Basement Dungeon ~Poor Siblings become the Strongest and Enjoying Exploration~

~Kei’s Perspective~

　The turmoil that occurred immediately after killing the Hobgoblin gradually faded as we walked cautiously due to the monsters. Our pale complexions returned to normal. For both of us who defeated the boss, the only enemies remaining were small fries, the fact that there were a few more monsters must have affected our ability to pay attention to them.

　Although there was very little conversation, we returned to the basement without any problems and we took a breather. I immediately took off my bloodied clothes and took a bath, so did Haru. Even though it’s still before noon, we don’t usually take a bath because of the cost of water, but in the current situation, it can’t be helped. Or rather, we can’t stand spending the night this blood-soaked. If we take a shower at night again, there will be no problem, it is acceptable.

　As soon as Haru is done, I got into the bath and washed my body more thoroughly than usual with soap. I felt as if there was still blood on my body, which was weird, but there wasn’t any, so I washed up and got into the tub.

“Haaaaaah…” (Kei)

　I can’t help but sound like an old man, but there’s no one to blame for that. I’m going to let it heal my fatigue. I feel tiredness from many days even though it is only been half a day. There was nothing wrong with the battle itself. The result was pretty good. We never receive an enemy’s attack and we never missed landing an effective hit.

　I was used to killing monsters. It was like killing a bug. I’m sure many kind-hearted people would be hesitant to kill a monster. Something that may not even look mammalian, let alone like an animal. However, we felt nothing but disgust because of its ugly appearance and the fact that we knew it was dangerous.

　However, there was a difference between that and killing it after surrounding it and beating it to a pulp. The purpose and the result were no different from before. The only thing that has changed is the way we did it.

　My body was warm enough, so I called Haru to the table and ate the lunch box we were supposed to eat in the dungeon. As I was eating, neither Haru nor I seemed to be reluctant to eat meat, so it seems that we don’t have much aversion to killing.

　It’s not that I’m crazy, it’s just that I’m used to it. If that’s the case, then there’s no problem if I refresh myself. Speaking of refreshment, the ocean or the forest is the standard, but the ocean is too cold this time of year, and the forest is just around the corner. I don’t think I can get refreshed in the forest, where I usually go. I think I’ll force myself to get used to the violence before changing our mood.

　We may end up spending money, but it’s better than Haru feeling down all the time. For some reason, I wonder if I am dull but I move on quickly. Are women more resistant to physical pain and men more resistant to mental stress?

　No, I don’t know. Probably.

“Haru, do you have anything planned in the afternoon?” (Kei)

“… Hmm, I don’t.” (Haru)

　After all, she seemed to be in a depressed mood. That’s why it’s a change of pace would be nice.

“Let’s go to the game center for a change”

“Ah, it’s good for relieving stress and it’s only 200 yen.” (Haru)

“That’s right. What we do is the same as usual, but the exhilaration is different. It’s only 200 yen per run.” (Kei)

　We are now shooting a swarm of zombies to death. Of course, it’s not the reality, it’s the game in the arcade where you point a gun at the monitor.

“Oh, game over. Brother, let’s do the crane next!” (Haru)

　As the number of zombies increased, we couldn’t handle it anymore, and the game ended. It would be a nice change of pace. The batting center was the standard way to relieve stress, but unfortunately, neither of us could play baseball.

　Now we may be able to improve our dynamic vision, but unfortunately, we don’t have the money. When it comes to that, a cheap arcade is just right.

　So, as Haru says, we decided to play the crane game. Of course, it’s one where you can get boxes of candy. There’s no point in getting a doll, but if it’s candy, it’s food. What does that mean?

“Hey, I’m gonna go for it!” (Kei)

　The reason is. The last time we ate sweets was before we moved. Of course, we want it. We are poor, and so we get hyped up if there is a prize.

“Got it.” (Kei)

　I stand in front of the control buttons and Haru moves to the side confirming the position of the arm and relays instructions. Well, Haru has a good sense of distance. She can even notice if the distance between two objects is within an error of a millimeter. That’s why I, who have no such skill, operate the arm.

“Stop!” (Haru)

　I press the button to stop the arm without any time lag from Haru’s instruction. It takes time to move after a person receives instruction, but if I look at their breathing or the hand movement of the person speaking, I can estimate when timing they would talk. So, I remove the lag time.

　It’s sad that I can’t say that this is my strength. If you can’t read the other person’s mind without talking or whether they’re lying, it’s just useless.

“Stop!” (Haru)

　The arm stopped at the second signal, and the arm descends straight towards the target. It’s going down.

“The arm is weak.” (Haru)

“Well, it was weaker than I imagined. I know the strength, so I should be able to get it next time.” (Kei)

　The arm was so weak that the box I grabbed didn’t budge. Well, that’s the way it is in the arcade, isn’t it? If I had gotten it easily, the would have easily lost money.

　With that in mind, I put in 100 yen and press the start button.

“Stop.” (Haru)

　It seems to have stopped to the right of the previous one. I don’t know what she’s going to do, so I won’t interfere, but she’s probably sure that it would be grabbed.

　The next time I followed Hal’s instructions, the box was easily caught.

“Okay, a box of food.” (Haru)

“Hey, Haru. Why don’t we find something portable? Then we can take it during exploration.

　Salt is important during exploration. We’ll sweat, so of course, we’ll crave some salt. That’s why I pointed to a crane game with a box of beef jerky.

　Haru also smiles as she seems to understand my intentions.

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“Let’s go overfishing.” (Kei)

　I’ve brought 3,000 yen with me today, and so far I’ve spent 600 yen on two zombie games and two crane games. We still have 2,400 yen left. So we went on with the same routine as before, catching all the items we could.

　Some of the clerks warned us about overfishing, so we used the scouting skills we acquired in the dungeon to escape to another place just in time to see the clerks approaching.

　The result was a total of ten boxes and bags of candy, mainly candy, beef jerky, and dried squid.

　For an amateur, this is a very good result. In addition, since the boxes were in the way, I decided to throw the contents into my backpack and disassemble the boxes to make them more compact and bring them home. It was now 5:00 PM, and I thought we’d better go home and rest.

“Then, should we go home? Did your mood improve?” (Kei)

“Yeah, I’m okay. Thank you brother.” (Haru)

　The gloomy expression that had been on her face when she left the house had disappeared and her cheerful expression had returned. If we’re feeling down, how can that be enough to make us feel better? Kids like us don’t think that deeply. So, we can change our mood easier.

　We’re just a couple of high school dropouts anyway. There’s rock-bottom deeper than this. I’m the only one who has to think about problems.

　And if I can, I want to be better. I want to be able to find some entertainment. I want to be able to go to the arcade again. So, in the near future, until the day when the world’s dungeons are opened up. We’re going to be looking for entertainment in the basement dungeon of the Kizaki family.