After completing magic training at the temple and combat drills with the knights of the castle, the time has finally come to start leveling up in the dungeon.
The period will be about a week. The practical training will take place in a small dungeon located within the Shiran Kingdom. Haruto and others were excited, calling it a “dungeon boot camp.”
“The [Item Box] skill we got from the Creator God Furball is really useful.”
“Yes, it’s necessary to carry extra supplies to be comfortable.”
“It’s great that we can go without carrying anything.”
In addition to the luggage brought from Japan, they also have food, potions, camping gear, and weapons.
Although it’s a beginner-level dungeon, anything can happen, so it’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.
The priest and knights accompanying them have entrusted their luggage to them as well. It’s not a large group, so this time they are going with a small elite team. Since this dungeon attack is originally for leveling up themselves as heroes, that’s to be expected.
The dungeon is located about three days’ travel by carriage from the capital. Instead of camping, they stayed in inns along the way, progressing through towns and villages.
The ride was so bumpy it felt like being in a cart, which was tiresome, but they finally arrived at the village where the dungeon is located.
They had mixed feelings about the inns they stayed in along the way, but they managed to get by using the sheets and cushions Tohma had given them.
They are deeply grateful for the [Item Box] skill and [Life Magic] given by the Furball.
Without the purification magic Cleanse, they definitely wouldn’t have been able to sleep at all.
“Are you all ready, Heroes?”
“Yes, we’re ready to go.”
At the priest’s question, they nodded in response.
Today, their equipment was different than usual, as they were wearing leather armor. It wasn’t full body armor, but a simple set designed to cover vital areas. The leather armor is light and easy to move in.
The armor is made from the materials of magical beasts and was given to them by the knight captain, whom they had become friendly with.
The priest, who dislikes magical beasts and monsters as unclean beings, didn’t seem pleased, but they were pretending not to notice and let it pass.
Under the armor, they wore their usual long-sleeve t-shirts made in Japan, so it was comfortable.
(Well, this t-shirt probably offers more protection than the leather armor anyway.)
After all, it’s become an indestructible divine item blessed by the Creator God.
If the temple folks found out, they might try to take it as a holy relic, so all three of them kept their mouths shut tightly.
Haruto , who had been in the judo club, was experienced in various martial arts.
Originally, he was good at unarmed combat, but it was tough to fight magical beasts and monsters with just fists and kicks, so he used a mace, a weapon for striking.
When he infused the mace with magic, it became a magical weapon that doubled its power. Apparently, it’s a drop item from an advanced dungeon. He liked it because it was simple—just swinging it like a club and hitting the enemy.
Natsuki, who belonged to the archery club and also practiced with a naginata as a hobby, used a bow that the priest had given them. The bow could be infused with magic to add elemental properties to arrows.
In the [Item Box], Natsuki also stored a second weapon, a naginata, which is called a “gravel” in this world. It’s a weapon with a sword blade at the tip of a spear, and it also increases in power when infused with magic.
While Natsuki primarily focused on long-range attacks, she probably intended to use the naginata to strike down any magical beasts that might come at them up close.
My weapon is a sword.
My status shows that I’m a sage, so I’m considered a magic user, but I was given a proper sword instead of a magic staff.
(Though I’ve been practicing kendo since I was a child, so a sword feels the most natural to me…)
I swung the sword a few times, getting used to its feel in my hands. The basic movements haven’t changed much. I’ve heard that Western swords are more specialized for striking rather than cutting, unlike Japanese swords, but the swords in this world are sharp, and their thick blades seem capable of delivering powerful strikes as well.
Though it should be quite heavy, the magical weapon that’s attuned to my magical power felt surprisingly light and easy to handle. With this, I should be able to hold my own in the dungeon.
To confirm, I displayed my status once more.
Status
Akimitsu Date (16)
[Summoned Hero] [Sage]
Level 10
HP: 95,000/95,000
MP: 50,000/50,000
Strength: 200
Defense: 400
Agility: 300
Dexterity: 150
Intelligence: 500
Luck: 40
Skills:
[Understanding All Languages]
[Identification]
[Item Box]
[Life Magic]
[Swordsmanship]
[Iaido]
[All Magic]
Unique Gift: [Holy Sword Summon]
Title: [Blessing of the Creator God]
Compared to when I was at level 1, all my stats have increased. My health and mana in particular have risen dramatically, and I can feel how much stronger I’ve become.
The knights who trained with me were also surprised at my growth.
They praised me, calling me a true hero, but I’m not foolish enough to be flattered by such obvious flattery.
At level 10, I can now go for practical training in a dungeon. The three of us, eager to grow stronger quickly, worked hard in training without complaining.
Thanks to that, we were able to attempt the dungeon camp as soon as possible.
“Let’s go. Natsuki , Akimi.”
“Yeah.”
“Of course, I’m ready.”
We followed Haruto , who walked ahead without any anxiety.
The accompanying priest and knights were waiting at a distance behind us.
I’d heard that the magical beasts that appear on the first floor of a beginner dungeon are the weakest. They probably trust us in their own way.
What’s expected of us in this dungeon attack is to get used to “killing.”
Of course, leveling up is also important.
In Japan, I think it would be outrageous to suddenly force peaceful high school students to fight magical beasts, but…
(But if it’s necessary to bring Tohma back and return to Japan, then I’ll gladly take on the challenge.)
Haruto and Natsuki have made up their minds.
They actually seem pretty motivated.
“It’s good that our first battle with magical beasts is in the dungeon, right Akimi?”
“…Why’s that?”
“Because when we defeat them, they drop items, right? I’m not good with gory stuff, so it’s honestly a relief not to have to dissect them.”
Haruto said with a bright laugh. Natsuki nodded seriously.
“Yeah, I feel the same way. I heard that when the item drops, the blood from the kill disappears cleanly.”
“That’s true, the dungeon system is considerate.”
The dungeon is originally said to be a trial given by the Creator God of this world to bring blessings to the people.
It’s a place to hone one’s power and gain sustenance from the magical beasts that are defeated—essentially, a divine training ground.
“How smart of them to use bait. They say that if you defeat special magical beasts or big ones, you can get rare items and treasures.”
“Haruto , our main goal is to get weapons for Tohma .”
“I know, I know!”
“Even if weapons don’t drop, we can use the materials we collect as we wish, right? So, maybe we can use the earnings from selling them to buy magic weapons.”
Natsuki ’s idea was reasonable, but for some reason, I felt like I wanted to give Tohma a weapon that we earned with our own strength.
It’s a feeling close to wanting to proudly show my older cousin how strong I’ve become.
It might be childish pride, but Haruto seems to have similar feelings.
Natsuki , the practical one, might actually be the most level-headed.
As we advanced through the cave-like first floor, a group of rat-sized magical beasts appeared.
I was worried that I might hesitate if they looked like cute animals, but when I saw them in person, any doubts vanished.
Without even needing to appraise them, I could feel the ominous aura they gave off.
Their eyes were red, and I could sense a murderous intent.
(This is a being that must be eliminated.)
It was a thought driven by instinct.
I was able to forget about holding back, so in a way, it was a relief.
I started with a ranged attack. The magic arrow Natsuki shot pierced the monster rat without fail.
Another one was crushed by Haruto ’s mace.
I wrapped wind magic around my sword and attacked from several meters away. A sharp wind sound echoed as I slashed through two monster rats at once.
“…Is that all?”
Since I didn’t directly feel the cutting sensation, I didn’t feel anything when killing the magical beasts.
Haruto was instead smiling as he picked up the dropped items. Natsuki , looking calm, was already appraising the items.
“Yeah, this seems doable. Let’s clear the beginner dungeon quickly and get stronger.”
With new confidence in our hearts, we took our first step forward.
