Chapter 89.1
Violet Manor
I saw a delectable-looking turtle floating on the river's surface. It looks even more delicious because I've been dealing with giant slugs endlessly in the dungeon.
But I don't have a net or fishing rod to catch the turtle. What to do?
No problem at all! I've got [Mucus]!
"Hmm It seems the time has come to show off the newly leveled up power of [Mucus] (sluuurp)."
On the bridge, I drip mucus from my fingertips towards the river. I make it as thin and long as possible, like fishing line, not knowing where or who might be watching.
[Splash]
Hmm, the mucus has landed. It's time to move on to the next part of the plan. I use my magical powers to manipulate the created mucus, making the tip wriggle like a worm. The turtle would mistake it for [A worm struggling in the water"].
"Siiigh"
Oh, the turtle notices the fake worm and is approaching.
[Chomp! Plop!]
The turtle has bitten the mucus worm. However, the force of its bite breaks the mucus thread. But no worries.
"Sweet! That was just a decoy; the real target is here!"
[Creak, creak, creak.]
"Excuse me Ah!?"
I opened the sliding glass door at the entrance and was further astounded. The reason was that, upon opening the entrance, I was immediately confronted with a dial-style black telephone that I couldn't tell if it was working.
(I've only seen something like this on TV Amazing, it feels like I've time-traveled to the Showa era.)
The rough cement-floored entrance had a wooden grid, and there was a wall-mounted shoe rack. The writing was fading, but the numbers indicated that the residents of the rooms here probably placed their everyday shoes here.
Oh, by the way, I wonder what they do with the mail? When I turned around, I noticed that there was a communal mailbox on the other side of the thin concrete wall.
(Hmm This living space is quite different from the glamorous image I have of Nina-san's place.)
I can't stand here at the entrance holding the turtle forever. Let's see, I think Nina-san's room should be number 202. Oh, it's available. I'll put my shoes in this shoe rack.
With my shoes now placed in the shoe rack for Room 202, I stepped into the corridor between the boards.
(Squeak, squeak.)
This wooden corridor alerts you of noise when someone walks on it, serving as a security system. I thought the sliding glass door at the entrance was a bit questionable for security, but if it's meant for staying at home, the security might be surprisingly good.
(Squeak, squeak, squeak.)
Furthermore, Nina-san's room is on the second floor, so I climb a narrow, and steep staircase while holding the turtle. Why is this staircase so narrow and steep? Is this also part of the security measures?
Once I reach the top of the stairs, a dimly lit hallway continues, even though it's daytime. However, considering only about 5 rooms are facing west, it's safe to assume that Nina-san's room is the second one from the stairs.