Kays Translations

Chapter 184

“I see, so first we’ll test the overall coordination and flow before deciding on a concrete formation, right?”

“Exactly. I’ve heard that you and Melt have already begun tackling the dungeon. I’d like to observe your fighting style, decide how to integrate you into our team, and then spend one night inside the dungeon to get a complete sense of the day’s rhythm before we determine the pacing for the full-scale expedition.”

That night, as we shared the food we’d bought from the market earlier, Araza explained the plan for the days ahead.

His policy was simple: plan carefully above all else.
The way he talked reminded me of those big raid-planning meetings back in MMOs — strangely nostalgic, and even kind of fun in its own right.

“Melt and I both focus on speed-based close combat, so we’ve been progressing through the dungeon at a pretty fast pace. But since we’ll be moving as a large team this time, we’ll need to match pace with everyone else — ideally clearing each battle efficiently while keeping formation.”

“Hm, I’ve heard about you, but Melt’s also a speed type, huh. The current team leans toward fast strikes, but we might still need at least one heavy-hitter for tough monsters — there are some hard-shelled ones in that dungeon.”

“I can slice through big, tough shrimp, you know?”

“Indeed. Araza, Melt’s not just a speed attacker — she’s a magic swordswoman. She can use spells to deal with foes resistant to physical damage.”

“That’s excellent. In that case, our front line’s well covered. Tomorrow, we’ll test our combat synergy in practice. Gark, could you pass me that dish?”

“Master, it’s a little surreal hearing you give a serious tactical speech while you’re still eating. Also, please chew properly. How can you even talk and eat at the same time?”

“Experience.”

Right — Araza didn’t make a single chewing sound. He just kept talking while steadily eating his skewer.

Rude? Maybe. But if you’re spending long hours inside a dungeon, maybe that’s a useful skill.

“…Still, dungeon shrimp are as good as ever. Meaty, but no shells — easy to eat.”
“Master, you really love shrimp, don’t you?”
“I prefer squid.”

“I’m more of a shellfish guy myself. One great thing about this dungeon — you can find ingredients that taste amazing just grilled as-is.”

“Agreed. No need to bring a dedicated cook.”
“Well, we have Shizuma this time. I’m expecting good things.”
“Ha… got it.”

Looks like this clan actually knows how to relax when it counts.
Balanced — disciplined, but flexible.

And Araza’s a shrimp lover too, huh. Maybe I’ll try making fried shrimp in the dungeon sometime.

Still… maybe I should reveal a bit of information on my end.

“Before we begin, I’d like to share a few things. Please keep what I’m about to say between us.”

Since these people might literally be risking their lives alongside me, it felt right to tell them what I could do.

“I can handle cooking, but also basic blacksmithing — simple repairs and maintenance on weapons or armor. I’m also proficient with greatswords, so I can fight alongside Melt when needed. I can use fire, wind, and ice magic, and I’m decent with a bow as well.”

They all listened quietly as I listed my skills.

“And this, I think, will be our biggest advantage. I possess a magic storage item — one with an exceptionally large capacity.”

The group, who had been half-listening up to that point, suddenly sharpened their gazes.

“Is that true? We also have a few storage artifacts, but each one can only hold about as much as that chest over there.”

Araza pointed to a large, chest-like box in the room — roughly big enough to fit twenty two-liter bottles.

At his gesture, Bhasker removed a metal flask from his belt and placed it on the table.

“This flask-sized one holds about the same volume as that chest. Shizuma, how much can yours hold?”

“Well, back when I traveled with my old group, I carried all the members’ spare gear and supplies — and still had plenty of room to spare.”

“…If that’s true, we could bring far more supplies than expected. Our success rate will increase significantly.”

“I intend to help with that, too. I also want the dungeon core, after all.”

“I see. Then, could you demonstrate it for us? Try storing that chest and the food on this table.”

Following his instructions, I stored everything — the chest and all the dishes — into my storage.

“—Ah!”

Rivana had just reached for a new skewer when it vanished midair.

“! Shizuma, give it back.”
“Y-Yes ma’am.”

All the food and even the chest disappeared instantly.
Everyone stared in disbelief as Rivana grabbed my shoulders and shook me desperately.

“I-I’ll return it, please stop shaking me!”

“…It’s real, then.”
“Yeah… Shizuma, you really shouldn’t tell too many people about that item.”
“Of course. I only told you all because I trust you.”

“We’ll honor that trust. Gark, rework the supply list — with this, we can carry more.”
“Got it. Also, uh, boss? Maybe stop shaking him now?”
“I want my squid skewer back.”

I hurriedly returned all the food to the table. Sorry, Rivana…
Yeah, squid’s good. I’d want another one too.

“Shizuma, I hate to make you play pack mule, but during the main expedition, we’ll probably rely on you for supply transport. Can I count on you?”

“Yes, absolutely.”

“Good. Now, one more thing — you really can handle a greatsword, archery, and magic?”

“Yes. I’m not fully mastered in magic yet, but I’m confident with the greatsword.”

I’d spent all the time during Rue’s activity period training with Silent in the mental world.
Thanks to Rue’s combat knowledge, I’d also learned proper technique and body control.

Now, I’m sure I can move nearly as well as when I use my usual weapon—
…Though my attack animations are still a bit slow due to weapon performance limits.

“Ancient Sword — Argus Nifty”
“An ancient, enormous sword.”
“Attack animations become slower, but power doubles.”
“Consumes both MP and HP when performing normal attacks.”
“Boasts extremely high attack power.”

It’s the sword I used back in that artificial dungeon — the one that could take down a massive dragon in a single blow.

It carries its risks, sure, but if you’re putting everything into one decisive strike, there’s no better weapon.

And while the “slower motion” part was originally a system limitation, even in reality, the sword’s sheer size and weight make it difficult to handle. Still, compared to before, I can probably wield it a lot better now.

“Then I’d like to see it tomorrow. I haven’t witnessed your fighting firsthand yet — I didn’t even know you could use a greatsword or magic.”

“That’s true. We’ve only ever seen Shizuma fight as a fast-paced, one-and-a-half-hand sword attacker. Let’s include your combat evaluation in tomorrow’s plan.”

“Understood.”

“Oh, and I’m just dual-wielding daggers! I can use a little magic too though!”
“Melt is strong. I acknowledge that.”
“Ehh? Thanks, Rivana-chan!”

The two of them were chatting away happily — a bit of a cutesy energy between them.
Honestly, kind of heartwarming.

“If Rivana acknowledges it, then it must be true. We might be getting a stronger lineup than expected. I’m looking forward to tomorrow’s test.”

“Same here. So after staying overnight, we’ll return the next day, right?”
“Yeah, that’s the plan.”

“In that case, would it be alright if Melt and I stayed here at the base camp starting tomorrow?”

“Of course. That would be more convenient anyway. Getting to know each other’s habits, preferences, and personalities is also an important part of teamwork.”

Makes sense — they do live together in their clan house, after all.
That level of camaraderie is probably one of the reasons they’re such top-class explorers.

“Then we’ll check out of our hotel tonight and join you here tomorrow.”
“Yup! Looking forward to working with everyone!”
“Same here. Let’s meet here tomorrow morning at nine.”

And with that, the meeting — which mostly covered the Lindwurm’s Nest report — came to a close.

Tomorrow begins our pre-expedition test: a two-day, one-night dungeon challenge.
Time to get fired up.

On the way back, Melt glanced around, then leaned close to whisper something.

“What’s up?”

“Shizuma, I think we’re really famous now…! Everyone’s afraid of you!”

“…You’re kidding. That’s not something I wanted to hear…”

Up until recently, Melt was the scary one.

“Well, at least they’re not afraid of me anymore!”
“Haha… well, you haven’t killed anyone, Melt.”
“Of course not — I just chase them down, knock them out, and drag them back alive.”
“…That’s still terrifying, you know.”

Yeah, no one escapes from her.

Back at the hotel, I informed the staff that we’d be checking out tomorrow.
As expected, the clerk gave a perfectly polite response:

“I see, sir. It’s a little early, but thank you very much for staying with us. We sincerely look forward to serving you again.”

The way Melt’s eyes sparkled at that made me think… maybe she’s developed an interest in customer service?

Back in the room, I started packing up our things — mostly her things, since Melt’s stuff was everywhere.
Honestly… she might have a talent for turning rooms into disaster zones.

Seriously, you can’t just leave clothes everywhere!
Laundry goes in the basket — that’s what the laundry service is for!

“Oh, I forgot! I’ll have to do my own washing later… I wonder how we’ll handle laundry inside the dungeon? We used to just wash our clothes there and dry them by the campfire.”

“Probably the same — bring plenty of spares, and wash as needed.”
“Then I’ll have to make sure our stuff doesn’t get mixed up! Maybe I should write my name on my underwear!”

…Just picturing that makes it sound incredibly childish.

I mean, imagine underwear with “Melt” written across it in big letters.
Cute, sure — but she’s supposed to be a lady now.

“Alright, last night on the floaty-fluffy bed! Good night!”
“Yeah. I really want one of these beds for myself…”

It had this perfect softness — almost like it was filled with gentle slime — with just enough firmness to keep its shape, and a cool, pleasant feel.

Maybe I’ll ask Pigeon Trading Company if they sell something like it.

And with that thought, I sank into the blissfully soft bed… and was asleep before I even realized it.

I’ve lost count of how many times this has happened, but the feeling was familiar.

When I opened my eyes, I found myself standing before a round table—completely empty, with no one else around.

Once I sat at the head seat, the others soon appeared one by one in the chairs around it.

“Hmm, I wasn’t planning on calling a meeting today, but did someone summon us here?”

I looked around at everyone, hoping for an answer.

But they all wore the same puzzled expression and shook their heads.

…What? None of them called this meeting?

『I called you. I apologize. I don’t possess the power to summon only my master, so I ended up pulling everyone else in as well.』

A woman’s voice echoed out from the darkness.

A woman… There were only four female characters who couldn’t physically manifest here—it had to be one of them.

“Who are you? Sorry, but I can’t tell just by your voice.”

『I am Serene, the apothecary.』

“Serene! What’s going on? You wanted to talk to me?”

『Yes. Although I can only perceive fragments of the outside world—mainly when you happen to think of me—I came across something troubling during those moments.』

“Something troubling? …Come to think of it, I have been thinking about you lately. I thought your knowledge of medicine and alchemy might help Melt. She’s been struggling with some kind of potion-making recently.”

『Yes, that’s exactly what I wished to speak about. In the secret compendium you recently saw—was it a master’s book of some sort?—I noticed some concerning descriptions of ingredients. If my guess is correct, then Lady Melt may be…』

“Hmm… go on.”

『Lady Melt might be attempting to create a potion that could house our souls within physical bodies.』

“What…? I can’t imagine something like that being possible with a potion.”

『Not necessarily impossible. Based on everyone’s experiments and analyses, it seems that spirits do inhabit physical vessels. If one could create a high-grade elixir that strengthens the bond between body and soul—something that brushes against the laws of the world itself—it might indeed be possible.』

“I see… so that’s why you want to help her.”

『Exactly. It may not be right away, but when you return home and Lady Melt begins working in earnest, please—use me.』

“Got it. I’ll keep that in mind.”

『My strength likely cannot match yours, Master. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to suppress your consciousness and come to the surface. So instead, I’ll entrust all of my knowledge to you. Please, use it to help her.』

“…I understand. Thank you, Serene. Giving form to everyone’s consciousness has always been one of our biggest goals—your help means a lot.”

『I’m honored to be of use. And everyone, my apologies for the sudden summons.』

Her voice faded back into the darkness, and my awareness slowly drifted away.

So that’s it… Melt has been working so hard—all for us.

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