After that, we continued to explore the third floor very smoothly. The monster formation on the third layer was truly brutal. We encountered enemies that were roughly double the enemy strength on the second floor, such as two hobgoblins and four goblins. Additionally, new monsters that attacked from a distance like the “Goblin Archer” were mixed in, making it a challenging situation for even Kazane to overcome alone.
However, that was only if it was Kazane alone. Although I was at a low level, being the second explorer, in this case, me, significantly shifted the balance of power. In terms of fighting style, Kazane would go all out as the attacker when she got serious, and I would support and assist her.
As a result, we were able to emerge unscathed in most battles, and even when one of us got injured, we could fully heal with the spell “Earth Heal”. By the way, when exploring alone, it seems that Kazane was forced to use 3000 HP potions and discard them each time she suffered a major blow. That definitely incurred losses for her.
Therefore, up to now, we had to diligently focus on leveling up on the second floor, where we could fight with enough ease. In the end, that day we continued exploring the third layer until around nine in the evening before returning. Due to the time it took to return, it was already past ten when we exited the dungeon.
After spending so much time outdoors, Kazane stretched widely in the dark night illuminated by the moonlight on the embankment.
“Phew…! I’m tired~! Thanks for today, Rokuyari. You really saved me.”
“Thank you for your work too, Kazane. I really regret having burdened you.”
“What are you saying? With your timely attention and your ‘Earth Heal’ cures in critical moments, you’ve been amazing. I can’t live without you anymore, Rokuyari. Please, take responsibility for me.”
“Yes, yes, as the princess commands. I will follow you wherever you go.”
Although they bantered back and forth, they weren’t sure how much they were really taking it seriously. Kazane was probably just going along with the enthusiasm.
“I’m sorry for taking most of the experience. I wanted you to have the chance to deal the final blow too, but it turned out to be difficult.”
“Don’t worry, the level difference makes it inevitable. Still, you’ve leveled up to 5.”
During the exploration of the third layer, my level increased from 4 to 5. My stats are more or less like this:
Rokuyari Daichi
Level: 5 (+1)
Experience: 143/220
HP: 44/44 (+4)
MP: 16/36
Strength: 10 (+1)
Endurance: 11 (+1)
Agility: 9 (+1)
Magic: 9
Skills
[Earth Heal]
[Mapping]
[HP Up (Endurance x4)]
[MP Up (Magic x4)]
[Increase in Attack Strength with Spear (+2)]
Remaining skill points: 0
Finally, I acquired the desired (?) ability of [Increase in Attack Strength with Spear (+2)]. As a result, I was able to defeat a kobold that we encountered on the way back with a single blow. For the first time.
By the way, a new skill appeared in the list of acquirable skills, [Increase in Attack Strength with Spear (+4)]. It was as anticipated.
After that, we went to the 24-hour general dungeon information office and traded the magical gems we had acquired at the exchange counter.
Eventually, along with the receipts for the purchase of magical gems, we received cash for each of us. The receipt I received detailed the following:
Kobold… Unit price: 400 yen, quantity: 6
Goblin… Unit price: 600 yen, quantity: 18
Goblin Archer… Unit price: 700 yen, quantity: 7
Hobgoblin… Unit price: 1000 yen, quantity: 7
Partial total: 25,100 yen
Party payment (50%): 12,550 yen
Tax withholding (10%): 1,255 yen
──────────────────
Total payment: 11,295 yen
…I was surprised.
Split between the two members of the party, the net income for each exceeded 11,000 yen. Compared to the 2,880 yen from the morning, it was almost four times more.
We spent approximately seven to eight hours exploring the dungeon from the afternoon into the night. A net income per hour of around 1,500 yen. I feel quite satisfied with this, as if I had gotten a fair deal. Although I also wonder if being satisfied with this as a reward for risky work is the right thing, considering how the morning went.
By the way, my hourly wage working at a large restaurant chain is 1,110 yen (gross). In my previous job, which was quite exploitative, I believe the net equivalent hourly rate was below 1,000 yen.
On the other hand, Kazane, upon seeing the receipt and the cash, had a smile she couldn’t hide on her face.
When she noticed my gaze, she turned towards me with a joyful expression.
“Rokuyari, this is amazing. With this, I have no expenses on potions, you know? This is incredible. This is a fair deal, no doubt!” Kazane says the same thing once more. But not only that, she gives me an even more mysterious smile.
“This time, it’s not just that. Remember, Rokuyari?”
“Remember what?”
“Hahaha. What do you think is in my [Item Box]?”
“Item Box? …Oh, the Broad Sword you obtained by defeating the Hobgoblin? Do you mean that it can be sold?”
“Of course! But the weapon shops are already closed at this hour, so it will be a surprise for tomorrow.”
By the way, during today’s exploration, I had promised to join Kazane to explore again tomorrow. Starting the day after tomorrow, I have five consecutive work shifts, but tomorrow I am still free. In reality, I will continue working up to the holiday. Dungeon exploration is something different, fun, so it’s fine. I’ll think about it when my physical stamina begins to wane.
Moreover, I am starting to lean towards the idea of quitting my part-time job and following the path of Kazane as a solo adventurer. It seems that at least I will be able to earn a living with that.
At that moment, Kazane holds her stomach. The sound of hunger can be heard, Gyu-ru-ru-ru.
“Uh… Rokuyari, aren’t you hungry? I’m starving!”
“Yeah, you’re right. Why don’t we part ways for today?”
“Eh…? Oh, no, I thought since we’re together, we could go have dinner somewhere together… If you don’t mind, of course.”
“Oh, sure, let’s go. I don’t mind at all.”
I responded immediately.
