Live Dungeon! – Chapter 19, Helping Hands

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Translator: TipToe

Translator (November 8, 2024 Version): Barnnn

 

Afterward, they revisited the roles of Attacker, Tank, and Healer, and checked each other’s Status Cards. Tsutomu, pausing between bites of roasted ham, shared insights he’d gleaned from watching live broadcasts on his days off. Turning to Garm and Camille, he asked if either had anything more to add.

 

Garm, with no experience in the Valley biome and rarely watching the broadcasts, offered little, his tail lowering in quiet resignation. Camille, in contrast, carried a wealth of information, having reached the fifty-eighth layer herself. Tsutomu eagerly took notes, his pen moving swiftly as he cross-referenced Camille’s knowledge with his own experience from the game.

 

[With this, we’ve probably nailed down a few of the Safe Zones…]

 

Safe Zones — sanctuaries where monsters seldom ventured — varied depending on the layer. In the Forest biome, they might be hidden inside the hollow of a great tree; in the swamp, they could be tucked away in some random cave. Tsutomu carefully noted each location where Camille’s information aligned with his.

 

Their discussion shifted next to equipment, Potions, and supplies. They agreed that ten percent of their total earnings from Dungeon exploration would be set aside for repairs and restocking, with Tsutomu, as the party leader, managing these funds. He broached the subject of reward distribution with some apprehension, expecting Camille to raise objections. But when she did not, he pressed on, relieved.

 

When it came to Potions, the group decided that each member would handle their personal stock, while Tsutomu, equipped with his Magic Bag, would be in charge of communal supplies. Camille arched a brow at this.

 

“You’re being quite generous. You’re talking about the Forest Apothecary’s Potions, right?”

 

“Yeah. But lately, restocking has been tough. We might need to settle for lower-quality Potions soon.”

 

The Forest Apothecary’s Potions were leagues ahead of the watered-down concoctions peddled in the usual shops. Their healing properties were unparalleled, each drop potent enough to restore more health than the bulk of lesser brews. Explorers favored them not only for their efficacy but for their slightly bitter, tea-like taste.

 

But such superiority came at a cost. The Elf lady’s creations, made by her and only her, were expensive and scarce, and Green Potions — the most essential for restoring health — were becoming increasingly difficult to stay stocked on her shelves. Tsutomu had been considering alternatives, though none could compare. After a harrowing experience with a foul-tasting Blue Potion that reeked of rotten fish, he had vowed to avoid anything that wasn’t from the Forest Apothecary.

 

Finally, they discussed their future meeting schedules, adjusted their regular days off, and shared recommendations for shops that specialized in equipment inspection. With those matters settled, the meeting came to a close.

 

Camille mentioned she’d be tied up with Guild Master duties for the next two days, prompting Tsutomu to officially declare a short break for the team. Just as he thought they were about to part ways for the night, Camille stopped him in his tracks.

 

“Hold on — you’re leaving without a drink? That’s not how it works!”

 

Before Tsutomu could make it to the cashier, Camille seized his arm and tugged him back into his seat. The pub, famous for its affordable yet quality alcohol, buzzed with patrons enjoying themselves, their laughter punctuated by the clink of barrel-shaped drinking containers. Among the crowd, Tsutomu’s group was one of the few tables still dry.

 

“You’ve got a new member on the team — you’ve got to celebrate! And what kind of celebration doesn’t have a drink?”

 

“…You just want an excuse to drink, don’t you?”

 

Tsutomu gave Camille a look of exasperation, fully aware of her real motives. Garm, for his part, had been sneaking longing glances at the drinkers around them throughout the meeting, though Tsutomu had pretended not to notice. Now, with business concluded and no reason to resist, Tsutomu waved over a server and ordered a dark beer.

 

Camille, satisfied by her success, eagerly asked for something much stronger, while Garm settled for a simple beer. Tsutomu, though knowing they had tomorrow off, still preferred to avoid a hangover. When the drinks arrived, he took a slow sip of his magic tool-chilled beer, the bitterness cooling his throat, leaving him with a quiet sigh of contentment.

 

Two hours passed, and the night had taken its toll — Camille, thoroughly drunk, was now slumped over, unconscious. Garm hoisted her onto his back, while Tsutomu, clutching an expensive bottle Camille had randomly gifted him in her drunken state, followed him out of the Barrel Hat Pub.

 

“Why was she so insistent on drinking when she’s such a lightweight…?” Tsutomu muttered, shaking his head.

 

“She downed the Dwarves’ favorite in one gulp. Hardly surprising,” Garm replied, steadying Camille as she mumbled incoherently.

 

“Honestly, if she ends up dying from alcohol poisoning, that’s not gonna be funny.”

 

“Alcohol poisoning…?” Garm’s ears perked up at the unfamiliar term, his face still pale despite the amount he’d drunk. He looked to Tsutomu for clarification.

 

“It’s when you drink too much too quickly. High-alcohol stuff can wreck your liver if you’re not careful. Chugging it in one go is asking for trouble,” Tsutomu explained, his mind foggy but functional.

 

“Uh… all right, if you say so…”

 

Garm, convinced Tsutomu was just as drunk, nodded as he adjusted Camille on his back again, her occasional gagging an unpleasant reminder of the evening’s excesses.

 

“Oh, by the way, Garm… I’m going shopping tomorrow. Want to come with me?”

 

“Sure.”

 

He had errands to run — informing the Forest Apothecary, the regular shopkeepers, and the equipment inspectors about their new schedule. Grateful for Garm’s willingness to accompany him, Tsutomu fumbled with a paper bag, slipping it over Camille’s face just in time to catch what looked to be the start of a messy situation.

 

　――▽▽――

 

The following day, Tsutomu’s first priority was exchanging Magic Stones for money before heading out for the rest of his errands. He and Garm made their way to their regular Magic Stone Exchange, the place run by a spirited Dwarf girl. As they approached, the air was filled with the shouts of burly men hoisting crates and barking instructions. Tsutomu joined the short queue, watching the familiar scene with mild detachment.

 

A medicine Garm had given him had worked wonders, easing most of his hangover. As he waited, he rummaged through his Magic Bag, fishing out a pouch heavy with Magic Stones. Other Explorers in line shot him curious, even wary glances, but Tsutomu ignored them.

 

When his turn came, Tsutomu stepped up to the counter. The Dwarf girl behind it regarded him with such cold disdain that it felt like the temperature had dropped. Her glare was withering, as though she were looking at something scraped from the bottom of her boot. A nervous sweat prickled at the back of Tsutomu’s neck, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that without Garm standing by his side, she might’ve refused him outright. Still, he requested the conversion of his Magic Stones.

 

“Small ones in the tub, big ones on the counter,” she instructed curtly, her tone making it abundantly clear that she’d rather be anywhere else.

 

Though she said nothing more, she handled the stones as though they were dirty, her face twisted in faint disgust. Tsutomu, staying calm, tipped the smaller stones into the tub of water she’d prepared.

 

Meanwhile, the Dwarf girl beckoned Garm closer, her voice softening.

 

“Garm, you really should reconsider who you work for. People might start thinking you’re just like him.”

 

“That article was a lie. Don’t believe everything you hear.”

 

“A lie? But I’ve heard from plenty of Explorers who come through here, and they all say it’s true. Besides, doesn’t he seem like the kind of guy who’d do something like that?”

 

“It’s true that Amy begged for Tsutomu’s forgiveness at the Guild, but that was a harmless joke — the facts got twisted. If Amy had any dark secrets holding her down, I’d have uncovered them myself and made sure she was thrown out of the Guild.”

 

“Uh, that…” The girl paused, her expression shifting slightly. “…that makes sense, actually.”

 

“Excuse me. People are waiting, so let’s get this over with,” Tsutomu cut in, not eager to let the conversation linger. He finished pouring the smaller Stones into the tub and laid the larger ones onto the counter.

 

The Dwarf girl tossed a wooden receipt token his way. Tsutomu grabbed it, pulling Garm with him as they quickly left the Exchange, moving on to the next store on their list.

 

They spent the rest of the day making their rounds — visiting Garm and Camille’s favored blacksmith, stopping by the shop where Tsutomu usually bought his supplies, and even dropping their clothes at the cleaners. Yet, at each stop, Tsutomu felt the weight of unfriendly eyes on him, their thinly veiled distrust shadowing every interaction. Each time, Garm defended him, explaining the situation calmly, but Tsutomu found himself hastening through each errand, eager to leave the hostility behind.

 

Eventually, they reached the Forest Apothecary’s Potion Shop, a place famed for its Green Potions. On most days, Explorers would line up in droves before dawn, and the Potions would sell out moments after the store opened. But once the rush subsided, the place turned eerily quiet. Standing outside with no line in sight, Tsutomu paused, taking a deep breath to steady himself before stepping inside.

 

He approached the counter and rang the bell. A familiar raspy voice called out in response, and soon enough, the elderly Elf woman, leaning heavily on her staff, shuffled into view. Tsutomu braced himself, expecting the cold reception he had grown so used to. Instead, her face lit up with a smile, as warm and welcoming as ever.

 

“Well, well, if it isn’t Tsutomu! I saw your face in the paper — what a shock that was! Things must be difficult for you right now, huh? What a rough spot they’ve put you in.”

 

“Y-yes, it has been,” Tsutomu stammered, caught off guard by her warmth.

 

“Ah, don’t worry about it. All of this will blow over soon enough. Just keep your head down and weather the storm. So, are you here for more Blue Potions? I’ve made plenty!”

 

Her words, so kind and unaffected by the rumors swirling outside, struck a chord deep within Tsutomu. His throat tightened, and before he could stop them, tears began to well up in his eyes. He nodded quickly, lowering his head to hide his face, and wiped away the moisture before it could spill.

 

Everywhere else he had passed by — whether the inn where he’d stayed for the past month or the shops he regularly visited — he had been met with cold glares, whispered judgments, and even requests to stay away. He understood why; few wanted to associate with someone dragged through the mud by scandal. But even understanding it didn’t soften the sting. He had been quietly enduring the isolation, but the old woman’s unexpected kindness nearly undid him.

 

The Elf, noticing the strain on his face, looked startled for a moment before gently patting his head. Her touch was so tender, Tsutomu had to fight the overwhelming urge to break down right there. His ears burned with embarrassment as he brushed her hand away, but she merely smiled, telling him to cheer up.

 

“Those articles are complete nonsense, anyway. Anyone with half a brain can tell just by looking at Amy.”

 

“Wait — Amy came here?” Tsutomu blinked in surprise.

 

“She stopped by the other day to check on the price of the Blue Potions. While she was here, she couldn’t stop singing your praises. Honestly, I thought my ears were going to fall off with how much she bragged about you! It’s clear to me you’re not the sort to do what those rumors claim. I can’t imagine what Solit Company was thinking, spreading such rubbish.”

 

“What were they thinking, indeed…” Tsutomu muttered, nodding in agreement.

 

Garm, who had been listening quietly, also nodded enthusiastically. Tsutomu, embarrassed by Garm’s exaggerated agreement, kicked him lightly under the counter. Garm flinched, puzzled, while the old woman stifled a chuckle.

 

“But in all seriousness,” Tsutomu said, quickly steering the conversation away from his embarrassment, “because of all the trouble, we had to temporarily remove Amy from the party. That means our days off have shifted, so I’ll be coming by to pick up the Blue Potions on Saturdays from now on.”

 

As Tsutomu rushed through his explanation, trying to mask his agitation, the Elf woman leaned back in her creaky chair, which swayed gently as she listened, her smile never fading.

 

“You’re always so considerate, Tsutomu.”

 

“I just know that making Blue Potions is a delicate process — I don’t want to cause you any trouble since they don’t sell as much. I’ll bring some Magic Stones with me next Saturday,” he added, eager to express his gratitude.

 

“That’s thoughtful of you,” she said, then, after a moment’s pause, handed him three small, green candies. “Here, take these — a little something to brighten your day. It’s a… a work in progress.”

 

Tsutomu accepted the candies with a deep bow, thanking her profusely before stepping back outside into the sun. He let out a long breath, the tension easing from his body.

 

“I always thought she was the quiet type, but she sure has a lot to say! And she’s sharp, too,” Garm remarked with a grin.

 

“Calm down, Garm. You’re panting like you ran laps around the city…”

 

“…Sorry,” Garm mumbled, suddenly self-conscious.

 

Feeling lighter than he had in days, Tsutomu made his way back to the Magic Stone Exchange. The Dwarf girl behind the counter greeted him with her usual cold stare, but Tsutomu barely noticed. The appraisal went without a hitch, and unlike last time, there was no hint of anything suspicious in the pricing.

 

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