episode_0038

One transparent stone and two blue stones revealed themselves as I dug through the coffin.

“Skill Stones. Did you crawl all the way in here just to get these?”

At Karen’s question, I glanced at my dust-covered hand.

“Yeah. These are things I absolutely need.”

Straightening my back, I gripped the transparent stone with all my strength.

After all, the reason I entered this dungeon in the first place was for this transparent Skill Stone.

There was no need to hesitate.

[ Skill: Forced Promotion, acquired ]

As the Skill Stone shattered, a new power settled into my body.

With this power alone, breaking through my limits wasn’t just a pipe dream anymore.

“You didn’t hesitate at all before breaking something that valuable.”

“Well, that’s why I came to claim it.”

“So, are you going to use the rest of them too?”

“Probably. It’s not like I’m strapped for cash.”

These blue Skill Stones would grant a passive skill that permanently reduced mental damage taken.

While I was getting them as a bonus, their performance was still impressive.

And the number of blue Skill Stones I had was two.

Since breaking multiple wouldn’t suddenly enhance the skill, I handed one of the two to Karen.

I could’ve sold it, but if it somehow ended up in the hands of a villain, that’d be trouble.

In that case, it’d be much better for Karen, a reliable ally, to use it.

“…What are you doing?”

“What does it look like? I’m giving it to you.”

“So, why are you giving this to me?”

“Because you look pitiful?”

“Why do you keep beating around the bush when you’re just asking to get hit?”

I cracked a joke and nearly got smacked for it.

“Just kidding. It’s the same Skill Stone, and there’s no point in me hoarding both.”

“If you can’t use it, you could’ve just sold it.”

“Didn’t I just say it? I’ve got plenty of money.”

Of course, I didn’t have enough to recklessly buy up Skill Stones.

After all, Skill Stones sell out even before their stock is publicly announced.

Even if you want to buy them, you can’t.

Still, the reason I’m giving this precious Skill Stone to her is that it’s a worthwhile investment.

Because she’s the protagonist of this world.

Investing now, while she’s at her lowest, is only natural.

Besides, I kinda want to look out for her personally.

“So… Ugh, fine. How am I supposed to understand the whims of a rich young master like you?”

After hesitating briefly, she awkwardly snatched the Skill Stone from my hand.

“But don’t sell it—use it yourself. I’m giving it to you so you can use it.”

“Tch.”

As I added that, Karen clicked her tongue and crushed the Skill Stone.

Then, her pupils immediately dilated.

“Hey, this…”

Was she marveling at the skill information now embedded in her mind?

Her lips twitched like a child trying to hide their excitement after receiving a birthday present.

Amused by her expression, I also destroyed my Skill Stone.

[ Skill: Worn Spirit, acquired ]

Worn Spirit.

A reliable skill that reduced mental damage taken by about 20%.

While there were countless ways to train the body, methods to train the mind were exceedingly rare.

Considering that, the value of “Worn Spirit” could be rated even higher.

From now on, even if I encountered the Despair Gamjong series, I’d be slightly more resistant to their bizarre abilities.

“…I can’t just accept this.”

Just as I was feeling satisfied with my growth, Karen suddenly spoke up.

“Why? Just think of it as a gift.”

“There’s no way you’d give me such a good skill for no reason. You’re definitely planning to ask for something unreasonable later.”

Yeah, no way she’d accept something this valuable without suspicion.

“Then I’ll add 500 to your debt. A friends-and-family discount of 500. That should settle it, right?”

“But in exchange, you might later—”

“Hey, come on. I’m not that shady, okay?”

“Hmm…”

Karen narrowed her eyes and stared at me for a long moment before finally nodding.

“Fine. You’re still a little sketchy, but I’ll trust you.”

Wait, I’m the one giving the gift—why do I have to be grateful here?

This is kinda ridiculous.

“Yeah, super grateful.”

After clearing the dungeon, we immediately retraced our steps.

The dungeon was larger than expected, taking more time than planned, and the explosion from the Despair Gamjong delayed us further.

Originally, we were supposed to catch the last bus back, but at this rate, we might miss it.

Exiting the dungeon, climbing out of the basement, and leaving the cabin, we hurried toward the bus stop.

During this, one good thing and one bad thing happened.

The good thing: despite wandering the dark outskirts, we didn’t run into any villains.

The bad thing:

“…….”

“Wow, they really left without even looking back. How cold.”

I muttered as I watched the bus disappear into the distance.

Checking my phone again didn’t change the harsh reality—the last bus was gone.

We ran as hard as we could, but…

“…Was this part of today’s plan too?”

Karen turned to me and asked quietly.

“I appreciate your faith in my thoroughness, but no.”

“That’s a brag!”

“Ow.”

Rubbing the spot Karen punched, I checked my phone again.

“Still, it’s not the worst-case scenario. There’s one private lodging nearby still open. Let’s stay the night and leave in the morning.”

“A small mercy. I’m no stranger to sleeping rough, but I’d rather not.”

Karen yawned, rubbed her eyes, and nudged me forward with a tap on my back.

Nodding slightly, I followed my phone’s directions to the lodging.

And then, another bad thing happened.

“Two rooms, please.”

“Oh dear, what bad timing. We only have one room left right now.”

“Ah.”

Of all the luck—only one room left.

This was awkward.

“…You planned this, didn’t you?”

At Karen’s icy question, I frantically shook my head.

“No. There’s no way. How could I even pull that off?”

“You’re rich.”

“What does that have to do with anything?”

Anyway, this was really awkward.

Karen was a girl just on the cusp of adulthood.

And my body was probably around the same age. For us to share a room… well.

Ahem.

“…I don’t care. We can share or whatever.”

Then, Karen casually tossed out those words.

“Wait, seriously?”

“I’m not the type to joke around like you. Just decide already. I’m tired.”

“How can I help you?”

“…One room, please.”

Dazed, I answered the innkeeper’s question.

After receiving payment, the innkeeper promptly guided us to our room.

“Check-out is by noon. Ah, and the soundproofing is guaranteed, so rest easy. Have a good night.”

Handing us the key, the innkeeper returned downstairs.

By the way, was the soundproofing comment really necessary?

Now the atmosphere’s just weird.

“…..”

“…..”

An awkward tension hung between us in the entryway after the innkeeper left.

This is so uncomfortable I could die.

Then, without a word, Karen took off her shoes, stepped inside, and headed straight for the bathroom.

Well, tried to.

“I’m using the bathroom first.”

“Oh, yeah. Go ahead.”

Before entering, Karen peeked out from behind the door, said that, and closed it.

I slowly took off my shoes and, to kill time, glanced around the room.

The TV was a bit outdated.

The mattress wasn’t bad.

The pillows were soft, thankfully…….

—Ssshhh……

The faint sound of running water messed with my head a little.

Get a grip.

We’re only sharing a room because there was no other choice.

We’re here just to rest and recover.

There’s absolutely no ulterior motive here.

“Haaah…”

To suppress encroaching thoughts, I sat cross-legged on the bed.

Then, I began my daily meditation habit.

I’d already cleared today’s daily quests, but I felt like doing it anyway.

How much time passed like that?

—Creeeak.

The sound made my eyes open naturally.

There was Karen, stepping carefully out of the steamy bathroom.

Since she probably didn’t bring spare clothes, she was still in her original outfit, but her slightly flushed cheeks and damp hair made it clear she’d showered.

By the way, she’s still pretty even after a shower.

Does she never wear makeup?

“What are you doing? Trying to achieve enlightenment?”

While I was silently admiring her, Karen suddenly asked.

“Just winding down after the day. Can I use the bathroom now?”

“Do what you want.”

With that, Karen strode over and plopped down on the edge of the bed.

A sweet shampoo scent tickled my nose.

“Hey, by the way.”

Ignoring the fragrance, I got off the bed and asked,

“What were you planning to do if I actually had bad intentions? I’m still a guy, you know… Aren’t you being a little too careless?”

At that, Karen smirked and fired back,

“What, were you planning to jump me?”