Ayane, who had been left in the hallway for about an hour, didn't seem to mind at all when she returned.
"Is it okay to talk about the secret now?"
"Yeah, sorry Ayane, I made you wait."
"It's fine. The time for intimate conversation with Master should be respected above all else!"
She's not just positive; she's also very understanding.
No, she's a good girl. But still...
Well, at least I know there's no need to worry about the gacha being found out, and it's a big plus that we don't have to sneak around when walking with her. Still, I understand that she's a good girl and will be helpful, but I don't want to show her my status.
Why am I being so cautious about her...?
"Hmm..."
"Shouta? It's time for lunch."
"Ah, right."
Today, as usual, I enjoyed lunch while being fed alternately by the two of them. It seems Ayane and Aila also brought lunch, so we decided to eat together. Ayane wanted to feed me too, but she was denied by the two of them, citing it as her privilege.
But, that bag of Aila's really can hold anything... I didn't expect a three-tiered bento box to come out. Did Aila make it? I'm a bit curious about her cooking skills, but Maki's food is the best in the world, so it's fine.
After lunch.
I had them check the items I obtained from hunting in the morning. This 'Mithril' equipment, apparently, is quite rare and expensive, despite looking like iron equipment.
In fact,
"The 'Fourth Generation Lightweight Hybrid Armor MK.2' you're wearing now might have lower defensive capabilities than this."
"It's not just the appearance; the weight is exactly like iron armor. It hasn't been lightened, so it's quite heavy."
"Well, I've worn iron equipment for a long time, so I don't mind it... Yeah, I'll try it on."
With their help, I changed just the torso part.
As Aki said, this pure metal armor is indeed heavy, but it doesn't seem to be a problem.
"I'll go with this for now. Maki, can you keep the torso part of the 'MK.2'?"
"Sure. Have a good trip, Shouta."
"Have a good trip!"
"I'll be back."
"I'll be back!"
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
It happened right after entering the first floor.
"I just recognized the two of you as team members. Is the 'Leadership' effect properly applied?"
"No problem."
"Yes, Master. It's very heartwarming."
"Hehe. Then, let's head to the second floor."
"Understood."
Ayane seemed to notice something and was looking around.
"Master, isn't it noisy?"
"Hmm? ...Yeah, everyone seems agitated."
In the area around the guild, Ayane and Aila were very noticeable due to their appearances and were attracting attention. However, the adventurers at the dungeon entrance weren't looking at us much.
It's as if they don't have the time.
"What's going on..."
Just then, a familiar voice echoed.
'Grrrrr!!'
"Ahh!"
"Kyaa!"
"Whoa!"
I had heard it many times up close, but it sounded different when it echoed in the cave-like dungeon. The deep, rumbling bass would make anyone with a weak heart tremble.
It's perfect for breaking the spirit of beginners who have decided to enter the dungeon. This is indeed a problem child. I can understand why the guild calls it that.
"So, it spawned."
Whether it's good luck or bad luck, someone happened to kill 100 goblins and happened to get that low-probability drop.
And from the looks of it, this is the nth time it's happened. The surrounding area is in a state of mild panic.
And if it's roaring, it means someone is being chased. Either the one who spawned it or an accidental victim.
"Master, it's in that direction."
"I checked the map too. Let's go help."
"Master, as always!"
"Activate 'Swift II'."
We followed the shortest route on the map, leaving the goblins along the way. This time, Aila also ran alongside without picking up items.
'Grrr!'
"Ah, ah, ah!!"
"We found it!"
'Giiin!!'
Just as a Hobgoblin was about to bring down a greatsword on a young man, I thrust my sword into the gap, and with a loud metallic sound, the sword was deflected.
'Grrr!?'
"Shut up."
'Slash!'
I finished it off as it tried to get up, and smoke rose from its body.
【Level Up】
【Level increased from 1 to 15】
I remember the 'Hobgoblin' here had a short smoke duration due to its low level. It was about 5 minutes, I think. The next one might appear soon.
I need to get him out of here quickly.
"Are you okay?"
"Y-Yes! Thank you, ugh..."
The young man twisted his body and winced. Looking at him, he had cuts all over his body, and his right arm was swollen. It might be broken.
"You're injured. Ayane, can you help?"
"Leave it to me. ...'Heal'!"
A dazzling light overflowed from Ayane's hand and enveloped the young man. When the light faded, the cuts and swelling were completely gone.
"Wow, amazing..."
"This is 'Healing Magic'...! T-Thank you! What can I do to repay you?"
"That's not necessary. Master gave the order, but I can't leave a seriously injured person behind."
"But..."
I understand he wants to express his gratitude, but this conversation is a hindrance right now.
"You should leave this place for now. This is deep in the dungeon and not a safe area. Also, be careful of dead ends when you move forward."
"Yes, sir!"
"Ayane, Aila. Please escort him as a precaution."
I pointed to the smoke coming from the Hobgoblin. The two seemed to understand what I meant and took the young man away.
Oh, I need to say this.
"Hey, you! Is it okay if I take the drop?"
"Yes, that's fine. You're the one who defeated it!"
After saying that, I watched the young man leave for a minute. The smoke... completely dissipated.
It seems it didn't appear. Whether it's good luck or bad luck, it might be good. It's not a good idea to fight the next rare in a place where a large audience might gather.
...Speaking of which, if I defeated a 'Hobgoblin' on the first floor, will the conditions for defeating 'Hobgoblins' on the second floor reset?
...There's a possibility. Well, helping people should be a priority, and this is necessary. Also, it's a good opportunity to verify. I'll conquer the second floor in the opposite direction from this morning.
As expected, all items dropped. While returning to the central route, I continued to think. Regarding the drop, since the young man was also fighting, the 'Luck' of the person who dealt the final blow might take precedence. I'll verify whether the 100-kill challenge includes monsters killed by team members.
If the final blow directly affects the drop or the appearance of a rare monster, regardless of the team members involved, it might be good to give experience points to the two of them.
To the readers,
If you found this work interesting and are curious about the next part,