Chapter 24
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 10
Chapter Title: Dungeon Chaos is Everyday Life -3
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Werewolf.
Every now and then, when you enter a dungeon, you run into some weird bastards.
These are creatures that really shouldn't be here in the first place.
Why are they here?
No point pondering it. It's just a MacGuffin left by the devs.
But I do have some intel.
They used to be the type that'd give you items and you could even befriend them.
What the hell happened in Healing Academy 2 to make them so damn vicious?
It's a shame, but when they're threatening my life, I can't exactly reminisce about old times.
"Is this the place?"
"It is."
"Impressive spot."
"All fine warriors, one and all. A bit short on brains, though."
I followed the chieftain to their village.
The small settlement, home to about thirty souls, was packed with burly, hulking warriors.
A few had bandages wrapped around their wounds—they were probably the ones who'd chased after Melissa.
"Fine warriors indeed."
"Of course. With them, I believe we can rule this place."
"Haha."
"What's so funny?"
"Oh, nothing. They're just the caliber worthy of the man I've sworn to serve."
"Such flattery!"
The chieftain feigned humility, but I could see the corner of his mouth twitching.
He seemed to like my bootlicking.
"More importantly, what about this one—"
"Lock her in the cage for now. No, I'll show you myself. You don't know the place well yet."
"My thanks for your kindness."
The chieftain led me to a gray cave.
Passing the guards, we came to a cell with iron bars.
We shoved Agnes inside and watched the guard do his thing.
The guard carried out his duty without a second thought.
Navy-furred wolf with a burn scar under his right eye.
If the cell's locked, you gotta know who has the key.
"You've had a hard day."
"...Nah."
"Stuck here all day, huh."
"...Yeah."
Today's keyholder was that guy.
So I'd just come back for it later.
I turned to leave the cell behind.
That's when—
"Ugh... ughh..."
Agnes groaned as she pushed herself up.
I turned back to check on her. She'd taken a solid hit, but no major wounds caught my eye.
Relief washed over me, but I forced my voice into the coldest tone I could muster.
"Awake, are you?"
"...Huh?"
Agnes mumbled dazedly.
Her eyes darted around, piecing together reality.
Soon, she let out an "Ah."
Looked like she'd finally synced up with the world.
Reality for Agnes: hands bound, locked in a cold cell.
"W-what is this?!"
She had every right to scream.
Wake up from a knockout in a cage—who wouldn't freak?
But Agnes seemed less panicked than betrayed, trembling with rage.
"You! Explain yourself! Is this some sick joke?!"
"..."
"Say something!"
My conscience stung.
This was all an act, but with the chieftain breathing down my neck, I couldn't spill it.
Agnes had to play the part of the thoroughly betrayed comrade.
That way, my claim of offering her up would hold water.
I hadn't clued her in on the plan, figuring she might not sell it.
And now...
"C-come on, tell me it's a joke. The cell... the cell is scary!"
This happened.
Agnes stared at me, eyes brimming with tears.
Those sharp, serpent-like pupils sent endless waves of heartbreaking sorrow.
But I couldn't back down now.
This was our gamble to survive.
Once you're at the table...
"Ha... hahaha!!"
I had to turn ice-cold.
If I didn't want to lose everything.
The laugh sounded repulsive even to me.
Agnes's face froze at the sound.
"E...Ethan?"
"You know..."
"What...?"
"You've been had."
"Had?"
I twisted my lips into a smirk at her.
"How'd you think you'd survive being that naive?"
"What?"
"You led us there. Did you really think I wouldn't notice?"
"No way..."
"Yes. The moment we stepped in, I had to decide: stick with you annoying bitches who kept me up all night, or side with these mighty warriors."
"You knew all along...!"
I hadn't a clue.
If even Melissa the beastkin didn't sense it, how could I?
"That's right."
"Ugh..."
"You were so damn cute."
"You bastard..."
"Hm?"
"Were you always like this? Ditching friends to save your own skin?!"
The story was dragging.
Stalling was good, but the chieftain was sighing boredly.
No choice.
I'd have to do it, even if she hated me.
"Hahaha..."
"What's so funny?"
"That... it was kinda fun. Playing friends with Agnes."
Playing friends.
The nail in the coffin hit, and Agnes went blank.
Then, at some point—
"..."
Tears streamed down her cheeks.
Drop by drop, they formed streams, and the streams became a river.
The torrent soaked her skirt.
"You're right."
"..."
"We've only known each other a few weeks—what friends? I don't need a friend like you!"
"..."
And finally, she wailed.
"Get out! Don't ever show your face to me again!"
Agnes hurled pebbles from the floor. One clipped my forehead, tearing skin.
Blood trickled from the gash.
Perfect performance... or so I'd thought. Agnes wouldn't see it that way.
"You alright?"
"Just needs some spit. It'll heal."
"Tough guy."
"Thank you."
Agnes in tears, me bleeding.
What a farce. All because of these mutts.
"I'll go make good on my promise. Mind if I borrow some fire?"
"Help yourself."
"Thanks."
I ground my teeth inwardly as I headed to the fire.
Pulling ingredients from my bag, I saw cocoa pods remained.
I'd swept everything inside in a rush.
Just not enough quantity.
Minus the one for testing, four left.
"..."
No helping it.
Should've asked Agnes for more.
Risking my neck, I climbed a tree.
Luckily, cocoa trees dotted the village outskirts.
Even the shorter ones meant a perilous ascent.
I kept picking cocoa.
The richer the brew, the better the effect.
"This should do i—gah!?"
I slipped grabbing the last one and fell.
No major damage, but it hurt like hell.
"Uhhahaha..."
Painful.
Yet laughter bubbled up.
You're fucking dead, all of you.
Probably thanks to the massive, hefty cocoa in my hand.
This behemoth pod must be packed with beans.
"It's your fault."
This world has plenty that'd be happier gone.
Like vicious wolves, threatening monsters, macho wolf-beasts looking down on others.
I'll wipe 'em out with this.
"Let's do it."
Cooking Started
Placing the huge pot over the fire lit up a few recipe icons.
Chocolate. And various chocolate-based dishes.
Why take this? It's the legendary fruit you're not supposed to touch.
Dialogue from Healing Academy 1.
Don't touch it recklessly.
Even monsters—dogs are dogs. Chocolate's poison. Big trouble incoming.
Split the pods, extract the beans.
Normally, ferment for flavor, dry for storage.
No time for that. Too good for these bastards anyway.
Half-assed from the start.
Roast roughly over fire till hard, smash with tools.
Down to powder-ish chunks.
Remove shells and husks later, it said.
Fuck it.
Don't people eat fruit with skin?
Close enough.
Whatever.
Pile of powder.
Dump it in the pot with the dried butter I brought.
Chuck in water, boil vigorously, and voila—enough cocoa brew for the whole village.
The process was such a mess, completion rate bombed.
You have failed at cooking.
Cocoa Water – Bitter and greasy. Who could drink this? Don't play around with food.
What in the world are you doing?
Why? Because...
They're dogshit.
A vile, cruel smile crept across my lips.
The same one I'd flashed to make Agnes cry moments ago.
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