Chapter 234

"There are other tunnels, but this one is easy to enter and easy to explore.

If it were a place full of pits and bumps, four people wouldn't be able to get in."

In front of the tunnel, Uranus explained various things. I listened while relaxing my body. The solution loosened the hold.

"Don't you need to mine ore? Like a pickaxe or something?"

Uranus shook his head at Meleoron, who was pretending to dig the ground with a pickaxe.

"As a work event, there is such a thing.

The tunnels where monsters appear will drop them on their own, so all you have to do is pick them up.

However, 3/4 of them are Free Stone. This is no different from mining in real life."

"Uh, just in case, isn't it a waste to have me pick up stones?"

"That's not good. If Atari appears, it would be profitable."

I think it's best to just get hits. Coal mines don't have that kind of fun. Instead, there are losses from gas or other things... and the frequency cannot be ignored.

"Following the formation order, I will be in the front, Meleoron and Seam in the middle, and Aisha in the back.

Depending on the situation, I will swap positions with Aisha. There might be situations where Meleoron has to fight, so I want you to act flexibly."

"…Are you going to fight me too?"

"During a melee. I'm not carrying a backpack, and the monsters aren't that strong, so I can handle it. There is Meleoron's aura.

Don't force your hands to attack, just kick it. Meleoron, your leg strength is good."

"Yeah… I understand."

I see, Meleoron might also fight. I have to take that into account as well.

"Because it's a tunnel, there are many small monsters, the largest being the size of a human.

It's dark, and they often attack from under your feet, so be careful, Meleoron and Seam. I want you to pick up ore, so I don't want to see your feet.

Now, about the monsters that appear—"

Uranus explained the monsters. There was a long explanation, such as how to distinguish between low and high amounts of obtainable ore, and how to use the Antidote.

The explanation ended when the brother and sister showed slightly disgusted expressions.

Meleoron and Seam turned on the Flashlights tied to their arms.

I will also be wrapped by Uranus's "Perimeter".

"Then let's go.

You basically move slowly, but even if you aren't moving in the tunnel, monsters will appear over time, so don't let your guard down."

Led by Uranus, we quietly entered the dark mine.

Inside the tunnel, the construction was organized quite well.

That's just it... if this kind of tunnel is dug well, the walls and ceiling will undergo Transmutation, and the steel bars to prevent it from collapsing will be sloppy. Tunnels dug according to a plan are somehow made to look like people could live there. If it looks safe, wild animals might settle there.

However, if you walk, you will get dusty or damp. It's hard to say it's comfortable, and as long as you are underground, the risk of being buried alive is not zero.... If you say that, you can't enter the tunnel.

When the light at the entrance disappeared, Meleoron and Seam stretched their arms backward. Inside the brightly lit tunnel. It seemed the structure hadn't changed particularly, and there were no signs of monsters.

The problem is that monsters appear suddenly. If it were there from the beginning, you would notice it, but it makes contact with you as if you were twisting. It cannot be detected in advance. That's how the tender beads are.

Uranus stopped.

"There are two Kobolds ahead.

Some stones are rolling a few meters ahead. Pick them up later."

Whether his words ended. A signal came from the front.

Exposed to the Flashlight's light, Uranus took a step, his arms trembling.

Right in front, Jajanken! And smoke. Uranus picked up a card and threw it backward without looking back. Seam hurriedly picked up the card that fell to the ground with a "Wow," and took out a "Book" Binder. Meleoron kept shining forward.

While watching them from behind, I never let my guard down.

"518: Kobold"

G-Rank Card limit 713

An upright dog with a keen sense of smell, not afraid of the dark

Minion attack without weapons

After Seam put away the card, Uranus continued his steps.

Uranus stopped a few meters ahead. Meleoron and Seam also stopped and picked up the three stones rolling at our feet, without being told.

"None. Free Stone."

"I also have a normal stone."

"Hmm. Throw away the card by the Wall.

When we come back, I want to distinguish between the stones we picked up and the ones we didn't."

Ah, I see. If you throw it where you picked it up, it will be in the same place as the stones when you return, so it's confusing. In battles with monsters, you might overlook some stones, and it's not always possible to find all the stones by going there.

When the siblings discarded the cards, Uranus started walking.

──Uranus issued a warning, turning his attention to the signs appearing at my feet.

"Hiss!"

I lifted one leg to avoid the black Snake making a grunting sound. I passed through the torso with that foot. It made a sound, so I couldn't miss my target. I didn't even have to rely on the faint light projected by Seam. The Snakes attacking one after another were also kicked away directly.

"Good. Pick up the stones."

After kicking the five black Snakes, Meleoron and Seam picked up the stones rolling at their feet. I picked up a Snake card.

"689: Dark Roper"

H-Rank Card limit 849

Pitch Darkness snake living in the mine attacking people

It is very fast, but if it bites you, it's no big deal.

Throw the card at the Wall like Uranus. No matter how you look at it, it's not worth much. It doesn't seem to be poisonous; it's a genuine Zaku.

After picking up the Stone, the brothers and sisters threw cards at the Wall in the same way. I also feel it's not good.

"Hmm?

I picked up a piece of Onyx Ore, but is this a good item? G-Rank."

"This is not bad, but it's not expensive either.

I think it's probably around 2000 or 3000. Put it away."

"Yes."

While listening to the exchange between Meleoron and Uranus, I picked up the Stone at my feet.

"1043: Magnetite"

H-Rank Card, limit 923.

Magnetite: A black iron ore with strong magnetic properties.

Yeah, not good. Point.

"Let's go."

Uranus walked forward. We started to advance cautiously together.

"Can you really make money here?

Meleoron expressed his doubts.

"Well... I need to get rid of the quarrying.

Monsters can earn a lot of money, but if you Stick to it, the powerful monsters that come out tend to be your main source of income."

Uranus returned reluctantly. Hmm...

"The time efficiency doesn't seem bad, but it might not be worth the effort."

When I said this, Uranus thought for a moment and nodded.

"That's right, combat events are just like that."

Seam, who had been flashing lights, seemed to have made a Discovery on the Wall.

"There is something."

Saying that, Seam walked over. Behind it, the ground bulged slightly.

Uranus and I moved at the same time, using one foot to crush the bulging lump of soil. Even with only a faint glimmer, you wouldn't miss the signs of a scratchmole appearing. Killed two with this.

However, the timing changed, and the only remaining body, the soil, moved—closer to Seam. Will you make it in time?!

Meleoron used the momentum of running to kick the mole. It just crossed past Seam and hit the Wall.

"Sister!?"

"Aichi... that was too scary.

Seam, you have to be careful even if the mole is behind me."

"Eh!?"

Ha... I sighed. Didn't you notice?

Uranus and I each picked up a card and walked toward it.

He walked over to him and patted Seam's head. Me and Uranus.

"What, what!"

"Please be careful!

If I leave without permission, I can't help you!"

"It's fine to say there's something, but don't go before I react!

You said it was dangerous! Fool!"

"Ah..."

He tilted his head to look at the scolded and crying Seam, then looked at Meleoron, who was patting his own clothes.

"Are you okay?"

"Rest assured, I was guarding with momentum.

Well, I have to collect this too. Book."

Meleoron took out a Binder, so Uranus and I handed the cards to me. 3 moles? This is a meager income.

──Ah? Speaking of which.

While gently stroking the head of Seam, who was still in pain,

"Seam, did you make any Discovery?"

"... Hmm?

Well, there is something green around here..."

"Is it this?"

Uranus picked up a Stone that was emitting green light at his feet. Good! Turn into a card,

"1061: Raw Peridot"

F-Rank Card, limit 158.

Ore that presents a bright green color.

The color does not fade even under night lighting.

"Unfortunately, it's not something like emerald."

Uranus smiled bitterly and handed it to Meleoron. Meleoron thought for a moment and handed the card to Seam.

"If you found it, then put yours down."

"Hm? Yes... a book.

I'm sorry, sister..."

"Be careful.

If it weren't as weak as it was before, I'm sorry for getting hurt."

"Okay..."

"Come on, let's keep moving forward.

If a monster appears, that wouldn't be funny."

Uranos said this, and we returned from the Wall to the center of the road and started moving forward again.

"I'm sorry, everyone..."

Seam muttered dejectedly. Uranos did not turn around,

"... that kind of thing is ridiculous.

Focus now. There might be something on the Wall that I saw before."

".... Yes."

Meleoron and Seam's lights wandered here and there. I paid more attention to my feet and back.

I slid past the black blade extending from the Pitch Darkness, my body moving forward, extending my hand to deflect the arm holding the Dagger. Immediately after, my fist smashed into his shimmering nose bridge.

The Kobold Warrior was turned into a card. Of the two in front, Uranos had already taken care of one, and the other was still fighting. Meleoron and Seam directed their light and attention from the rear to the front.

A monster with a glow on its face, wielding a Dagger. Uranos approached him swaggeringly—I flicked the nose of his dog at the last moment with my Finger.

The monster screamed like a dog and turned into a card.

"Alright. Pick it up."

At Uranos's signal, I picked up the card and the Stone.

"519: Kobold Warrior"

E-Grade Card limit 113

Large upright dog body

Attacks through the Pitch Darkness with a blackened Dagger

Are you big? It's about as big as a large man. I know the tip of its nose is its weakness, so it's easy to aim for, which is helpful.

I must ensure the attacks don't flow toward Meleoron and Seam, so I cannot let my guard down. The Pitch Darkness is not just an Obstacle to seeing Aura, it is nerve-wracking. No, this is a good habit.

Suddenly, multiple presences surrounded me. Monsters, but more than one.

"Fighter 3, Hound 3!"

Uranos's voice flew. From behind where I turned, there was 1 Kobold Warrior and 2 Hounds. A Hound approached at close range, kicking as if to graze my head. Preparing to control the Fighter, I sensed another Hound running on the Wall.

"There are Hounds nearby, be careful!"

I couldn't close in because the Fighter was putting distance between us. If you aren't careful when putting it away, you will be further in Separation from your siblings.

The Hound on the Wall was approaching. Pulling out the target Seam, Meleoron kicked. Too early—avoid it!

Catching the dog jumping on Seam in the corner of my vision, I clapped my palms.

Bitch!

Pressure. Watching the sudden recoil, Uranos extended his fist from the other side. A poor Hound, unable to withstand the pressure from both sides, turned into thick smoke.

I did not Eliminate the recoil, put it into the Fighter, and without giving the Sword time to move, I grazed the tip of the nose with my Hand Sword.

The Fighter turned into a card, sweeping the rear.

Looking around, a Warrior and a Hound attacked Uranos at the same time.

The moment the three intersected, a sign appeared—new!

I immediately looked at the sign and judged there were 6 Snakes.

"Black five, black one!"

Uranos shouted while twisting a monster with one arm and one leg. A Snake had an accident!

To reduce the number, I took the initiative against the sign crawling under my feet. Stomping on two corpses in three steps.

Two signs disappeared near the moving Uranos. 2 remaining—

A black Snake was exposed under the nearby light and jumped. Two at the same time toward Meleoron.

Meleoron stood motionless, and both arms were bitten.

Using the Hand Sword to sever the body of the Snake swimming in the air—along with Uranos. Two Snakes turned into cards while biting.

"Phew... I didn't understand.

Aisa, it seems, pick it up. I'll check Meleoron."

There are many... three, three, six, a total of twelve corpses. Are you okay? If there is Aura protection it should be fine... but it will calm you down.

"690: Dark Roper"

F-Grade Card count limit 179

Pitch-black Snake

It lives in mines, wandering around with its fast movements.

Be careful, because the fangs are poisonous.

The one I hit with the Hand Sword was a hit.... Meleoron, I really didn't.

"Uranos, what I hit was a poisonous Snake."

"Hm. Understood."

"If it's okay..."

"I am certain I have protected you well."

"I know, but even the slightest wound can lead to poisoning.

... Hm? Do you have a wound on your hand?"

"Ah, that was when you bumped into the Wall just now—"

"... Tell me.

At that time."

"I'm sorry.

... Hey, I have a lamp wrapped around my arm, so I must protect it well too..."

"Ah... I was wrong, damn it.

I was too careless about protecting the lighting. I also overlooked the wound...

This is bad, let's start over. I cannot go deep like this."

"Atashi, if you are fine.

Such a small wound—"

"No, I obtained the Aya. It is best to start over at a time like this.

I am not fully prepared, and monsters will appear when returning. There is no point in forcing myself."

"But..."

"I am not blaming Meleoron. I am just unlucky.

By the way, I also didn't adjust the lamp properly."

I shouted to Seam while handing over the card I had picked up.

"Meleoron, don't go too far.

With poisonous monsters like the ones now, it is natural to turn back if injured."

"... Sorry."

"Didn't you say that was Ato?

... Have you all finished picking them up?"

"Yeah, I have finished picking them up."

"Yes."

"Good, then let's evacuate. For now, we have confirmed that Meleoron is not poisoned.

Aisha, can you be a bit faster? I will be the last one."

"I understand.

... Many monsters appeared at the back of the tunnel, right?"

"Mm, it is the same on the way back.

If you move too slowly, enemies will appear even as time passes, so being careful and maintaining your speed is the safest. There is no need to pick up Stone to bring back."

"Understood, everyone let's go."

"Yes."

"Okay."

"Okay. I will also keep an eye on the front."

I encountered some monsters on the way back, but somehow managed to reach the entrance of the tunnel without getting injured. It is a place 30 minutes after entering.

"I finally got out."

"I see..."

"Good work, everyone."

The three people behind me spoke up. When I turned to my friends,

"Thank you all for your work.

Now, what are you going to do?"

"Hm...

Put on clothes first. Rest here for a while."

"Haha..."

Uranus made a Suggestion, and the siblings sat down and sighed, unwilling to accept it.

There was a certain level of tension, but I still had to let my shoulders adapt to it. The lamp was half-baked, and this distracted me more than I imagined. Of course, this is a problem in the Pitch Darkness. There are signs of monsters, but I cannot find the dropped Stone or cards.

"Book.

Both of you can take off the Flashlight. I will not use it again."

"Hm? Are we not going in yet?"

Meleoron listened to Uranus's words.

"Go in.

But there is a problem with the Flashlight, so prepare a substitute.... I really don't like it."

"?

Is there a problem?"

I asked doubtfully, and Uranus held a card with a confused look on his face.

"Obtained.

... Well, it is a matter of mood. As for me, I just don't want to do it this way."

Uranus was in charge of distributing the uncombed water and food. I also received some.

"Do you intend to use Kamiji to extinguish the light?"

"Ah, yes. That's right.

... I know this is better. I am ashamed..."

What is it. Are you that embarrassed? Or is it for a different reason?

In fact, he revealed to his siblings that Uranus could heal him, and suggested that Uranus go to another city after using Kamiji to treat Meleoron's hand injury.

In order to sell cards 50 times in Antokiba, I flew with "Return", flew with "Return" to replenish the Movement Spell in Masadora, and after replenishing it, I used "Return" to return to Toralia. Hmm...

"Do you use 'Return' like that?

That takes a lot of time and money, doesn't it?"

Meleoron also voiced my doubts.

"Even so, one day I have to sell 50 times in Antokiba, and as expected, I still have to replenish my Movement Spell. I am going back to Otania for Training."

While listening to the Suggestion of Meleoron and Uranus, I thought it was easy to think of the Movement Spell. It's too hard if you don't use it... it's not a strategy. Yes, I didn't.

"But you are going into the tunnel again, right?

I will still get monsters and ores, and I will definitely Collect about 50, so why not go to Antokiba after that? I don't think it's a good idea to waste time going elsewhere."

"Alright then...

Then let's go."

"Look. You're going to Antokiba anyway, I think it's better to go to the same shop at lunchtime. Aisha..."

"Ah, yes. I agree."

"Hm? What are you talking about?"

My name suddenly came up, so I checked. I sort of understand.

"No, Aisha is satisfied with the food shop in Antokiba, right?"

"…………"

Uranus said without offense. No, I won't deny it. I'm a little hungry. Can I buy another Gaged? Uh, I know you want to save money on food, but...

Toralia tunnel search results

Purchase cards

"10453: Calorie Friend" 4 cards

"12323: Flashlight" 2 cards "12505

: Water" 4 cards "12772

: Antidote" 4 cards

Total purchase amount: 9600 Jenny

All cards with a total of less than 1000 Jenny were discarded)

"518: Kobold" 18

"519: Kobold Fighter" 21

"690: Dark Roper" 2

"708: Scratchmall" 18

"1048: Argentite"

11050: Tiger's Eye Raw Stone 2 pieces

"1052: Malachite Raw Stone" 1 piece

"1053: Onyx Raw Stone" 1 piece "1055: Moonstone Raw

Stone" 2 pieces "1062: Lapis Lazuli Ore" 1 piece "1066: Crystal Ore" 1 piece Total shop sales 164800