Chapter 69 - 69: - First Encounter

As we entered Sumifuku Dungeon, we moved to a little open space. In there, Katagiri informed everyone about what we're going to do in this dungeon.

"Well then, I'm going to ask every participant to try acquiring the status. As everyone already knows, status can be acquired by defeating a monster for the first time. However, the probability of acquiring one is only about 50%."

Hearing his words, the students began to cause a commotion.

"I see. Only half of the people here can acquire the status. This makes me scared…"

"Now that I've finally come this far, I will definitely acquire it!"

"Unique skill come! Unique skill come! Unique skill come! Unique–"

It was really an indescribable sight.. Well, of course, their life would be influenced depending on the result of these few minutes after all.

When I looked at my side, Hana's hands were also trembling nervously. Hence, I put my hand on both hands of Hana.

"Onii-chan?"

"Acquiring status is completely a matter of luck. So, there is no need to be that nervous. Wait, now that I think about it, saying that would defeat the purpose…"

I might have just made a mistake in the words I used to encourage her. As I thought about that, Hana suddenly laughed.

"What's that? If you're going to encourage me, please do it til the end, Onii-chan."

"M-my bad."

"Well, because of that, I felt a little better. Thank you."

As she said, Hana's expression was calmer than before. In any case, I'm glad if that could release her tension.

Still, I had a question about something. Why did Hana want to be an adventurer in the first place? I'm sure we never talked about this before. But when I was about to ask Hana about that, Katagiri resumed his explanation.

"Basically, I will bring three people and help them to defeat a monster while the rest is waiting here with Yanagi. However, those who have an escort of someone with level 100 or higher can act freely with that person. But those who were able to acquire the status please report it to me or Yanagi."

Hearing the explanation, I nodded.

"To put it simply, you can choose whether to have the people from the Adventurer's Association helping you or go by ourselves. Which do you choose, Hana?"

"Hmm, as expected I think I don't like to do it while being seen by other people. Let's go by ourselves."

"Alright, let's just do that."

Since our objective has been decided, Hana and I left the group and went to defeat the monsters by ourselves. As far as I can see, it looks like nearly half of the participants made the same choices as us.

Then after a few minutes of walking, we immediately encountered a monster.

"Onii-chan, don't tell me this is…."

"Yes, although it looks a lot different from the one you see in games, your guesses are right."

A monster that appeared in front of me and Hana was a fluid and transparent creature with no eyes or nose_a Slime.