arc2 · 058-ch58

Chapter 58: Yokohama Blue Brick Warehouse Dungeon ①

Alright, today I'm filming for an F-rank explorer party called the "Dungeon Club." The meetup is at nine in front of the Blue Brick Warehouse. I summoned Hayate and was about to attach a potion when I suddenly thought of something.

(So if the connection gets cut or it gets damaged and disappears, the potion will just drop right there, right?)

This is pretty important, so even though it costs some MP, I tested it out. And sure enough, just like I thought, the potion dropped right there.

Looking at it this way, in terms of performance, Asahi is definitely superior. But there's also this "Additional Units" option in the status screen that's got me curious. Depending on how that works, I might be able to surpass Asahi.

Hmm, but I don't have time to think about that in detail right now. I summoned Hayate again and headed toward the Yokohama Blue Brick Warehouse Dungeon as planned.

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"H-hello. I'm Sato Shota, the leader of the Dungeon Club. I'm a f-fighter. This is Suzuki Kanade, a shortbow archer—not a short sword guy—and this is Takahashi Daiki, an acrobat."

At the dungeon entrance, I found a trio of young guys who were absolutely stiff with nerves.

Figuring it had to be them, I moved Hayate right in front of them, and as expected, they were the Dungeon Club trio.

The leader, Sato-san, was doing the member introductions for them, but since they were the ones who were nervous and messed up first, it helped me relax.

"Nice to meet you. I'm SS, the dungeon cameraman. Today I'll be filming everyone's heroic moments in full detail. Please take care of me."

They flinched when I spoke through Hayate—surprised it could talk like that. I'd told them in advance that conversation was possible, too.

"So, there's something we three were discussing earlier—if it's possible, we'd like to pay extra and ask SS-san to do reconnaissance for us. It's a sudden request, so please feel free to say no if you don't do that kind of thing."

I was about to head out when Shota-san, the leader, asked me to do reconnaissance. Thinking back, whether it was Hyakka Ryouran or Kokushi Musou, I was usually the first to spot the monsters. I guess they know that and that's why they're asking?

Now, what should I do? I don't mind doing reconnaissance, but it's not foolproof. If they get hurt because I missed something, I don't want that hassle.

Well, if they're okay with that, I guess I can take the job. And actually, this could make a good add-on option too!

I'll offer reconnaissance and combat support to those who want it. If they choose combat support, I can swing my arm and help them earn experience! Nice idea, Shota-san!

"Sure. My reconnaissance isn't absolute either, so as long as you won't hold me responsible if I miss something, it's fine. And this is a great idea, so instead of extra fees, can I use it as an add-on option?"

"Thank you! I don't know if it's really that great of an idea, but please feel free to use it as much as you want!"

Alright, I've got permission, so I'll make this an add-on option. After this shoot is done, I need to update the website.

"By the way, if you'd like, I can also do combat support. What do you say?"

I asked because I was wondering if I could earn some experience points here too. But Shota-san said "just a moment" and started consulting with the other two.

"Well, we appreciate the offer, but honestly, it would be too much trouble for you. We'll try our best to take down the monsters ourselves."

Yeah, that makes sense. If the drone keepsdarting around, it would get in the way. Thanks for politely turning me down. I'll just stick to reconnaissance and filming today.

"Let's go then."

Since the Blue Brick Warehouse Dungeon is low-rank, there are a lot of beginners. The fact that Shota-san was talking to a drone made him really stand out.

After they started walking at the leader's signal, the Dungeon Club trio realized how conspicuous they'd been and hurried into the dungeon, looking embarrassed.

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"Okay, I'm starting reconnaissance. If I spot any monsters, I'll move, so follow me."

After telling Shota-san, the leader, that, I raised Hayate's altitude. Then, using the telephoto camera, I looked for monsters in the area.

(There—two Bite Dogs at two o'clock. That seems perfect for this party.)

"I found two Bite Dogs at two o'clock. I'll guide you, so follow me."

"Huh!?"

"You found them already!?"

"Huh!? We can't see them at all!"

The three—Sato, Suzuki, and Takahashi—echoed each other in surprise. It's fresh for me to see people get surprised by something like this.

I guided them to the Bite Dogs while also telling them about the Bite Dogs' characteristics. I shared not just what you'd learn in school, but also what I felt from fighting them yesterday.

There seems to be some variance in strength among even monsters—like there's a slight difference in individuals. So I warned them not to get cocky just because they managed to take down one. The three listened with interest. I'm glad they took it seriously, even though I'm not even an explorer myself.

"Okay, first Kanade will attack with her arrow. If it lands a good hit, Daiki will take the one that got damaged, and I'll take the rest. Kanade, fall back for now and join the attack when you see an opening."

The two nodded at Shota-san's instructions. Kanade-san readied her bow. The arrowhead is made of Magic Iron, which deals extra damage.

Shota-san also put on Magic Iron knuckles, and Daiki-san was gripping a Magic Iron short sword.

"Let's go!"

Kanade-san fired her arrow with a battle cry. The arrow struck one Bite Dog right around the waist. Nice nice—I got the archery scene on film perfectly, and following the arrow gave it dynamic footage.

"Wow!?"

Daiki-san, the short sword guy, was surprised by Hayate's movement even though they were in the middle of combat. I appreciate the reaction, but please focus on the fight right now.

"Daiki, incoming!"

"Okay, I've got it!"

At Shota-san's sharp call, Daiki-san readied his short sword and waited for the Bite Dog. The first one to approach, Shota-san jumped out in front and punched it with his right hand. The Bite Dog stepped left to dodge the simple attack.

The Bite Dog that was delayed from taking the arrow in its waist was met by Daiki-san charging in. But this wasn't great—now his back was turned to the Bite Dog that Sato-san was handling.

"Sato-san! Suzuki-san! Takahashi-san looks like he's about to get flanked!"

Before the Bite Dogs could notice, I told Sato-san about the dangerous situation. Upon hearing it, Kanade-san quickly readied her bow. Sato-san also recovered from his whiff and reset his stance, then predictably turned around to pursue the Bite Dog that had targeted Daiki.

"Takahashi-san, if you're going to aim, aim for the torso—it moves less!"

"Got it!"

Swoosh!

Kanade-san's arrow pierced the Bite Dog's butt that was approaching Daiki-san's back. Thanks to that, when the Bite Dog's speed dropped sharply, Sato-san caught up.

Phew. If that arrow hadn't landed, I was about to ram Hayate right into the Bite Dog's face. Good thing Hayate didn't disappear right at the start here.

"Hey!"

Sato-san, who'd been pretty gentle, shouted a spirited line while punching the Bite Dog in the side from behind. Is this that gap moe thing?

"GAIN!"

The biting dog went flying without hesitation.

"Huh!? Thanks!"

Only then did Daiki-san realize the danger that had been approaching from behind him. After a quick thank you, he faced the Bite Dog again. That's gonna be a lecture later.

The Bite Dog that got flown off hit the wall of a half-destroyed building nearby and stopped moving. Then Kanade-san's arrows came again, and one of them pierced its head, killing it instantly.

Seeing that, Sato-san moved to support Daiki, and with the two-on-one situation, Daiki finished it off by slashing the Bite Dog's neck with his short sword.

"Hey, Daiki! It's dangerous to charge in without watching your surroundings! If SS-san hadn't told you, you'd be Bite Dog food right now!"

After somehow managing to safely take down the two Bite Dogs, Sato-san's lecture began. But honestly, Daiki could have really died just now. I think that's why Sato-san was so genuinely angry.

"Looks like it wasn't a situation where a simple apology would make things right. I'm really sorry. From now on, I'll think things through properly."

Daiki-san, who got yelled at, also seemed to understand why Shota-san was so upset. I can see he genuinely reflects on it. They seem like university students—I was worried, but this is a pretty good party, isn't it?

To make sure nothing like this happens again, the three confirmed their coordination again. They asked for advice, and I shared whatever I'd noticed. What I studied in university classes to become an explorer, and what I learned on my own, came in handy a little early.

And besides, by accompanying Hyakka Ryouran and Kokushi Musou, I can really see what the Dungeon Club is missing. I think it's pretty satisfying that my filming with the drone is helping.

Study more about dungeons, and I'll definitely become an explorer. Thinking that, for now, I searched for their next target.