There are ten D-cans in front of me.
They didn’t come out of treasure chests.
I had purchased them.
Using the converted D-coins I earned.
While they could fetch 1,000 yen if sold, online auctions typically saw them go for around 5,000 yen (including shipping).
A set of ten cans had an instant purchase price of 50,000 yen, which I promptly paid.
Today, they arrived.
Of course, I had no clue how to open them.
Yet, my dungeon life had begun with a D-can, so I considered buying a few more for good luck.
I checked on the internet, and it seems that the contents of the D-cans have nothing to do with dungeon floors.
Whether obtained on the first floor or from deeper floors, D-cans might hold rare items or even mundane things like erasers.
The common thread was their compact size, although rumors suggested larger items could emerge from these cans.
By the way, these cans were incredibly sturdy—capable of withstanding nuclear blasts. Attempts to use them as armor failed, though.
These cans can deflect impact.
For example, if the can was protecting the neck, all the impact received by the D-can would be on the neck, and if the can was protecting the chest, the impact would be on the chest.
I thought it might be effective in terms of being able to protect against slashes but the D-can merely redirected the full force, leaving the wearer in the same predicament as if they’d been struck directly.
That means they can’t be used at all.
-0-
And there’s one more thing I need to say about D-cans.
Last Saturday, I pushed myself to level ten, and to my surprise, I acquired my first skill.
Skills were learned with a certain probability as levels increased.
The higher the level, the easier it was to learn skills. However, the chance of learning a skill by level ten was less than ten percent—so luck was on my side.
Could it be my high luck stat at play?
-0-
The skill I acquired was ‘Presence Detection’.
It allowed me to sense not only monsters but also people and the aura of treasure chests.
With this skill, slime hunting would become a breeze.
Although, truth be told, I no longer needed to defeat slimes.
――――――――――――――――――
Ichino Taira: Level 10
Exchange Value: 9,251 D (Ranking: 10k-50k [JPN])
Health: 52/52
Magic Power: 0/0
Attack: 30
Defense: 28
Dexterity: 29
Agility: 24
Luck: 138
Skills: PD Generation, Presence Detection
――――――――――――――――――
By the way, I’ve managed to collect 30 Slime Sake bottles thus far. One went to my father, another to the shop for sale, and the rest are being auctioned via the exchange center.
Yesterday, the first auction took place, and they were fetching an average of around 200,000 yen. There was one guy who listed a bottle with a minimum bid of 600,000 yen, but since Danpon plans to add 20 more Slime Sake bottles to the upcoming auction, no one bothered bidding on that particular bottle.
Could it be the blond oniisan from the shop?
This time, they sold for 200,000 yen, but with consistent sales, the price will gradually decrease.
-0-
「Danpon, I did it! I reached Level 10!」
「Congratulations! I’ve also collected eight gym badges!」
「Congratulations to you too!」
The Danpon still spends most of its time gaming.
Since I’ve been taking a break here frequently, our time to converse has increased.
Ever since I got permission to use informal language, I feel like we’ve become even closer.
I wish I could play Po〇mon together, trade, and battle, but alas, Ga〇 Boys aren’t allowed inside the dungeon.
「Danpon, I’d like a Level 10 certificate. Include my name and nationality, but omit the birth date.」
「The issuance fee for the certificate is 20 D.」
「Sure, go ahead.」
「Should I only mention the level, or should I include the skill as well?」
「Hmm, include Presence Detection too.」
The certificate I’m asking about is a card that verifies one’s level and possessed skills.
It is an official card that can be used for various things as an identification card if you request it to be issued with all your information on it.
It’s even recognized internationally, akin to a passport-level document. In fact, top-level explorers often use it as a substitute for passports.
Given that it’s crafted using unfalsifiable otherworldly technology, this is only natural.
I obtained it because reaching Level 10 is a prerequisite for accessing the second floor of the Umeda Dungeon.
Unlike the dungeon-issued firearms and bladed weapon registration certificates, Danpon handles the issuance of this card, allowing for immediate processing.
「Here you go, it’s ready.」
The certificate features a photo, my name, level, and the Presence Detection skill.
With only that much information, it is almost useless as an identification card but enough for accessing the Umeda Dungeon’s second floor.
「Make sure you can connect to the Umeda Dungeon again tomorrow.」
「Understood.」
The Danpon said with a smile.
Its movement is more like a slime than a dungeon slime.
「By the way, can you retrieve the sword I deposited at the Umeda D exchange center?」
「Yes, I’ve already initiated the process.」
「Much appreciated.」
The weapon Danpon safeguarded is stored in a separate interdimensional space, accessible from anywhere by Danpons.
Scholars worldwide continue to study the theory behind this, but it remains unexplained.
Since swinging a sword abruptly in the presence of others is risky, I’ll start practicing with it here to get accustomed.
I purchased a belt equipped with a scabbard from the shop, so I’m ready for sword use.
Thanks to Presence Detection, I immediately sense the slime’s presence.
Convenient indeed.
So, when I head toward the source of that presence, I spot a slime.
Just like when I wielded the staff, I swung down from above.
「Hmm?」
The sword, despite its appearance as a blade, didn’t cut cleanly; it seemed more like it was being crushed.
I had imagined a master of iaido swiftly slicing through a straw doll, but this was different.
Perhaps the blade was dull.
After all, it was a sword retrieved from a first-floor treasure chest—not likely to be exceptionally powerful.
Let’s call it the Slime Sword.
It felt more like a sturdy staff than a finely honed blade.
「Another one.」
It was a bottle of Slime Sake.
I decided to gift this one to my father tomorrow…..
Oddly enough, despite being a lover of alcohol, he hadn’t touched the Slime Sake I gave him last time.
Now, should I wrap things up early since I’ll be departing on the first train tomorrow?
-0-
The next morning, I woke up at 5:00 AM.
Honestly, I didn’t sleep well.
Blame it on that online novel—I couldn’t fall asleep, and when I tried to read a bit, both clock hands pointed straight up. At this rate, I’d miss my train due to exhaustion.
「Right!」
I headed to the garden and used PD skill again.
The Danpon was there as usual.
「Areh? Taira, you’re not connected with the Umeda D yet, right?」
「My apologies. I’ll rest a bit before setting off.」
「I see. So that’s how it is. Understood.」
I crawled into my sleeping bag, intending to catch up on some much-needed sleep.
-0-
I’m not sure how long I slept, but my fatigue had eased, and I arrived in Umeda.
It’s strange how familiar this place feels, even though it’s a 30-minute train ride away.
My balance on the transit IC card was dwindling, so I recharged it.
I placed the PD in the same spot as before and entered Umeda D.
The queue was impressive today too.
People were emerging from the dungeon—probably the night shift crew. Thanks for their hard work.
I headed toward the entrance for explorers above Level 10.
Surprisingly, there wasn’t much of a line here.
Well, achieving Level 10 requires spending 8 hours a day, 600 dungeon visits—a tough feat for regular working folks.
Few explorers seriously aim for Level 10, it seems.
-0-
By the way, the entrance fee for the second floor is a bit steep at 3,000 yen.
Although there aren’t many people in line, the queue isn’t moving at all.
After about ten minutes, everyone suddenly advances together and heads to the reception area.
「Excuse me.」
「Welcome. Is this your first time exploring the Umeda Dungeon’s second floor?」
「Yes, it is.」
「Allow me to explain the exploration rules for the second floor. Monster hunting here operates on a strict rotation system. You’re free to explore within the designated areas. The time limit is one hour, and you can attempt it twice a day. Area descriptions will be provided once everyone is assembled. The main creatures you’ll encounter on the second floor are walking mushrooms and slimes, but occasionally goblins appear. Unlike slimes and walking mushrooms, goblins are aggressive. Initially, they wield wooden sticks, but they might steal weapons like swords from explorers. So, please don’t leave your equipment unattended. If an accident occurs due to a stolen sword by a goblin, you could be held responsible.」
「Understood—-」
My sword may be a bit worn, but it’s still a formidable weapon.
I’ll need to be cautious.
I also learn about the precautions when facing walking mushrooms.
「That concludes the explanation. Any questions?」
「Can we exit midway?」
「We generally discourage it. Crossing through other areas on your way to the exit can inconvenience fellow explorers. Do you anticipate needing to exit midway?」
「Well, if it gets too tough, I might consider leaving.」
「In that case, we’ll arrange for an area closer to the exit. You’ll be able to exit from there, and our staff will be nearby to assist if needed.」
「Really? Thank you. Oh, where can I retrieve the weapons I’ve deposited?」
「You can collect your weapons in the waiting room.」
With that, the reception ends, and I pay the 3,000 yen.
-0-
In the waiting room, fifteen explorers await.
Unlike those on the first floor, some of them are properly equipped.
There’s even a currency exchange counter.
Though a human man is working here and not a Danpon.
Since everyone carries weapons, I decide to deposit my belongings in a coin locker and retrieve my own weapon.
「Excuse me, I’d like to retrieve the weapon I deposited.」
「Of course. Please present your explorer card or identification.」
「Please.」
I hand over the freshly issued Level 10 certificate.
「Ichino Taira-sama, correct? Which weapon would you like to withdraw?」
「The sword.」
「Ah, the iron sword. Here you go.」
The receptionist retrieves an iron sword from the box.
Apparently, that box connects to the storage space where Danpon manages weapons.
I sheathe the sword at my waist and take a seat.
The waiting area feels oddly reminiscent of a hospital waiting room.
「Hey, are you a university student too?」
The young man with red hair sitting next to me initiates a conversation.
Is he an awakened individual?
He’s quite handsome, and I suspect he’s wearing makeup.
「Similar to that.」
College students and high school students—yeah, we’re similar.
「I see. I’m Hibiki. Hibiki Shou. It’s my first attempt on the second floor.」
「I’m Ichino Taira. Also a first-timer.」
「……………Sigh.」
He lets out a deep sigh for some reason.
Did I say something offensive?
「Guess you don’t know about me. I’ve got around 5,000 subscribers on MyTube, but I still have a long way to go.」
「Oh……」
「Ah, you probably think 5,000 subscribers isn’t a big deal, right? But having 5,000 dungeon streamers who haven’t even entered the second floor is impressive.」
「Well, videos focused solely on slime hunting aren’t very captivating. By the way, how much do you earn from advertisements?」
「There it is—the typical Osaka people’s habit. But it piques your curiosity, doesn’t it? On average, a single video brings in about 10,000 yen in ad revenue.」
For a high school student, that’s a fortune. But what about a college student?
Since live streaming dungeon exploration requires at least two people, the earnings aren’t solely yours.
「By the way, would you be interested in becoming a dungeon streamer at my company? It’s a small company of two, but you don’t look too bad and I feel something special in you. And of course, we’ll lend you streaming crystals for free.」
「No, I’m not interested.」
「I see. Too bad. But take my business card; let me know if you change your mind.」
Hibiki nodded and handed me a business card.
A dungeon streamer, huh?
Streaming the PD would definitely be risky.
Despite that, Hibiki didn’t push any recruitment offers and instead engaged in casual conversation.
Now it was time to explore the second floor.
-0-
We all set off together, passing by first-floor explorers waiting on blue tarps for slime spawns.
Descending the stairs leading to the second floor, my exploration area was right near the entrance.
Interestingly, the area closest to the entrance was the least popular.
Why? Well, everyone focused on advancing deeper by defeating monsters.
I can feel monsters being killed everywhere.
But that doesn’t matter.
With my PD, I could fight to my heart’s content. I’ll just take it easy here.
I sensed the presence of a monster.
A walking mushroom.
A mushroom with legs, as big as a medium sized dog—sprinted toward me.
Its attack method is a direct tackle.
Against male opponents, it aimed for vital points, so caution was necessary.
Its dropped item is mushroom, but distinguishing between poisonous and non-poisonous varieties based on appearance alone was impossible. I was told that you can’t take them back home without having them appraised.
Since toxic appraisal was both time-consuming and costly, explorers usually submitted everything to the exchange office.
They’d buy these mushrooms for 500 yen each.
By the way, the drop rate wasn’t particularly high, as Hibiki had mentioned—
「Appeared out of nowhere.」
I crushed the mushroom with my sword, and alongside D-coins, red mushrooms fell.
It looked poisonous, but apparently, they were all this color.
I picked up the mushroom and stowed it in my backpack.
With that, I resumed my exploration.
A slime appeared.
Different color this time—red.
Red slime, just as the name suggested.
I defeated it.
I can’t tell the difference between the two because both fell with a single blow.
If this was a red slime, did that mean the ones I usually hunted were called blue slimes? But no, they were all just slimes.
Ah, slime sake dropped too.
I tucked it into my sturdy leather bag—it had plenty of room.
The goblins I wanted to fight never appeared.
Instead, I encountered walking mushrooms and red slimes.
Well, goblins were rare, so I couldn’t complain.
It’s almost the time limit.
-0-
Although walking mushrooms were said to rarely drop mushrooms, I defeated twenty-three of them and obtained twenty mushroom drops.
The drop rate was supposed to be 60%, but maybe I had slightly better luck than others?
As for the slime sake, I only found one bottle.
When the time limit was up, the dungeon’s bell echoed through the corridors.
I headed toward the exit.
-0-
Passing by first-floor explorers waiting for slime spawns, I left the dungeon and entered the waiting room designated for level 10 and above explorers.
First, I needed to exchange my loot.
「Excuse me.」
Since I planned to use the D-coins in the dungeon’s Danpon, I’ll only sell the mushrooms.
A total of twenty.
That’s just 10000 yen.
「This much?」
「Yes
「U…..understoood.」
The receptionist seemed surprised.
Normally, information sites recommended exchanging all mushrooms for cash. But perhaps it was more common to appraise them and take them home?
But appraisal fees were around 5000 yen, and paying that just to hear,
「These are edible mushrooms, but not very tasty.」
would be disheartening.
So, I decided to sell them all.
「Do you want to exchange the D coins for cash.」
「I’ll sell them altogether after they’ve accumulated.」
「Understood. Please take that it will take a little time before the payment for the mushroom is made.」
With the slime sake safely stowed in my bag, the other explorers returned.
I considered greeting Hibiki, but my stomach growled.
I pulled out my smartphone to check the time—it was 8:00 in the morning.
I finished earlier than expected.
Perhaps I’d find a café serving breakfast and grab a meal there.
※ ※ ※
『Senpai, do you think there are second-floor novice explorers bringing twenty mushrooms? 』
『That’s impossible. First of all, defeating twenty walking mushrooms within an hour on the second floor is rare. Walking mushrooms get eaten by red slimes almost immediately. You need to hunt efficiently; otherwise, it’s challenging. Also, the minimum luck value for mushroom drops is 80. The average luck value for second-floor explorers is around 9, so the drop rate is about 3%. If their luck exceeds 80, it’s a 60% drop rate. But honestly, there’s no way there are explorers with such high luck on the second floor. 』
『But, actually—』
『That’s enough. Even colleagues shouldn’t leak information about explorers’ exchange items. It’s a rule for dungeon staff. We’ll just send up whatever items the explorers bring.」
『…….Yes, you’re right. 』
『Anyway, pass me the mushrooms. Well, drops from explorers with low luck values are usually poisonous mushrooms. 』
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