For the purpose of securing the top position in the Rofan quarter, today there are three episodes (2/3).
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Thirty minutes before the meeting began, Ayane used the Takaizumi family's dedicated web conferencing system to contact her mother, Takaizumi Sakuya, while her sisters watched.
"Mother, I am grateful for your precious time today."
"Well, Ayane. What's the matter today? You're contacting me from the room of the Hayabusa sisters, no less."
The meeting screen showed only Ayane and Sakuya, no other information. Still, she had made a definitive statement. Ayane looked at Aila, but she shook her head. It seemed she hadn't contacted yet. However, it wasn't surprising. Given that the head of the Takaizumi family, who is said to have eyes and ears all over the world, it would be no trouble for her to know her daughter's whereabouts.
"This time, I have started a relationship with someone I personally chose. However, for a healthy relationship, there is something I need to ask of you, Mother."
"Oh, that's wonderful, isn't it? But what could you possibly need to ask me about it?"
"Please cancel the contract between Aila and Mother. With that in place, I cannot share secrets with my husband."
Upon hearing this, the smile on Sakuya's face disappeared.
"... I see. To notice that... I don't want to think that Aila let it slip... Did you notice, Ayane, or did your beloved husband?"
"It was my husband."
"I see. To notice that in just one day of meeting. Indeed, he might be a suitable match for you."
Sakuya appeared to be thinking. A smile reappeared in her eyes.
"... Hehe, I understand. Then, come back to the family home once. Let's redefine the terms of the contract there."
"Thank you, Mother."
"However, come back alone, leaving Aila behind. I'll have her stay with your husband. I'll send someone to pick her up in the morning."
"... Yes."
"Then, I'll see you later. Don't be late for the meeting."
With that, Sakuya left the meeting. Ayane followed suit and closed the meeting.
Ayane took a deep breath.
"Phew, I was so nervous!"
"Good job, Ayane!"
"To talk one-on-one with Sakuya is amazing! If it were me, I'd be so nervous I wouldn't be able to say anything."
Takaizumi Sakuya is famous as one of the founding members who built the association in Japan. For the sisters, Sakuya is a living legend, far above them. She was someone they admired even before the appearance of the dungeons, and her remarkable achievements after the association's establishment only intensified their admiration. Now, they respect and fear her.
When dealing with other branch managers, the two are mostly old acquaintances and don't feel nervous. But Sakuya was different. They were too afraid to speak to her even in meetings, and when she spoke to them, they would freeze like stone.
"Living with her for so long, you get used to it. But tomorrow, I have to face her directly to set the terms, which will be difficult."
"Sakuya always has a smile, but I've heard she's strict with both enemies and family. That's true..."
"About leaving Aila behind, are you okay, Ayane?"
"I'm fine. Aila, I'll be counting on you to take care of my husband from tomorrow!"
"Leave it to me, Miss. But I don't know what conditions the head of the family will set. Please be careful."
"Yes, if it gets too difficult, come back and consult."
"Exactly. After all, you're going to be supporting him from now on."
"Yes!"
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
After that, the meeting started as scheduled, and Ayane announced her engagement. She received congratulations from the female branch managers and, along with congratulations, complaints about Shouta from the male branch managers. The discussion then moved to the events in the Heart Dungeon, the rare monster 'Golden Worm' in the Heart Dungeon, and the reports of enhanced forms appearing in both the Heart Dungeon and the Beginner Dungeon. However, while the appearance information was still under investigation, it was reported that it was difficult for ordinary adventurers to reproduce, and they breathed a sigh of relief.
The discussion then moved to the 'request' and today, it was announced through Aki that six 'Super Strength' had been secured. Originally, there were supposed to be seven, but they decided the distribution order without arguing over the numbers.
"Then, I'll send them by the association's express delivery in the morning. See you next time, Uncle."
"Aye, I'm not in a hurry, so take your time."
"Thank you, Uncle."
The agenda settled, the branch managers continued to discuss the large number of skills, specifically Shouta's abilities.
"To discover a rare monster and obtain this many in such a short time. We've tried to cultivate such adventurers, but all have failed. But now, a ray of hope has appeared."
"Yes. 'Luck' does not benefit from level-ups or special items. Therefore, all 'SP' must be invested in it. However, the more 'SP' is invested in 'Luck,' the more negative effects appear."
"Is that so?"
"I've never heard of that!"
Aki and Maki were skeptical of this fact. Increasing 'Luck' was not recommended by the association and was considered unrealistic. They were taught this in school and thought that increasing 'Luck' was Shouta's unique ability.
"Aye, this project is only known to those of Rank 5 and above. It shouldn't be discussed in the presence of those below Rank 4, but fortunately, Aki and Yoko know him. It's fine to tell them, isn't it, Director?"
"Yes. If you emphasize that this information should not be spread, it's fine to tell the adventurer. Ask Miki for the details."
"Understood."
The association had long known the effects of 'Luck' and realized that increasing it would increase the appearance rate of items. However, they couldn't publicize this information because of the problems that arise from continuously investing 'SP' in 'Luck.'
"To put it simply, two negative effects occur. One is that the increase in base stats from level-ups decreases. The other is that the 'SP' gained also decreases. This decreases with each investment in 'Luck.' The more 'Luck' is increased, the slower the growth rate. It's like a nightmare."
"Among the group, the 'Luck' holder, who is far behind in stats, cannot perform in the front lines without ability. They cannot bear the reality and often break down."
"Thus, while there are those who have exceeded 100 in 'Luck,' most of those who reached 200 could not keep up with the battles and retired. Even with level-ups, all stats increased by only 1, and 'SP' decreased to 2."
The sisters looked at each other, as it sounded like a story they had heard before.
"There are also brave souls abroad who have broken 300, but they struggle to deliver the final blow after weakening. They often get injured because they can't deliver the final blow. Despite this, he is amazing. He maintains a high 'Luck' while ensuring his own attack ability. I've never seen such an adventurer!"
"With the support of the Takaizumi family, he can be at ease. The rest depends on today's 'request' and the auction's proceeds... What will happen?"
"Since we have the 'request,' we don't need to rush to bid on the 'Adamantine Armor.' However, his nearest dungeon is not the Heart Dungeon, so we don't know when the next opportunity will come."
"Hmm. When you put it that way, I want to secure at least one. My dungeon has a monster that deals vicious attacks, so the 'Adamantine Armor' skill is very attractive..."
"Hehe, I won't force you."
Several branch managers got excited about participating in the auction, and the sisters, watching them, discussed with the 'request' participants to secure equipment for Shouta. The meeting continued even after the auction began.
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