Chapter 10 – Player: Venom (2)
<– Previous Chapter | Table of Content | Next Chapter –>
I continued to talk with her about 『Dungeon Seekers』. Thinking that I should even further pretend to be a beginner who never entered a dungeon, I asked her whether dungeons really exist, if dungeons house monsters, and many more newbie questions.
Thereupon, Venom retrieved a dungeon item I’ve never seen before out of thin air, trying to prove the existence of dungeons to me. While deliberately acting surprised, I asked her something I wanted to know.
“Venom-san, there’s something I’d like to ask…why are you so kind to me? You keep answering all my questions without any reservations…” I bluntly confronted her with something I felt was off.
To be honest, if she has the time to bother with a newbie, it’d be much better to spend that time on dungeon runs. I don’t understand her motive behind wanting to meet with me. It’s fishy at best.
After slowly closing her eyes, she raised her index finger while staring my way and said, “…First off, I feel responsible for having dragged you, who’s not an adult yet, into this for the sake of securing myself the invitation bonus.”
“The law changed, so I’m legally already an adult.”
“…Either way, I still feel indebted towards you for having involved you.”
She raised her middle finger next, forming a peace-sign.
“Also, this reason is related to the qualities I mentioned earlier, but…my skills are suited for being a rear guard. For this reason, I’d be able to clear dungeons more efficiently by teaming up with other players. In Tokyo, where the players are considered to have advanced the furthest in all of Japan so far, they capitalize on the benefits of groups which allowed them to already clear C-Class dungeons. I don’t want to fall behind.”
“…I see.”
After lowering her hand, she scrutinized me with a serious expression. It seemed as if the atmosphere around her had changed.
“Lastly, this would be the biggest reason, but…I have a little sister who suffers from an incurable disease. I need a ridiculous amount of money to get it treated, so DS is the only option to collect it. For this sake, I’d like to borrow your strength.”
“……”
She had said it with a vanishing, frail voice while looking extremely sad.
Is this her driving force? At present my reason would be the wish of wanting to fight, but I truly admire her reason which is much nobler compared to mine.
“I……see. You did tell me about various things, so I feel indebted. If I can assist you in some way, I’m willing to do so.”
“Really!?” She jumped up and wrapped up my hands with hers.
Unlike my manly palms, hers were soft and tender.
“I’m so happy! Now then, what should we do next!? Hmm, let’s see.”
After letting go of my hands, she placed a hand on her chin and started to brood.
I offered her, “How about we wrap it up here for today. We could prepare for entering a dungeon after clarifying the details via DM?”
“Hahaha! That’s great. Let’s go with that. Then again, I’d like to treat you to dinner after this as a display of my gratitude.”
After heading over to the register, she started the billing. And once she had used her smartphone for an electronic payment, she came back.
“Okay, I’m looking forward to working with you from now on. If you have any other questions, feel free to send me a DM. I’ll answer them right away.”
We left the coffee shop. The sun was already about to go sink beyond the horizon, which would cause the vicinity to gradually darken.
“Thank you. And, thanks for the treat. Please excuse me then.”
“Yep. See you soon!”
After parting with her in front of the store, I headed towards the station. I was able to obtain all sorts of useful information. Let’s consider my skill choices once more as soon as I get back home.
Passing through the station’s ticket barrier, I got onto the subway train. It was densely packed with people.
<– Previous Chapter | Table of Content | Next Chapter –>
Translation Notes: