Level-up Maniac, Level up in Modern Dungeons - Episode 23

　After descending to the fourth floor and using the teleportation circle to teleport to the first floor, we immediately returned to the surface.

　Once they left the dungeon, they found themselves inside the Explorers’ Association’s Shinjuku branch, where association staff were already waiting for them.

　It seemed that people who had been watching Hinata’s stream had reported us, and they were aware of our encounter with the Goblin Knight on the third floor.

　He also checked the dungeon tube and seemed to know the situation.

　Even so, Hinata and I were detained for questioning. The police soon arrived, and together with them, Hinata and I explained what had happened in the labyrinth.

　Suddenly curious, I asked Matsuda and Aoyama what had happened to them, but it seemed they had fled.

　The two returned to the surface before the Association could grasp the situation, and it appears they left without reporting anything.

　When Hinata asked if the two would be arrested, both the staff member and the police officer shook their heads.

　When companions or other explorers are exposed to danger within the dungeon and only the explorers themselves return, the explorers are obligated to report it to the Association, but this is merely a so-called obligation to make an effort and there are no penalties. And even though Matsuda and his comrades abandoned Hinata and her friends and ran away, they did not directly harm them, so there is no legal basis for punishing them.

　At best, the association will likely give a stern warning.

　However, the two of them have had their faces exposed during live streams, and it seems they will probably not be able to properly form parties from now on.

　No one would want to form a party with someone who would abandon their comrades and run away when things got dangerous.

　●◯●

　In the end, Hinata and I were questioned in a room within the association until after 6 pm.

　Naturally, I didn’t have the energy to explore anymore that day, so after everything was finished, I decided to go home.

“Umm, Samejima-san, thank you so much for your help.”

“Oh, no no. We’re in the same boat when we’re in trouble, so don’t worry too much about it…”

　Just as I was about to head to the exit of the association, thinking that I could finally go home, Hinata-san bowed deeply in the lobby. I quickly told her not to worry about it.

　From what I heard, Hinata-san is a 20-year-old university student. She will be a third-year student from next year. I feel intimidated when such an older and beautiful woman behaves so respectfully.

“No, that’s not possible. Samejima-san saved my life… and I destroyed my equipment in the battle with the Goblin Knight.”

　The shattered long sword and the torn breastplate.

“Um, I’ll compensate you for the sword and armor…”

　I was told this, but I flatly refused.

“No, that’s not something you should have to pay for, Hinata. We’ll figure it out somehow, so don’t worry about it.”

　My sword and armor were indeed ruined in the fight to save Hinata, but it wasn’t Hinata’s fault that they were broken.

　Besides, asking for compensation here seems lame, and I plan to continue diving into the dungeon tomorrow. So I’ll just buy the sword myself tomorrow.

　Hinata-san continued to insist on paying for the damages several times, but I told her that it was okay and fled the place.

　Oh, by the way.

　The experience points of the Goblin Knight that was defeated with such difficulty were only 1040.

　This wasn’t a split with Hinata’s party. The party’s EXP distribution function had stopped when Matsuda and his group fled, and Hinata and I were no longer in the party. In the later battles, Hinata was focused on healing herself and hadn’t done any damage to the Goblin Knights.

　Due to these factors, all of the Goblin Knight’s experience points were credited to me. I confirmed this with Hinata-san, so there’s no doubt about it.

　In other words, the experience points of a level 13 Goblin Knight (I found out his level when I sold the magic stone after returning to the Association) were definitely “1040”.

　Well, it is expensive, but… after all, it’s much more efficient to defeat the small enemies on the third or fourth floor than to fight the Goblin Knights.

　After all, leveling up is all about numbers, bro.

　●◯●

　I got home, had dinner, took a bath, and was relaxing in my room when…

　Pop!

　And then my smartphone rang.

　When I checked, I found a message from Hinata on Ruin. By the way, we had exchanged contact information through the association.

“Thank you very much for today. Putting the weapons and armor aside, I’d like to give you something as a token of my gratitude, Samejima-san. Is there anything you would like to do?”

　I messaged him back right away.

“No, nothing in particular. There’s really nothing to worry about. (^-^)”

　Pop!

『That’s not possible……』

“a!”

“Well, if there’s no hope, I have a suggestion…”

　Hmm? What is it?

“What?”

　Pop!

“I was thinking, I think my healing magic might be of some use to you, Samejima-san…”

『So, what do you think about forming a party with me?』

“Of course, we will do our best to accommodate Samejima-san’s schedule when it comes to dungeons to explore and activity dates and times.”

『……How is it?』

　I couldn’t help but nod deeply in agreement.

　Hinata-san has the rare skill of healing magic. The existence of healing magic skill orbs has been confirmed, but they are only dropped by monsters that appear on relatively low levels.

　For a rookie explorer like me, the chance to form a party with someone who has healing magic is unlikely. No, this might be the first and last chance.

　From Hinata’s point of view, this was a 100% benevolent offer. Finding new party members is easy if you have healing magic. In fact, you’ll probably find her in high demand.

　And also…

“It’s simply reassuring to have a companion who can heal HP and injuries.”

　I thought for about three seconds.

　Think and draw a conclusion.

　”Yes,” I nodded and replied to Hinata.