Early Morning, Mountain Dungeon Reception Desk
Today’s receptionist is Tomokaze. Oh, she noticed me. Her smile brightens when she sees me—only to freeze almost immediately.
I know why. It’s because of all the gear I’m carrying—on my back, in my hands, and slung over my shoulders. It’s all camping equipment and streaming gear, but honestly, it reminds me of that thing from elementary school where the loser in rock-paper-scissors had to carry their friends’ bags.
Incidentally, Aurora is carrying her own luggage. After some thought about what could work as a backpack, we found the perfect solution: a small drawstring pouch. It fits her well and has officially become her very own backpack.
“Camping, huh? I heard about that, but is all of that really camping gear?”
“Yep, it is.”
“How much muscle do you have packed into those skinny arms…?”
I can understand her skepticism. But I’m not lying about going camping. Of course, I’m not crazy enough to enter the dungeon with this massive load on my back. Once I reach the reception desk, I can use my A-Card’s storage function and stash everything away in a flash.
“Want me to put Aurora’s stuff in there too?”
“—!”
It seems she prefers to carry her own belongings. She doesn’t look like she’s struggling, so it should be fine.
Alright then, let’s head to the hidden area. Just as I was about to step forward, Tomokaze called out to me.
“George! Just to confirm, the hidden area where you plan to camp—it’s near the base of the mountain, right?”
“Yeah, that’s right.”
To be sure, I checked with Aurora, and she confirmed that the hidden area is indeed located near the base of the mountain. It’s not far from here. Still, it’s odd that she’s asking if it’s at the base. Tomokaze visibly relaxes upon hearing my answer.
Noticing my gaze, she clears her throat, straightens her posture, and addresses me.
“Actually, we’ve received a report from an adventurer who climbed near the summit. They spotted an Aka-Ōdaishō.”
“Huh? I thought the boss here was the Ao-Ōdaishō?”
The Ao-Ōdaishō is, as its name suggests, a massive snake monster resembling an ordinary Japanese rat snake that’s grown large enough to swallow a cow whole. I once challenged an Ao-Ōdaishō in my younger days at the summit and got thoroughly smacked down by its tail. Ah, youthful misadventures.
So, now the Ao-Ōdaishō has been replaced by an Aka-Ōdaishō? I vaguely recall that kind of monster existing in theory, but has it really taken over the role of the Ao-Ōdaishō here?
“This is the first I’ve heard of it during my time working here. Fortunately, the adventurer managed to avoid detection and returned safely. If the hidden area is at the base, though, you shouldn’t encounter it.”
“Exactly. I have no intention of taking unnecessary risks.”
“That’s wise.”
Boss monsters typically stay within their designated areas. On rare occasions, some wander the dungeon, but those types tend to appear in more urban regions. Out here in the countryside, that’s practically unheard of.
“Well then, I’m off. Feel free to check out my stream later!”
“Of course! I’m looking forward to it!”
Hidden Area
We’ve arrived. Though I vaguely remembered the location, Aurora had the exact spot down pat, which was a big help.
When I reached out to touch a familiar section of the landscape, my hand brushed against an invisible curtain. Lifting it aside, we stepped through—into a view that hadn’t changed since the day I met Aurora.
This place is as pleasant as ever, with a refreshing breeze blowing through. It’s a grassland, despite being on a mountain. Where this wind comes from is a mystery best left unexamined.
“—♪”
Aurora seems thrilled, almost like she’s returned home. She dashed off toward the giant tree in the distance.
Well, while she’s busy, I might as well get started on setting up camp.
