 pieces ruta currency. After all, if it was a bother, Hajime could just put it inside the "Treasure Box."

"By the way, I heard from the guardsman that I can get a simple map of this town…"

"Aa, please wait a moment… … here, this is it. Please refer to it because the recommended inn and stores are written there."

On the given map, there was elaborate useful information and descriptions written with simplicity that made it a wonderful item. He felt it was rather unbelievable for this to be free of charge.

"Oi oi, is this okay? For such a splendid map to be free of charge. I thought it'd need some money to make something of this level…"

"I don't mind, I only do it as a hobby. For those that have the job to make it, that's just like a scribble."

Auntie truly an excellent person. Just why did this person become the receptionist of the guild?, was the the level he wanted to rebut. Surely, there might be a sublime drama behind it.

"I see. Well, it helps."

"That's a good word. Moreover, because you have money, please just stay here for a while. Although this town's public order isn't bad, there might be some reckless men out there, because of these two."

Auntie who paid attention until the last minute, truly was a good person. Hajime answered, "I'll do that", while grinning, then turned his feet toward the entrance. Yue and Shia followed suit after bowing their head. Some adventurers in the restaurant were sneakily whispering, while their eyes were glued to Yue and Shia to the end.

"Fumu, in a lot of ways, they are interesting people…"

Auntie happily muttered toward their backs.

* * *

Hajime and his party, more than a map calling it a guidebook, then decided on an inn called "Masaka Inn." According to the description, it served delicious food with good security, it also had a bath. The last description was what decided it. Although the price was rather expensive, there were no problems because they had the money for it. Slightly, they thought what followed was that "Masaka"…

On the inn's first floor, there was a dining room filled with some people having their meal. When Hajime and his party entered, gazes were focused on Yue and Shia as promised. They ignored that, when they arrived at the counter-like place, what appeared was a girl around 15 that cheerfully greeted them.

"Welcome-, welcome to "Masaka Inn"! Today, are you here for lodging? Or are you only here to eat?"

"Lodging. Although I've seen in the guidebook, is this place as good as described?"

The girl nodded when Hajime showed auntie's special map.

"Aa, it's the introduction from Catherine-san. Yes, it was as written. How many nights do you wish to stay?"

Although the girl tried to promptly continue the staying procedure, Hajime was thinking of something else. Hajime was shocked that the auntie's name was Catherine. The girl called out to him with, "Umm~ mr. costumer?"

"Ah, aa, sorry. Only for one night. The one with meals and bath."

"Yes. The bath will be 100 ruta per 15 minutes. Currently, it's empty at this time"

The girl showed him the time table. Because he wanted to enjoy it, he wanted to book the men's and women's side for two hours. When he said that, "Eh, for two hours!?", the girl was surprised just like that. It couldn't be helped, Hajime was Japanese after all.

"Then, um~, what about the rooms? Although there are double and triple rooms…"

The girl looked at Hajime and his party with curiosity. She was in her puberty after all. However, Hajime could feel the other customers who were eating their meals perk their ears up. Although he knew Yue and Shia were beautiful, it looked like they stood out more than he expected. Because there are lots of people they don't know here, Hajime was slightly paralyzed.

"Aa, the triple room please."

Hajime said that without any hesitation. Their surroundings became noisy, and the girls' cheeks were blushing in slight red. However, there was a person who objected Hajime's words.

"… … It's no good. Two double rooms"

It was Yue. The surrounding customers, especially the males looking toward Hajime with expressions that said, "Serves you right!". They interpreted Yue's words as to divide them between men and women. However, Yue's next words put them in despair.

"… … One for me and Hajime. Shia in the other room."

"Wa-, what's with that! I don't want to be left out! The triple room is better, you know!"

To the fiercely protesting Shia, Yue only said one thing.

"… … It'll be distracting if Shia was there"

"Distracting… … what do you mean"

"… … What is… … What?"

"Bu!? Wa-, don't say that in this place! That's vulgar!"

Having heard Yue's words, the men who fell into despair begin to turn their eyes filled with flames of envy toward Hajime. The inn's girl, with a reddened face looked alternatively between Hajime and Yue. Hajime who thought it'd make him ashamed if this keeps up, tried to stop it but his plan was a little too slow.

"Th-then, Yue-san please stay in the other room! Hajime-san and I will stay in the same room!"

"… … Hou, then?"

Yue's cold and piercing gaze turned toward Shia who pointed her finger. Because of its power, Shia who remembered her training days trembled, "Eei, woman's courage", said that, then returned to the gaze while loudly declaring.

"Th-then, I'll give my virginity to Hajime-san!"

Silence came. No one, not even one word was said, not even noise was heard. Now, everyone in the inn were focused on Hajime and his party, and stared at them. From the kitchen, the girl's parent were, "Ara ara, maa maa" and "Youth is good", said something along those lines.

Yue was swaying with eyes of absolute zero.

"… … Today is your death anniversary"

"Uh, I, I won't lose! I will defeat Yue-san and become the main heroine from now on!"

"… … I'll show you, no disciples were stronger than their master."

"I'll usurp it!"

An abnormal pressure gushed out from Yue, and Shia who was trembling shouldered her Sledgehammer. It was truly pandemonium, everyone was nervous and gulped in this critical atmosphere.

Then…

GOCHINn! GOCHINn!

"Hiu!?"

"Hakyu!?"

The sound of fists hitting the girls came followed by their screams. Yue and Shia, with teary eyes, crouched while covering their heads with both hands. The one who hit the two's heads were of course Hajime.

"Geez, you're troubling everyone, and above all it shamed me."

"… … Uu, Hajime's love is painful…"

"J-just a little more, just a little more time then… … with body strengthening the pain would be…"

"You reap what you sow, idiot-"

Hajime turned his cold gaze toward the two, then returned to face the girl. The girl corrected her posture when Hajime looked at her.

"I am sorry for the commotion. Triple room, please"

"… … Tr-triple room with this situation… … i-in other words, three person? A-amazing… … hah, don't tell me booking the bath for two hours is also for that!? Washing each others' body! Then… … d-doing this and that… … how abnormal!"

The girl's mind had gone for a trip. The landlady who couldn't stand it any longer dragged the girl into the interior. The man who seemed to be her parent continued to finish the procedure. When he gave the key he apologized, "I am sorry about my girl", and in his eyes were, "You're a man after all, right? I know how you feel", that kind of unwelcomed misunderstanding. Surely, he was the type that would say, "Did you enjoy the night?", when tomorrow arrived.

Because no matter what he says it would be misunderstood, along with the other customers who blankly sent skeptical gazes, with Yue and Shia who were still crouched on the floor shoulder to shoulder, Hajime ran away straight to the third floor where his room was located. After a while, the stopped time moved and it became noisy again downstairs, and Hajime who felt strangely tired decided to ignore that. When Yue and Shia entered the room, they moved their bed, while Hajime who had dived into the bed already shut down his consciousness.

After sleeping for several hours, Hajime was woken up by Yue when it was time for supper, then the three went down to the dining room. Somehow, the customers who were there when they checked in were still there.

For a moment, Hajime felt his cheeks twitch, then he assumed his calm and sat down on the seat. Immediately, the inn girl from before came as the waitress and said with a reddened face, "I am sorry for before" Although she apologized, she couldn't hide the curiosity in her eyes. The food he ordered was delicious and it was the normal food he finally got to eat after a long time, so he wanted to slowly eat it, but he couldn't help but to secretly sigh.

Inside the bath, although the time for male and female were different, Yue and Shia trespassed, then once again pandemonium was raised only to be punished by Hajime with hits on the head, and the silhouette of the inn girl could be seen moving around sneakily, when it was found out she was peeping by the landlady, she got spanked on the butt…

Even at the time for sleep, Yue and Shia naturally came into Hajime's bed, while his right arm was clung to, Shia who clung on to his left arm cried because of the coldness of the artificial arm. He could feel Shia through the pseudo-nerves, especially the direct feeling of that lethal weapon, and it disturbed his mind. When that was discovered, Yue stared closely at him with dead-like eyes, it continued for all night long…

The next morning, Hajime vowed. Next time he would just order a double room for Yue and him without anymore questioning. It didn't matter if Shia sulked because of it. After all, Yue's silence was not very good for his mental health.

After eating breakfast, Hajime handed some money to Yue and Shia, to ask them to help buy the necessary items for travel. There's some time until the time for checking out came. So, while Yue and Shia does the errand, he'll finish his tasks inside the room.

"What tasks?"

Shia honestly questioned him. However, Hajime was,

"There is something I wanted to make. Because it was already planned, I am sure it only needs a few hours to finish. Although I seriously thought to finish it last night… … somehow I was strangely feeling tired yesterday"

"… … Th-that's so. Yue-san. I-is it okay for me to look for clothes?"

"… … Nn, no problem. I wanted to look around the stalls"

"Ah, that's good! Yesterday we only saw it for a moment, after we're done shopping let's go eat"

While averting their gazes, Yue and Shia began to noisily talk about shopping. Although they knew they were the cause, they didn't want to admit it, so they changed the topic calmly.

"… … You guys, in truth you're getting along well."

Hajime's mutters only go through their ears.

ARIFURETA SHOKUGYOU DE SEKAI SAIKYOU (WN)

V5 C2

Chapter 2 : In Brook Town III



Currently, Yue and Shia had gone out to town. Because it was only several hours before noon, they must move as planned. Their objectives were food(groceries) and clothes for Shia, as well as some medicine. Weapons and armor were unnecessary because they have Hajime.

The town was already wrapped up in it's day to day hustle and bustle. The stall keepers vigorously called out to customers, there are housewives and adventurers haggling intensively. There are also food stalls that made you think, 'Isn't it too crowded in the morning?', while the smell of burning meat and sauce drifted around.

Because tool shops and groceries would be too crowded at this time, these two decided to look for Shia's clothes first.

From auntie; Catherine-san's map, it mentioned the stores for everyday wear, specialty stores for high-class dresses, and the recommended stores for adventurers and travelers. As expected, au… … Catherine-san was someone with good abilities. She could accomplish anything as long as she wished for it.

These two immediately visited a certain shop for adventurers. They decided to buy everyday clothes for when they went back.

Inside the shop, as expected of something Catherine-san recommended, there were a lot of items. The quality was good, they were practical and functional, it was a store that wouldn't betray your expectations.

However, inside was…

"Oh my~, welcome ? What lovely girls. To have you coming here, it makes onee-san happy~, I will sure~ly give a go~od service ? "

There was a monster. With a height of 2 meters, cladded with armor made of muscles, face thick with make-up, on top of its bald head, 'chokon', long hair grew in only one place, and that was made into a three-knit braid and tied with a pink ribbon. When it moved, its muscles were twitching and 'gishimishi' sound could be heard from it, with both hands on its cheeks, it twisted its body. Its clothes were… … no, it couldn't be said as that. At the very least, 'gon' thick limbs, with a garment that made its stomach muscles completely visible.

Yue and Shia stiffened. Shia already passed out, while Yue steeled herself, having seen a monster that surpassed the Abyss' demonic beasts.

"My oh my~? What happened to the two of you? Cute girls shou~ldn't make that face. Come on, smile smile?"

"No matter what, everything was your fault, it was your fault that I couldn't smile!" The grand rebuttal that Yue and Shia were somehow able to resist making. Even though these two have the level of highest potential out of all of humanity, they didn't think they could win against this monster.

However, because the monster approached them with a big smile, Yue could not to bear it and inadvertently muttered.

"… … Human?"

At that moment, the monster raised an angered voice.

"Who~ could make a legendary class demonic beast run away? As you can see, credibility behind that is zero, or rather it's minus. How could you call me a monster!!"

"I-I am sorry…"

Yue trembled with teary eyes. Shia, had long since… … been chilled in her lower body. After Yue apologized, the monster smiled(?) once again and continued its service.

"It's o~kay. Then? For today, what kind of item do you want to bu~y?"

Shia stayed still even now, while Yue steeled herself to look for Shia's clothes. Maybe it was because she already wanted to go home, Shia gripped Yue's skirt and shook both the skirt and her head. However when, smilingly, the monster said, "Leave it to me~", it carried Shia on its shoulder into the store. At that time, Yue looking at Shia's eyes the expression of saw a pig that got sold for meat.

In conclusion, the monster that was called manager Crystabel-san could be considered a splendid manager. Shia who was taken inside the store also realized it, that's why when it offered her the dressing room, she was undeniably grateful.

Yue and Shia expressed their gratitude to manager Crystabel. When they did that, they could feel the charm from the manager's smile, it was a woman's(?) virtue.

"Well~, at first I wondered what might happened to me, but it was an unexpectedly good person. That manager-san"

"Nn… … we can't judge people from their appearances"

"Right~"

While chatting that way, they wandered around as their destination was the tool shop. However, these two stood out. On their way, when they noticed it, they were already surrounded by ten men. Most of them looked like adventurers, but among them there was also someone with an apron from the shop from somewhere.

One of the men came forward. Although Yue didn't remember it, this man was one of the adventurers inside the guild when Hajime and his party talked to Catherine.

"Your names are Yue-chan and Shia-chan, right?"

"? … … that's right"

Yue who didn't know what he wanted squinted her eyes. Shia, because she was a demi-human, was surprised to be called by "chan".

The man who heard Yue answer, looked back at the other men behind him and nodded, Yue could see they steeled their minds. The other men also moved forward to the front of Yue or Shia.

Then…

"""""" Yue-chan, please go out with me!!""""""

"""""" Shia-chan! Become my slave!!""""""

In other words, well, something like that. The pick-up lines for Yue and Shia were different because Shia was a demi-human. Even though they needed the master's permission to transfer the rights of a slave, they must already know how intimate the relationship between Hajime and his party was from their talk at the inn yesterday. So to persuade Hajime they must get Shia first… … or so they thought.

By the way, maybe because the impact from the talk at the inn was too strong, they fact that the slave pact made it so that the slave was unable to oppose its master, somehow escaped their minds. If not so, they should have discovered that Shia wasn't a slave. Although the strength of the pact could be lowered, no one actually did that.

Well, Yue and Shia who got confessed to were…

"… … Shia, the tool shop is over here"

"Ah, yes. It's good if we can buy everything at once"

They continued their walk as if nothing had happened.

"Wa-, please wait! Your answer!? Tell us your ans- ""I refuse"" … … guu…"

Because their attitude seemed to think nothing about it, the man let out a groan, some men bent their knees and crumbled on the spot (orz). However, there were also some that didn't give up. That just goes to show how far above normal Yue and Shia's level of beauty was. As a result, it couldn't be helped if they became reckless because of it.

"Then, I'll make you mine by force!"

The reckless man shouted that, then 'ginn' light came from the other men's eyes. They surrounded the two so they could catch them, then impatiently drew near them.

Finally, the man who talked to them first, jumped out to catch Yue. When the Japanese see that they'd surely shout, "Ah, Lupi* Dive", something like that.

Yue coldly muttered one thing.

""Ice Coffin""

Immediately, the man was confined inside a coffin of ice except his head, pulled by gravity and fell. "Gupe!?", was the miserable scream the man who did the Lu**n Dive raised when he reached the ground.

The other men knew that Ice Coffin was classified as advanced water system magic and were shocked that Yue invoked it just by saying its name. They interpreted it on their own and in their whispers, "She said the incantation beforehand" and "The magic circle must be hidden inside her clothes", or something along those lines could be heard.

Yue was, walking up determined to the man who was wrapped in ice. Although surrounding them was a shocked air, having seen Yue's prowess, there was already the second **pin!, among them. That's why, Yue showed them a warning.

Yue melted the ice that wrapped the man little by little. The man was glad because he might get out of it. In addition, he watched Yue with feverish eyes.

"Y-Yue-chan. I am sorry to do it suddenly! But, I truly think of you as…"

Even though the man wrapped in ice tried to get his feelings across, his words stopped. If you ask why, it was because he noticed the small place where the ice melted. It was…

"U-umm, Yue-chan? Why, umm, why… … is it only the part between my groin?"

That's right, Yue only melted the ice between the man's groin. The man was still perfectly restrained. Because he felt something bad would happen, the man with cold sweat said, "Surely, that can't be, right? Right? Right?", when he saw Yue's expression.

Yue curved her mouth slightly to the man.

"… … Aim and shoot"

Then, volleys of gravel continuously hit the man's nether region.

—— Agh ——!!

—— Stop already-

—— moth~er!

The man's scream resounded in the morning street. The sound of Mao collecting coins could be heard (To refresh your memory of the sound, please imagine the old **rio) from the man's groin that was continuously aimed at. Surely the inside was like something that received a boxer's Demey Roll.

The surrounding men, not only the one that surrounded them, but also the unrelated onlookers, and stall keepers nearby, all crumbled while covering their groin with both hands.

The barrage that seemed to continue for eternity, finally stopped in consideration of the man who already lost his consciousness. Even though it was impossible to lose consciousness with only one blow, it could be done by accumulated damage along with wind magic. As if it was a miracle, Yue who 'fuu' blew her forefinger, left her words as a parting gift.

"… … Good, you've become a otomen « Maiden »"

On this day, a man died, and became the second Crystabel, and Mariabel-chan was born. This person, under training from manager Crystabel, became the manager of the branch store, and although it was able to increase its fame… … that's a story for another time.

Yue got her second name, "Crotch Smasher", that name caused uproars in the adventurer guild and even reached the capital, it was capable of making male adventurers shudder, but this was also a story for another time.

Yue and Shia ignored the frightened gazes of men and continued their shopping. On their way, they could hear girls say, "Yue-oneesama…", but ignored that and continued their shopping.

* * *

When Yue and Shia went back to the inn, Hajime already finished his work.

"Good work, somehow, there seems to be a fuss inside town, did something happen?"

It seemed he noticed their commotion.

"… … There is no problem."

"A~, un, that's right. There's no problem at all."

To see a monster as the dress store manager, and had heaven call for a man, the two said it was nothing. Although Hajime felt a little suspicious of them, he shrugged his shoulders and let it go.

"Did you buy all the necessary things?"

"… … Nn, don't worry."

"That's right. There's also a lot of food, but it was okay. It truly is convenient to have Treasure Box."

For shopping, Hajime entrusted the "Treasure Box" to them. Having seen Shia look at the ring enviously, Hajime could only reveal a wry smile. With his current proficiency, he was still unable to make "Treasure Box". It surely would be convenient, when he is capable of crafting it, he would definitely give it to them.

"Well then, Shia. This is yours"

While saying that, Hajime passed Shia a cylindrical object with 40 cm in diameter and 50 cm in length. A silver cylindrical object with a handle installed on its side.

Shia who received the gift from Hajime, was immediately confused when she felt the weight and activated her body strengthening.

"Wh-what is this? It's really heavy…"

"Well, it's because that's your new Sledgehammer. It is good for it to be heavy"

"Heh, this… … is?"

Shia's doubt was justifiable. The cylindrical object did not look like a hammer at all, and the handle was also too short. No matter what was said, it was unbalanced.

"Aa, that's the standby state. For now, try to pour some magic into it"

"Umm, like this? kh!?"

As he said, she poured magic into the hammer-like thing, 'kashun! kasun!', sounds of machinery emitted from the hammer and the handle extended, it became the right length for a swing mallet.This Sledgehammer was an artifact : Doryukken (named by Hajime). It was equipped with some gimmicks that could be used by Shia. It operates by transforming the parts of the weapon that have magic poured into.

What Hajime wanted to finish was this weapon. When Yue and Shia went shopping in the morning, he was making Shia's new weapon.

"This is the limit of the current me, I'll revise it again when my ability improves, because we don't know what will happen from now on. Although you received Yue's training, it was only for ten days. It's still dangerous for you. That's why that weapon was made while thinking of how to make use of your power to the maximum. Please master it, okay? Because you have become our companion, don't die without my permission, understand?"

"Hajime-san… … fufu, your speech is all over the place~. It's okay. Although I am still not strong enough, I'll follow you anywhere!"

Shia was so happy while embracing Doryukken. Because she was so happy, Yue who felt a little ill-humored by it, thought to herself that it couldn't be helped, and shrugged her shoulders. Hajime only showed a wry smile. Although he didn't say it, to witnessed a scene where a beautiful girl was happy because she got a Sledgehammer as a present, he felt it was surreal.

With the joyous Shia in their company, they finished checking out from the inn. Even now, they ignored the inn girl who looked at them with blushing cheeks.

When they got outside, the sun was already at its zenith, and its brilliant shine fell on and warmed them. With his arms spread, Hajime took a deep breath. When he turned around, Hajime could see Yue and Shia were also smiling.

Hajime nodded to the two, and started to advance, followed by Yue and Shis ARIFURETA SHOKUGYOU DE SEKAI SAIKYOU (WN)

V5 C3

Chapter 3 : Great Dungeon of Raisen?



A heap of corpses.

Those words fit the current spectacle inside the Raisen Grand Canyon's ravine. Some demonic beasts had their heads smashed, along with the ground. While some demonic beasts had theirs pulverized, furthermore some demonic beasts had their body carbonized, although there were various killing methods, all of them died in one attack.

Naturally, inside this hell, the place that was feared as an execution ground by people, there were…

"One hit certain kill~!"

ZUGANn!!

"… … Hindrance"

GOBANn!!

"Shut up"

DOPANn!!

It was the trio of Hajime, Yue, and Shia. After Hajime and his party got out from the town of Brook (with Yue and Shia's fans seeing them off), using the magic-driven two-wheeler, they passed through the entrance of "Raisen Grand Canyon". Currently, after advancing further and camping along the way, they had already passed through the cave concealing the path to "Orcus Great Dungeon", furthermore two days had passed since then.

Inside "Raisen Grand Canyon", the demonic beasts kept attacking them just as usual.

Shia's Sledgehammer, swung with immense force smashed demonic beasts, it was literally a one hit certain kill. The demonic beasts were crushed to death with a normal attack that far exceed their defense. Even the mochi pounding moon rabbit's destructive power paled in comparison to this.

Yue closed in on the demonic beasts, then slaughtered them with magic that she instantly invoked with magical power from her equipment. Although Yue herself has enormous magical power, equipped with magical power stored inside the accessories called magic crystallization stone series, it became even more enormous. Her attack could be compared to endless bombing. Even if magical power was disintegrated in the ravine, thus the time to invoke magic became longer and the distance became shorter, she invoked ultra high temperature flames in no time and demonic beasts were killed while being carbonized without exception.

Hajime, needless to say, was sniping the heads with Donner while driving the magic-driven two-wheeler. Although it was consuming his magic to use "Lightning-clad" and driving the magic-driven two-wheeler at the same time, there is no sign of magic depletion.

The hell beasts that dominate the ravine were completely treated as small fish. The annihilation was treated as a side job while they searched for a sign of the Great Dungeon. The demonic beasts' corpses overflowed on their way.

"Haa~, even though it should be somewhere inside the Raisen, it was too vast after all"

They moved while examining if there were caves. Even though they made thorough observations, not even one was found. Hajime could only inadvertently complain.

"Well, because no matter what happens we'll reach the Big Volcanic Mountain, it's okay to not find it at all. There might be some clues in the Big Volcanic Mountain after all"

"Well, even if that's so…"

"Nn… … but, those demonic beasts made it gloomy"

"A~, Yue-san also dislikes this place~"

While complaining and being disgusted by the demonic beasts that keep coming, they had kept traveling for three days. There are no results today and the dark had already set in. The beautiful shine of the crescent moon could be seen if you looked up, therefore Hajime and his party started to prepare their camp. After taking out the tent, they prepared dinner with ingredients and seasoning bought in the town. The tent and cooking utensils were artifacts Hajime made.

The tent was created using Creation magic, with "heating stone" and "cooling stone" installed, it's always kept at a comfortable temperature. It's also equipped with "refrigerator" and "freezer" made with cooling stone. Furthermore, the metal frame was imbued with "sign interception" from the "mind-severing stone" so that it wouldn't be found easily by enemies.

For cooking utensils, there was a frying pan and kettle with an adjustable flame that was proportionate with the amount of magic used, and a kitchen knife endowed with "wind claw" in its sharp edge that could be activated by pouring in magic. There was also a steam cleaner-like thing. They were Hajime's beloved children that help provide the meals on their travel. Moreover, because it could only be used using direct magic manipulation, it could be said that there was a crime prevention system.

"Age of gods magic is truly a convenient one"

Those were the words that Hajime said when he made the cooking utensil artifacts and the tent installed with a heating and cooling system. It's just like a useless technology, that wasn't that useless, that he uselessly refined.

By the way, today's dinner was kururu chicken simmered in tomato. Kururu chicken was a chicken that was capable of flying in the sky. Its meat's quality and taste was just like chicken, a popular type of chicken meat of this world. It was a dish where the meat was cut into bite size pieces and floured. after that it was sautéd, then boiled along with various vegetables in a tomato soup. It has the right flavor of butter and meat juice inside the meat, you could feel the tomato's sourness permeate in your nose when you smell it, when you put it into your mouth, the flavors will spread through. The meat will 'horohoro', crumble inside your mouth, 'hokuhoku' the potato(fake) that's completely soaked inside the tomato soup, while carrot(fake)'s and onion(fake)'s sweetness transmitted to your tongue. To have bread melt and soften after dipping it inside the delicious soup truly made it more delicious.

Dinner was finished with full satisfaction. and while immersed in the lingering taste, Hajime and his party chatted just like they always do. Inside the tent, they could leisurely chat because the mind-severing stone was activate, which made it so that demonic beasts do not approach them. Although sometimes there were demonic beasts that came near, Hajime only needed to stick his hand out the window that installed, and shoot it. Moreover, when time for sleep, the three rotated the lookout duty until morning came.

Today, it was about time for Yue and Shia to start preparing to sleep. The first on look out was Hajime. Because there were fluffy futons inside the tent, they could sleep comfortably despite it being a camp. Also, Shia went outside the tent before getting into the futon.

To Hajime who was dubious of what happened, Shia said with a calm face.

"For a while, I wanted to pick flowers"

"There are no flowers inside the ravine, you know?"

"Ha-ji-me-sa~n!"

Hajime's words that lacked delicacy destroyed Shia's calm face, she angrily stared at him. Hajime who obviously knew what those words meant said, "My bad my bad", with a wryly smiling face that didn't show any remorse. Shia hurriedly went to the tent's side in anger, after a while…

"Ha-Hajime-sa~n! Yue-sa~n! It's an emergency! Please come he~re!"

Was what Shia shouted out, forgetting the possibility of demonic beasts hearing it. Wondering what happened, Hajime and Yue, who came from the tent, looked at each other then dashed out at the same time.

When they arrived at the origin of Shia's voice, they saw that there was a huge monolith that leaned on the ravine's wall after it fell, and a space was revealed between the monolith and the wall. Shia was inside that space seeing something unbelievable! Being colored in excitement all the while.

"Here, over here! I found it!"

"I understand, for the time being get out of there. It looks like you used full body strengthening. Aren't you too excited?"

"… … annoying"

The frolicking Shia was pulled out by Hajime and Yue's hands, when Hajime pulled her he got a feel, while Yue gloomily frowned because of that. Guided by Shia into the crevice between the rocks, when they entered the wall's side had a hollow interior, and it was wider than expected. Having entered that space, Shia silently, with a proud expression 'bishi', pointed her finger at the wall.

Hajime and Yue looked at the place pointed by that finger, then they inadvertently let out "Ha?", while blinking their eyes in surprise.

In front of the two, in that place, there was a splendid rectangular signboard that was made with cuts in the wall, and strangely woman-like characters were carved there.

"Please come in! Into Miledi Raisen's thrilling Great Dungeon?"

The mark "!" and "?" felt strangely irritating.

"… … the heck is this"

"… … what is this"

Hajime and Yue's voice came out in succession. "I am seeing something unbelievable right now!", were the exact presentations of their expressions. The two of them, blankly looked at the signboard inside the hellish ravine.

"To ask what, it is the entrance! Great Dungeon's! It was found by chance when I went to-… …cough, to pick flowers. Well~, it was real, there is a Great Dungeon inside Raisen Grand Canyon"

While Shia's slaphappy voice resounded, maybe because Hajime and Yue was finally able to get out of their surprise, they wore indescribable expressions, then looked at each other in perplexion.

"… … Yue. Do you think it's real?"

"… … … … … … … … … … Nn"

"That's a long pause there. Your basis?"

"… … Miledi( …)"

"It was that after all…"

"Miledi", it was the first name of Raisen that appeared on Oscar's memorandum. Although the name Raisen was conveyed and known by the world, the first name was unknown. Therefore, the chance that a place with its name signed in was the Great Dungeon of Raisen is very high.

But, no matter what, what they were honestly unable to believe was…

"Why must it be this character…"

There was a reason for saying that. Hajime was considering the desperate fights that happened inside the Orcus Great Dungeon, and surely the other dungeons would also be along that line, that's why the light-heartedness of this made him lose his strength. Yue also understood well the severity of a Great Dungeon, that's why, her expression said that she still thought maybe it was someone's prank.

"But, the entrance-like place couldn't be seen, right? The interior was a dead end…"

Not noticing what happened in Hajime and Yue's minds, Shia thought, I wonder where the entrance is? And was looking around the surrounding, then she 'peshipeshi', hit the hollow part of the wall.

"Oi, Shia. Don't…"

GAKONn!

"Fukya!?"

"Don't carelessly move around," were the words Hajime was unable to finish when part of the wall that Shia touched 'GURUNn', suddenly rotated, and Shia disappeared to the other side of the wall. It was like a door mechanism inside a ninja's house.

""… …""

The credibility of that signboard miraculously increased with the finding of the entrance of the Great Dungeon. The Great Dungeon of Raisen was here after all. Even though they had a mountain of complaints such as, "Is this really okay for a Great Dungeon?" and "Give me my seriousness from Orcus back", something like that after seeing that amusement-like invitation. Hajime and Yue who saw Shia silently disappear behind the rotating door, once more, looked at each other then let out sighs, and put their hands onto the rotating door just like Shia.

Having activated the door, Hajime and Yue were sent to the other side just like Shia. The inside was pitch black, and the door was 'gururi', rotated back to its former position. And, at that time,

Hyu Hyu Hyu!

Sounds of something coming flying at them resounded, while they couldn't see anything inside the darkness. Hajime immediately used "Night Vision" and discovered what they were. They were arrows. Countless arrows painted jet black so as to not reflect light, and they came flying to remove any intruders that entered.

Hajime, with Donner in his right hand, used his left hand to beat down those flying jet black arrows. 'Kan Kan Kan', the sound of metal knocking metal came out, without missing even one arrow.

When counted, there were 20 arrows. Jet black arrows made of metal and didn't reflect any light scattered on the ground, when the last arrow was knocked down, silence returned.

At the same time, the surrounding walls began to shine. The area Hajime and his party were in was a room with a length of 10 meters in every direction, and straight ahead, a passage into the interior appeared. In addition, there was a lithograph inside the room with words with the same characters as the signboard carved on it.

"Did you get scared? Hey, did this scare you? Then you're a kid, Niya Niya"

"Or, were you injured? Or did someone die? … … bufu—"

"" … …""

Hajime and Yue couldn't think of anything but one thing. That was "How annoying~". Also, the "Niya Niya" and "bufu-" part that were carved with emphasis as if to provoke them, made them even more irritated. Especially, if someone in their party truly died, then surely the survivor would curse the heaven.

Hajime and Yue were so irritated that many veins popped out on their heads. Then, suddenly, Yue muttered something she just remembered.

"… … Shia?"

"Ah."

Having heard Yue's mutter, Hajime finally remembered, then looked back at the rotating door in panic. Because the door only did one rotation at a time, for her to not be here means the possibility that she got out at the same time Hajime and Yue entered were high. It made him feel something unpleasant because even though a lot of time had passed she didn't enter, so Hajime immediately activated the rotating door.

Shia was… … there as expected. Her form sewn on the rotating door.

"Uu, sob, Hajime-san… … please don't look~, but, I want you to take these out. Hic, please do it without looking at me~"

It truly was a pitiful appearance. Shia, although unable to see the arrows that came flying, she probably used her natural search ability to somehow manage to dodge them from the sound. However it seemed it was truly last second, with her clothes pierced here and there, she made a pictogram similar to those that were drawn on emergency exits. Her rabbit ears bent into something similar to a lightning bolt to avoid the arrows, because she knew that she had done something impossible, her body still twitched even now. Most of all, Shia didn't cry out of fear of death. The cause was… … her feet were magnificently wet.

"Now that I remember, you are going to pick some flowers… … well, what to say. You only did the necessary…"

"Wrong! Uu~, just why didn't you finish that, the past me~!!"

It was an appearance that you'd never want to show as a woman, even more so for Shia who cried because she had shown it to the man she fell for. Her rabbit ears completely hung down. First of all, even if it was a chance to encounter love after 100 years, Hajime thought it was already too late. That's why, without looking away he stared at her in amazement. And, that hollowed Shia's heart even more.

"… … Don't move"

Maybe because she was also a woman, Yue's expressionlessness contained sympathy and she released Shia from the crucifixion.

"… … I'll do something about it. You're still a novice"

"I am ashamed~. Sob"

"… … Hajime, change of clothes"

"Here"

Shia's change of clothes were pulled out from the "Treasure Box", then she did a quick change while blushing.

Finally, Shia's preparations are finished, "It's time to conquer the Dungeon!", was the enthusiastic shout that she let out, only to notice the lithograph.

She looked down and her hair concealed her expression. Shia was silent for a while, then she slowly took out Doryukken, and struck the lithograph with all of her might. 'Gogya', was the sound that resounded accompanied with the destruction of the lithograph.

Maybe because she was unable to endure it anymore, she magnificently swung Doryukken many many times as if attacking the enemy of her parents.

Then, in the place of the broken lithograph, characters were carved on the ground, it said…

"Sorr~y? This lithograph will automatically be repaired after some time~ Pu-kusukusu!!"

"Mukii— —!!"

Shia was truly enraged and started to swing Doryukken more intensely. The small room was shaken as if a small earthquake happened, the sound of extraordinary impacts were resounding many times.

Watching Shia with a skeptical gaze, Hajime frankly muttered.

"Miledi Raisen, rather than a member of the "Liberators," she is unquestionably the enemy of humanity"

"… … I absolutely agree on that"

Apparently, the Great Dungeon of Raisen would be a difficult place in a different way than the Orcus Great Dungeon.

ARIFURETA SHOKUGYOU DE SEKAI SAIKYOU (WN)

V5 C4

Chapter 4 : Miledi Raisen I



Raisen's Great Dungeon was a lot more troublesome than they expected.

First, magic couldn't be used at all. It was because the strength of magic disintegration was far stronger than inside the ravine. For Yue who specialized in magic, this place puts a heavy burden on her. She was unable to use high-ranked magic and her magic's range of the magic she could use were shortened to their limits here. The farthest she could use them was only five meters. Somehow, the current level of magic she used was enough for combat. However, right now she was incapable of using magic strong enough to deliver a one-hit kill.

In addition, although the amount of magic stored inside the magic crystallization series didn't decrease much, it couldn't be used. The consumption rate was too severe after all. Yue was only able to use middle-ranked magic because she was a genius, most people would be unable to do anything.

Even Hajime was greatly affected by it. Special magic that worked by emitting magic outside of the body such as "Aerodynamic" and "Wind Claw" couldn't be used, Even the output of "Lightning Clad" is greatly decreased. Donner-Schlag's power also fell below half of the usual, while Schlagen's maximum power was at the usual level of Donner-Schlag.

Therefore, body strengthening became the most important magic in this Great Dungeon. In Hajime's party, Shia had become the main star in this stage.

So, the reliable rabbit ears of Hajime's party…

"I'll do it, you know… …absolutely, when I reach the dwelling I'll mess it up so much it'll be as if a storm had gone through"

With Doryukken on her shoulder, she examined her surroundings as if she was trying to find her prey. Her anger was obvious. It was a deep deep anger. Even her words' intonation had become strange. The cause was, you could imagine it came from Miledi Raisen's mischievousness.

Because they understood Shia's feelings well, Hajime and Yue couldn't say anything about it. It was because if there was someone who was seriously agitated, by her side there would be someone calm in reverse of her. It was the current psychological state of Hajime and Yue. Currently, while Hajime and his party continued their advance, they had encountered various traps and annoying carved words. That's why, with Shia who was truly enraged by it, Hajime and Yue also felt irritated.

Finally, "Fuhihi", strange laughter came from Shia's side, and Hajime recalled the extremely malicious things they encountered to get here.

* * *

After Shia destroyed the annoying lithograph, Hajime and his party continued their advance into the passage, and came into a certain vast space.

Inside, there were staircases and passages, the passageway that continued from the entrance was a mess without any regularity, it was as if this place was made by casually combining lego blocks. The staircase from the first floor was connected to a passage on the third floor, and the passage on the third floor gradually became a slope that connected to the first floor's passageway. While the staircase that was erected on the second floor was connected to nothing but wall, it was truly a mess.

"Once again, in a way it was truly a dungeon-like place."

"… … Nn, it is confusing."

"Fun, as expected of a dungeon made by a rotten person. This mess is an expression of her mind's contents."

"… … because we understand what you feel, it's about time for you to calm down."

Shia was enraged even now. Hajime, half-sympathized and half-amazed, said, "Well then, how should we advance now", while thinking about it.

"… … Hajime. Even if you think about it, there's no other method."

"Nn~, well, you're right. For now, let's advance while marking and mapping the way."

"Nn…"

Hajime nodded at Yue's words. Mapping was the basic thing for exploring a dungeon. However, Hajime unconsciously frowned when he thought how troublesome it'd be to accurately map out a complex dungeon like this.

Also, what Hajime meant by "marking" was using a special magic called "Tracking." This special magic operated by leaving a "mark" made of magical power on the places that he touched. When the "mark" was used on living things, Hajime was able to track where they moved. In case of this place, Hajime put his "mark" on the wall. Because the "mark" could be made visible, Yue and Shia were able to understand it. Maybe because the magic power was applied directly, the disintegration didn't seem to take effect.

Hajime immediately put a "mark" on side of the passageway on the nearest place to the entrance and continued to advance.

The passageway was two meters wide, and made from countless blocks that looked like bricks. Because the walls emitted a faint light, there was no problem with their vision. Maybe it was made of a different material from the green-light stone because it gave off bluish lights.

When Hajime tried to see it using "Mineral Appraisal," he found that it was called "phosphorous ore." Apparently it gave off light when it came in contact air. The first room didn't give off light probably because it was the first room. The image that came out of the cave was lapu** where the levit

*** stone appeared. There was an old man's voice that came out of the stone. After all, the phosphorous ore would keep radiating light as long as it was in contact with air.

It was the masterpiece anime of Japan that Hajime unintentionally thought of while advancing in the long passageway. Suddenly,

GAKONn

The sound came out of one of the blocks that Hajime stepped on. That block sunk into the floor due to Hajime's weight. Hajime and his party instinctively let out, "Eh?", and looked at their feet.

At that moment,

Shaaaaa!!

The sound of gliding blades resounded, and in the space between blocks on the wall, giant saw-toothed blades come out rotated in high speed while vibrating. The blades approached them with height of the neck from the right, the one from the left wall at the height of the waist.

"Evade it!"

Hajime immediately shouted, and evaded it by leaning his back just like the protagonist from the matr**, while the two behind him also tried to evade. Yue was small in the first place so she only needed to squat down to evade. Shia also seemed to be able to evade it. From his back, "Hawawa, hawawawa", a shaken voice could be heard. Because there was no pain in her voice, Hajime guessed she must be unharmed. Although it was truly at a hair's breadth that the tip of the fur of her rabbit ear was cut… … it was not a problem at all.

The two blades that were filled with murderous intent and malice were unable do anything to Hajime and his party, and disappeared into the walls. Being vigilant of a possible second wave, for a while Hajime watched his surroundings carefully. However, apparently that was the end. Having felt relieved, Hajime let out a sigh then looked at his back only to feel a chill.

He dashed out instinctively, to retreat and using the momentum recovered Yue and Shia. Immediately, countless blades fell onto the place where Hajime and his party were in just like a guillotine, and cut the ground as if it was made of butter. As expected, it was rotating in high speed and vibrating just like the blades from before.

Hajime looked at the blades that dropped just a few centimeters ahead with cold sweat. Yue and Shia also stiffened because of it.

"… … it was a completely physical trap. I couldn't sense it with my Magic Eye."

Until now, Hajime was able to avoid traps perfectly because they were magic traps. Of all the traps in the Great Dungeon that he had seen, all of them contained magic. That's why, if it was a magic trap, Hajime's Magic Eye was able to see through it. Therefore, he had the preconception that it was okay as long as the Magic Eye didn't react to something. In short, he overestimated his power.

"Hau~, I-I thought I was dead~. Rather, Hajime-san! Please stop it if it was just that much! Isn't that why you have the artificial arm?!"

"Well, don't you think those blades were sharp? Even if it won't be able to cut it, there might be scratches. After all, I can't use Vajra now."

"S-scratches… … between equipment and me, which is more important!?"

"… … well, you're safe after all. Isn't that good."

"Wa-, what's with that topic evasion! That was a lie, right? I am the one that's more important, right? Right?"

Shia tried to ask Hajime, who played her for a fool, and Yue added verbal abuse to the current Shia.

"… …Keaking rabbit. You're dying because of your own inexperience."

"Le-leaking, please take that back, Yue-san! No matter what, that was a disgrace for me!"

A new disgraceful title added to Shia's "

*** rabbit" series, while Shia endured it with protest. Having entered this dungeon, although she almost died twice in short succession Shia was unexpectedly energetic. As expected, Shia's forte was taking hits. Even though the person herself won't admit it.

It was as Shia complained, there were other choices to evade the surprise attack, after all Hajime should be able to stop those blades from a while ago with his artificial arm. His coat's also made from the leather of a demonic beast that boasted defense, and there were protectors underneath to guard the vital points, that's right he wouldn't have died from something like that.

However, the trap just now was nothing but overkill if it was against normal humans. If it were a normal protector, it'd be easily cut in two. After all, if you didn't have the equipment that Hajime made from the materials that he'd gotten from the Abyss, there was no other way to survive than to avoid it.

"Well, there is no problem if it was that much"

While watching Yue and Shia's quarrel with skeptical eyes, Hajime told that to himself. No matter how powerful, if it was just physical traps then it wouldn't be able to kill Hajime. Yue also had her "Auto Regeneration." She wouldn't die over a trap. In other words… …Shia was the only one in danger. Even though he didn't know if Shia had noticed that, it was probably because Shia's stress level had reached the heavens.

"Huh? Hajime-san, what's with those pitying eyes…"

"Please live strongly, Shia…"

"Eh, ee? What are you suddenly saying? Although I could felt something very unpleasant from it…"

* * *

Hajime and his party advanced while being wary of traps.

Even now, they hadn't seen even one demonic beast. Although they considered the possibility that this dungeon didn't have demonic beasts in it, that was just optimism. It wouldn't be strange if they suddenly appeared, because that's also a form of a trap.

Hajime and his party reached an open space after exiting the passageway. The roads were split into three inside the room. For now, Hajime put down the "mark", then Hajime and his party chose the leftmost passage that lead to a staircase that went down.

"Uu~. somehow I got a bad feeling about this. Look, my rabbit ears restlessly move from left to right."

Having advanced a few step on the stairs, suddenly, Shia blurted that out. Just as she said, Shia's rabbit ears stood upright, then began to move left and right.

"You, don't raise any strange flags now. If you say something like that, usually, something will immediately "GAKON"… see!

"I-It's not my fault!?"

"… …Flag rabbit!"

While Hajime and Shia talked, an unpleasant sound resounded, and suddenly the stair's steps disappeared. It was a considerably inclined staircase, and with the disappearance of the steps it became a slope. Moreover, tar-like slippery liquid began to overflow from the countless small holes on the surface.

"Kuh, this—!"

When the steps became a slope, Hajime immediately transmutated the minerals on the bottom of his shoes into spikes, his artificial arm's fingers were also made into spikes so that he wouldn't slip down. Yue immediately jumped to Hajime before she started to slip. Hajime who read that also braced himself. As expected, they were harmonized even in this place.

However, there was still one more person who was unable to do that kind of cooperation. It goes without saying that it was Shia.

"Ukyaaa!?"

When it became a slope, Shia raised a scream then the back of her head hit the surface hard. "Nuuaa!", as she writhed in pain, then slipped along while covered in that liquid. In that state, with her legs opened in a M character, she collided with Hajime's face.

"Bu!?"

The spikes on his artificial arm came off because of the impact, Hajime was overturned backward with his left arm holding Yue. Then the spikes on his feet also came off, he slipped down the slope headfirst. Shia was on top of Hajime with a reversed position.

"You! Clumsy rabbit! Move now!"

" I am sorry, but to move-~"

While slipping, their speed became faster. Hajime desperately tried to stab the spikes on his artificial arm and shoes on the ground, but they were too fast, so it didn't go well. Then, he tried to transmute the staircase but with the strong disintegration inside the dungeon, it also didn't turn out well.

Shia, while struggling was somehow able to get up. Now, it was as if she was riding Hajime.

"Use Doryukken's stake!"

Hajime gave an instruction to Shia. The Sledgehammer Doryukken that Shia carried had a few gimmicks prepared inside, one of them was to form a stake on the head part of the hammer. It was a mechanism to raise the penetrative power by focusing on one spot. If that was stabbed on the surface they should be able to stop.

"Y-yes, leave it to me!? Hajime-san! The road—!"

Shia tried to remove Doryukken from its fastening/holding device on her back. Then, Shia who looked forward immediately raised an uneasy voice.

Hajime was able to realize what had happened. When Shia slipped before, it was likely dropped.

"Kh! Yue!"

"Nn!"

Hajime immediately called out Yue's name. Even with only that Yue was able to read Hajime's intentions.

"Shia, hold on tight!"

"Y-yes!"

While still riding Hajime, Shia tightly clung to him.

Finally, they reached the end of the slope and they were thrown in the air. One moment of weightlessness/floating. At that chance, Yue invoked her magic.

""Soar"!"

It was an elementary-ranked magic of wind system. It magic created a strong vertical updraft, and it'd increased one's jumping power. An expert would be able to make pseudo-flight using this magic. However, in this place magical power was hard to maintain. That's why, Yue's magic only lasted for a few seconds and its effect only made Hajime and his party float.

"It's enough."

Hajime's voice that was mixed with praise resounded. That's right, for Hajime, it was enough if he got the time to confirm their surroundings. Yue completely and splendidly answered his expectations.

Hajime, with Yue on his left arm, and Shia clinging to his neck, hung his artificial arm toward the ceiling. Then, he poured his magic power…

PASHU!

A sound come out along with a thin wire with an anchor installed on it and shot out from his artificial arm, it pierced the ceiling's wall. Then, because of the anchor they were fixed to their place.

Hajime and his party were currently hanging with one wire that hung on the ceiling, they felt relieved after confirming the anchor did not come off.

Then, they felt regret when they saw what was under them.

Kasakasakasa, washawashawasha, kiikii, kasakasakasa.

Those sounds came from a lot of scorpions wriggling around. Its length around 10 cm. Although it didn't give off the same feeling as that scorpion-look-alike, it gave them the psychological feeling of disgust. If they didn't halt their fall with the anchor, they would dive into a sea of scorpions, and it gave them goosebumps all over their bodies when they thought that.

""" … …"""

The trio fell into silence. Because they didn't want to look below, they looked at the ceiling. Then, somehow they noticed lights emitting into some characters. It was already too late, Hajime and his party inadvertently read it.

"These guys doesn't have lethal poison."

"But, you'll be paralyzed."

"Please be satisfied by lying with these cute children, pugya—!!"

Maybe she purposely set up these phosphorus ores there, those characters were standing out in the dim space. Those who fell here would surely, with scorpions wriggling around their body, desperately try to move, and try to reach out to heaven (ceiling). Then, they'd discover it. Those playful words.

""" … …"""

Once again, Hajime and his party fell into silence but because of something else. "Ignore it, ignore it",was what they told to themselves, and somehow they were able to observe their surroundings.

"… … Hajime, over there."

"Nn?"

Because Yue noticed something, she pointed her finger to a certain place below. There was an empty tunnel.

"A tunnel… … what should we do? Are we going to climb up to our previous location or are we going over there?"

"I-I will follow Hajime-san's decision. I have been nothing but a burden after all…"

"No need, the punishment will come from the dungeon, so don't mind it."

"That only makes me even more anxious! Isn't it better to just say "don't mind it"~"

"… …Impudent. The punishment will become twice."

"Wh-wha, Yue-san also joined him!? Uu, even if the dungeon is conquered, the future looks dark."

Hajime and Yue forgave Shia who lamented.

"Haa, no matter, what would be useful is if we could use your "chosen future"~"

"Uu, that was still. Although I've been practicing…"

"Chosen future" was Shia's special magic. It was able to catch a glimpse of the future under some assumptions. However, it can only be used once a day, it was impractical because this special magic required large amounts of magic power to use. Even though Shia specialized in body strengthening, if her magic power drained she'd only be a shameless rabbit. Although the amount of consumption was decreasing because of daily training… … it was still a long way from mastering it.

"Well, it can't be helped if we can't use it. Rather than returning, it feels better to advance, so let's go to the tunnel."

"… … Nn"

"Yes."

Hajime shot out another anchor then moved just like tarzan until they safely reached the tunnel.

Hajime and his party advanced in the passageway that was lit by phosphorus ores while being vigilant about any unpleasant traps that might appear.