The Story of How I Ended Up Becoming a Hero Without Realizing It While Training in the Infinite Labyrinth - Chapter 14

The next day, I waited in front of my apartment. A car arrived; I got in.

Minutes later, we reached Rui’s house.

“Hajime. Thanks for coming.”

“No problem. You asked, and I wanted to offload them anyway.”

Last night’s message: “Sell me magic stones.”

The Shinonome Group’s magic-tool division needed them for new development.

Low-rank stones fuel energy—hence the request.

“Here—500 exactly. Didn’t want fractions.”

“You gathered this many in a week? Even low-rank stones don’t pile up like this normally.”

“High difficulty helps, but I’ve been grinding goblins for levels.”

Wasn’t aiming to farm—just dropped constantly.

Over 500 without trying.

Less death, earlier grinding—could’ve hit 1,000.

“Speaking of levels, what’s yours now?”

“Not jumping crazy. Hit 20 yesterday.”

Post-Floor 2 viable, checked status on exit—Level 20.

“Minato’s group would ask ‘how?!’…”

Stones handed over. Rui’s subordinate outside confirmed count.

Exact 500. Paid slightly above rate.

“Sure? I’m just happy for cash.”

“It’s fine. My parents asked, and more money helps you grow faster.”

“True. Any gear shop recommendations? Still in starter set—time to upgrade. Know a good place?”

“I do. They made mine—top craftsmanship.”

Rui sent the address and wrote a referral letter.

She had family business—couldn’t come. Letter would suffice.

Thanked her, got driven to the shop.

“Looks expensive…”

Multi-story mid-rise building.

Sign: Higuchi Workshop.

Entered, showed referral at reception.

“From Lady Shinonome? Please wait in the lounge.”

Guided to a room. Minutes later, a man entered.

~190 cm, muscular, artisan vibe.

“Sorry for the wait. Confirmed with Lady Shinonome. I’m Higuchi Tesshin, head of this workshop.”

“Rui’s childhood friend, Awakened Tōjō Hajime. Sorry for the sudden visit.”

Stood, introduced, shook hands.

“Letter says equipment crafting. What’s your combat style?”

“Sword-focused. Use shield too.”

“I see… May I examine your body?”

“Sure.”

Tesshin approached—felt shoulders, arms, hips, legs; inspected closely.

“…Very trained. Couldn’t you ask whoever made your current gear?”

“Uh… it’s the starter set. First custom order.”

“What?! My apologies! Assumed veteran from your build.”

Flustered apology. Led to the backyard.

Training dummies, various weapons—swords, spears.

“We observe movement here, test finished gear. You said sword and shield—grab similar ones, show some moves.”

“Got it.”

Picked closest matches to my usual gear.

Moved for a few minutes.