After that, Spica faithfully received education under Eve during the day, and around afternoon she would come to the convenience store, saying she’d guard me, and stare at me intently.
“Is it comfortable?”
“Yes! Orabeo-ni! I’m on guard duty to protect you!”
I see. Spica is comfortable. She’s also on guard duty.
A parasol and beach chair. A matching table with fruit drinks floating with ice.
Taking a sip of that, Spica just stared blankly at me working.
No matter how I look at it, that’s not what guarding looks like.
I even made that beach camping set for her.
The funny thing is, Spica really is guarding me right now, and that camping set came from my favor as well.
**[Activating Handy Worker.]**
**[Crafting successful.]**
**[Fertilizer Bag crafting successful!]**
“Spica.”
“Yes! Orabeo-ni! Go, Triasta Minimum No. 8!”
At Spica’s command, a golem about my height began pushing fertilizer mixed with healing potion into the bags.
One arm of the golem was a claw, the other a shovel, so it quite skillfully pushed in the fertilizer, tied it up, and pushed it into a corner.
Then Triasta Minimum No. 9 picked it up and stacked it in the warehouse.
“Next is this.”
“Yes!”
Not just fertilizer bags. Currently, most of the work requiring effort at the convenience store is being handled by Spica’s golems.
Like that, things I normally wouldn’t have dared to attempt—bag stacking, rearranging convenience store merchandise, harvesting and distributing the grown beans, reinforcing the cart frame—were all smoothly taken care of.
Honestly.
To be honest.
Why is she enrolling next year?
Why can’t she just enroll this year?
“Spica. Even if you go to the Student Council next year, do you have confidence in balancing it with the convenience store?”
“Yes!”
“Understood. If it ever becomes difficult, prioritize the convenience store over the Student Council. Got it?”
“Yes!”
Good.
I feel a little sorry for Eve, but—
I need to make a living too, right?
As I watched Spica’s golems neatly stacking the warehouse, I fell into thought for a moment.
Not just that Spica’s Dexterity of 19 makes golem control incredibly meticulous, making organization a breeze—but the very act of organizing that warehouse caught my attention.
There was definitely something like that among the mini-games.
“Is there anything else to do?”
“Hm. That’s all.”
Come to think of it, the places I can go are gradually increasing, and I should probably organize the mini-games and sub-quest routes too.
What’s the easiest and fastest mini-game to clear…
—
Sub-quests have a clear timeline.
For example, if you raise your cooking skill, you can meet Emily even in Act 2; or if you sleep in the Snowfield of Bubbling Shadows, you can encounter Lilia—sub-quests open as long as the trigger conditions are met.
But mini-games require a bit more thought.
Of course, there are mini-games you can “encounter in-game” like Mix Beans Collector—but there are also mini-games that just throw a system message like **[Mini-game unlocked. Can be played from the title screen.]** and require you to go back to the title screen to play.
But since this is reality now, that can’t possibly work, and based on past experience, mini-games are definitely “things you can encounter in this reality”…
“The problem is where to find them.”
Strictly speaking, mini-games aren’t mandatory factors to clear.
However, a few mini-games have rewards linked to in-game save data, so clearing them gives you items in-game.
We call this “reward farming”—if you start the game after receiving essential materials, combination items, basic items, accessories, etc., you can begin with those rewards already obtained.
For example, they give accessories with dual Magic Recovery and Magic Speed options, or accessories with skills attached.
So for me, with the difficulty set to Hell, having those would be extremely useful.
Let’s see, what’s the first thing worth looking for?
As I was mapping out quest and mini-game routes at the convenience store, the door burst open with a loud bang that struck my eardrums.
“Wolfram-senpai!”
“Nefty, is it.”
“I found a money-making opportunity! This time it’s really a jackpot!”
“Go away.”
Same old Nefty pattern, huh.
This uncle won’t fall for such troublesome things anymore.
But despite my firm refusal, Nefty leaned forward and shouted with sparkling eyes.
“No, really, it’s a jackpot, senpai! They found a dungeon at a construction site! Senpai, it’s an adventure! Adventure!”
“Where did this dungeon appear? A residential area?”
“Yes! You know the Knight Faculty 13th School District construction site?”
“I know it. The new school district being built, isn’t it.”
“Yes. The outskirts are forest, and while logging, they uncovered a dungeon entrance!”
“…A dungeon in the forest? What did it look like exactly?”
“There was a ‘1’ written at the entrance, and a stone statue. The statue was in the shape of an open book!”
Ah.
That’s it.
“I see. Does Eve know about this?”
“Y-yes? …Ah, yes. She said she’d come check it out herself…”
“Tch. So she knows. Fine. Let’s go.”
“Where do you mean?”
“Where else. That dungeon.”
I hope we’re not too late.
No matter how much I dislike Eve, it’d be unpleasant to see her in a terrible state, wouldn’t it?
—
Riding the Black King Chariot driven by Patrasche, we arrived at the 13th School District construction site, where yellow ropes marked off a certain area.
We couldn’t go any further, so we got off the Black King Chariot.
“Patrasche, stay and guard the Black King Chariot.”
“Hm. I shall do so.”
Before taking a few steps, a forbidden sign appeared saying not to enter further.
In the original, Kelter couldn’t enter, but I’m not Kelter.
“Excuse me, this place is—”
“**[Step aside. Do you not know who I am]**”
“Y-yes! My apologies!”
The Knight Faculty student blocking the way stepped aside immediately.
Yes. Who am I?
The academy’s worst tyrant. An Imperial descendant that no one in the academy dares to touch.
Though my status has been downgraded to that of a regular student, no one can meet my eyes.
…Normally I wouldn’t want to flaunt such authority, but there’s a reason I absolutely must.
“…Senpai. This isn’t a normal dungeon, is it? It’s not a dungeon to laugh at, is it?”
“According to materials I read in the Imperial Library… probably.”
“Then I’ll take the lead. Please stand behind me. **[Protection Formation: Iron Wall Defense: Personal Designation]**”
“I’ll leave it to you.”
Nefty took the lead as if protecting me, cutting down blocking rocks and weeds along the way. Meanwhile, I had to run my head at full capacity.
Tch.
My vision swayed slightly and my head felt dizzy. Wolfram von Lohengrin’s Intelligence isn’t particularly low, but his Will stat is. Thinking too much at once brings on headaches.
This is thanks to the [Imperial Bloodline], which provides mental immunity—and even then it’s only this much. Without it, I wouldn’t even be able to think properly.
Anyway, just as I had almost finished organizing my thoughts, we arrived in front of the dungeon.
And there, we encountered Eve staring intently at the dungeon.
“If you go any further, even you won’t be safe, Eve von Lohengrin.”
“…Wolfram?”
—
Why is she trying to go in alone?
Does she even know what kind of dungeon this is?
“Step back, Eve.”
I gripped Eve’s shoulder and pulled her back.
But only my arm got pulled—Eve just stood frozen in place.
My god-awful Strength and Stamina. Really.
“Uh, hmm… Yes.”
“…”
Eve took two steps back in response to the force in my arm. Don’t make that “Is this all the strength you have? Really? For real?” face. That kind of kindness hurts my heart. Don’t.
After pulling Eve back, I looked up at the dungeon.
Just as I thought. A book with the number “1” written on it.
“May I ask—Wolfram, do you know what this dungeon is?”
“Of course I do.”
“Explain clearly. Is this another thing you read in the Imperial Library? Let me make this clear—this dungeon was discovered today. You don’t think that excuse will work, do you?”
“This is an arrangement left by our great ancestor.”
“Pardon?”
“Hark von Lohengrin. An arrangement left by our great ancestor.”
“…You right now.”
“I know. But if I don’t say it this way, you’ll keep prying, won’t you.”
To the Imperial clan, the name of the First Emperor Hark von Lohengrin is one that must not be spoken lightly.
He is that great, that worthy of respect. So we call him our Great Ancestor, but there’s an unspoken rule that we must not utter his name.
“Hmph, fine. Where did you get that information?”
Hmm.
The official setting book?
“…I am the former Student Council President, and I have committed the most misdeeds in this Zefflin. Should I tell you all about what darkness I’ve seen and what information I possess? Are you prepared to hear it?”
“Ugh. Anyway, so this is a dungeon left by our Great Ancestor?”
“Yes. There are six dungeons in total. Each has its own characteristics.”
“Then we should seal it off first. Afterwards, we can form a raid party, or simply discard it. Miss Nefty, contact the Knight Faculty students immediately—”
“No.”
I shook my head, and at that, Nefty and Eve flinched and looked at me.
“We’re going to challenge it with this party right now.”
“Pardon? …Didn’t you just say it was dangerous? According to you, this is a dungeon dangerous even for me, isn’t it?”
“Yes. It’s dangerous. Even for you, it’s truly a dangerous place.”
“I don’t quite understand. Are you saying you’re safe? How?”
“Simple. If you know the strategy, it’s literally just an ‘arrangement.’”
“…Pardon?”
“Nefty. Will you join me?”
“Of course. When else would I get to experience something this interesting?”
At my words, Nefty stepped forward with sparkling eyes. I signaled Eve, and she sighed, pressing her forehead with her right hand.
“Wolfram.”
“What.”
“What if I knock you out with a Light Cannon here and stop you from going in?”
“The rumor has already spread. If not us, wouldn’t the Black Flag come looking for it? Are you going to let the Black Flag trample over our Great Ancestor’s arrangement? Or would you rather yield it to another Imperial? Or a third party?”
“Ugh. When you put it that way… of course we should do it.”
“Yes. Naturally, we should.”
Eve fell into thought again, then took two steps toward me.
“Fine. Let’s go in.”
“Hm.”
—
It was a stone dungeon, the corridor was flat, and it was wide enough for ten people to walk side by side.
The walls were covered with all sorts of strange patterns, and unlit torches hung at regular intervals.
The dungeon wasn’t very dark. More precisely, with each step forward, flames rose on the torches on both sides.
And with every step forward, Eve staggered more severely.
“Ugh, ugh…”
“President Eve. Are you alright?”
“I’m fine. But this… what on earth… my mana is scattering…”
“In this dungeon created by our ancestor, force of any kind is prohibited. Your mana is no exception.”
According to the official setting, the First Emperor’s Magic stat is 22, but assuming he was wrapped in all sorts of items, it would easily exceed 25. A dungeon made by someone like that—even Eve with her high numbers is powerless.
“L-let’s retreat for now, Wolfram-senpai. This place is dangerous.”
“There’s no place to retreat in this dungeon. Look behind you.”
“…A stone wall!?”
When Nefty turned around, the way back was already blocked by a stone wall.
“Forward. Eve, are you okay?”
“I’m fine… This much!”
Saying that, Eve straightened her posture.
And not long after, the corridor ended, and a bright light opened into a plaza.
To put it simply, a stone circular arena.
The exit was visible beyond, but blocked by a stone wall.
“Is this… the dungeon?”
“No, more like a plaza than a dungeon…”
“Everyone, stand in the center of the arena.”
“W-wait a moment. Going ahead is dangerous, Senpai!”
“Wolfram! Let’s go together, come on!”
And so, the three of us gathered in the center of the arena, and I looked up at the endlessly high ceiling and spoke.
“Wolfram von Lohengrin and two others. From now on, we challenge the trial.”
With a *kugugung* sound, the entrance door fully closed, and the arena was enveloped in silence.
“Ah… the door?!”
“Tch… Be careful! We don’t know what’s coming!”
Yes. We don’t know what’s coming.
But I know everything.
Soon, a crackling sound began to echo throughout the arena.
Then, a voice that seemed unimaginable for this arena rang out.
[Welcome to the Zefflin Common Knowledge Quiz Dungeon!]
“…Huh?”
“…Eh?”
[This is the First Dungeon that tests your knowledge of Zefflin. A speed quiz of 20 questions! If you answer correctly, rewards await—but if you get more than half wrong, you will be cursed with all stats—Stamina, Magic, Strength, Dexterity, Will—fixed to 2 for 30 days!]
Hearing that punishment, Nefty and Eve trembled.
“…I’d rather you just kill me!”
“Stats lower than Wolfram’s…? C-can a person even live like that?”
I agree, but aren’t you two being too harsh? I’m living just fine with Stamina 2, you know?
“We’ll just solve them carefully. Right, Wolfram-senpai?”
“Wolfram reads a lot of books, so we can listen to all the questions and solve them slowly!”
Eve and Nefty looked at me for support.
Well, that’s true, I suppose.
[Then, the first question. This is a magic sword that reduces black magic resistance. It is the fourth…]
“Speldivaravi.”
“Senpai!?”
“Wolfraaam!?”
[Correct! That’s right. The twenty-sixth magic sword used by the First Emperor Hark von Lohengrin in the Fourth Great Battlefield. Speldivaravi—the magic sword that halves the opponent’s magic resistance!]
Hmm. Just as I thought.
The patterns are random, but the total number of questions is fixed.
From my memory… about five hundred in total?
“Hurry up and give the next question.”
It’s been a long time since I’ve played this nostalgic mini-game.
Let’s test whether I remember them all.
