“…Ah, isn’t that Shiba-kun? Didn’t expect to run into you here.”
A young man with blond hair noticed Shiba-san, then grinned and approached him. It seemed they knew each other.
“Daigo-kun. It’s been a while. So you’re back around here again.”
Commentary: Is this an unexpected collaboration?
There are way too many strong players in this dungeon.
From the comments, it looks like this person is also a well-known figure on the same level as Shiba-san. I’ve been a bit out of touch with the latest trends since I didn’t watch dungeon streams during my time as a recluse.
“Oh, wow! That’s Daigo-san! Amazing! I can’t believe I’m seeing him here!”
Koya, too, was excitedly talking to Daigo-san, who smiled warmly in return.
“Hey there. You’re Shiba-kun’s junior, right? I heard you started an agency.”
“Oh, yes. Shiba-san has really been helping me out.”
Apparently, even Daigo-san had heard about our agency. Well, thanks to Shiba-san joining us, our visibility has skyrocketed.
“Are you planning to keep exploring a little longer, Daigo-kun?”
“No, I was actually thinking of wrapping things up soon. The stream’s been going on for quite a while.”
“Is that so? I was going to suggest exploring together if you’d like, but that’s too bad.”
Shiba-san was considering inviting Daigo-san. After seeing him fight that lizard monster earlier, I understood his skill level—he’s definitely a formidable fighter. It’s impressive that Shiba-san can interact with him as an equal.
It’s truly remarkable that we were able to recruit someone like Shiba-san… Without him, our agency wouldn’t even be where it is.
“Uh, um, Daigo-san! Your magic… it’s incredible!”
“Hm? Oh, well, it’s just that my body naturally absorbs the dungeon’s magic power, so casting strong spells is easier for me.”
That’s what Shiba-san had mentioned. Humans can absorb the magic power that drifts around in dungeons. Absorption efficiency varies by individual; the better it is, the more and stronger spells you can cast. On the flip side, even if your absorption rate is low, your body becomes more resilient, so it’s not something to worry about.
“Well, someday I’ll get as strong as you, Daigo-san, so when that happens, please consider collaborating with me!”
Koya was boldly asking Daigo-san for a future collaboration. Daigo-san looked a little surprised, then smiled kindly.
“Yeah, sure. When that time comes, let’s do a collaboration. Anyway, I’ll be on my way.”
With that, Daigo-san headed deeper into the dungeon, likely toward the “mark” he’d left behind.
“Haa… that was nerve-wracking. I-I didn’t say anything weird, did I?”
“Well, you sure showed a lot of guts asking for a collab out of the blue.”
“Oh, that was… I’m sorry. I got a little carried away.”
“There’s no point apologizing to me. Daigo-kun’s a pretty good guy, so I’m sure he didn’t mind.”
Comments: Koya really doesn’t know his place, lol
Trying to collab with someone of that caliber
Maybe working with Shiba-san has messed up his sense of reality
“Ugh… I know! I got cocky because I’ve been able to work with Shiba-san. I know someone like me shouldn’t even be getting close to someone like that. But still, forgive me, anyone would get delusional after teaming up with Shiba-san!”
Comments: Fair enough. We forgive you.
Just get stronger from here.
Kind world.
Wholesome life.
After parting ways with Daigo-san, Shiba-san and Koya continued their exploration. They defeated monsters, disabled traps, and found treasure chests, making for an enjoyable stream.
“All right, let’s head back soon.”
“Yes.”
Shiba-san and Koya returned to the spot where they’d marked their last position and exited the dungeon safely once again.
After the stream ended, I got in touch with Koya to discuss future plans.
“Aah, I wish I could explore deeper into the dungeon.”
“Koya, that’s reckless. Just because you have Shiba-san with you doesn’t mean you can be so careless.”
The deeper you go in the dungeon, the stronger the monsters become. Right now, they’re still in the shallow layers, so there aren’t any particularly strong monsters. But if they went deeper, it wouldn’t be surprising to encounter something like a dragon-class monster.
“But Daigo-san went deeper when he left, which means his base must be further in, right?”
“Well, that’s probably the case. But there’s no point comparing a beginner like you to a veteran like Daigo-san, is there?”
“Hmm… Oh! Eito-kun! What if we try recruiting Daigo-san into our agency?”
“W-What!?”
What on earth is he talking about? There’s no way that would work.
“But Eito-kun, you managed to recruit Shiba-san with your negotiation skills, right? Can’t you try with Daigo-san, too?”
“Well, negotiation skills… I mean, recruiting Shiba-san was more a stroke of luck than anything.”
“Well, maybe luck will work again this time! Believe in your good fortune, Eito-kun!”
Someone with “good fortune” doesn’t lose both parents at this age…
“But still…”
“Come on, just give it a shot. It doesn’t hurt to ask.”
“Ah, well, I guess that’s true.”
Even if the negotiation fails, at least my negotiation skills could improve through direct interaction with another streamer.
It’s not fair to expect growth only from Koya and the others. I, too, should work on improving my support skills to help Koya and the others conquer dungeons more easily.
“Fine. I’ll see if I can establish contact somehow.”
“That’s the spirit! Way to go, boss!”
Koya cheered, going along with my idea. Well, I might as well let him have his fun this time.
“Oh, that’s right. Koya, we’ve gathered enough materials by now, so I think it’s time to make you some new equipment. Do you have any specific requests?”
Koya was currently equipped with a stone axe. It seemed like the right time to upgrade to gear made from dungeon materials.
Shiba-san was using a spear crafted from materials found in the dungeon. It would be good to choose a weapon that balanced well with his.
“Oh, definitely! A katana! A katana!”
Ah, he seems like the type who’d buy a wooden sword on a school trip. I can see why he’d like katanas.
“I don’t know if we have the materials to make a katana. Do you have a second choice?”
“Hm… if a katana’s out, maybe… something cool… let’s see.”
“Don’t pick based on ‘coolness.’ Think more practically—functionality and that kind of thing.”
“I think I’d like something in the sword family! I’d be fine with a big greatsword or even a rapier.”
“Got it. I’ll put in a request for a sword, then. I’ll also take the materials from this run.”
“Okay!”
With that, I put in the order for Koya’s new equipment. It would take a little while to craft, so he’d have to keep using the stone axe in the meantime.
Koya and Shiba-san ventured into the dungeon several more times. Just because his weapon wasn’t ready didn’t mean he should sit around idly.
Speaking of not idling, I had my own task to tackle before Koya’s new weapon was ready.
And that was getting in contact with Daigo-san. Since we’re technically in the same field, it shouldn’t be too difficult to reach him.
Whether or not Daigo-san would join us remained uncertain. But we’d never know if we didn’t at least try.
