CH 48

After trying out the new Treasure Tool the day before yesterday, we haven’t found anything new to do, and are currently eating lunch as usual while thinking about what to do.

“The ultimate goal is to go to America, right?” (Haru)

“I don’t know how to get the money, information, visa, etc. for that.” (Kei)

“You’ve looked into prices, right? How much does a plane ticket cost?” (Haru)

Naturally, there are more dungeons in America than in Japan, and they are concentrated in urban areas. Currently, there are nearly 30 dungeons open to the public, and Hawaii is said to be the most popular among tourists.

And that’s the Land of the Free, America. The requirements to enter a dungeon are lower than in Japan. In fact, many dungeons only require proof of identity. It’s almost as if there’s a lack of safety management.

However, there are ways to deal with this. Some dungeons are designed so that you have to pay an entrance fee to enter the dungeon, and while the price is high, there are dungeons that are more secure.

The most secure dungeons that are open to the general public, for example, require you to be a US citizen and pass a background check that you have to pay for. You can’t have a criminal record, and you always have to have a co-signer who meets the same standards.

So we can’t get in. I’m a Japanese citizen, and I don’t personally know any American.

On the other hand, there are some dungeons that are easy to enter and are also well guarded.

These are the dungeons that have been built in tourist destinations such as Hawaii. These dungeons are designed to make it easier to enter, while still having enhanced security because it is important to let tourists in.

As I expected, I couldn’t find out much about the security procedures. It seems that even the most heavily guarded dungeons have actual regulations. Moreover, they are much more stringent than this.

And, well. That’s about it. If you want to enter a dungeon with the best safeguards, Hawaii is a good place to go. But that’s not our goal.

“The dungeon where the mercenary group that defeated Rimdobmur is located is in New York, right? It’s a tourist attraction, but the security in the dungeon isn’t that great.” (Kei)

“That’s where we’re going, right? How much is the flight to New York?” (Haru)

“It’s not more than 150,000 yen, but that’s for the general public, that’s the problem.” (Kei)

“We’ll have to bring our own weapons. Is there a transit flight option? Wouldn’t that be cheaper?” (Haru)

“Yeah, I’ll look it up.” (Kei)

I quickly ate up the rest of my lunch and opened my computer to check the prices.

I heard that it’s cheaper to use transit flights. Especially for a casual flyer.

“I don’t think so. If you’re trying to get on an armored aircraft, it’s still cheaper to fly direct.” (Kei)

The number of armored aircraft has been increasing since the dungeon was opened to the public. It’s a plane that can carry people as well as equipment for dungeon exploration.

However, due to the weight of the equipment, the number of people that can be carried on these planes is reduced, a large amount of security is put in place, and the cost of entering the country is higher, so the price is many times higher than normal.

One way from Japan to New York costs about 500,000 yen. A round trip would cost as much as one million yen. By the way, if we took a transit flight, it would cost an additional 100,000 yen or more.

The money we made when we sold our magic tools to learn swordsmanship and buy other things we needed was pretty much gone. If we went to America, we would have no money left.

“Do you plan on selling anything to make money again?” (Haru)

“I’d like to stop for a while because I’ve sold some recently and I feel like we’re about to be marked out. I want to stop for a while because I feel like we’re being watched and I’ve read some stuff on the Internet about trying to find out who sold those items online.” (Kei)

“I see. You’ve made it so that people think that our strength is just barely enough to beat the Black Wolf, just barely enough to be an intermediate explorer.” (Haru)

“I’m sure they think we are a little higher because the two of us beat the black wolf, but I don’t think we are at a level where we can produce much in the way of items. I’m not sure if I’m going to be able to sell anything for a while.” (Kei)

“Do you want to go public as powerful explorers?” (Haru)

“It’s okay, but they might ask us how we got so strong, or they might force us to dive into dungeons as a job. That’s just like the current top five. If that happens, we won’t be able to enjoy ourselves. We’d be forced to write reports on our explorations and smile at the TV cameras.” (Kei)

“Oh, absolutely not. Then it’ll be hard to make ends meet.” (Haru)

“That’s right.” (Kei)

The two of us put on our gear, vaguely thinking about finances. Equipment, oh, by the way.

“Haru.” (Kei)

“Hmm? What?” (Haru)

“How do we get a passport to go abroad? We don’t have a guardian.” (Kei)

“Ah!” (Haru)

We were in over our heads. Without a passport, we cannot go abroad, and without a guardian, we cannot get a passport. What’s more…

“Haru. We’re two junior high school graduates and we don’t understand a word of English.” (Kei)

“Ah, yeah.” (Haru)

The two of us are in for a rough ride.

“So, first things first.” (Haru)

“The fact that we can’t get passports because our shitty dad disappeared.” (Kei)

“And the monsters.” (Haru)

“Can I deal with it?” (Haru & Kei)

And how did the siblings relieve their stress?

It was the annihilation of the poor monsters.

“I’ve been thinking lately, isn’t this sword not that sharp?” (Kei)

“No, I don’t know. I’m using a Tonfa.” (Haru)

Gugyaa!!!

Gyagu!!!

The place where we were talking was the usual Forest. However, it has already been used to relieve stress and is now in a state of absolute ruin.

We, siblings, are raiding the forest with a ban on powerful magic enforced on both of us.

Haru uses [Bomb] and [Fissure], while I use [Strong Slash], [Speed], and [Power] to kill monsters and destroy trees.

Perhaps because of this, there are already few trees left standing, and I can see Rimdobmur well above me.

Soaring gracefully in the sky. Howling casually as if nothing had happened. It was a stark contrast to the stress we were currently venting. He looks as if he has nothing to worry about.

“Hey, brother. There’s a perfect punching bag in the sky, can’t you see it?” (Haru)

Haru points to Rimdobmur and says that. Normally, I would say, “Don’t be silly.”

“Oh, yeah, that’s right. Let’s try to knock it down anyway. It’s a proper punching bag.”

We headed for the entrance of the cave as we talked about such nonsense. It was a good place to hide.

I look up. Target confirmed.

“[Scythe] [Intangible Armor]” (Kei)

“[Morning Star] [Liquid Magic]” (Haru)

After testing out our new Treasure Tools, we decided to give them names when we got home. We decided to name them after we got home because it was easier to visualize them with a name, and also because they were had to touch compared to the previous ones. So we named them: [Intangible Armor] and [Liquid Magic].

Intangible Armor because it is formless and you can put magical armor on any object. And Liquid Magic, for the liquid magic power that lasts longer and is more powerful than ordinary magic power.

“Now, let’s go. [Fissure] [Separation] [Collapse]” (Haru)

The Liquid Magic that appeared increased in power and size under the influence of the Morning Star.

Through Magic Synthesis and Rampage, the three spells became one and went berserk.

“Finally. [Impact]” (Haru)

The magic of another attribute is added on top of the three magic contained in the liquid magic, and it burns up vigorously.

“Go!” (Haru)

As Haru swings down her Morning Star that has above her head. A giant fireball flies towards Rimdobmur.

The speed is not really fast probably because of its massive size. If you try to evade it, you will be able to easily evade it. However, the opponent is Rimdobmur.

“You know about pain, but you haven’t actually experienced it, have you?” (Kei)

Rimdobmur flies in the sky not thinking or worrying about the fireball flying towards it. He doesn’t know about pain.

There is no need to dodge something that poses no danger. However, the magic this time is different.

A loud but brief explosion rang out above us.

The sound of an explosion from [Impact]. The sound of that explosion is engulfed by another magic.

“Gugayaah!” (Rimdobmur)

The next sound was Rimdobmur’s scream and the crackling sound of a collapsed space.

“Good damage. Brother you’re next.” (Haru)

“Thanks. Mine’s a little more shabby than yours, though. [Shortcut]” (Kei)

My body glows with the enchantments, and I can see the dark glow of the [Unprotect] spell on Rimdobmur, as it appears to have been successful.

“First stage, success. [Domination]” (Kei)

I took complete control of the magic within me and around me, piling on more and more of the same magic, keeping it in the form it was in just before it was activated.

That magic is Bind. Originally, it was just magic to slightly restrict the enemy’s movement.

However, it was a magic that was layered with [Domination] and strengthened by [Power]. What would happen if it was clad in armor?

Rimdobmur was hit by Haru’s magic, tearing its wings to shreds and lowering its altitude.

“It’s well within range. This is the first time I’m doing this, but I’ll experiment on you while I’m at it. Please, Haru!” (Kei)

“Roger!” (Haru)

Haru opens her own Item Pouch and pulls out a large number of fangs and horns. The strength varies. Some are from the lower levels of the dungeon, while others are drops from the Forest.

“Let’s go!” (Kei)

I thrust the blade of my scythe into the ground. Keeping Rimdobmur firmly in my sight and I adjust [Positioning].

And.

“[Alchemy]” (Kei)

Now that I’m using Domination, there’s no point in chanting. But I can concentrate better too.

A large number of thorny vines pop out all at once from the ground in front of where Rimdobmur is flying. Naturally, viners and I are connected through my magical power. In other words, I am sort of touching the vines. Then, it’s time to finish this.

The metallic drops near me disappeared in an instant. The second step was also a success.

“Gugggiiaaaah!!!” (Rimdobmur)

A large number of thorns scrape and peel off the scales of Rimdobmur, and had even gouged out its flesh.

“Iron Thorns are successful.” (Haru)

“Yeah, but… is it a little underpowered?” (Kei)

This is a forced metal [Alchemy] process. It is made possible by using [Domination] to process different types of material to work. Something that I would normally not be able to do.

The cost of the attack is unusually high due to a large amount of magic power and material I had used.

In return, as can be seen from the result in front of us, the penetrating power of the long-range attack is currently the strongest that we can use.

The wings of the Rimdobmur, which had taken the brunt of it, were riddled with holes and one of them was missing, making it impossible for it to fly, and its body was covered in scars. However,

“Brother, how much magic power do you have left?” (Haru)

“It’s all gone. My headache is killing me. Haru too, right?” (Kei)

“Yeah, I added more magic to the Liquid Magic. If I can’t kill it with this, it’s never been powerful enough.” (Haru)

“Well, do you want to go home?” (Kei)

So while confirming with Haru, I threw my scythe at Rimdobmur with all my might.

The scythe spins around and thoroughly pierces Rimdobmur.

“Gugagyaaa!!!” (Rimdobmur)

It was blown away. Then we watch the scythe fly high in the sky and vanish. The scythe flying in the sky disappears after I release it. The Intangible Armor has already disappeared due to the lack of magical power, and this is the end of the Treasure Tool’s duration.

“Ah. The others are getting close, so this seems hopeless. Yeah. Huh.” (Haru)

Haru looked at the ground around Rimdobmur.

It’s as if a meteorite had hit the ground. And in the center of it, even without wings, stood up on two legs and, Rimdobmur roars.

“We can’t win even if we fight in close quarters. Should we go home?” (Kei)

I’m not going to force a battle with it. It’s not as if we can win since it still has enough magic power to gouge the ground after being shot down. We’ll just be picked off.

“Rimdobmur is a magic oriented monster. It’s the opposite of Gan Ceann.” (Haru)

Regarding the weakness of Rimdobmur.  If a monster’s Magic Capacity is high, it is hard for magic to work against it. The more Strength, the harder it is for physical attacks to work.

In other words, there is a great chance we will win against Rimdobmur as long as we get close enough.

“Well, if we easily could do that, we wouldn’t have such a hard time.” (Kei)

“Brother, let’s go home. I’m tired and I’m hungry.” (Haru)

“Let’s have an early dinner tonight.” (Kei)

The siblings quickly gave up and left. The purpose was to relieve stress, anyway.

So, what’s the next goal?

Finding their parent?