Chapter 154.1
Chapter 154.1
House-sitting
Thanks to the Dungeon Stampede's influence, there's been a surge in self-defense awareness, with motorcycle and sports equipment protectors flying off the shelves. Even items like battle knives that seem fit for a shark's taste are ranking high in online shopping purchase rankings.
That being said, personally examining and deliberating over items while shopping is also enjoyable. So today, Ruu and the others set out for what they call a New Year's sale.
Huh, me? I'm not going.
Why? Because if I go shopping with those three, although not all, about eighty percent of the time, I end up paying for everything. So, bidding farewell to the trio who would meet up with Shark outside, I headed to the dungeon to train my body.
"Hmph! Ugh! Uooohh!!"
Stripping down naked and getting covered in slime, I train my muscles to the point where steam rises from my body.
Since I'm alone after a long time, I should relax and watch my favorite anime, or so I'd like to think. But that's because it's terribly scary.
If only I could boast a positive mindset like those defeated characters who boast, "Heh My own talent is scary," but unfortunately, I'm not like that.
Honestly, I'm scared of losing the happiness I have now.
In front of Serai and the others who have come to like me, I always play the role of a reliable man. They seem to see me as a stoic and reliable man.
But naturally, I can't lie to myself.
I feel a significant improvement compared to when I was scrawny. But deep down, I'm still the socially awkward otaku.
So someday, if that's revealed and they're disappointed, I'm scared they'll leave me.
That's why events like shopping with everyone are like landmines to me. After all, besides muscles and dungeons, the only thing I can talk about is anime and games.
For example, even if Ruu shows me two clothes while shopping and asks, "Which one do you think is better?" it's beyond me to decide which is better. Such questions usually have implications and greatly affect the favorability parameter. At least that's how it was in the bishoujo games I played.
That's why it's better to stay away from danger.
Rather than going together and exposing my weaknesses, it's wiser to say, [Today, enjoy shopping with just the girls] if invited.
"Hmph! Hmph! Hmph!!"
And for now, I'm just acting as the "[reliable male figure]", but to truly make it my own and proudly stay with Serai and the others, I must not slack off
"Haa Haa Haa Phew, next, should I run down to the 9th floor to secure some meat (Fkyun)"
Jumping over slimes and giant crabs wandering around the 1st floor, and the giant cockroaches proliferating on the 2nd floor clearing the way as if the sea were parting. Running past and dodging or defeating the monsters attacking, I descend to the 9th floor and start killing giant Kamadoumasu, which have become the staple food in our home, to secure their limb drops.
After doing that, I returned to the dungeon entrance hall, but it was still before noon.
Since Serai and the others would likely enjoy plenty of shopping and leisurely dining before returning, there's still plenty of free time.
After all, I was suddenly told by Serai-san.
"I want to go shopping, so give me my part-time pay!".
I got saved by the deposit from Sanada Pharmaceuticals. I deposited money into the accounts of the four of them through online banking on the spot, and by now they're probably enjoying shopping with that money.
"So yeah, maybe I'll go shopping a bit too. Pixies really worked hard during Stampede. After that, I'll let them rest by turning them into cards, so they can rest as they are. Today, maybe I'll buy some honey and herbal tea to thank them for their hard work."
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