Live Dungeon! – Chapter 14, Solit Company

<<Previous Chapter Index Next Chapter>>

Translator: TipToe

Translator (October 13, 2024 Version): Barnnn

 

Tsutomu found his pulse quickening as he trailed the receptionist deeper into the Guild’s restricted quarters, beyond the familiar reception and the appraisal office.

 

“Here we are. You can go inside and talk it out,” the receptionist announced.

 

“Thank you,” Tsutomu murmured, his voice steadier than his nerves.

 

After a polite knock on the door, the receptionist gestured them inside. With some hesitation, Tsutomu let himself in.

 

The room was modest, yet carried an air of sophistication, somewhat resembling a modern-day waiting room. An elegant desk sat framed between two plush sofas, while peculiar, softly glowing plants adorned the corners. A woman, seated upright on one of the couches, glanced up as the three entered. Her rounded tanuki ears — a trademark of her Tanukichi heritage — twitched slightly in acknowledgment.

 

She wore a white blouse under a black suit jacket, her demeanor warm and inviting. Beside her rested a large, well-groomed tail that gleamed with the luster of care. Tsutomu couldn’t help but wonder how impossibly soft it might feel to the touch.

 

“I’ve brought the three of them. I’ll be taking my leave,” the receptionist said, preparing to exit.

 

“Thank you for your hard work, sir!” the woman replied, her words drawn out in a languid cadence.

 

Tsutomu stood awkwardly for a moment, unsure whether to sit. He watched as Amy, with her usual brashness, plopped down onto the opposite sofa and promptly drained a cup of iced tea on the table. The Tanukichi woman’s gaze softened, full of admiration, as she observed Amy.

 

Garm, composed as ever, motioned for Tsutomu to take the sofa’s center. Tsutomu proceeded to do so, settling himself beside Amy before watching Garm claim the spot on his right.

 

“So, who are you exactly? I heard you’re with Solit Company,” Amy asked with a mix of curiosity and skepticism.

 

“Y-yes! It’s a pleasure to meet you all! I’m Mirul,” the Tanukichi woman replied, her large brown tail swaying with excitement. She produced three business cards, laying them delicately on the table.

 

Tsutomu picked one up, admiring the elegant handwriting inscribed on the pristine paper.

 

“I represent Solit Company. It’s an honor to meet you!” Mirul continued, her smile bright. “First of all, Mister Garm and Miss Amy — congratulations on advancing beyond the fiftieth layer! Everyone has been eagerly anticipating your return to full-time dungeoneering!”

 

Tsutomu bowed slightly in response, though he found his gaze drifting momentarily to the deep neckline of her blouse, before quickly averting it.

 

Amy, meanwhile, narrowed her cat-like eyes, popping a snack into her mouth as if bored by the exchange.

 

“If everyone was so excited, why’d it take you so long to come for an interview?”

 

“Well, the Guild had refused our requests for an interview,” Mirul explained calmly. “We knew you were in the Dungeon, but the Guild Master prohibited us from entering the Guild’s premises.”

 

“Oh, really? Then how are you here today?” Amy pressed, her curiosity piqued.

 

“Your battle with the Shell Crab was broadcast on Pedestal #9,” Mirul said, her voice lifting with enthusiasm. “After that, a public petition was raised, and we were finally given permission to cover your story.”

 

“Whoa, we made it into the top ten!? I had no idea!” Amy exclaimed, her excitement finally breaking through her guarded demeanor.

 

Tsutomu recalled the God Eye he had spotted during the battle — indeed, ‘9’ was its number. Taking a sip of his tea, he noted the drink’s rich, layered flavor, suggesting a quality far above the norm. He cast a glance at Mirul, whose eyes sparkled with fervor.

 

“Yes! Your performance moved everyone! Garm the Mad Dog and Amy the Chaotic Dancer, fighting side by side — two aces from rival Clans, now a united force! The energy was simply electric! To have made such an impact on Pedestal #9 — truly, congratulations!” Mirul’s voice carried an almost reverent joy.

 

“Mad Dog…?” Tsutomu echoed, tilting his head in confusion. His puzzled look drew a subtle narrowing of Mirul’s eyes.

 

“Surely, you know? Two years ago, he systematically dismantled a network of criminal Clans, notorious and foolish in equal measure–”

 

“We don’t need to dwell on my past,” Garm cut in, arms crossed, his tone as firm as his gaze. “Let’s stick to the main topic.”

 

Mirul flushed, clearly startled by his interruption. In her haste, she fumbled the stack of papers in her hands. “Oh, my! I apologize!” she stammered, casting a nervous glance at Garm’s as he huffed, his patience thinning.

 

Collecting herself with a deep breath, she placed a hand over her chest. “S-so! Solit Company is thrilled about your return to dungeoneering! The public is absolutely ecstatic!”

 

Amy’s nonchalant reply came almost immediately. “We haven’t actually returned. It’s just a temporary job.”

 

“What!? Truly?” Mirul’s voice rose in shock, her excitement faltering. “But everyone’s been eagerly awaiting it — especially at Solit Company! I’ve been a fan for so long!”

 

“Oh, really?” Amy cracked a playful grin. “Then how about a handshake?”

 

“Would that be all right? Yes, please!” Mirul leaned forward, clasping Amy’s hand with an enthusiasm that bordered on obsession.

 

While the scene unfolded, Tsutomu drifted into his own thoughts.

 

[Solit Company, huh…]

 

The name carried weight, being the oldest and most powerful firm in the industry. Tsutomu recalled the article they had written, dubbing him the “Lucky Boy.” Though he wasn’t sure who had penned that particular piece, it had instilled in him a deep-seated distrust of the company as a whole. Still, he knew better than to let his wariness show now. Maintaining a calm smile, he engaged politely, biding his time.

 

“Thank you so much! I can’t wait to tell my family about this…!” Mirul gushed, still basking in the afterglow of Amy’s handshake. Then, with a nervous edge creeping back into her voice, she added, “Um, Mister Garm, would it be–”

 

“…Another time,” Garm replied flatly.

 

“I-I see. Of course. My apologies,” she murmured, retreating from the request. Quickly regaining her composure, she pressed on, “Well then, I’d love to hear about your exploration of the Beach layers and whether you both intend to return as full-time Explorers. And if it’s all right, could we also take a few photographs?”

 

“…Excuse me. How long do you expect this to take?” Tsutomu inquired.

 

Mirul blinked, her expression shifting as she registered his question, as though irritated that he was suddenly taking the lead. Nonetheless, she answered promptly,

 

“Around three hours, I’d say. Setting up the magic tool for the photoshoot will take some time.”

 

“All right, understood.”

 

Tsutomu sighed inwardly, calculating what he could achieve in that span — how many Magic Stones he might gather, how much experience he could amass. Yet refusing wasn’t truly an option. Solit Company’s influence ran deep in the city, and spurning their request could spell complications.

 

He glanced toward his companions, gauging their reactions.

 

“I’m good with it, as long as Tsutomu is!” Amy said, her usual cheerfulness undiminished.

 

“I don’t mind either,” Garm added with a nod.

 

Seeing their willingness, Tsutomu relayed their decision to Mirul. Her face lit up in gratitude.

 

“Thank you! Now then, Mister Garm and Miss Amy — let’s begin with your future plans as Explorers–”

 

The interview unfolded over the next two hours.

 

　――▽▽――

 

With the interview and photo session finally concluded, Amy looked thoroughly satisfied, while Garm appeared exhausted. Mirul, her pen still poised, continued to chat with Amy, finalizing the details for the article.

 

“…So yeah, if you’re looking for the best place to eat, it has to be the Seafood Dining Hall! Write that down, write that down!”

 

“Noted!” Mirul replied, her own energy matching Amy’s as she scribbled furiously.

 

Tsutomu watched the two with mild amusement, stretching his stiff arms until the satisfying crack of his joints broke the air. He had spoken little during the interview, with most of the focus being on Garm and Amy, leaving him in the background. Now that the long, drawn-out session had come to an end, relief settled over him.

 

His thoughts drifted to his next steps. After this, he intended to focus on his leveling at the Beach layers. He needed to reach the point where he could unlock the <<Fly>> skill, and the sooner, the better. Lost in his plans, Amy’s voice suddenly pulled him back.

 

“By the way, don’t you think Tsutomu got way fewer questions? He’s the party leader — he should’ve gotten more attention!”

 

Her expression was smug, as if she had uncovered some grand oversight. Tsutomu felt a flicker of irritation rise within him. Since Amy had finally acknowledged him as a competent Healer, her attitude had softened, but her ‘unnecessary helpfulness’ created unnecessary complications at times. As Amy’s comment went through, Mirul glanced in his direction.

 

There was a flicker of disdain in her gaze — subtle but unmistakable. It was far less pronounced than the contempt he had felt from certain good-for-nothing Explorers, but it was there nonetheless. The discomfort gnawed at him, and he shifted slightly in his seat, hoping the moment would pass. Eventually, Mirul looked away.

 

“Fair enough… but even as the leader, he’s a White Mage. There shouldn’t be much to ask, is there?”

 

“Tsk, tsk, tsk… now, Mirul, ” Amy countered, wagging her finger. “Our White Mage is not like the others!”

 

Garm smirked, leaning in just enough to jab at Amy. “I can attest to that — a CERTAIN SOMEONE didn’t figure that out at first and made quite the fool of herself.”

 

“Shut up, Garm!” Amy shot back, glaring as Garm turned away.

 

Mirul, caught in the exchange, looked confused. “What do you mean by that?” she asked, eyebrows raised.

 

“You see…” Amy raised her hands. “Tsutomu’s <<Heal>> spells? They FLY! Like, you know, fireballs! ZOOM!” She mimicked the trajectory of a projectile with exaggerated gestures, her excitement bordering on childish.

 

Mirul smiled politely, though the confusion lingered in her eyes.

 

“When we’re battling and get injured, Tsutomu heals us instantly! His support is non-stop; we barely even need to take breaks!”

 

“O-oh, I see…”

 

“And it was Tsutomu who came up with the strategy to use Garm as our Tank! It lets me deal way more damage!”

 

“Is that so? Mister Tsutomu, that’s… incredible!” Mirul’s compliment felt oddly scripted, as though she wasn’t even entirely sure what she had been listening to.

 

Tsutomu shifted in his seat again, the awkwardness settling deeper.

 

Amy, completely unaware of his discomfort, continued brightly, “So, you really should have interviewed Tsutomu more, don’t you think?”

 

Mirul hesitated. “Well… there’s not much space left in the article. Perhaps we could save that for another time?”

 

“Then just cut Garm’s part!” Amy suggested with innocent bluntness, pointing to the transcript of the interview.

 

Garm, though visibly tempted to retort, bit back his response. Mirul, on the other hand, closed her eyes for a moment, visibly exasperated by Amy’s suggestion.

 

“…If I may be perfectly honest,” she began carefully, “Mister Garm’s section will likely draw more readers. He has quite a fanbase, particularly among women and children. Even those who don’t normally buy newspapers are likely to pick up a copy because of him. Cutting his part would be… difficult.”

 

“Really? What’s so great about him?”

 

“It’s not hard to see why he’s popular,” Mirul insisted, her voice bright with enthusiasm. “He’s got that tall, slender frame, the intense gaze — very striking! And beneath all that, he’s a real gentleman! He regularly visits orphanages, makes generous donations, and even the Security Team holds him in high regard for his contributions to public safety!”

 

“……”

 

Tsutomu stole a glance at Garm, who had retreated behind his thick, furred tail, as though trying to escape the attention. There was a flicker of warmth in his chest — an odd contrast to the discomfort in the room. Amy, however, listened to Mirul with mild disinterest, her arms crossed.

 

“Hmm… I guess you’ve got to sell papers,” Amy shrugged. “Makes sense. You can trim some of my part if you need space.”

 

“Absolutely not! It’s out of the question to cut even a word of your segment, Miss Amy!” Mirul protested, her hands and tail flailing, a clear sign of her agitation.

 

Tsutomu, feeling the exchange had gone on long enough, stepped in with a gentle nudge.

 

“Umm, I think the article’s fine as it is. We need to get back to the Dungeon soon, so if you could wrap this up, that’d be helpful.”

 

Mirul blinked for a second, then glanced at the clock. “Oh! You’re right — time’s almost up! Thank you so much for your cooperation today!” She quickly gathered her papers and pens, stuffing them into her bag.

 

Amy turned to Tsutomu with a slight frown, her voice laced with concern. “Why’d you say that, Tsutomu!? If Solit’s article gives you the credit you deserve, the people might actually start forgetting that nickname of yours!”

 

Her remark hit Tsutomu with a pang of mixed relief and worry. In a way, losing the “Lucky Boy” moniker now would complicate things, especially in their efforts to push deeper into the Dungeon. How could he explain this to her without sounding too serious? Before he could respond, Garm shot Amy a sidelong glance, his voice low and biting.

 

“Hmph. If he loses the title, you’d have no reason to stick with him. No wonder you’re so eager.”

 

Amy’s eyes widened as realization struck her. “…Wait! I totally forgot about that! Never mind! Let’s just not talk about it!” she cried, her panic rising with every word.

 

Tsutomu held back a chuckle and shook his head. “It’s fine. Even if the title does go away, our contract would still keep you with us.”

 

Amy visibly relaxed at his reassurance, a weight lifted from her shoulders. Mirul, who had been quietly observing, suddenly perked up, her eyes gleaming with curiosity.

 

“Well then! I’ll take my leave. Thank you all again for cooperating with us! Your payment will be transferred to the Guild shortly.”

 

“Right! Thanks, Mirul!” Amy called after her.

 

“And I’ll make sure to do my best for you, Miss Amy!” Mirul replied, her determination clear in her voice as she hurried out the door.

 

Once the room had settled into quiet, Tsutomu sank back into the plush sofa. A fleeting thought urged him to take the rest of the day off, but he knew he shouldn’t — there was leveling up to be done. With a sigh, he pushed himself back to his feet.

 

“All right. Thanks for putting up with that — what a drag. Let’s head to the Beach.”

 

“Yeah! Let’s kill that Shell Crab again!” Amy cheered, her fist shooting up in anticipation.

 

Tsutomu calmly caught her fist mid-raise. “No, let’s not. Once was more than enough,” he said, chuckling.

 

The three proceeded to exit the room together.

 

---

<<Previous Chapter Index Next Chapter>>

---