Earth Dungeon 88.2

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Chapter 88.2. Verification

Father, with a puzzled expression, begins to speak, and, indeed, this doesn't seem to be worth exchanging. Is there some hidden effect to these flowers?

"These flowers... They resemble something... They're similar to Fireweed. They're plants that turn an uninhabitable area into a fiery wasteland."

"I remember there being such areas in Kyushu... Is this an inferior version of that?"

"It's a plant I've never seen before... Hehe, very intriguing. A plant I've never seen before..."

Kamishiro-san smiles with the curiosity of a scholar, a lump of inquisitiveness on her face.

"Hmm, then, I'd like you to continue researching these Spring flowers, but you can lower their priority. What about the Winter flowers?"

"They grew when I put them in the refrigerator. It seems they won't grow unless the temperature is within plus or minus 5 degrees."

"So, both of them are useless. A waste of effort. Just E-rank items, after all. Now, the main item. Royal Honey and Finest Sugar. What kind of effect does it have?"

A C-rank item. Royal Honey and Finest Sugar. The only thing known so far is that it contains mana. They're investigating whether it has any dangerous effects.

With that in mind, Kamishiro-san stops contemplating and leads the way to another location.

They proceed through what looks like a cluttered warehouse. She chuckles while looking at a full-body armor from the West placed within a magic circle. It's a bit like they need to tidy up.

In the place we're led to, there's a table with 2 glass bottles that radiate with mana.

One is golden honey, and the other is pure white sugar that sparkles. These are Royal Honey and Finest Sugar.

"This was easy. I understood just by making pancakes. The effect is that you get a little more energetic and a little less tired. Finest Sugar makes you a little more energetic, and Royal Honey makes you less tired. Ahaha, it's a simple ability. I've never seen this either. Fantastic. Want a piece to eat?"

Next to us is a stack of pancakes. The three-tiered pancakes are generously drizzled with syrup. They're probably made with Royal Honey and Finest Sugar.

A little more. Father understood the meaning this time. He breaks into a smile and signals the guards who were waiting behind him with his gaze. The guards nod slightly and exit.

"Fantastic. So, this means it makes you healthier?"

"Saying it makes you more energetic is too abstract. Probably, it imbues vitality, making you more active. Plus, it tastes good."

"Hmm... So it doesn't necessarily make you healthier. Just more energetic..."

"I don't think it has any erotic connotations. I believe it adds a bonus to your status, which means you can fight constantly at a 5% boost in your condition."

Kamishiro-san smiles with a cute expression. A 5% boost in condition? I'm wondering about that, but I get the idea. If it provides a slight status boost, even if it's minimal, that would be fantastic.

Kamishiro-san enjoys her pancakes and offers me a fork, asking if I want some. I take a bite, and it's undeniably delicious. It may be due to the skill of the person who made it, with a soft texture and mild sweetness. When I add syrup, it really brings out the flavor of the pancakes.

I also feel a slight increase in energy from my body. That must be what she means by getting a little more energetic.

"Father, this is amazing."

"It's a C-rank item, so it's not easy to come by. It's too dangerous to order soldiers to enter and clear it out just for some sugar and honey. But..."

Father crosses his arms, sniffs, and squints his eyes. At that moment, a soldier who had been on standby and called over by the guards comes in.

"Minamoto-sama, I'm Captain Anayama."

The man salutes and is an unfamiliar soldier. Who is he?

"He's Captain Anayama. He'll be working hard to procure Royal Honey and Finest Sugar from now on."

"Where can we get such things?"

"Captain Anayama has established a connection with a man in the Ruined City who will bring them."

"What's the cost?"

"It's a pittance. More importantly, acquiring special sugar and honey is crucial."

Father smirks with a cunning glint in his eyes. Indeed, many people like luxurious things. And if it can also remove fatigue from the body.

"Are you going to bring C-rank items so casually? Any side effects?"

"It's okay. We've already investigated that. It's not a drug."

Kamishiro-san waves her hand confidently, so it should be safe.

"Then, Captain Anayama, please get the sugar and honey. And as for the rest, what do you think, Fuuka?"

I nod and smile wryly, understanding the meaning behind Father's words. It's about investigating the man's connections. It must be to find the whereabouts of the girl.

Where should I start looking? I believe I've thoroughly investigated the school. 

I sigh at the thought of reaching out to the suspicious students again.