Earth Dungeon 99.2

Test

Chapter 99.2. Banquet

Despite being a young girl, Kamishiro Serika, who possessed the unique skill [Appraisal] and introduced groundbreaking items, joined the dungeon exploration. 

Although those around her were aloof, they couldn't ignore Serika, who had the attention of higher-ups. Soldiers who wouldn't normally participate in dungeon exploration accompanied her as escorts, and the conquest began.

However, it seems the soldiers got influenced by a cowardly wind. Several times, instead of Karin, they volunteered for the scout role and provided false reports. They claimed that many goblins were ahead or that Red Caps were spawning, making it dangerous.

At that time, Karin's [Truth Detection] skill was at level zero. However, she could tell they were lying because their necks were slightly tense and uncomfortable.

Despite receiving false reports, Serika continued the march without concern, overcame the path to the Goblin King, defeated the king, and easily obtained a Level 1 Skill Upgrade Potion from the core.

Impressed with her brilliance, Karin got approached by Serika with a cheerful smile.

"Hey, I've seen you rub your neck. Could it be... you have the [Truth Detection] skill?"

Surprised, Karin nodded, and Serika, with a delighted smile, asked about Karin's skill composition. 

After confessing, Karin got picked up by her.

From then on, Karin's situation changed rapidly.

"Make a contract with me and become a magical intelligence agent!"

With a radiant smile, she proposed, and Karin agreed. Instantly, she bought the Skill Level Upgrade Potions, raising Karin's [Cat Transformation] and [Hidden Weapon] skills to 3, and the [Truth Detection] skill to 2. She also received Status Upgrade Potions, acquiring strength that could rival a short gun. In the following month, as the dealings with the Defense Force began, her [Cat Transformation] and [Hidden Weapon] skills were raised to 4, and [Truth Detection] to 3.

With my skills now at level 3, my status got elevated to a Sergeant level, and my treatment changed. I no longer needed guardians, thanks to Serika accompanying me.

When I happily informed her parents that I became a sergeant, I also told them I would use the name "Kazama". I then left home. I didn't know what happened afterward. They might have fallen into the outer town, but I didn't particularly care.

Surprisingly, Serika made her a spy investigating the abandoned town instead. It was surprising, but it was better than dungeon exploration. Much better.

The people in the abandoned town lived in a world that might made right. It was a miserable world of feast or famine, but it was better than the inner town filled with pretense. It was for the sake of the greatly indebted Serika.

It was a straightforward world of survival of the fittest, and she could act without caring about the eyes of superiors or the wealthy. Even if she cheated in transactions, it was a world of survival of the fittest. There was nothing to worry about.

"That was supposed to be the case, but-nya~. The Defense Force is going too far. Seeing these seemingly happy people makes me feel guilty-nya~."

In a world of survival of the fittest, she had been able to live freely without worrying, but now it was no longer survival of the fittest. It was no longer a world of stripping corpses, stealing neighbors' food, lying, and scheming against others.

While feeling a mixture of joy and guilt for what she had done so far, Karin complained with puffed cheeks.

"It's unusual. A cat feeling guilt; do you have normal human emotions?"

As she observed the lively people around, a familiar male voice called out to her. It was Amano Sakimori, the man who was rebuilding the abandoned town. Holding several skewers of meat, he approached me with a nonchalant expression.

"It happens to me too, you know, getting sentimental-nya."

"Well, that's truly rare. Aren't you hungry? I got these from the old ladies over there. Go on, eat up."

With a mischievous grin, he handed me a skewer, and I accepted it before taking a hearty bite. It was freshly grilled and quite hot, and I blew out a huff of air.

"So, what's up? Want this old man's advice?"

"... Lately, the abandoned town isn't the survival of the fittest world anymore. I just felt a little guilty about what I've been doing-nya."

I honestly confessed, and after a moment of surprise, Sakimori burst into laughter. What a rude man-nya.

"Did I say something strange-nya?"

"Nya. Getting guilty about shady dealings all of a sudden?"

"Yeah-nya. Sakimori, have you seen the prices in the inner town-nya? Have you seen the price of sweet potatoes-nya?"

With a sarcastic smile, Sakimori stopped laughing and then handed me another skewer.

"Isn't it fine? Back then, you didn't have any connections other than me. Connections are invaluable, and if I were you, I wouldn't feel guilty."

Staring at Sakimori's face, who said that nonchalantly, I felt somewhat disappointed.

"... Is that so, nya?"

"That's right. This scene is also a world created by you, Karin. It's good that it's no longer a world of survival of the fittest."

Staring at Sakimori, who grinned and chuckled, I glared at him, but...

"I might feel a bit more at ease now."

If the guilt had somewhat lessened, that would be a relief.

"That's right. So enjoy the feast. Come on, have another skewer."

Sakimori handed me the last skewer, and I returned his gaze with a displeased look.

"Sakimori... Could it be, you weren't looking for someone to pass this skewer to?"

"Hmm? No, the cat girl looked lonely, so..."

Turning away, Sakimori feigned innocence.

"That's definitely a lie!"

Karin knew that Sakimori disliked smoked meat. So, grumbling, she retorted while playing around, and thus, she decided to enjoy the feast.

Under the lights of civilization, the night progressed with the joyful voices of the people.