novelraw Chapter 114
Chapter 114
Chapter 114
Hello, this is Akagi Hideo.
At the moment, I'm standing on top of a mysterious cedar tree growing out from the outer wall of Central.
Huh? You're asking if I'm not going to get some experience points?
Well, you see, something totally unexpected happened, and now there's a chance I might not be able to complete today's tasks.
That's because, apparently, other explorers have entered Central.
And they were all suffering from abnormal mental statuses: "Terror" and "Loss."
"Terror" causes uncontrollable trembling and robs you of the will to face monsters.
"Loss" leads to unconsciousness, short-term memory loss, and in severe cases, the loss of ego and eventual vegetative state.
This dungeon seems to be more dangerous than I thought.
I probably made it out okay thanks to my high mental status.
Thinking about it that way, I guess all those Daily Missions for mental training weren't a waste. I want to believe that. I really want to.
So, yeah, we couldn't just leave a group of mentally broken people behind, so we returned to the surface for now.
That's because I thought of lending out Shimaenaga-san.
"Okay, Shimaenaga-san, please heal everyone here."
"Chi, chii! (Translation: This is forced labor, chii!)"
"You messed up big time in the Witch Enaga incident, didn't you? If you don't do some community service, I might just tell Shurado-san about it..."
"Chi chi chii (Translation: Chii is not a bad Calamity, chii. I will wholeheartedly heal everyone suffering mentally, chii.)"
The moment I mentioned Shurado-san's name, their attitude flipped instantly.
For Shimaenaga-san, being handed over to Shurado-san is equivalent to being exiled to the frigid Abashiri Prison.
I'm really torn about whether to do a Finger Man Channel episode in front of this group.
I just realized something earlier—if I go back to the surface and perform for regular folks, the psychological damage to me is way less.
So, I'm thinking... maybe I don't need to do it right now...
While I was hesitating, Happy-san showed up.
"Finger Man, we're holding a meeting."
"A meeting?"
"Yes, a meeting."
Wait, is it just assumed I'm attending this too?
Guided by Happy-san, I walked through the crowd of explorers.
"It's Trigger Happy..."
"If the machine-gun girl's here, that's reassuring."
"Who's the one with her?"
I can hear whispers all around.
As expected, nobody recognizes me as Finger Man.
Probably because the meme effect makes it impossible for them to recall my existence.
Up higher on the cedar tree, everyone was waiting.
Along with Benvenuto-san, Jiu-san, and Happy-san, there are three more people.
"Hey, you're the urban legend explorer 'Finger Man,' right? You're as slim and pale as a young cedar, but I've heard your strength is the real deal."
The first to speak was a swarthy man in overalls with a muscular build.
He had a full beard and radiated strong lumberjack vibes.
He's holding an axe that looks like it could be bought at any home center, but I bet it's actually some amazing anomaly.
This must be the "Pollen Fighter" that Jiu-san mentioned.
I shifted my gaze from Pollen Fighter to the sharp-eyed, androgynous person standing next to him. Probably male. Half his face is hidden by hair.
He's not carrying anything that looks like a weapon, but with that tank top showing off his shoulders and arms, his muscles scream power.
He won't make eye contact with me.
Doesn't seem like he wants to talk either.
Probably the A-rank No. 6, "Bradley," right?
"Akagi, it's been a while. You look well."
"You too, Mister."
I'd noticed his massive silhouette earlier, but I deliberately saved him for last. Yeah, sorry about that.
The final person is none other than the great explorer "Mister," who I consider my soul's mentor.
There's no need to explain further—he's just that amazing and terrifying.
As always, he's got a monstrous bulk.
No offense to Pollen Fighter, but Mister is a whole size bigger.
He's got a massive single-handed axe on his waist holster, but on closer look, it's not really a one-handed axe at all. It looks so heavy, a normal adult man would get flung just trying to swing it.
"I had a feeling that the boy from that time was Finger Man. I heard many rumors."
Mister said with a smile and snapped his fingers.
So he remembered me.
That makes me kind of happy.
"That's enough reminiscing. Let's get this meeting started."
"Bradley" said irritably.
"Akagi, I don't think he likes you."
Yeah, Mister, I kinda figured that one out already.
I glanced his way, and for a split second, our eyes met like blades.
From my experience, those are the eyes of someone who's killed at least five people. Probably. I wouldn't know.
"Then, let me start off. I'm Benvenuto Yoko Chichigasky."
"Why are you taking charge? Back off, Euro outsider."
"Whoa, scary... As expected of the hitman Bradley. He's on a whole different level."
Benvenuto-san was instantly silenced by Bradley in one blow.
"...Very well, then I shall speak. Is that acceptable, Bradley-san?"
"You're the only Foundation staff here."
And so, Jiu-san calmly began explaining.
The content was mainly a status update and plans for what comes next.
The goal is to secure an escape route.
The top-class explorers who can operate even within the black thick mist will be dispatched to search for the spatial teleportation path used by the followers of Darkness, somewhere on the lowest level of Central.
I wasn't planning to join, but from what I'm hearing, I'm also going to be searching for that escape route. Is this mandatory?
"...The operation will commence in two hours. Please use that time to prepare."
After finishing the explanation, Jiu-san took Pollen Fighter and several explorers and began climbing the cedar tree. Apparently to call over the supplies and explorers left on the 15th floor. That's probably what the two-hour window is for.
"Still, it's amazing so many explorers gathered in one place."
After the meeting ended, Mister and I sat down to rest.
We ate the castella handed out by the rescue team. It was either rations or castella, but nobody picked rations. Guess they taste awful.
"The fact that so many people got lost in the Archon Dungeon and there are still no deaths suggests someone with insane luck must be among them."
Right after the collapse, Mister encountered a giant silver bug and fought it. That's when he realized this dungeon was dangerous for the other explorers.
So he actively gathered people, and miraculously the numbers piled up. Eventually, they met the rescue team near Central and evacuated up to the cedar tree.
By that point, many were already afflicted with the "Loss" status, so some wandered into Central without knowing why.
Black thick mist. Dark Mist.
I'm seriously glad I have the "Steel Spirit" skill.
"Well then, see you later, Akagi."
"Okay."
I parted ways with Mister.
Alright then, guess it's time to move out.
"Hey, Naked Man."
I called out to Naked Man, who was brooding near the outer wall.
By the way, he's not naked right now because I lent him my "Adolphene's Holy Shroud." Though with the front of the coat wide open, it actually makes him look more perverted.
"Finger Man, is the meeting over?"
"Yeah. We're going back in two hours."
"Impatient woman. But if we're hunting Darkness, quick action is best."
"Are you really going to help us?"
"I have no choice. If I do nothing, I'll just spend my remaining years in a cold cage. So I'll stake the pride of the Metal Shiba Inu Club (Main Branch) and take down those followers of Darkness who mocked us."
So, the enemy of my enemy is my friend, huh?
"If you're that determined, then come with me. You'll probably be useful as a guide too."
"Leave it to me. I owe you at least that much for saving my life."
Hm? Did I save Naked Man's life?
"Hey, wait a sec."
A voice called out from behind me.
When I turned around, Happy-san was standing there with a displeased look on her face.
Her cheeks were puffed out a little—so cute.
"What are you talking about?"
"About Naked Man. (cool voice)"
"Gross."
Ugh, I just got insulted by a silver-haired beautiful girl!
In our industry, that counts as a reward, ugh!
"You really think you can trust that guy?"
"What was that, you brat? Acting all high and mighty when just a moment ago you were knocked out tangled in Finger Man's underling's fur, you third-rate explorer."
Naked Man said proudly.
Happy-san threw a punch.
A neatly delivered right hook struck Naked Man's chin, rattled his brain, and brought him to his knees.
That too, in our industry, qualifies as a reward. Good for you, Naked Man.
"Finger Man, you're planning to go ahead alone, aren't you? Without waiting the full two hours."
"......You found me out, huh."
"Heh, of course. I know you too well, Finger Man. (satisfied expression)"
"Yes. Honestly, I can't wait two whole hours. I'm convinced now. There's not much time left."
The black assassin and Metal's mechanical soldiers.
They were fighting each other.
Which means there's a danger that Metal's mechanical soldiers will be defeated.
And if I go into that battle alongside the S-rank explorer Mister, the ridiculously strong Pollen Fighter-san, and Bradley-san, they'll definitely steal all the prey.
There's not much bonus time left.
"(There's not much time left... It means there's something hidden only Finger Man can see. He's ready to face danger head-on. He really is a true hero.)"
"Experience points, I need experience points..."
"......(kill cant gone... the hunt isn't over) Then take me with you on that hunt. I might be able to help at least a little."
Happy-san said, fidgeting with her side hair and looking away.
Her silken, glossy silver hair fluttered down onto her skin. The torchlight reflected off her pale nape, tracing out a delicate silhouette.
I felt like my heartbeat was about to overtake my reason.
I wish I could've felt something like this back in high school.
Now then, how should I respond?
Happy-san is still young.
She may be a veteran as an explorer, but in terms of life experience, I'm probably older.
From my mature, 22-year-old perspective, this girl seems a bit reckless.
So let me give her a little lecture.
"Happy-san, you should stay behind."
"..."
"Let me be clear. I don't think there's anything you can do if you come with me, not without a weapon or anything."
"......Why would you say something like that?"
"Besides, just earlier you lost your sanity because of the Dark Mist. If Shimaenaga-san hadn't been there, it could've been really bad."
"......"
"That's why I think it's not just about not coming along—it's about how going into Central and operating for long hours might be impossible for you right now."
"So you're saying I'm the only A-rank explorer who's inferior?"
That's not what I'm trying to say, but...
Even someone like me, who's not that smart, can tell that the odds aren't in Happy-san's favor right now.
"This sucks. I'm pissed. I can't believe you made me feel this humiliated..."
I'm sorry, Happy-san.
Maybe she hates me now... Yeah, maybe I shouldn't have said that. This is hard.
Still, I've thought this before—Happy-san is actually pretty... honest. To put it less nicely, kind of childish.
Her silver eyes glared sharply at me.
I wondered if she was going to hit me too, but instead, she pursed her lips tightly.
"......So you're saying someone like me isn't good enough for you."
"?"
"Got it. Finger Man, right now I can't save you yet. (Even though you, with your serious illness, need someone like me who understands... I'm just not qualified.)"
What on earth is this conversation about, Happy-san...? Is it my fault I don't get it? Is it? Finger Man just nods along. Yaaay.
"Once we get out of here, I'll definitely catch up to you."
"......Hmph. (activating the ace up her sleeve)"
"You're so cheeky for a junior... Fine, for now I'll acknowledge it. You're right this time. But someday, I'll make you admit that I'm the one who deserves it."
"...............Hmph."
Saying that, Happy-san turned her back and walked away.
In the end, I still have no idea what that whole conversation was about, but maybe it was something like: "I hate that a junior like you surpassed me! Grrr!" Heh, well, I've gotten pretty strong, so I guess it's only natural someone would be jealous.
Now then.
I guess it's time for me to head out too.
Not with the silver-haired Russian schoolgirl beauty, but with Naked Man and Slug-san, into the deepest part... Wait a sec... Something's off. Where did I go wrong...?