Seeker 304

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Chapter 304. Two Treasure Chests

In the center of the room, there were two treasure chests placed.

There was nothing else of note other than what seemed to be a path forward through a door, 

"Lulu-sama, what should we do?"

I asked Queen Lulu.

Since this dungeon seemed related to the royal family, the treasure chests could also contain dangers.

If we prioritize our objectives, we could choose to ignore them and proceed ahead—

Queen Lulu showed a thoughtful gesture before speaking.

"There is a possibility that the Mirror of Truth is inside one of these chests, so we cannot completely ignore them and move forward."

"Understood. Then, Kazane..."

"Got it, Daichi-kun. Activating [Trap Detection II]."

Kazane activated her skill to check if there were any traps set on the chests.

Both chests emitted a red light.

A red light indicated the presence of traps.

The details of these traps could only be discerned by the person using the skill.

"The left chest has an Explosion trap. The right one is a Killer Mimic." 

Kazane reported.

"A Killer Mimic? It's not just a regular Mimic?"

"Yeah, the skill reaction showed that. Perhaps it's an advanced version of a Mimic?"

"Iri, is it listed in the Monster Guide?"

"I'll check."

Yuzuki summoned her [Item Box], and pulled out the Monster Guide, flipping through the pages.

After a moment, she exclaimed. 

"Found it."

Yuzuki showed us the open page.

"It seems like an advanced version of a Mimic indeed. It has abnormally high stats and a dangerous special ability called [Deadly Strike]."

"What kind of ability is that?"

"When this creature's attack hits, there's a low chance that both [Ignore Defense] and [Double Damage] effects will trigger."

"Ugh, that's nasty. And its attack power is 130!? Even dragons and giants didn't have attack power over 100, right?"

"Yeah, that's right. But it seems this one doesn't have multi-hit skills like the others."

"Still, if we had opened it carelessly... it would've been bad."

In conclusion, it was clear that this Killer Mimic was dangerous.

Its killing traps were severe as well.

However, like a regular Mimic, it could be rendered harmless with [Trap Disarm] if detected with [Trap Detection II].

So, Kazane safely neutralized Killer Mimic and the Explosion trap next to it with [Trap Disarm].

"That was close. Fūon, good work."

"Hehe, well, feel free to praise me more. You can even pat my head if you like."

"Thanks to Kazane. Your help is always appreciated. Thank you."

"Yay! Daichi-kun's head pats~♪"

I obliged her request and patted her head, and Kazane looked genuinely happy with a relaxed expression.

She was so adorable that I pulled her into a hug and continued patting her, and Kazane leaned into me happily.

As I thought about how happy this moment was, Yuzuki interrupted. 

"Senpai, Kazane-san."

"Sorry to interrupt your little world, but are you aware of your surroundings?"

Startled back to reality, I glanced around.

Queen Lulu was blushing, looking at us, while Nasel-san seemed exasperated, staring at the ceiling.

Nasser-san turned to us.

"Youngster, is this how it always is with them?"

"Ah... yes, sorry."

"Senpai and Kazane-san tend to get absorbed in their own world."

"That's true, but aren't Hotaru-chan and Daichi-kun the same?"

"Uh... w-well, that means it's all Daichi's fault."

"Yeah, it's all your fault, Senpai. You're the one tempting us."

"Alright, that's enough blaming me for everything."

I accepted it all with my resignation.

If that's what it takes to smooth things over. I'll take all the blame.

Moving on to the contents of the chests.

After neutralizing the Killer Mimic with [Trap Disarm], it transformed into a regular chest like the others.

First, Kazane opened it.

"It's a potion. I've never seen this one before."

Kazane took out a bottle containing a potion from the chest.

She passed it from her hand to Yuzuki, who then used the [Item Appraisal] skill to identify it.

"It's called Greater HP Potion, and it restores around 200 HP."

"It's an upgraded version of the High HP Potion. The effect is kind of subtle, huh?"

I can heal almost 150 HP with [Grand Heal] in one go.

So, while a 200 HP recovery isn't groundbreaking, it might still come in handy.

Next was the other chest.

From it came what appeared to be a magician's robe.

"This feels familiar, like déjà vu. Here, Hotaru-chan, it's yours."

"Got it. It reminds me of our first encounter in the dungeon with Aria-san."

After receiving the item from Kazane, Yuzuki attempted to appraise it again.

"It's a treasure! It's called Hermit Robe, body armor with 24 defense and +6 to magic power."

"What's the current one you're wearing, Yuzuki?"

"The Wizard's Robe has 15 defense and +4 to magic power. Even in stores, this is the best armor for mages."

So it's a straightforward upgrade compared to the best armor sold in stores.

It might be worth as much as my Gaia Armor, considering its value.

But there was one problem.

Who would receive ownership of these items from the chests?

I turned my gaze to Queen Lulu.

With her tan skin, black hair, and emerald eyes, the royal girl tilted her head curiously.

"Ahem, Daichi-sama. Do you need something?"

Ignoring the fact that she now calls me "sama," I continued.

"Queen Lulu, about the ownership of the items from the chests..."

"Well, I believe it's fine to give everything except the Mirror of Truth to Daichi-sama and his friends as a reward for their assistance."

"Is that acceptable? This is a dungeon related to the royal family?"

"How about this then? As a reward for your help, you can keep any items obtained in this dungeon except for the 'Mirror of Truth.' How does that sound?"

It was an unexpected offer.

After confirming nods from Kazane and Yuzuki, I agreed without hesitation.

And so, the Greater HP Potion and the Hermit Robe from the chests became our possessions.

Of course, Yuzuki would be the one to wear the Hermit Robe.

"Let me change right away. Kazane-san, make sure Senpai doesn't peek."

"Roger that. It really feels like déjà vu. Okay, Daichi-kun, look that way."

"Y-Yeah."

I turned my back to Yuzuki.

Behind me, Kazane stood and covered my eyes with her hands.

It was a complete recreation of a past event.

This posture, being hugged from behind, strangely made my heart race.

But seeing someone change clothes at this point was nothing special.

We've done far more provocative things before.

No, wait. The swimsuit incident was quite impactful, too.

The power of the situation shouldn't be underestimated.

"Nasel, no peeking."

"I know, I know."

"Should we blindfold everyone else too?"

"No, Queen Lulu. That's something only lovers should do."

"Haha, true. It takes courage even for me to do that to Nasser."

Such banter could be heard from nearby.

Am I being too suspicious of a good atmosphere?

Eventually, Yuzuki finished changing.

While it was still a magician-style robe, the color and details of the new outfit differed.

After changing, Iri excitedly adjusted her sleeves and hem, clearly impressed with her new attire.

"Wow, it looks cool. Senpai, what do you think?"

"Hmm, it suits you. I think it's cute."

"Uh... it's a bit of a casual response, but being called cute makes me happy. I guess I've joined the Cute Club with you guys."

Blushing, Yuzuki tried to hide her happiness.

Having acquired the contents of the chests, we opened the door of the room and continued our journey forward.