I was reincarnated as bait for the summoned hero
Believing in the words of the golden dragon Rei, who said that a full-scale flood stampede was still some time away, we set up a tent for resting.
Since the sunlight was a bit glaring, we also stretched out a tarp.
Under the tarp, we began setting up workbenches and table sets.
If comfort were the priority, we would use a tiny house, but unfortunately, this place is inside a dungeon.
Even though it’s a safety area, there’s no way to bring a house here.
Therefore, what I’ll use are the beloved camping tools I brought from Japan.
However, thanks to being blessed by the creation god, they’ve been turned into indestructible magical items with barrier functions to prevent deterioration.
“Super convenient, right? The tabletop stove can be used endlessly.”
All the luggage I had in my car when I got caught up in the hero summoning has been blessed by the creation god.
The gas fuel for the stove never decreases no matter how much you use it. The same goes for smartphones and game consoles—they’re usable endlessly without charging.
Apparently, even Natsuki’s hairdryer can be used without electricity.
The Japanese tabletop stove closely resembles a magic stove, which makes it easy to pass off as a handy magical item if anyone sees it.
(Well, there are plenty of mysterious drop items in dungeons anyway.)
The magic toilet is the prime example.
No one would ever think that a shower toilet could drop from a dungeon.
(Well, that’s because I insisted that cleanliness and comfort are essential…)
I heard that first-time magic items dropped in the dungeon are being analyzed daily by magic tool artisans and appraisers, working hard to make them practical.
I really hope they manage to recreate the magic toilet.
Anyway, hunger has reached its limit.
To recover mana, food is essential. Preferably ingredients rich in mana.
The quickest option is, of course, cooking monster meat.
I checked the contents of my [Item Box] and sighed.
“Ahh… there’s no prepared food left…”
“What?”
‘How cruel…!’
“Mew~…”
They all gave me wounded expressions, but I returned their looks coolly.
“You guys ate it all, remember?”
Realization seemed to hit them, and they fell silent. Good.
In any case, I won’t be able to move unless I get something in my stomach.
“There’s no helping it. Let’s stock up at the convenience store.”
Since I earned a lot of Arachne points, I decided to splurge on supplies without worrying about the cost.
I opened the [Summon Magic Online Shopping] screen from my status menu and tapped on the convenience store.
“First, something quick to eat. Onigiri, sandwiches, bento boxes, hot snacks…”
I added products for four people into the cart, checked out immediately, and arranged the items delivered to my [Item Box] on the table.
“Wow…! Looks delicious.”
‘Fried chicken…! There’s fried chicken too!’
“Gwoooorrrr!”
While everyone eagerly dug into the purchased bento meals, I kept adding more food to the cart while munching on an onigiri.
I bought a large quantity of items that could be eaten immediately.
“Hmm, this is good.”
Convenience store products often stop carrying your favorites without warning, replaced by new arrivals.
I’ve shed many tears over this, but now I look forward to the new releases.
Occasionally, there are misses, but most of the time they’re delicious.
I always make a point to buy limited-time or seasonal products.
“Which one was tasty?”
“This. The new egg croissant. It’s super buttery with crispy layers and a generously stuffed egg filling—delicious!”
“I see… Hmm, it really is tasty.”
‘This Japanese dessert parfait is amazing! Sweet red bean paste, roasted soybean powder, chewy mochi, and cream—it’s heavenly!’
Rei looked dumbfounded as Sheera skillfully devoured convenience store sweets using her beak.
“Shela, isn’t it hard to eat like that? Why don’t you revert from your beast form?”
It was a valid question.
The beautiful silver bird glimmered her aquamarine eyes sharply and replied,
‘Because being a small bird lets me eat more and be happier, doesn’t it?’
Her straightforward response made the dragon flinch unexpectedly.
Why did he seem so shocked?
I thought he’d brush it off with exasperation, but instead, Rei wavered, looking like he wanted to say, “So that’s how it works?”
“So that’s how it works…”
He actually said it. Damn, this guy. A golden dragon boasting power second only to the gods.
“Indeed, a wise child born from the egg of a mythical beast.”
Nodding approvingly, the blond handsome man transformed into a baby dragon.
“……”
‘Oh! Indeed, being small does let me enjoy things longer.’
The teriyaki chicken sandwich, which fit in one hand in human form, now required both front paws to hold in his baby dragon form, making him innocently delighted.
Sighing lightly, I decided to eat instant ramen since the water had just boiled.
‘Muu, unfair, Tohma! I want cup yakisoba too.’
‘I want cup udon! The one with tempura!’
Of course, the two greedy ones promptly made their requests.
“Alright, alright. Wait three minutes and five minutes. What about Kotesu? Ah, he prefers kamaboko and salad chicken. Then, this one.”
The cat certainly made healthier choices.
But well, considering how desperately hungry I was, I fully understood craving junk food.
After calming our stomachs with onigiri, sandwiches, hamburger bentos, and instant noodles, we moved on to grilling meat.
This was steak from an advanced species of High Orcs.
Thick slices seasoned simply with salt and pepper, then slowly grilled on a frying pan.
We had various sauces available to taste as preferred.
Making salads or soups from scratch felt troublesome, so we substituted with convenience store side dishes.
“Done! Steak complete!”
Convenience store food was tasty, but nothing beat monster meat for mana recovery.
Just plain meat seasoned with salt and pepper made my mouth water. Looked delicious.
Too lazy to elegantly cut it with a knife, I speared chunks with a fork and shoveled it into my mouth.
Wildly biting into it, chewing, I almost drowned in the overflowing juices. Just salt and pepper alone made it incredibly delicious.
Mindlessly eating half of it, I finished the other half with garlic steak sauce.
My insides warmed up, and I could feel my mana gradually recovering.
The baby dragon, white crow, and calico-patterned cat were all engrossed in wolfing down their steaks.
Ah, I’m alive.
As if confirming my existence, I continued to eat and recover, while grilling more meat for seconds.
◆◇◆
With our bellies full, we rested inside the tent. As a precaution, baby dragon Rei stood guard outside.
The interior of the tent was expanded with magic, allowing us each to set up our favorite beds for a nap.
Sheera finally reverted to human form, yawning widely as she crawled into bed.
I also removed my gear, got comfortable, and collapsed onto the bed.
Already fast asleep in my arms was Kotesu.
Though he was just over six months old, I regretted pushing the little kitten too hard.
(Next is the 76th floor. Are there more monsters there too…?)
It was disheartening, but I didn’t want the Anheim Dungeon, our base, to flood.
I didn’t want the demon-controlled areas expanding either, nor did I want my precious home destroyed.
I’ve gotten to know many adventurers and have favorite shops to visit.
I didn’t want to see the resilient people torn apart by monsters and beasts.
“… Guess I’ll rely on the blessings of the creation goddess Kesaran Pasaran and sneak around quietly.”
After all, I’m not a hero.
There must be ways to fight suited to someone like me.
“For now, focus on recovering stamina and mana.”
Closing my eyes, sleep instantly overtook me. I didn’t even have the energy to count to ten.
.
.
.
.
.
.
How to Invest in Index Funds for Beginners: A Step-by-Step Guide
Investing can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re just starting out. With so many options available, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. But there’s one investment strategy that stands out for its simplicity, low cost, and proven track record: index fund investing. If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly way to grow your wealth over time, index funds are a great place to start.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about index funds—what they are, why they’re ideal for beginners, and how to get started. By the end, you’ll have a clear roadmap to begin your investment journey.
What Are Index Funds?
An index fund is a type of mutual fund or exchange-traded fund (ETF) that tracks the performance of a specific market index, such as the S&P 500 or the Dow Jones Industrial Average. Instead of trying to pick individual stocks, index funds aim to replicate the performance of the entire market or a specific sector.
For example, if you invest in an S&P 500 index fund, your money is spread across the 500 largest companies in the U.S. This means you’re not betting on a single stock but on the overall growth of the market.
Why Index Funds Are Perfect for Beginners
Index funds are often recommended for beginners because they offer several key advantages:
- Diversification: With one investment, you gain exposure to hundreds of companies, reducing the risk of losing money if one stock performs poorly.
- Low Costs: Index funds typically have lower fees than actively managed funds because they don’t require a team of analysts to pick stocks.
- Simplicity: You don’t need to be a stock market expert to invest in index funds. They’re a “set it and forget it” strategy that works well for long-term investors.
- Proven Performance: Over time, index funds have consistently outperformed many actively managed funds, making them a reliable choice for building wealth.
How to Start Investing in Index Funds: A Step-by-Step Guide
Ready to get started? Follow these simple steps to begin investing in index funds.
Step 1: Choose a Brokerage Account
To invest in index funds, you’ll need a brokerage account. A brokerage is a platform that allows you to buy and sell investments. Some popular options for beginners include:
- Vanguard: Known for its low-cost index funds and user-friendly platform.
- Fidelity: Offers a wide range of index funds with no minimum investment requirements.
- Charles Schwab: Provides excellent customer service and a variety of investment options.
When choosing a brokerage, look for one with low fees, a good selection of index funds, and an easy-to-use interface.
Step 2: Select the Right Index Fund
Once you have a brokerage account, it’s time to choose an index fund. Here are a few popular options:
- S&P 500 Index Funds: Tracks the 500 largest U.S. companies. Great for broad market exposure.
- Total Stock Market Index Funds: Includes small, mid, and large-cap stocks for even more diversification.
- International Index Funds: Invests in companies outside the U.S., helping you diversify globally.
For beginners, an S&P 500 or total stock market index fund is often the best starting point.
Step 3: Make Your First Investment
After selecting your index fund, it’s time to invest. Decide how much you want to start with—many brokerages allow you to begin with as little as $100. You can also set up automatic contributions to invest a fixed amount each month, which is a great way to build wealth over time.
Benefits of Index Fund Investing
Index funds offer several benefits that make them an attractive option for both new and experienced investors:
- Lower Risk: By diversifying across many companies, you reduce the risk of losing money on a single stock.
- Tax Efficiency: Index funds tend to have lower turnover, meaning fewer taxable events compared to actively managed funds.
- Long-Term Growth: Historically, the stock market has returned about 7-10% annually over the long term, making index funds a solid choice for retirement or other long-term goals.
Risks to Consider
While index funds are generally considered low-risk compared to individual stocks, they’re not without their downsides:
- Market Volatility: Index funds follow the market, so if the market drops, so does your investment. However, history shows that markets recover over time.
- No Chance to Beat the Market: Since index funds track the market, you won’t outperform it. But for most investors, matching the market is a solid strategy.
Tips for Long-Term Success with Index Funds
To make the most of your index fund investments, keep these tips in mind:
- Stay Consistent: Invest regularly, even if it’s a small amount. This strategy, known as dollar-cost averaging, helps smooth out market fluctuations.
- Diversify: Consider adding international or bond index funds to your portfolio as you grow your investments.
- Avoid Panic Selling: Market dips are normal. Stay the course and avoid selling during downturns.
Real-Life Success Story: The Power of Index Funds
Take the story of Sarah, a 30-year-old teacher who started investing $200 a month in an S&P 500 index fund. Over 30 years, with an average annual return of 7%, her investment grew to over $240,000. This simple, consistent approach allowed her to build a substantial nest egg without needing to pick individual stocks or time the market.
Conclusion: Start Your Investment Journey Today
Index funds offer a simple, low-cost way to start investing and build long-term wealth. By following the steps outlined in this guide—choosing a brokerage, selecting the right fund, and investing consistently—you can take control of your financial future.
Ready to take the next step? Open a brokerage account today and make your first investment in an index fund. Your future self will thank you!
