Earth Dungeon 46.2

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Chapter 46.2. Doctor

Karin was originally from the inner town, she's the daughter of a small factory owner. Her family business was doing poorly, and it was only a matter of time before it collapsed and moved to the outer city. However, three years ago, she demonstrated her abilities and quickly revived the business by devising practical products, despite her low skill level.

She was also Karin's benefactor, and she helped her when she was struggling financially in the lower class of the inner town. Recognizing her valuable skills, Karin was hired as her spy and arranged priority skill potions for her, which led her to become a lieutenant.

Karin feels a deep sense of gratitude to Serika, who lifted her into the inner town with wealth and power. Words alone cannot express how thankful she is.

The clean and cozy cafeteria with air conditioning, lined with vending machines and offering diverse dishes, where everyone wears new clothes. Just this much can tell you about the prosperity of the detestable inner city.

"So, the reason you came to this Nerima Research Institute is not just to invite me for a casual visit, right?"

"Well, I'll invite you to the new restaurant next time. I found something interesting, and I want you to analyze it."

This time, the reason for coming here is the unknown item's performance. Though Karin felt it would probably be nothing more than a low-grade potion after using it a few times, she wanted to make sure. Her dear friend Celica is renowned for analyzing items.

"Something interesting? Alright. Shall we go to my room?"

Curious about Karin's words, Serika nodded, and they headed to her private laboratory. They walked on the shiny linoleum floor.

While walking with Serika, Karin noticed an elderly man and his entourage approaching boldly from the front, resembling a bulky oak tree. Since they were glaring at them, Serika politely stepped aside, bowing her head. Karin followed suit, but the men stopped in front of them.

"Kamishiro-kun, you seem to be doing well?"

The man spoke in a coarse voice like that of a toad. His entourage also stared at them menacingly.

"Not as much as you think. The heat of this summer has affected my thinking as well."

"Is that so? Seems like you're making quite a profit with the new combat suits. Hiring those with worthless skills. Well, suits someone from the lower class like you."

"Thank you. I'm making a meager profit by creating trivial items. It's all thanks to the director's support. I suppose it's about time for my gift to be delivered to you. I've prepared the French wine that you like, director."

With a sweet and lovely smile, Serika's words made the elderly man, referred to as the director, relax his expression. His entourage grinned, looking down on Serika even more.

"I see, I see. It's delightful to see someone like you act appropriately for your station. If you understand, then it's fine. Wahaha. I'm looking forward to your future achievements."

"Thank you, director. Please excuse me. I have some business to attend to."

With his bulging belly swaying back and forth, the director halted his departure with his entourage, as if he had just remembered something.

"By the way, it seems the graduating students from the academy are about to begin their field training. Kamishiro-kun, have you prepared some excellent armaments for them?"

"Yes, I have already prepared some outstanding items for them."

"Good then. They're important children of high-ranking officials. They are also known as the Golden Generation and our valuable assets. I wouldn't want them to get hurt. I'm counting on you."

With boisterous laughter, the director and his entourage left, leaving Karin to click her tongue in frustration.

"That useless director. All he ever invented was mosquito coils, right? He's a useless oak riding on the coattails of the prestigious family."

In the inner town, those with money and power are considered important. The powerful seek privileges, while the wealthy seek to influence. The struggle for supremacy is fierce and unyielding. For newcomers, to rise in rank is almost impossible.

But even an incompetent individual can become the director of the research institute if they have powerful backers from influential families.

In the outer and the abandoned town, power is the only justice. Here, money and influence dictate what is considered right.

"That's not the way to look at it, Karin. That useless director serves his purpose in his own way. It's because of him that I can freely conduct my activities. Just feed him occasionally, and he won't come bothering you."

With a gleeful smirk, Serika resumed walking, showing none of the graciousness she had displayed earlier. She believed dealing with a manageable pig was easier than a cunning fox.

"The people in the inner town are all cunning, and it's getting on my nerves. Sometimes I think it'd be better to live in the outer city."

"I pledged loyalty to His Excellency, who picked me up after I returned from Jupiter. I even have a blood pact."

"A blood pact? Pledged loyalty to whom? And what's this about returning from Jupiter?"

Surprised by Karin's claim that she had pledged loyalty to someone, Celica sighs.

"...I was just kidding. It was a little joke. Anyway, show me this interesting item you mentioned. Hehe, I'm looking forward to it."

Seeing Serika's mischievous smile, Karin chuckled with a slightly pained expression, and together, they entered Serika's laboratory, where they would spend some time exploring the intriguing object.