Chapter 157.2

Chapter 157.2

Survival

"Oh, we've been waiting for you. Oh, Egetsu-san? You've lost quite a bit of weight, haven't you?"

"Well, yes, I've slimmed down for the New Year But it's something common for bodybuilders, you know."

"I see. That must be tough. Well then, please, this way to the private room"

As soon as we arrived at the Sanada Pharmaceuticals building, Tadokoro-san, our contact person, greeted us. Nina-san had made the appointment confirmation call in advance. She's really capable, that Nina-san.

"Tadokoro-san, I look forward to working with you again this year (bow)"

Upon entering the private room and before sitting face to face, Nana-san politely exchanged New Year's greetings with Mr. Tadokoro, prompting me to quickly bow my head too. So this is the timing for New Year's greetings. Ah, but it would be strange to do it after sitting down. I see, as expected.

"No, no, the pleasure is ours. And, the materials you bring us are of such high quality that the research department is asking for more. Thank you for delivering them faster than we expected."

Oh, I see. Tadokoro-san's treatment of us seems more polite than when we first met, and now I understand why.

"As promised, we've brought the same amount as last time. It's 50kg, please accept it."

In line with Nina-san's words, I placed the cooler box on the table.

I'm fine with this weight, but the buckles holding the nylon belt were creaking as if they were about to break. If I hadn't switched to carrying it like this on the way here, it would have definitely broken.

"(Snap) Oh, this is great! Thank you very much. So, can we discuss the next matter now? Can we ask for your help again?"

Apologizing with a hint of regret, Mr. Tadokoro, wearing glasses, spoke.

"Thank you. That's not a problem. But do you really need our assistance again?"

It's my stored-up trash, so it's a blessing for us. But Nina-san seemed curious and asked Tadokoro-san about the reason.

"(Well, I hope this stays between us Actually, our company has also succeeded in developing a healing potion)"

"Oh, congratulations!"

"Wow, that's amazing. Does that mean your stock price is soaring!"

"(Ah well, I don't think so. We were actually forbidden by the government to announce it)"nove(l)bi(n.)com

"Yeah this is a bit unexpected"

"Kaah! Kaah!"

"What should we do?"

"Well let's become stronger"

I'm unemployed, unable to earn money by selling magic stones because the Dungeon Shop has closed. Amidst that situation, a business opportunity that came from reaching out as a last resort. The profit is substantial, and for me, whose annual income was just around 3 million yen during my salaryman days, it's incredibly attractive.

To abandon such a business opportunity I've finally obtained would be too wasteful.

"I wonder if it'll really be okay"

"Well speaking of risks, if you drive a car, there's a risk of accidents. But if it's necessary and convenient, people will use it. Investments, fire, it's all the same."

"Kaah! Kaah!"

""

"So we can't really say it'll be okay. After all, now is the time of [Goblins attacking convenience stores].' Regardless of what kind of life we lived before, the risk has definitely increased significantly. In that case, instead of becoming stronger to face any risk encountered, isn't that the only thing we can do?"

In whatever form, money is necessary to live. And so is the strength to survive.

So, we, who could freely access the Dungeon, can be considered quite fortunate.

""(Zap! Clang Thud! Brrrrraaaagh!)""

Thinking the crows had been unusually noisy since earlier, it seemed they were getting targeted by a beast rat as two got tangled and fell from the tall tree.

"Gyuchii!!"

"Ahou! Ahouu!"

Living, ultimately, is a struggle for survival.

Whether it's clean or dirty, appearances are secondary. That applies to conflicts between great nations, as well as the battle between the crows in the city and the beast rat that emerged from the dungeon, unfolding right in front of us.

"That's true Rather than becoming stronger, there's nothing else we can do"

As Nina-san murmured, her beautiful eyes were directed towards the scene where the crows and beast rat, covered in dirt and blood, fought fiercely for their survival.