01-20 · 009
Chapter 9: Reunion
The dungeon entrance.
As usual, it was crowded with explorers.
I pulled my cap low and passed through the gate. When I scanned my ID card, the words “F-Rank: Toru Soma” appeared. The receptionist didn't spare me a glance.
Fine by me. Avoiding the crowd, I headed not for the main route but for the “waste disposal route” that no one wanted to take.
A dim passageway. The stench of decay and rust filled my nose. This smell used to make me nauseous, but now it felt like the scent guiding me to a treasure trove.
After walking for about ten minutes, I came to an open area. Mountains of broken weapons, armor, and expired potion bottles were piled up.
“Alright then…”
I shifted the eyepatch I'd bought for disguise and activated my skill, ‘True Appraisal.’
—Thrum.
My vision shifted, and the garbage heap transformed into a cascade of information.
[Iron Scrap] [Cracked Leather Armor] [Just a Stone] [Rotten Herb]
As expected, 99% of it was actual trash. A National Treasure Level item wouldn't be found so easily. The Holy Sword Excalibur might have been a miracle-level stroke of luck.
I continued digging through the trash pile for several hours until my back began to ache.
“…Hm?”
Deep within the heap. From a black lump covered in sludge, I sensed a faint abnormality. It wasn't a golden aura. Something more ominous, a reddish-black radiance seemed to leak out.
I carefully removed the debris and pulled out the lump. It looked like a circular metal plate. The surface was so filthy it appeared to be nothing more than a pot lid.
But the appraisal window displayed some outrageous text.
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[Name] Aegis Shield (Cursed, Damaged)
[Rank] Legendary Level
[Condition] Curse contamination (MAX level), physical damage
[True Value] Absolute defense that reflects all magical attacks. However, it corrodes the user's spirit.
[Repair Possibility] Possible (*Requires purification of contaminated parts and repair of damaged parts)
[Estimated Market Price] 130 million to 200 million yen
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“…Whoa.”
I couldn't help but let out a gasp. First the holy sword, now a Legendary Level shield. And this one came with a “curse” attached.
“Corrodes the spirit, huh. So that's why it was thrown away.”
Maybe the previous owner couldn't withstand the curse and discarded it. Or perhaps they lost their life due to the curse, and only the equipment ended up here.
Normally, I'd hesitate to even touch such a thing. But now, I could see it. The reassuring guide text displayed below the window.
《Recommended Items: Bleach (kitchen grade), baking soda, instant adhesive.》
“Household supplies again!”
I couldn't stop myself from shouting. This grand curse could be removed with kitchen bleach? …Excalibur was the same way. So down-to-earth. Is that really okay for Legendary Level armaments?
That aside, it was worth doing. Even if it was inferior to the holy sword, it was still worth hundreds of millions. More than enough. Besides, I'd heard that the “magic reflection” skill was essential for fighting other people and exploring the deep levels of dungeons.
“Alright, I'm taking it.”
I stuffed the “pot lid (tentative)” into my backpack.
Just then.
From behind me, I heard the crunch of gravel underfoot.
“Hey, you there.”
My heart leaped. I thought no one came to this place. When I turned around, a familiar trio was standing there.
Dirty, worn-out gear. Faces heavy with fatigue. And greedy eyes that seemed to be appraising the catch.
It was my former party, ‘Brave Sword.’
“…Huh?”
Goda's eyes went wide when he saw my face.
“You… Soma?”
A reunion at the worst possible time.
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Another episode is scheduled to be updated around 7:30 PM today.