Chapter 43
Chapter 43
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 43
Chapter Title: The Bartender Welcomes His Second Customers
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Thanks to the knights' dedication, those who had acted together with them safely made it to the dungeon shelter. But even after arriving, the knights were so gravely wounded they could barely move.
"Knights!!"
"D-Damn it! Blood!"
"Everyone, you can't pass out!"
Everyone rushed to the battered knights, trying to treat them with everything they had.
But their injuries were too severe, and they were on the verge of fading away in a blue light.
However, just as his older brother had said, there was someone here willing to approach them.
"Huh... You really made it through?"
"""?!"""
Ferguson appeared before them.
Of course, the moment they saw the werewolf suddenly appear behind them, the hero party quickly drew their weapons and went on high alert.
But the hero recalled what his junior, who had been here first, had told him, and calmed down his companions.
"Everyone, put your weapons away."
"What!? But..."
"C-Come to think of it. That werewolf couldn't be—!"
"I guess I've gotten pretty famous out there? Anyway... here, take this."
Whoosh!
Thud!
"This is..."
"A gift for the second group to arrive here. In exchange, it's incredibly potent, so you must dilute it before using it on them."
"Pardon?"
"Oh dear, they don't have much time left. Are you really going to dawdle like this?"
Only after hearing the werewolf's words did the hero snap to attention. He asked the two mages with him to cast a spell to create water.
He quickly diluted the potion and sprinkled it on the knights.
"Th-The wounds!"
"My god, a recovery potion reacting this dramatically?!"
"And it's diluted dozens of times over..."
"Now, now, everyone. Wouldn't it be better to head inside the building and rest there rather than lingering out here? No matter how soft this shelter's grass is, it's not as comfortable as indoors."
"That's true, but..."
"Then it's decided."
Clap clap!
"Peep!"
"Peep peep peep."
"Uwaaaah!! What are those things?!"
"Those golems from the first room are here too? Lowell was telling the truth after all?"
"These little friends will escort you safely, so please follow me."
"Th-Thank you."
"Just service, pure service. So relax."
With the help of the small, adorable golems, they made it to Ferguson's shop and were able to rest.
****************
Who would've thought they'd actually make it through, just like big brother Balak said...
What a surprise.
Still, knowing big brother's personality, he wouldn't have let them pass if they'd gotten any special treatment in battle.
That means these heroes passed the trial fair and square.
And since they're the first ones here after that hero Lowell...
Big brother won't mind if I throw in some extra service. Perfect timing too—these knight-looking folks have come around.
Time to mix some drinks and change some lives.
"Here you go, heroes~ Take these."
"Huh? H-Heroes?"
"W-Well... I'm just an adventurer..."
"You've overcome the trials and hardships ahead. You're the ones who challenge the impossible without end. If I don't call people like you heroes, what else would I call you?"
From the start, when we talked with big brother Balak, we agreed to call everyone who reaches here a hero.
And even if they keep dying pointlessly here, that endless challenging spirit of theirs truly makes them heroes worthy of the name.
"...Feels kinda embarrassing."
"Hahaha, don't take my words too seriously. Anyway, if there's anything you want or anything you're curious about, feel free to ask. As the second heroes to reach this place, you more than qualify."
"R-Really?!"
Hm...?
Why are that lady's eyes sparkling like that? The one who just introduced herself as an adventurer?
Her next request left me speechless.
"Can I hug you once?!"
"Pardon?"
"Or maybe grab your butt!"
At the female adventurer's devastating demand, the entire shop froze as if time had stopped—no one moved a muscle.
Why the hell would she ask for something like that...?
No, wait!
Let me recall what big brother Balak said before!
'Little bro, what's your taste in that sort of thing?'
'Huh?! B-Big brother, why do you ask...?'
'Just curious. And I need to explain situations that might come up while you're running the shop.'
'Well, sure, I like the opposite sex, but what does that have to do with running the shop?'
'See, it's like this—'
Back then, I didn't get what big brother meant.
But looking at this lady's excited eyes, I think I do now!
'The world is vast, little bro, full of folks with all sorts of suspicious tastes.'
'S-Suspicious?'
'Yeah, they're always loaded with cash or super passionate. And to them, you're a total 'strike.' Plus, you'll be insanely popular with any women who come here.'
'But I'm a cursed being. You think I'd really be that popular?'
'Sigh... You still don't get your current state, huh? Fine. Just think of your outside self and your current self as completely different. So—'
｢Assume you'll get sexually harassed by every hero who reaches the shelter.｣
So that's what big brother meant?!
*****************
Just like Balak said, the female adventurer felt something stabbing deep into her heart the moment she laid eyes on Ferguson!
Of course, that wasn't her type at all. But he gave off a totally fresh vibe, completely unlike the ordinary guys you see outside!
She'd traveled the world as an adventurer and seen beastfolk with animal ears and tails before.
But now, they seemed utterly boring and plain compared to Ferguson's overwhelming presence!
Just how fluffy would it feel to be held in those arms?!
How soft would that glimpse of butt in his hand be?!
And that flustered look on such a gentlemanly guy was just too!!!
Ferguson's appearance, demeanor, and reactions ended up stimulating all sorts of things in the woman.
In the end, the werewolf defused the situation by letting her grab his butt.
The other women watched the female adventurer with envious eyes.
"Heheheh..."
"Um... I-I'm really sorry."
"I kinda saw this coming, so it's fine. Anyway, looks like the injured ones are mostly healed now?"
"Thanks to you, we can move again. Truly grateful."
"It's my job to let wounded heroes rest here. No need to worry about it."
"Ahem!"
"H-Hero..."
After that, the young, capable knights squirmed in embarrassment since Ferguson was praising them as heroes right to their faces.
They got to hear all sorts of stories from Ferguson.
When they toured the shelter properly under his guidance, they were left speechless.
Among them!
"Kyaaaaah!!"
"Uh... Why is she doing that?"
"Just ignore her, if you can, Ferguson..."
"Please treat her like a stranger for now."
"C-Coooiiiins!!!"
Their female adventurer companion's overly desire-driven antics made the rest of the party even more embarrassed by association.
Soon, the female adventurer checked her bank account again.
She flipped somersaults in the air nonstop, like someone who'd bought hundreds of some forgotten cryptocurrency for pennies years ago, only to find it worth hundreds of thousands now.
The wildly excited female adventurer withdrew her coins and asked Ferguson if she could sell them to others.
"No problem."
"R-Really?! That's really okay!!"
"This place was made assuming you'd take them outside. That's how we get more people coming here. And... even if the currency flows out, the only bank and places to spend it are right here."
"Ooooooh!!!"
As Ferguson said, the dungeon shelter was designed with the assumption that Abyssal Coins would be traded outside.
That way, the currency would keep circulating, building trust and fame over time.
The rewards from spending them played a massive role too, and with their scarcity on top...
It was only a matter of time before they became a second major reserve currency.
Plus, even a group capable of near-perfect coordination had nearly been wiped out in an instant. Unless you seriously challenged the dungeon, no rewards for you.
Using services here meant hefty commissions for Balak.
It also cleared out some of the massive stockpiles inside the dungeon. Win-win for everyone.
Even those who'd reached here didn't seem too upset that others could just buy the fruits of their labor with money.
"Those coins are insanely expensive if you convert them to real money anyway..."
"Yeah. And thinking about facing that doll again... gets my blood boiling."
"Is this why hero parties don't go to other dungeons?"
"Probably."
"Good call rushing in to pin it down and wheel it with rotations."
"Ah, so you went with wheel tactics?"
"When facing a powerhouse like that, it's one of the few strategies. But we couldn't have even tried without the knights here."
"Hm... Rotations like that backfire if your coordination's off, so yeah. But... that won't work anymore."
"Huh?!"
"W-What do you mean?!"
"You think the dungeon's systems stay the same forever? It changes as you grow."
Ferguson's declaration of endless content updates left the hero party speechless.
"So heroes, you'll have to keep pushing forward. Until you can truly challenge big brother Balak, that is."
"The dungeon's master, you mean..."
"Ugh, it's so distant."
"So that's why you called us heroes..."
"Exactly. That's why there are rewards like this. And there are all sorts of challenges here too."
"Challenges... here?"
"What do you mean, Ferguson?"
"Big brother Balak said content has to be plentiful, so there are various 'mini-games' set up around here."
"""????"""
What on earth were these mini-games?!
Everyone, knights included, was dying to know, but they didn't have much time left.
"Ah~ So that's why you've been diving into the dungeon lately—the tournament? And it's winter outside now..."
"This is our last shot too. We head out for the tournament tomorrow."
"No time for mini-games then. So, what'll it be? Hero Lowell took the shortcut last time. What about you all...?"
"We lost our main weapons, but we'll push to the next room."
"I'll go with my backup weapon too, but the junior said he really regretted the shortcut. So we'll head to the next room."
"Excellent choice! Then... as a commemoration, I'll give you one hint."
Everyone's ears perked up at Ferguson's offer of a hint for the next room.
As they all fell silent and stared at him, he grinned and spoke.
"For one, the room right ahead isn't the one with magic bullets raining down like before the renewal. Instead—"
You will have to face the strongest lifeform on earth.