novelraw Chapter 146
Chapter 146
Chapter 146
My name is Trump Goodman.
Born in California, raised in California.
My favorite food is pizza. Though honestly, most Americans would probably give the same answer. It's to the point that when security questions online ask "What's your favorite food?", everyone just brainlessly types "pizza," making web security practically useless haha.
The other day, I came across an interesting internet meme.
It was about my main profession—dungeon conquest—and apparently, a fascinating explorer has appeared in Japan. The name is "Fingerman." Supposedly, just by snapping his fingers, he can defeat monsters, and after he passes by, even the dungeon itself gets blown to pieces. I figure the rumor is exaggerated, but he does seem pretty unique.
According to the rumors, he conquered an inactive Archon Dungeon, or destroyed a Double Dungeon containing another Archon Dungeon in one blow—there's a lot of conflicting information going around.
Today, I've crossed the sea to Japan in hopes of meeting this Fingerman.
If luck is on my side, I might just run into him.
I'm excited.
————
—Akagi Hideo's perspective
About 40 minutes swaying on the train from Ikebukuro.
Take the Tokyo Metro Fukutoshin Line express and you'll reach Yokohama in no time, no transfers needed.
Switching to taxis and heading to the site, I gazed out at the passing scenery along the coast until clusters of white tents—like those in disaster zones—came into view.
It's the dungeon camp.
We got off in front of the camp, and Jiu-san and I stepped inside.
The camp was set up near the Red Brick Warehouse facing the sea, and true to form, it had a festival-like bustle with people of all ages crowding the outer perimeter.
"Hey, you guys, he's here!"
While lining up at a food stall for skewers, media folks with cameras suddenly got all loud and excited.
I've seen this kind of thing a few times before.
A-rank explorers are popular.
Their names are widely known, their faces circulate, and even in private life they have to watch out for cameras.
So if you're ranked 10th, it's only natural to draw attention.
So I had Jiu-san stay in line at the stall while I went to deal with the media.
"......Probably not Fingerman-san, I think."
"Gii (Translation: That's not my Master. Please sit down, you're embarrassing.)"
"Kyukyu! (Translation: Looks like everyone's staring at that foreigner over there, kyu!)"
Damn, come to think of it, there's no way the media would be excited about me.
As long as the urban legend of the mysterious explorer with an unknown face and identity hides me, no cameras will ever point my way. It's a little lonely.
Anyway, who the heck is it?
Who had the nerve to make me look bad in front of Jiu-san?
Maybe I'll give them a little punishment~ (Nichaaa)
"Hey Hey, calm down, calm down, let's all take it easy, media folks."
"What brings you to Japan today?!"
"Just a bit of sight seeing. I'm hoping it'll be a memorial experience if I get to meet a celebrity."
"Why go out of your way to leave your home region and come to a Class 1 dungeon in Japan?!"
"Think of it as a kind of courtesy as an explorer. Japan is known as a land of courtesy, right? Haha, kidding. I've been curious about this country's labyrinth-style dungeons. I've always wanted to see one for myself."
"There's a lot of buzz on social media about you transferring from the USA Dungeon Foundation to JPN—any comments?!"
"No such plans."
"Any comment on the recent Fingerman Archon Dungeon conquest?! Do you think it's possible you'll be promoted to S-rank explorer?! Please, just one word, one word from S-rank explorer 'Trumpman'!!"
"Aren't you all getting a little too hot? Don't make me comment on that stuff."
Things are getting seriously wild.
That hefty American dude must be the celebrity. His belly looks so unhealthy, he's the very image of a pizza-loving fat guy.
The mysterious man—nicknamed "the American Fatty"—was being guarded by Foundation staff bodyguards, giving a wry smile as he briskly headed toward the inner camp. He seemed to be trying to answer questions as best he could, but the press was so aggressive, he couldn't keep up.
The inner sector is off-limits to anyone but explorers, Foundation staff, police, and the self-defense forces—unlike the outer area.
All the media could do was watch the American Fatty's back as he disappeared into the inner camp.
"Who is that guy?"
"......That's an American explorer called 'Trumpman.' He's the 9th-ranked S-rank explorer. He's really famous for being both a businessman and an explorer—a real maverick. I saw online that he was coming to Japan, but I didn't think he'd actually show up."
"So he's here to conquer this Yokohama dungeon?"
"......Looks like that's what's happening."
If Trumpman conquers it first, won't my achievements not count?
Isn't this like your concert getting canceled due to rain on the first day of a national tour?
Unforgivable, Trumpman.
Not only does he steal my media attention, now he's ruining my concert too?
"Gii (Translation: You never had any media attention to begin with.)"
"Kyu (Translation: And it's not like you actually scheduled a concert, kyu.)"
"Please be quiet for a moment."
This is no time to be eating skewers.
I took off running and entered the inner camp.
A particularly large tent had been set up overlooking the sea, and inside, a creepy black gate was poking up from the ground. A staircase led downward from it, opening into a cave.
But Trumpman wasn't there.
Where did Trumpman go?
Where the hell did Trumpman go?
Where did he go, Trumpman?
"Welcome, Trumpman-san! We're truly looking forward to your performance in the Yokohama Class 1 Dungeon!"
I turned at the familiar voice to see Shurado-san inside the Dungeon Camp's Disaster Countermeasures HQ tent—specifically in the appraisal desk or maybe reception area.
That comforting, reassuring presence of hers is always there no matter where I go. It made me happy for a moment... but my heart turned bitter in an instant.
"What a cute young lady. She looks just like my wife did when she was young."
"Wow, I'm flattered! Thank you!"
No way... Trumpman, you bastard... Don't tell me you're trying to steal Shurado-san from me too?
First my media attention, then my concert, and now Shurado-san?
Unforgivable. What a villainous playboy.
"Gii (Translation: That's mostly just delusional.)"
"Kyukyuu (Translation: Is Shurado-san your bride, Hideo-dono?)"
"Gii (Translation: That's also incorrect.)"
"Trumpman, could I have a word with you?"
"Ah, Akagi-san! We sure run into each other a lot lately! What a coincidence!"
I swear I'll protect Shurado-san.
"Who are you, anyway? I'm in the middle of a conversation with a cute young lady!"
"They call me Fingerman on the streets."
"Hoho! To think I'd meet the rumored Fingerman in a place like this! I must be very, very lucky!"
Trumpman let out a hearty laugh.
"So, what do you say? Let's tackle a dungeon together. Let me show you some Japanese hospitality."
"Nice, hospitality! I've always wanted to experience that!"
Together with Trumpman, we descended through the black gate into the dungeon.
"Trumpman-san, I hear you want to conquer this dungeon?"
"Haha, that's right. I'd like to conquer one as a souvenir and make some lovely memories. So this is a labyrinth-type dungeon in Japan. Hmm, I see. With corridors like this stretching on forever, it's no surprise someone could become a stray child!"
"Labyrinth-type dungeon. So there are other types of dungeons besides this maze-like kind?"
"Of course, Fingerman! Dungeons this standardized are actually the rarer kind!"
"That's not important."
"Ehh... but you're the one who asked..."
"Let me show you a traditional Japanese art as a memento."
"Wow, traditional arts! I'm looking forward to it!"
I drew the Absolute Sword Excalibur in my right hand and gave it a few light bounces with my left to test its weight.
"In our country, we have a traditional art of silencing cheeky dungeons with kendo."
"Oh... that's one crazy traditional art!"
"Excaliburrrraaaahhh!!"
I swung the sword with all my might.
A searing light melted off the blade and the materialized power of destruction was unleashed.
The entire Yokohama Dungeon, consisting of just one floor, was engulfed in an explosion, taking with it the dungeon boss who had probably been waiting deeper inside.
"What a crazy explorer... I'm stunned......"
"Take it as a memento of your time in Japan."
"...Haha, I like it! I love insane guys like you!"
Saying that, Trumpman rummaged through his pocket, pulled out his phone, and made a call.
A woman dressed in a blinding red and blue suit arrived and smiled at us. She was incredibly beautiful. She brought a duralumin case with her, and Trumpman took it, quickly opened it, and showed us the contents.
"This is the legendary anomalous substance 'Golden EXP' mined by our company, Stars Company! I'm giving it to you for the lovely memory you gave me!"
"Anomalous substance...? This is it?"
"That anomalous substance lets you absorb a physical evolution material equivalent to experience points just by using it!"
Trumpman said, "Farewell, Fingerman!" and turned to leave.
"Wait a moment."
I threw the duralumin case back at him.
"Oh my, Fingerman, I went out of my way to give it to you and you don't want it?"
"No, since you gave me something nice, I thought I'd return the favor."
Saying that, Trumpman opened the duralumin case I returned.
Inside were ten 'Golden EXP' units.
I had added nine, and Trumpman's was one.
"Oh my gosh... Fingerman... just who are you...?"
"Mr. Businessman, I don't come cheap."
"...Hahaha, I see. That was quite rude of me. My apologies, Fingerman. Next time, I'll prepare something much better."
As Trumpman said that, a helicopter descended from the sky. Holding a beautiful secretary in one arm, he grabbed the ladder and disappeared into the bright afternoon sky with a laugh.
Just who was he... Trumpman.
"Akagi-san, did something happen between you and Trumpman?"
"No, not particularly."
I headed to the appraisal desk to get today's appraisal.
───────────────────
Today's Appraisal
───────────────────
Small Crystal – 2,106 yen
Small Crystal – 2,175 yen
Pure Boss Crystal – 10,201,800 yen
'Legendary Marble' – 500,000 yen
───────────────────
Total – 10,706,081 yen
───────────────────
Dungeon Bank Account Balance – 10,737,013 yen
───────────────────
Shurado Investment – 41,805,853 yen
───────────────────
Total Assets – 52,542,866 yen
(525.4 million yen)
───────────────────
Transferred 10.5 million yen from the bank
───────────────────
Dungeon Bank Account Balance – 237,013 yen
───────────────────
Shurado Investment – 52,305,853 yen
───────────────────
Total Assets – 52,542,866 yen
(525.4 million yen)
───────────────────
"Honestly, Akagi-san, you're just too much! I told you just the other day not to clear dungeons too quickly!"
"I'm sorry......"
"Really, truly. Someone like you needs to be punished."
What kind of punishment is she going to give me?
"It's currently 1 PM. We still have plenty of time. First, the two of us will enjoy Chinatown to the fullest! We'll fill our bellies there! After that, you'll accompany me to Ōsanbashi to draw ema! Then we'll make wishes to the Three Towers of Yokohama!"
Terrifying... or is it? Is this really punishment?
"After that, we'll go shopping at the Red Brick Warehouse. And as punishment, you'll ring the Bell of Happiness!"
What kind of punishment is this?
It's more like a reward.
"Well then, let's get going, Akagi-san."
Saying that, Shurado-san took my hand and led me out of the camp.
"...... Fingerman-san, where are you going?"
"Ah, Jiu-chan..."
"...... Hmm, it sounds fun. May I come along too?"
"Jiu-chan, you can't!"
"It's fine. Let's go to Chinatown, Jiu-san."
"Akagi-san?!"
You must be hungry anyway.
It would be mean to leave Jiu-san out.
"Mmm, what a cunning strategist you are, Jiu-chan...!"
"...... I don't know what you mean. Ah. Fingerman-san, here. I bought a skewer for you. Open your mouth, I'll feed you."
I'm so happy. Isn't this one of those "Ahn ♡" moments?
A reward from Jiu-san. It's kind of embarrassing—wait, what?! Shurado-san snatched my skewer in an instant!? What insane speed. Jiu-san's reward "Ahn" is gone!
"Akagi-san, you're only allowed to accept my rewards! I'm confiscating everything else! (Munch munch)"
A reward tariff was imposed by Shurado-san.
The tax rate is 100%.