Earth Dungeon 43.2

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Chapter 43.2. Silver Chest

[Gold, Mithril, and Orichalcum are available too. But they're rarely seen, so you don't have to worry about them. By the way, the treasure chests after dungeon conquests don't have any locks or traps. They have already been disarmed.]

"So, when you find them in the dungeon, there are locks and traps, right? That's terrifying."

I muttered, opening the silver chest. Since treasure chest traps don't seem significant, high-ranked chests must be available only after dungeon conquests.

The chest opens easily, revealing a silver cup slightly larger than the palm of my hand. It is impeccably polished, reflecting my face when I hold it. It appears to be a simple silver cup without decorations, but it emits a faint glow. I can feel the mana from it.

"...Let's destroy it."

Shizuku says, looking at the silver cup with a serious expression, surprising me. I don't see any joking around, so this silver cup is bad.

[This is a Blessed Chalice. Its effect is that once a day, it fills with water that possesses a blessing. Drinking it has a mild effect similar to a low-level potion and slightly improves your health.]

"Alright, but what about the trap?"

I get it, at least to that extent. There must be some downside, right? Like getting addicted or something?

As I play with the silver cup, tapping it lightly, Shizuku furrows her brows. It seems I've hit the mark.

[It improves your health. It gives you a slight resistance against diseases and poisons. If you're overweight, you'll lose about 200 grams, and if you're thin, you'll gain about 200 grams. If you're bald, you'll see a few strands of baby hair growing.]

"So, it's an item that triggers a world war, huh? I see."

It's worse than addiction. Ah, gaining a little health is dangerous. Adult diseases gradually make you unhealthy, so you end up getting them. An item that gradually improves your health is the best.

[It's an item that the rich would give anything for. Even a slight improvement in health means you don't have to worry about detoxing your skin or getting fat or adult diseases. It even cures baldness.]

"Will it trigger a world war?"

There are fat and bald people. If I sell it in this world, it's a guaranteed wealthy life.

[It's the story of seven heroes vying for a silver cup that prevents obesity, cures baldness, and prevents adult diseases. I suppose I'll be Saber then. Sakimori-san, I'm hungry!]

"We'll eat later. I see, it's a tear-inducing effect."

When I say that I'll make food later, Shizuku clings to my face like a baby monkey and protests with grunts. It seems she has some dissatisfaction with our conversation. Did I say something strange?

Anyway, its performance is wonderfully tear-inducing. It's useless to me but undoubtedly a coveted item for the wealthy. If it becomes known that I possess it. They'll either offer a fortune or try to steal it. Either way, it won't end well.

[I've only seen it a few times myself. Usually, people fought over it, and it broke within six months. It's quite rare.]

"Doesn't an initial potion have the same effect?"

[That one restores your body. It doesn't make you healthy but healed you. The effects are similar but different. Potions that improve health are of a much higher rank. You can't use them casually.]

That's a harsh story. This item is cursed?

[So let's destroy it, Sakimori-san.]

Shizuku says, perched on my shoulder and peering down from above. I sigh as I see her adorable face getting closer to me. I wanted to do the same.

"Well, you're a bit late with that decision."

I'm looking away and focusing my gaze on the nearby forest, where the grass rustles.

"Sakimori? What a coincidence... Geho, Geho!"

A familiar cat girl appears, gasping for breath. She hurriedly ran here under the scorching summer sun, her face drenched in sweat and leaves sticking to her body. Her hair, cat ears, and tail are all disheveled.

That's not much of a coincidence. I'm giving Hanako a stern look. It seems she heard that I was heading for the dungeon and rushed over in a panic. Despite encountering Lesser Mandragoras, Worms, and Mothmen in the forest, she doesn't seem to have any noticeable injuries.

"You have sharp ears. I only arrived just a moment ago."

"W-What are you talking about... So, you're going to conquer the dungeon now?"

Karin is wearing a rather unusual outfit. It's a green camouflage combat uniform with dull lead-colored stripes running along the limbs. She wears a lightweight and sturdy metal breastplate on her chest and carries a small sword sheathed on both sides of her waist, along with several knives.

She doesn't have a gun, but it's an impressive set of equipment. She's wearing a bandana that looks tough on her head. She must have chosen a different gear to navigate the forest than her usual attire. Karin is cautious and timid, prioritizing her safety over revealing her true identity.

"No, I'm actually on my way back. I've already finished conquering the dungeon."

"What?! Are you going back already? You can't conquer a dungeon alone. I didn't have to rush here."

Karin dejectedly dropped her shoulders. She pouts and points out that it was a pretty dangerous journey, but it doesn't matter.

"Hanako, please gather the cores and chests scattered around here. I'll reward you for it."

"Sigh... Well, alright... But why are there so many cores and chests lying around here?"

Karin finally notices the piles of cores and chests and gasps in astonishment.

"Well, considering I conquered the dungeon, it's only natural, right?"

It's already getting tiresome, picking up cores and chests like picking up pebbles in the midsummer. But Karin's complexion turns pale.

"Could it be... You've already conquered the dungeon?"

Noisy cat. Is she in heat or something?