ch1-ch20 · 009-ch9

Chapter 9: It's Okay to Exit the Dungeon and Rest

The monsters on Floor 3 are goblins, just like on Floors 1 and 2.

Their build is the same, their strength is the same—the only difference is their weapon.

They're equipped with small knives. In other words, blades.

Even if we're talking about goblins with the strength of a child, once they're armed with blades, the danger level skyrockets.

That's why Hayashi-san told me not to go to Floor 3.

And yet here I am on Floor 3 already.

The "Right Gate" is currently hidden behind a tree on Floor 2.

I'll keep it fixed there and stop using [Gate] with my right hand.

During combat, I'll hold the spear with both hands, but if something happens, I can switch to holding the spear in my right hand and create the "Left Gate" with my left hand, allowing me to return to Floor 2 at any time.

The tree where the "Right Gate" is hidden is right near the "Floor 1 Gate" on Floor 2, so even if I'm injured, I should be able to manage somehow.

In the worst case, if I can crawl to Floor 1, all I'd have to do is call out and someone would help me.

Is that thinking too optimistic?

Anyway, since I'm already on Floor 3, I might as well fight a knife-wielding goblin.

"Found one."

Floor 3 is a grassland area with trees scattered about, just like Floor 2.

I strike a nearby tree with my spear to announce my presence to the goblin.

There's no point in taking it by surprise.

"Gugyaa."

The knife-wielding goblin charges straight at me.

Its movements upon spotting me are the same as the club-wielding goblins on Floor 2.

I hold the spear at my right side, waist-level.

My left hand grips near the center of the spear, my right hand near the butt end.

The rental spear is about 180 centimeters long.

Longer than me at 170 centimeters.

If I extend my right hand forward with this, my reach should exceed two meters.

"Hah."

Before the goblin enters the two-meter range, I thrust forward with my right hand.

There's a popping sensation like something bursting, and the spear pierces through the goblin's chest.

"Ah, I might have broken the magic stone."

Apparently, monsters die when their magic stones are crushed, but I don't know if it's instant death.

The knife-wielding goblin isn't moving anymore, but I couldn't tell whether it died instantly from the chest wound or from the magic stone breaking.

What I did understand was that knife-wielding goblins, like club-wielding goblins, can be taken down with a single thrust.

They say that aside from their weapons, their strength doesn't change, so I guess this result makes sense.

"So this doesn't mean I have talent or anything, right?"

I mutter, looking at the shattered magic stone.

Goblins don't have any harvestable parts besides the magic stone.

The knives have some value as iron, but I think they're only worth about 100 yen if you collect several.

Apparently, most people don't bother taking them since they're bulky.

I only have a small pouch, so I'm not collecting the knives either.

"Guess I'll look for the 'Floor 4 Gate.'"

I've confirmed that I can fight on Floor 3.

Fortunately, I can get back instantly with the "Left Gate."

Thinking I'd push forward as far as I can, I suddenly realize something.

"This [Gate] thing is pretty broken, huh."

If I use the "Right Gate" to go forward and the "Left Gate" to return, I can progress through the dungeon like saving in a video game.

"If I get tired, I can just exit the dungeon and rest."

This solves the MP problem, which is quite a hurdle in dungeon clearing.

Also the supply problem, and the camping problem too.

"I think I saw online that there are rental storage spaces on Floor 1. Does the Chiba Dungeon have them too?"

Items left on dungeon ground get absorbed by the dungeon when no one is nearby.

However, the buildings on Floor 1 are paved concrete connected to the surface, treated as a single building since people are inside, so items don't disappear.

There are rental shops that take advantage of this—I think they rent out vacant storefronts as storage spaces.

Hayashi-san's sad expression floats in my mind.

"On the other hand, there are probably plenty available in Chiba."

That means I can take back all the materials from those knives I just discarded, leaving nothing behind.

"The dungeon grind has officially begun."

Is this... confidence that I can make it as an adventurer?

(End of Chapter 9)