Ordinary Person × Modern Dungeon × Summer Vacation Life = Rise to Success!? 〜A Private Dungeon Was Made at the Remains of a Secret Base From Childhood〜 - Episode 16: Application for the Explorer Exam

Episode 16: Application for the Explorer Exam

“Um, Natsume-san… where did you get this?”

When I handed over the green magic stone, Yamada-san from the Explorer Association asked with a serious expression.

“It’s from that private dungeon… It appeared after I caught a rare butterfly.”

I answered honestly.

“I see… Omoigawa-san, could you come here for a second?”

“Yees!”

A voice came from behind the partition, and Otama-chan came over.

“Ah, Kou-chan! …Oops, I mean, Natsume-san. What’s up?”

Her tone was a bit casual. But in front of Yamada-san, she responded politely.

“Omoigawa-san. Sorry, but please store this magic stone in the back.”

“Eh…!? This is an emerald magic stone, isn’t it!? No way…”

“Natsume-san brought it in. You’re selling it, right?”

“Yes. …Is it something rare?”

“Indeed. To put it simply, it’s very rare.”

“I-I’ll go put it in the safe right away!”

Otama-chan placed the green magic stone on a tray and hurriedly ran behind the partition.

“That magic stone is…?”

“It’s called an ‘emerald magic stone’. Simply put, it’s an ultra-high purity magic stone. The purchase price is entirely market-dependent, so we can’t give an exact value. But it should be at least five million yen.”

“…Seriously?”

With just one magic stone, I surpassed my annual salary from my previous job.

My sense of money is starting to break.

According to Yamada-san, there are roughly three categories of demand for magic stones.

The so-called “tama-jari” — small-sized magic stones — are used as fuel and have a low purchase price.

Medium to large magic stones can provide significant output. So they’re used in magic tools inside dungeons and in related research.

The purchase price ranges from tens of thousands to a million yen.

And then…

Out-of-standard ones like this magic stone are used to create custom-made items.

“Emerald magic stones can only be obtained from high-level small monsters and are very rare. I’ve only seen one once myself.”

“By the way, Yamada-san, what kind of monster did yours drop from?”

“It was a floor boss, a Dullahan, on the 20th level of the Shibuya Dungeon. It was back before I got married. We barely defeated it with a party of four.”

…So Yamada-san used to be an explorer in Tokyo.

“Even when there are high-level monsters, they’re usually large, like Dragon types. That’s why emerald magic stones rarely appear on the market. 

Additionally, the buyers are limited to high-level explorers or top-tier magic tool manufacturers. Since they generally aren’t short on money, the price can easily shoot into the millions.”

“Wow…”

Expected uses include batteries for ultra-high-performance AI drones used in streaming, magic power sources for elemental weapons, or the core for semi-permanent automaton dolls.

“For now, I’ll put in an estimate of five million yen. But please understand the price may fluctuate.”

“Understood.”

…Hearing that amount made my resolve even stronger.

“Um, may I ask for some advice? I want to get a license that lets me enter dungeons other than the private one…”

“The general explorer exam is held every 10th of the month. If you like, I can go ahead and process your application for the next one. Since you have a [Green] license, you’ll be exempt from the preliminary lecture and only need to take the practical test on the day.”

It’s currently March 2nd, so about a week to go.

“Thank you. Please go ahead.”

“Then, please place your hand here and disclose your status.”

“Got it.”

Yamada-san handed me a black panel.

It’s the same device Otama-chan used to check my status out of curiosity.

I obediently followed the instructions.

Name: Natsume Koichi

Level: 21

Experience: 67/1410

HP: 174

MP: 88

Attack: 84 (Bonus +18)

Defense: 64 (Bonus +4)

Speed: 137 (Bonus +15)

Wisdom: 55

Skills: [Child’s Heart], [Enhanced Item Drop], [Water Resistance (Small)], [Sleep Immunity], [Water Walking], [Slash Boost (Small)], [Butterfly Dance]

Special Ability: Magical Creature Encyclopedia, Swarm Attack, Magical Creature Capture Net (Lv.1), Bug Sumo (Stag Beetle)

“Eh…!?”

Yamada-san widened her eyes at the display.

“E-Excuse me a moment!”

She placed her own hand on the black panel.

Yamada-san’s data appeared on the display.

Name: Yamada Nanako

Level: 35

Experience: 511 / 3781

HP: 243

MP: 193

Attack 104

Defense 112

Speed 135

Wisdom: 152

Skills: [Presence Detection], [Wind Magic], [Spatial Awareness]

Special Ability: Wind Cutter, Air Blast, Breath Counter, Speed Up, Tempest

Whoa, Yamada-san is strong!

No wonder Otama-chan is afraid of her.

Also, so Yamada-san’s real name is Nanako…

Somehow, looking at a woman’s status screen makes me feel like I’m doing something wrong.

While I was thinking that…

“The device doesn’t seem broken… Uh, Natsume-san, are you really the same person who just got their [Green] license recently? You haven’t been exploring illegally, have you?”

“U-Um…”

“Are you sure?”

“Y-Yes…”

I’m not really sure what’s going on, but am I being suspected of doing something shady?

My explorer career…

While I was panicking, Yamada-san sighed and said:

“…I can’t believe it, but Natsume-san. Even before getting a general explorer license, you already have top-class stats in this region… even mid-level stats in Tokyo.”

“Eh…!?”

So I’ve already become that strong without realizing it.

“Anyway, we look forward to seeing you at the exam on March 10th. Just be sure to stay healthy until then.”

“Y-Yes!”

“So this is the benefit of a private dungeon… Honestly, I’m jealous. I nearly died so many times…”

Yamada-san said, sounding a little sulky.

I’d never seen that expression on her before.

“U-Um…”

Not sure what to say—

“Hehe, just kidding.”

Yamada-san smiled warmly.

“But now I have no reason to hold back either.”

“Eh…?”

She glanced toward the partition.

“About that magic stone you brought before — the purchase price has been finalized. It went up from the estimated 698,000 yen to 780,000 yen.”

“Seriously…?”

“Yes, seriously. I did my best.”

………..She’s probably good at anything she does.

Her gentle smile was dazzling.

“And you said if the magic stone sold for a good price, you’d treat Omoigawa-san to a meal, right, Natsume-san?”

“W-Well…”

I vaguely remember saying that since Otama-chan helped me catch that fish.

Yamada-san placed a printed web page on the counter.

“This is my recommended restaurant. Coincidentally, Omoigawa-san is off tomorrow. If you can get a reservation, please treat her.”

Looking at the restaurant photo — it was a stylish place that didn’t look like it belonged in a town full of chain restaurants.

Dinner course: 6,000 yen per person.

Definitely a high-end place for this area.

“Yamada-saaan, I put it away—”

Just then, Otama-chan cheerfully came over to the counter.