I was reincarnated as bait for the summoned hero
Since I managed to obtain a teleportation magic tool, I can now tackle dungeon exploration at my own pace.
I fastened the silver bangle around my left wrist.
It conveniently adjusts its size automatically to fit the wearer. As expected of a magic item.
By the way, Ketsue wears the bangle like a collar.
I was worried it might be uncomfortable for him, but as soon as we exited the dungeon, he stored it away. I guess he did find it bothersome after all.
He let out a slightly disgruntled “Nnyu,” but he seemed to understand that it was an essential item for dungeon exploration.
My little one is so smart.
Setting up a base in the Unheim Dungeon, the plan to earn travel funds and points until we reunite with the golden dragon, Rei, was going smoothly.
Thanks to the teleportation magic tool, traveling back and forth became much easier, allowing us to hunt magical beasts to our hearts’ content.
Beyond the 20th floor, there were more magical beasts and monsters with high resale value, so the two of us and one feline enthusiastically took them down.
We made sure to secure Orc and High Orc meat. It’s versatile, and more importantly—delicious!
As for Boar-type and Deer-type magical beasts, we already had plenty stored in the [Item Box], so we decided to sell those to the guild.
We also sold off any unnecessary materials like magic stones, hides, and fangs, either converting them into currency or points.
“So magic tools only drop below the 30th floor, huh?”
“Looks like we can reach that today.”
Sierra had grown quite formidable.
Her level was nearing 70, and she had become skilled not only in long-range attacks like archery and wind magic but could now also swiftly slash an Orc’s throat with a short sword.
“It’s all thanks to you, Tohma . I never imagined I’d be able to use [Body Enhancement]!”
After a full day of grinding in the dungeon from morning until evening, I would spend about two hours each night teaching Sierra how to use magic more effectively.
She had a natural talent for it and quickly grasped the principles of mana circulation, allowing her to learn [Body Enhancement].
From then on, she could defeat magical beasts not only with archery and wind magic but also in close combat.
Not wanting to fall behind, I made sure to actively participate in monster hunting as well. Our earnings stabilized at around three gold coins per day.
That’s roughly 300,000 yen in Japanese currency. Even after splitting it, each of us was making about 100,000 yen daily.
“Well, I don’t have any immediate need for money, so I’ll convert mine into points.”
I still had the savings I had steadily built up by working as a traveling merchant.
At this rate, paying the one-gold-coin weekly rent for the land wouldn’t be a problem at all.
“No need to pay for lodging, and we get our meat from the dungeon. We still have plenty of vegetables stocked from the Great Forest…”
“Nya!”
“Huh? You want to start a vegetable garden since we have extra land? Well, I don’t mind, but…”
Ketsue, seemingly bored, had requested to start a small farm.
Since we did have extra space, I agreed without much thought.
“Oh… As expected of a cat fairy, Cait Sith…”
“This is amazing! A whole field appeared overnight!”
I had noticed my nocturnal feline rustling about, but…
The next morning, I stepped outside and was stunned.
Just as Sierra exclaimed in excitement, the yard had transformed into a vegetable field—already sprouting seedlings.
At Ketsue’s urging, I used water magic to irrigate the field and even added some light magic as a bonus. But hey, cats are cute, so I couldn’t refuse.
As a reward, I got to touch his paw pads, which made it all worthwhile.
Thanks to this, we were now enjoying fresh vegetables that grew within just three days.
“You can’t plant fruit trees, though. This land is only rented, and we have to return it once we reunite with Rei.”
“Myu…”
“Don’t give me that look! If you want fruit, I’ll gather some from the dungeon for you.”
I had to put my foot down on the orchard idea.
It would be heartbreaking to leave behind fully grown fruit trees when we eventually moved on.
Luckily, the dungeon was rich in mana and an ideal place to forage for forest bounty.
Between hunts, the three of us diligently collected any delicious-looking fruits we came across.
We also made sure to grab highly valuable medicinal herbs, which, surprisingly, were quite tasty as well. The rarer they were, the more points they earned.
With lodging and food costs minimized, our savings were growing steadily, and we were accumulating plenty of points.
“Yeah, this is going great. It really feels like a classic fantasy adventure.”
From an isekai perspective, my life was probably on the easier side.
After all, I had my convenient summoning magic—essentially a net-shopping ability. Thanks to this, I never had to worry about food, clothing, or shelter.
And since I could acquire high-quality Japanese products, I was living quite a luxurious life.
Feeling a bit guilty, I regularly sent supplies to my cousins, who were working hard in their hero duties.
(Those guys said they were living much more comfortably after obtaining the magic tool [Home].)
I let out a relieved sigh.
Their living conditions had been terrible based on what they had told me, and I had been worried for a long time.
They once complained that even a tent from Japan was far more comfortable than the high-class inns available here.
That was thanks to the high-quality Japanese bedding, of course, but still—living in a tent long-term was rough.
(Their complaints have decreased since I sent them beds, futons, and loungewear. But if things get too tough for them, I might just send over a tiny house next.)
Points were needed in considerable amounts, but stress takes a toll on both mind and body. At the very least, I wanted to provide them with a space where they could rest properly.
That’s why obtaining a magic-tool-type base in the dungeon was great news.
So, in exchange for a magic bag, I generously sent them various pieces of furniture.
If it helped them focus on their duties as heroes, it was a small price to pay.
“…It’s great that things are going well, but while gathering points in the dungeon, I also need to level up. If I want to be of help to those guys, I’ll need to take down any dark dragon-aligned demons I come across.”
At the same time, if I helped Sierra level up and grow as a mythical beast, it would eventually aid the heroes.
Rei, the golden dragon, had secretly told me that if Sierra evolved from a mythical beast into a sacred beast, it would also increase the power of the creator god, Kesaran Pasaran.
I had no idea how to make that happen, but for now, helping her level up seemed like the best course of action.
Thanks to the dungeon, progress was steady.
Since she had already learned Body Enhancement, next, I planned to teach her the highly useful Life Magic—especially purification!
The day she spotted a small stream and cheerfully declared, “I’ll wash my clothes and body now!” before jumping in fully dressed… was a moment of pure despair.
Now, either Ketsue or I regularly cast Cleanse on her, and she’s become accustomed to a clean lifestyle.
I made sure to drill the importance of handwashing into her as well, explaining that it was essential for preventing illness.
If she could use purification magic on her own, I’d feel much more at ease.
Even if she got separated in the dungeon, she’d be able to drink water with Water Creation and make fire with Ignite, ensuring she wouldn’t starve.
Life Magic is far more valuable than people give it credit for—I sincerely believe that.
◆◇◆
And so, another workday begins.
“Alright, let’s head to the dungeon.”
“All set!”
“Meow!”
Sierra carefully stored the bento I had made with breakfast in her magic bag.
Ketsue, looking excited, tucked his own bento away in his Item Box.
Then, we made our way to the Adventurers’ Guild.
While waiting in line to enter the dungeon, we got caught up in an unwanted commotion.
“Hey, ain’t that a cute little bunch?”
“Just two runts and a cat?”
“You think you can survive in the dungeon with those scrawny arms?”
The unpleasant voices behind me were not worth acknowledging.
Adventurers come in all types. Those aiming for the top usually know how to behave, but some are nothing more than thugs.
Ignoring them was the best way to avoid wasting time.
But then—
“Hey, you listening, little ladies?”
“We’re offering to protect you out of the kindness of our hearts, so why don’t you be good girls and obey?”
That, I couldn’t let slide.
“…Excuse me?”
Who the hell are you calling ‘little ladies’?!