kscans

Chapter 37 -

Rena and I proceeded through the dungeon smoothly.

Rena used to do things like dance, so she can move quite well in real life too. On top of that, she acquired the strongest equipment she could wear at her current level from the Market.

Of course, I enhanced it to its maximum value as well.

Shinonome-san gave me another 100 million yen, telling me to make sure she didn't get a single scratch. I gratefully used those funds.

"I'm pretty strong, right?"

"Yeah. You've perfectly memorized the monsters' movements, and your coordination with me is flawless. Having you in my party is making things easy for me."

I'm constantly on alert so I can protect her at any time.

However, Rena was never in any danger. In FWO, she was one of Japan's top players who had cleared even the most difficult dungeons. There were no monsters up to about Grade 3 that would give her any trouble.

And just like that, we have now arrived at the Spring Dungeon. In fact, we've already come to the mid-boss room where Fake Hayate is. Clearing it is now within reach.

Even with breaks, we were able to get this far in a single day, just like normal.

Back when FWO was a game, many beginners could progress at this speed up to the Grade 3 dungeon, so it's not unusual. I think a lot of people are just scared of not regaining consciousness if they make a mistake, so they can't be as reckless as they were in the game.

It's been discovered that you can make a revival potion using items found in Grade 3 dungeons. If you use it, you can treat people who have lost consciousness. However, that healing potion isn't widely available yet, so it's being traded for about 30 million yen in real money.

Eventually, the price will fall, and the danger in dungeons will lessen.

When that happens, more people will probably start being reckless.

Incidentally, I have also secured three revival potions. One for Rena, one for myself, and a spare. The fact that I possess them has been revealed through the forced stream, and I'm constantly being contacted by people who want me to give them a potion for a loved one who hasn't regained consciousness.

I'm sorry, but I can't give them away yet.

Rena's portion is absolutely necessary, and if I stay alive, the chances of higher-level dungeons being unlocked will likely increase. If higher-level dungeons are unlocked, the quality of items will also improve, making revival potions easier to create.

So please wait a little longer.

You should have entered the dungeon knowing the risks. Children under fifteen are not allowed in dungeons, so to some extent, please take responsibility for yourselves.

I'm not an adult either. It's troubling to be relied upon that much.

I set the revival potion to be used on its holder in case of emergency. With this, even if I'm defeated by Fake Hayate, I can be revived instantly. I will absolutely not leave Rena alone.

"Alright. I'm ready!"

"Me too."

After checking our equipment and items, we stepped into the mid-boss room.

Inside was the same humanoid figure with a face like an iron golem that I saw before. I'd seen it in videos from other dungeon explorers, but it seems this guy has become the fixed mid-boss here.

"Rena, let's go with the plan."

"Y-Yeah. I'll do my best."

"Okay, I'm going in!!"

Trusting in her archery skills, I charged at Fake Hayate.

My four swords clashed with Fake Hayate's four swords.

"Now!!"

"Yes!!"

I quickly ducked, and in the next instant, the arrow Rena fired had pierced Fake Hayate's core.

The conclusion was reached in just ten seconds after confronting Fake Hayate.

"Wow. As expected."

"Hayate, are you okay? You're not hurt anywhere? My arrow didn't graze you or anything, did it!?"

"I'm fine. Your timing and aim were perfect."

I said as I patted Rena's head.

"H-Hayate. I'm happy when you pat my head, but... this is being shown to the whole world. R-Right now, it's, um, embarrassing."

"Ah, sorry."

"When we get out of the dungeon, I'd like you to continue."

"Yeah. Got it."

This exchange is being seen too, so the comment section is probably going wild right about now. But Rena's reaction is cute, so I won't tell her about that just yet.

Because I want to be the only one who gets to see her blushing beet red later while we watch the stream's archive.