After thanking us, the branch manager and Hana left.
Aki and Maki, who had been standing on either side of me, came closer, and I calmed them down while relaying the results.
"Alright, a rare monster called the Hills Wolf appeared, so I'm sharing the information. The stats and drops are like this, and the spawn location is in the center of this crater."
"Right away. Thank you for the information, I'll update our database."
"Also, as you can see, this one dropped a 'Command' skill, so there's a surplus. Please list these two on the auction."
"Understood. I'll take care of the procedures!"
Aki operated the terminal, manually updating the second layer's monster information. Meanwhile, Maki carefully packaged the skill orbs and carried them through the staff-only door to somewhere else.
As I stared blankly at the scene, Ayane had brought out snacks and tea, which Aila had prepared.
"Oh, there were only four of these snacks, huh?"
"Yes. The young lady's departure was decided last night."
"I see... By the way, what's Ayane's mother like?"
When I asked Aila, Aki, who was working next to her, looked up.
"Oh, Shouta, you didn't know? Sakyua manages the 'Intermediate Dungeon' in this first area. She's also one of the founding members who helped establish the Japanese Association, just like her mother and grandfather."
"Wow."
She must be quite a person.
"Since we've decided to take Ayane, we should visit her family soon."
"Right. But, I think they'll come pretty quickly."
"Really?"
"Because Ayane was summoned. I'm sure she was given a task that only Shouta can handle, and in the end, you'll have to go."
"I think so too. The higher the request level, the heavier the compensation. But when negotiating with her, the compensation is limitless. Even though she's family, she doesn't show mercy. I'm one of the top mercenaries she has, so I'll probably be given a tough condition."
"Hmm? But, it's probably still related to the dungeon, right? If so, I think we can manage."
The one who started the 'request' seems to be Sakyua. She must want some specific skill.
"Well, since it's not a request unrelated to the dungeon, you can relax."
"That's a relief. I'd be in trouble if I was asked something else."
"Hmm, thinking about that, we should update our equipment. Even though things went well today, 'Mithril' equipment can be underestimated."
"Right. Not just Ayane and Aila, but also Aki and Maki, who are exclusive to us, shouldn't be looked down upon."
"Hehehe."
"Then, why don't we go to Uncle's place?"
Maki, who had finished the skill orb transfer procedures, came back.
"Uncle?"
"Yes. The branch manager of the 'Advanced Dungeon' in the first area. He's also one of the founding members, and we've been very well taken care of by him for a long time!"
"Oh, I see! The branch attached to the 'Advanced Dungeon' has a store that sells weapons and armor suitable for that level. There, you'll definitely find equipment better than 'Mithril'!"
"Also, the 'Super Strength' and 'Agility' skill orbs here are what Uncle requested. Since we're going, let's deliver them together."
"Sounds good!"
Hmm, the 'Advanced Dungeon.' I've been wanting to go there someday, but since it's just for shopping, it should be safe. If there's equipment better than 'Mithril,' I definitely want to get it.
"Alright, let's go. Is it far?"
"About an hour by car."
"Then, let's go after lunch with everyone."
"Eh, so soon?"
"Good things should be done quickly."
"Okay, let's go!"
"I'll come along too."
◇◇◇◇◇◇◇◇
After having snacks and lunch, Maki, who had arranged the bus for transportation, came back.
"Shouta, it seems to take a bit of time to prepare."
"Alright. Then, let's think about how to use this large number of 'Agility' skill orbs in the meantime."
Aila took out a total of 25 'Agility' skill orbs from her bag.
"...I expected it, but that's a lot."
"Yes..."
I checked on the app, and it seems that 'Agility' is a skill that doesn't put a strain on the body. Aila, how did 'Agility II' feel to you?"
"It didn't feel like a strain. Also, I felt that the upper limit of acceleration increased slightly."
"I felt the same. So, it's a skill with only benefits."
It consumes 'Mana' when used, but it's a convenient skill to have. There's no loss in learning it.
So,
"Aki and Maki, you can learn 'Agility II' too."
"Eh? Really?"
"Sure. Since they're dropping like this, don't be shy."
"O-Okay, I'll learn it."
So, the two of them started consuming one orb each in turn.
It would be easier if they could learn four at once, but when I tried to do three at once just now, it only accepted one at a time. Well, I guess I'm the only one who can afford such a luxury problem.
It's a hassle, but...
...Hmm?
"No, wait a minute..."
"Shouta?"
"Is it possible? But my 'Intuition'..."
The two of them looked at me curiously, but I ignored them and reached for the skill orbs. I placed four 'Agility' orbs in my hand and chanted.
"Compress"
[Confirming the relevant skill]
[Compressing the relevant skill...]
[Compression of the relevant skill successful]
[Four 'Agility' skills compressed. Compression to 'Agility II' successful]
"Haha, it worked..."
In my palm, a single 'Agility II' orb glowed brightly.
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