It had been three weeks since I started living in the dungeon.
The rainy season in the great forest typically lasts about two weeks in a short year, or up to a month in a year with prolonged rains, but it usually settles down after three weeks.
“I’ve just cleared the 20th floor and gotten the teleportation bracelet. Maybe I’ll take a look outside.”
“Meow!”
Ketsue responded energetically.
The dungeon is well-designed—once you reach a certain floor, you can acquire an item that lets you teleport to any floor you’ve cleared.
Adventurers without special skills like [Item Box] aren’t suited for long stays in the dungeon.
Since supplies like food and water run out, they typically return within ten days.
“It’s nice that you can teleport back to the dungeon entrance in an instant. So convenient.”
Because it’s possible to retry cleared floors, adventurers are desperate to push through the dungeon until they get their hands on this teleportation item.
“If the rainy season isn’t over yet, I can just come back to the dungeon. Ketsue, you’ve never been outside, have you?”
“Meow.”
The tabby kitten, only two months old, nodded.
Though still a kitten, Ketsue had grown significantly, learning magic and leveling up in the dungeon. His expression was dignified, despite his small frame.
“Alright, let’s go.”
All our gear, including the tent, was already stored in the [Item Box].
With only the two of us, we pressed our hands against the door of the 20th floor.
“Teleport to the outside of the dungeon.”
A gentle sensation of floating followed. Holding Ketsue tightly in my arms so we wouldn’t get separated, I opened my eyes to find myself in a familiar place.
Before me stretched a dense, green sea of trees. Behind me was the door to the dungeon.
It seemed the teleportation to the intended location was successful.
“Looks like the rainy season is over.”
The ground was still damp, but the sky was a clear blue without a single cloud.
The plants, refreshed by the rain, seemed to hum with joy. Perhaps it was my Elven nature, but I could sense the uplifting mood of the trees.
It seemed Ketsue, the cat-fairy Cait Sith in my arms, felt the same way.
“Meow!”
He let out a high-pitched cry, almost like a song, then leapt from my arms. He sniffed the air enthusiastically, bounding around with excitement.
Born in the dungeon, the outside world must have been a novelty for him.
“Commuting from afar is a hassle. Maybe I should set up a base right in front of the dungeon entrance.”
If that’s the case, it should have a good view.
I warned the energetic kitten not to wander too far as I started preparing the area.
“Last time I used magic to cut trees, but now I’ve got this.”
Grinning, I pulled a magical weapon from the [Item Box].
It was a magical sword with a blade of water, dropped by a rare monster from the 15th floor. Though a longsword wasn’t ideal for a High Elf like me, it was excellent for felling trees.
I infused it with magic, sharpening the blade.
The pale blue blade glowed with concentrated water magic.
“Water Cutter.”
Just to be sure, I murmured the spell name as I swung the sword.
Before me stood a large tree with a trunk as thick as an embrace. I slid the blade along its surface.
(It felt like slicing through butter.)
There was the sensation of contact, but I barely had to apply any strength. While the magic consumption seemed moderate, for a High Elf like me, it was hardly an issue.
“Alright.”
The tree didn’t fall because the cut was so clean. I gently pushed it, and it toppled to the ground with a loud crash, revealing a perfectly smooth cut.
“Tree stumps make charming seats, but they’re in the way for pitching a tent.”
I wanted to hang a hammock within the tent’s barrier, so I left only two sturdy trees intact and efficiently cut down the rest with the magical sword.
“Since this is a slow-paced life, I should clear a larger area to make room for a vegetable garden.”
Thanks to the blessing of the Creator God, the tent had indestructible and invisible enchantments, along with auto-repair functionality.
Additionally, the tent activated a permanent barrier extending ten meters around it, capable of withstanding a dragon’s breath.
“If I grow vegetables inside the barrier, they might absorb magical energy and turn out incredibly delicious. Maybe I’ll plant some fruit trees too. It would be great if transplanting them works…”
Ketsue, who had been rolling around at my feet, suddenly perked up and let out a loud cry.
“Meow!”
“Hmm? What’s up?”
Unable to resist his cuteness, I picked him up and rubbed my cheek against his.
The kitten in my arms gently patted my cheek, as if to say, “Hurry up.”
“Oh, right. You have the unique gift of [Plant Magic], don’t you?”
“Meow.”
Ketsue nodded as if to say, “Exactly.” I placed him back on the ground, curious about what he would do.
He touched a patch of grass with a serious expression, and it immediately grew five centimeters taller.
It was like watching a time-lapse video.
“So, you can grow plants? Can you do anything else?”
“Meow.”
As if urging me to follow, Ketsue led me toward a thicket of trees.
I used my [Presence Detection] skill to stay alert for any beasts or monsters as I followed him. He stopped in front of a blueberry tree.
Placing his tiny paw against the base of the tree, Ketsue let out a melodic meow. The tree shuddered.
“The tree is shrinking…?”
The blueberry tree, once as tall as I was, shrank rapidly until it transformed into a walnut-sized sphere of light.
Ketsue gently pushed the orb toward me with his paw. Surprised, I took it and examined it closely.
With [Appraisal], it identified as a “Dormant Blueberry Tree.”
“So, I can replant this within the barrier?”
“Meow.”
“Wow. That’s incredibly convenient—[Plant Magic] is amazing.”
Encouraged by my adorable companion’s enthusiasm, I decided to plant the orb a little away from the tent.
Using earth magic, I softened the soil before planting the orb.
“Do I just water it now…?”
I instinctively created a light drizzle of water infused with magic.
Ketsue approached the spot, touching the planted orb with a paw.
“Wow… Did it sprout?”
A pair of tiny leaves emerged, growing quickly into a sapling. Its branches extended, leaves flourished, and soon, delicate white flowers resembling lilies of the valley bloomed.
In no time, the blueberry tree grew tall and bore fruit.
“Impressive. It looks healthy and rooted here.”
Though it seemed slightly smaller than before transplanting, the fruit appeared perfectly fine.
With Ketsue, the plant-magic-wielding Cait Sith, and me, the High Elf, I was confident we could cultivate a thriving base.
I showered my proud kitten with praise and cuddles.
“Once we’ve expanded the base and made a vegetable garden, let’s go find more fruit trees. We’ll plant your favorites, Ketsue.”
“Meow!”
Seeds for vegetables could be bought cheaply. I also considered planting flowers.
I had already confirmed with the Creator God, Kesaran Pasaran, that there was no issue introducing Earth plants to this world. In fact, they encouraged it.
“Let’s start with vegetables. It might also be fun to plant fruit seeds from the convenience store…”
The idea of introducing Earth-grown bananas or mangoes to this world excited me.
Ketsue, who adored fruit, happily circled the blueberry tree.
In any case, I resolved to work hard to make this place as comfortable as possible for the two of us.
