Chapter-10 · EP-148

Episode 148: Murasakimura's Star Quality

"No, I…"

Suddenly asked by a shop clerk to be a model for clothing to be featured in a magazine, Murasakimura couldn't hide his confusion.

"Couldn't you please help us out? We absolutely have to send the data today. Someone young and good-looking like you would be perfect. Please, think of it as helping people out."

Despite Murasakimura's reluctance, the clerk appealed strongly.

I guess I'll have to step in and help.

"Well, I could do it instead…"

"Ah, not you, though…"

"…"

Akaishi patted my shoulder and shook his head.

Don't look at me like that. I know. I don't have the looks, right? ...I know. ...I know.

Then Sendo spoke to Murasakimura.

"Kyoya, this is great! You should definitely do it."

"Mamoru?"

"If you get featured in a magazine, it'll increase your public recognition. It should help with your goal of becoming famous as the world's greatest explorer."

Come to think of it, he had said that.

Murasakimura's dream was to become the world's greatest explorer, then use that fame to become a politician.

Indeed, raising his profile as an explorer and model was a chance to get one step closer to his dream.

"You're right. That's true. Miss clerk, I'd be happy to do the modeling!"

"Yes! That's the spirit! Are you aiming to be the world's greatest explorer?"

"Yes, that's right."

"Then the more you succeed, the more famous the photos we take today will become, and this shop will become popular too!"

"Haha. That would be great!"

The clerk probably just went along with Murasakimura's enthusiasm without really believing him, but Murasakimura was serious.

And judging from how he learned to use his Lightning Magic and his match against Numabe, Murasakimura was likely going to transform. He probably had the potential to become one of Japan's top explorers.

If he really became famous as an explorer in the future, how would this clerk react?

As I was thinking about that, the clerk led Murasakimura away and had him try on new products.

I had come here to find clothes for myself, but...

Oh well. I'll look on my own.

I called over another clerk and asked about products.

I decided to buy black blade-resistant pants that wouldn't stand out in the city, and a blade-resistant jacket that was easy to move in, durable, and lightweight.

I was a bit intimidated by the price tags: 50,000 yen for the pants and 100,000 yen for the jacket. Well, I had money from selling potions, so this was nothing. My bank balance had eight digits. It was nothing, but my commoner's sense of money hadn't worn off yet, and my hand trembled as I paid.

Anyway, when I looked for Murasakimura, he was outside the shop having his photo taken on the street.

They were taking pictures of him looking cool into the distance.

He was really getting into it. Where was the reluctant Murasakimura from the beginning? Not that it was a problem.

It seemed like it would take a while, so I looked around the shop again.

Then one item caught my eye.

A pair of lace-up boots placed on the floor.

The body was black leather, but the toe and heel had silver metal parts attached.

"Safety boots?"

When I muttered that, the clerk corrected me.

"No, not safety boots. Safety boots have metal to protect the toes, but these have 20mm thick steel attached only to the toe tips."

"Huh? Why? Because they look cool?"

"No. These are boots for kicking attacks – in other words, a type of weapon. But they haven't been selling well."

"A weapon? They aren't selling?"

"Yes. Actually, they're a bit heavy. People say they get tiring to walk in all day in the dungeon."

Certainly, shoes that don't tire you out are best. That's true, but still, I was drawn to these boots.

"Can I try these on?"

"Yes, of course!"

In the end, I bought those boots too.

They were also 100,000 yen!

But I sometimes used kicks, so if it increased my kicking power, it should be useful in combat.

After finishing our shopping, we headed back towards the Shinjuku Dungeon.

"Did you end up buying the jacket too, Murasakimura?"

I called out to Murasakimura, who was carrying a shopping bag.

"Yeah. It's apparently a new product they had me wear for the photos, but I liked the design."

"New products are expensive, right?"

"Well, they gave me a 30% discount as thanks for modeling."

"Eh?"

Even though I was with him, I didn't get any discount. And I bought more stuff...

Well, I had money, but my stingy commoner nature wouldn't let it go.

As I was feeling a small shock at Murasakimura's comment, Sendo asked about our next destination.

"Next, I want to buy a spear, and Akaishi-kun is looking for a new weapon. Should we buy them inside the Shinjuku Dungeon building?"

"No, the selection there isn't much different from what the academy sells. I think we'd be better off looking for used items at the explorer market. You might find rare weapons or good deals there, so let's go there instead."