On the table before us lay an array of equipment, with items ranging from weapons to defensive gear.
Among them was a substitute bracelet, which caught my eye.
「I would have liked to get these to you earlier, but they just arrived a short while ago. I don’t think there will be any issues with the sizing.」
Explained Minister Uehara* as he began introducing the items one by one.
TN: Yeah, it’s just a typo. There’s another one below but don’t be confused. 上松(Uematsu) 上原(Uehara)
The first were custom-made outfits and weapons.
「This is for you, Oshino-san. I’ve prepared a ninja outfit of the special variety and a fuma kunai. The outfit was tailored to your measurements.」
「Getting custom dungeon gear made in just one day? That’s exceptional service. I’ll gladly accept.」
「As for you, Ichino-kun, I’ve arranged a replica of the Futsushi Mitama no Tsurugi.」
Hmm? Isn’t that the same sword I’m using right now?
But… the appearance is a bit different.
「Taiyo, Futsushi Mitama no Tsurugi and Futsu no Mitama are two different things. Do you know the sword Ame no Habakiri?」
Milk chimed in to clarify.
「Hmm? I feel like I’ve heard of it… but maybe not?」
In other words, I didn’t understand.
「It’s the divine sword Susanoo used to defeat the eight-headed serpent, Yamata no Orochi.」
「I was half expecting you’d give us something like the Kusanagi no Tsurugi—the strongest sword Japan possesses.」
Hime remarked, sounding a little disappointed.
「We did inquire about it, but even a replica of one of the three sacred treasures of Japan cannot be handed to an individual, not even on loan.」
Well, that clears up the sword situation.
But this outfit… something about it feels off.
It’s a bit flashy with its red lining, but what really stands out is that it seems like the cloak is the main piece, with the clothes just there to match.
When I appraised the clothes, no special effects showed up, but the cloak was different.
[Cloak of the Dark Fire Rat: A cloak made from the hide of a Fire Rat that inhabits the demon world. It has the power to repel fire and darkness.]
Whoa, that’s impressive.
It’s impressive, but when I hear ‘red and black rat’. I can’t help but picture a certain iconic mouse character… No, I’m not going to think about that right now.
「This cloak has resistance to fire and darkness. Since there are many dark-aligned monsters in the Black Dungeon, it’s perfect for someone like you, who will be protecting the women at the front line.」
「Thank you.」
I replied, feeling pretty satisfied with it.
「Next, for you, Azuma-san, and Milk-chan—ah, pardon me, Makino-san.」
「It’s fine, Uncle Uehara, you can call me what you always do.」
「I appreciate that, but considering my position… Anyway, I’ve prepared staves and robes for both of you.」
He handed them a set of staves and robes.
After hearing about the effects, it seemed that Ayame’s current staff and robe were more powerful, so she decided to stick with those.
As for Milk, her primary weapon was still a gun, so only her robe seemed useful for now.
We also received various accessories that boosted our stats, along with the substitute bracelet.
There were at least a hundred of those in stock, so we made sure to grab as many as we could.
-0-
Once we’d finished gathering our equipment, we headed to the changing room to suit up.
I was a little worried about wearing a coat in battle, but it turned out to be more maneuverable than I had expected.
It wouldn’t hinder my sword swings.
I decided to start out with the Futsushi Mitama no Tsurugi for now.
As we dive deeper into the Black Dungeon, if I get comfortable with it, I’ll keep using it. If not, I can always switch back to the Futsu no Mitama.
-0-
Everyone had finished changing.
Hime’s ninja outfit had a bit more skin showing than before—probably a result of the tailor’s personal taste.
In contrast, Milk’s robe looked rather cute.
「Wow, this is really easy to move in. And that 10% boost to agility is just perfect.」
「I’m feeling the same as usual, but my magic defense has increased a lot, and apparently, it’s also resistant to blades. I can’t really feel the difference, though.」
「You both look great.」
「You look good too, Taira.」
「Yeah, you look really cool. That cloak gives off a vibe like something from the Meiji or Taishō era.」
It does have an old-fashioned style.
We stepped outside and made our way to the entrance of the Black Dungeon.
Ayame was already there, waiting.
It’s 12:55 now.
Strangely enough, I don’t feel nervous.
Maybe it’s because I’m with everyone.
「Kuro, I need you to stay outside and wait for us.」
「Bark?」
「You want to come with us? I told you, you need to stay here and wait.」
If something happens to us, Kuro’s the one I’m counting on to take down any monsters that escape.
「Minister Uematsu*, is it alright if my dog waits outside by the entrance? He’s smart, so he won’t cause any trouble.」
TN: and he’s back. I should have just corrected it.
「Like a modern-day Hachiko, huh? I don’t mind. Though, he doesn’t seem like an ordinary dog to me.」
Does Minister Uematsu know what Kuro really is?
Or is he just fishing for information?
We laughed it off.
-0-
「It’s time.」
We all exchanged a nod, and I took the first step onto the pitch-black staircase leading down.
There was no barrier to sense—nothing holding us back.
「Wait.」
The minister called out.
We turned around.
「If things get dangerous, come back. Put your own lives first.」
We nodded in agreement.
Then, without looking back again, we descended into the darkness ahead.
And then—
「I’ve been waiting for you, daughter of King and her companions.」
At the bottom of the stairs, there he was.
I drew my sword, ready for anything.
「There’s no need for that. I have no combat abilities. I’m just like Danpon, you see. If you wish to kill me, go ahead. This is just one of many bodies I possess.」
His words seemed to be the truth.
But even so, there’s no way I could just drop my guard.
Standing before us was someone who deserved every bit of our suspicion.
He looked exactly like Danpon—but black instead of white.
A creature like a giant chocolate marshmallow.
「Nice to meet you. I am Danpol, the one who is organizing this game.」
It said, introducing itself without a trace of shame.
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