Episode 133: The fact that the "Gambler" character's skill was kind of cheat-like.
"Hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha"
"Hohoho hohoho hohoho hohoho hohoho hohoho hohoho hohoho"
"Is it the left fan, right? Warrior-san?"
"Yes indeed, Gambler-san?"
We had changed into fluffy, flowy dresses (100 gold) for no particular reason, and were happily enjoying tea and cookies.
Through the combination of "Dream Dice Roll" and "Deception," our savings have already surpassed three hundred thousand gold.
"Pathetic, 'Master Dungeon'..."
Even such remarks were flying around.
"Never let your guard down. Just because you've obtained a cheat item doesn't mean you should get carried away— you'll end up getting a harsh lesson. That's the important lesson 'Doraemon' taught us."
"You're right about that... hehehe."
It's hard to tell if they truly understand or not.
The "Gambler" smiles warmly.
"Then, let's decide how to use our funds again!"
"Yes, indeed."
Quickly, the two begin discussing various options while looking at the terminal of the "General Store" vendor.
"For now, let's get some weapons."
"I'll probably be fighting mainly with magic, so it might just be dead weight anyway."
"Still, wouldn't carrying a knife be useful?"
"True enough."
"How about this one? 'Stun Knife' (80,000 gold)....The name suggests it might knock enemies out. Could come in handy later."
"Hey, that sounds good."
So, I immediately bought the 'Stun Knife.'
"Thanks a bunch."
...And that's what Vortack handed me—a knife about twenty centimeters long, with a slightly mechanical design.
It doesn’t seem very sharp as it is, but there’s a switch on the handle, and when pressed, it appears to send out crackling electricity.
"Then I’ll go ahead and get myself 'Murasama.'"
"Alright."
"And um… anything else I should pick up…"
Glancing at a notebook already filled with notes,
"Things like a hiking backpack, emergency rations, towels, water… or maybe more emergency rations… or just, emergency rations, emergency rations, and so on."
"Ah, I see."
In the end, it seemed food would be the lifeline.
Indeed, as long as there's enough magic power, the rest can mostly be managed.
"Anyway, let's pack plenty of high-calorie items that fit easily in a backpack."
"Got it. Also, apparently, the general store has armor and such…."
"We won't need that."
"Yeah. If we're too exhausted from moving, it'd be pointless in the first place."
It would've been nice if there were any light armor that would keep us agile, but unfortunately, the general store's selection is just...
――82, Iron Armor (450 Gold)
――83, Gold Armor (650 Gold)
――84, Silver Armor (1,200 Gold)
Nothing but heavy, cumbersome gear.
Wearing such bulky armor would only reduce our chances of survival—there's no doubt that sticking with our usual track suits would be far better.
"Also, are there any standout special items around here?"
"Hmm. Honestly, it's hard to choose—there are so many items whose effects are unclear..."
"The prices are just too high. There are exceptions, like 'extra glasses,' but most of them seem overpriced for their performance."
That's true.
Thanks to our hunt for "gold slimes," our financial situation has become extremely stable—there's no doubt about that.
Yet even so, there were still many items we couldn't afford at this point.
Back when I first got the "Seed of Power" as a quest reward, it cost a staggering ten million gold.
Ten million.
That's equivalent to a thousand "Gold Slimes."
There's no way they intended for us to buy this from the start.
Or perhaps, in the future, even more profitable monsters than "Gold Slimes" will appear?
"Still, I did come across one item that caught my interest."
"What are you talking about?"
Pointing at the terminal,
"This item here—'Return Crystal.' It's worth ten thousand gold."
"Oh... that one, huh."
"It seems you can use this to return to the 'Adventurer's Inn' anytime. Let's each keep one just in case. That way, we can avoid suffering and dying."
"Yeah."
Thanks to that, I feel much more at ease.
Obtaining the "Return Crystal" could fairly be called today's greatest achievement.
After completing various preparations, we decided to take a short nap at the Adventurer's Inn.
Incidentally, the term "yado" refers to
"Pinewood" Course (200 Gold)
"Bamboo" Course (120 Gold)
"Plum" Course (50 Gold)
It seems there are three courses.
It's probably "Goemon, do your best!" by now.
Honestly, please at least stick to a consistent world view.
A fantasy-style inn with Pine, Bamboo, and Plum courses...?
Of course, the one we chose was,
"Let's go with the Pine course."
I could have sworn the young innkeeper's eyes sparkled.
"Choosing that one shows real taste."
"Huh?"
"By the way, are the two of you a couple?"
For a brief moment, I exchanged glances with the "Gambling Master,"
"No."
"I see. So tonight will be... quite a quiet one, then."
...This so-called Pine Course certainly knows how to make things tricky, doesn't it.
"Shall I prepare something spicy? Or perhaps some adult toys?"
"If you'd like to stay on your feet, hurry up and show us the way."
The young hostess didn't so much as blink.
"Ah—yes. Two guests, please."
▼
The NPC led us to a space that could best be described as a "princess's room."
It's way too extravagant for a single person to stay here—kind of making me regret my choice.
On the other hand, it feels a bit too overwhelming.
Still, the luxurious amenities are a definite plus.
Of course, it has a shower, toilet, and full heating and cooling. Inside the refrigerator, there's a wide variety of juices and alcoholic drinks. Snacks, appetizers, and ice cream are all available in unlimited quantities.
Well, I didn’t reach for anything since I was already full.
“Phew…”
Taking a moment to catch my breath.
Lying down on the bed, sprawled out.
Staring blankly, pondering my next steps.
From our earlier discussion, we agreed that if we ever get lost in the “Dungeon,” the “Gambling Master” would use their skill, “Dreamlike Dice Roll,” to help us…
But that ability seems to have a major drawback—it consumes a lot of magic power.
Moreover, the luck that draws near can't be precisely chosen. Depending on the situation, it might just attract an unnecessary "gold slime."
Conclusion.
Using the "Dream Dice Roll" on the "Gambling Master" is a last resort.
To preserve her magical energy, I'll make it my priority to eliminate the "slimes" along the way.
So I'll finally get around to doing that long-delayed "leveling up" task.
Fortunately, since I've just recently leveled up with Hakka-san, I still have plenty of room to learn new skills.
So, first off, I decided to advance both Water Magic and Thunder Magic to Level II.
That way, at the very least, I won't have any trouble hunting down those "slimes."
So, summarizing my current skills:
"Nomad Warrior"
Level: 61
○ Basic Skills
Swordsmanship (Advanced), Perfect Maintenance, Ultimate Sword Techniques I–X
Natural Healing (Strong) | Skin Reinforcement | Bone Reinforcement
Hunger Resistance (Strong)
《スキル鑑定》
○Magic-type Skills
Elemental Magic: Fire I–V
Aqua Magic I, II
Thunder Magic I, II
Healing Magic I–V
○Job-related skills
Attack Power IV
《Defense V》《Iron Armor》《Aegis Shield》
《Magic Resistance II》
《Spirit Summoning I》《Spirit Presence I》《Fairy》
Additionally, there are still about nine skill slots available for learning new abilities.
We can't predict what lies ahead.
And if we can't level up any further, that makes it even more important.
▼
"Information #11"... "Master Dungeon" is a space isolated from the outside world. As a result, any skills shared through mechanisms like "subordination" are all lost and returned to their original owners.
"Information #12"... Even within the "Master Dungeon," skills acquired by "seizing" from other "players" through killing them are not lost.
"Information #13"... At the "Adventurer's Inn," it is also possible to purchase items exclusive to the "Master Dungeon."
"Information #14"…… The exclusive item "Return Crystal" allows players to create a "Return Point" from anywhere within the "Master Dungeon" upon use.
"Information #15"…… The Dungeon Master's favorite food is an omelet handmade by his beloved wife.