Chapter 93
Chapter 93
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 93
Chapter Title: [Abyssal Miner] What the Hell Is This Really?
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"Ahh, feels so refreshing."
As soon as I got back to the inn, I lathered up some soap and scrubbed myself clean.
I dried off with a towel, plopped down on the bed, and pulled up today's quest.
"Wonder what the reward is today."
I hit the claim button on the Random Box (Lowest Grade).
A pokeball-like orb popped into existence out of thin air with a poof.
⚙ SYSTEM NOTIFICATION ⚙
Random Box (Lowest Grade) acquired!
I grabbed it and clicked the button with a satisfying snap. Then, a random thought crossed my mind.
'Isn't this kinda boring?'
At first, it was exciting not knowing what I'd get, but after opening a few, it started feeling stale.
Look at this.
Click.
It just splits open top to bottom, revealing whatever's inside. The presentation is goddamn dull.
Anyone who's played gacha games or pachinko knows: one pull, and you get flashy effects exploding everywhere—poof, bang, dopamine hit, and you're hooked for more.
This? Zero fun.
'Whatever, just give me something good.'
With that thought, I checked the contents.
Something very familiar was inside.
'This is gum, right?'
Not just any gum, I hoped. Maybe it stretches and shrinks like bubble gum or has some special effect.
I checked the info.
⚙ ITEM INFO ⚙
Item: Delicious GumGrade: NoneDelicious gum.
"You messing with me right now?"
I thought it might have some special effect, but nope—it's literally just gum. No grade, nothing.
Stuff like [Lucky Pervert Perfume], [Magic Water Bottle], or [Crisis Management Doll] at least had some use.
This? Utterly useless.
"Sigh, fuck. Figures."
I let out a sigh, peeled off one piece, and popped it in my mouth, chewing away.
"Huh?"
This thing... is actually pretty tasty?
Sweet juice mixed with a fresh burst of various fruits—hands down the best gum I've ever had.
The more I chew, the more the flavor blooms.
'Delicious Gum, huh? It really lives up to the name.'
Chewing it melted away my stress, lifting my mood.
Eh, some days are like this. Guess the system’s cutting me some slack today.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
A few more days passed after that.
The daily quests during that time were the usual routine.
Nothing like the last one demanding Heavy Iron Demon Sword practice—just everyday stuff.
Rewards were all 1P each. At this rate, who knows when I'll save up enough.
I still trained every night, though. Might as well push hard since I'm already doing it, quest or no.
Random Box rewards were random junk: clean water, nutritional supplements—useless crap.
Makes me think the system got butthurt about me calling its presentation boring.
I gave the supplements to old man Hans and Lisa. They're malnourished and underdeveloped, so they need the nutrition.
So, aside from training, the past few days were idyllic: mining with Erika or volunteering as low-key dates.
Dinner was always at [Hearthside Cat], of course. Great food, unlimited free passes—why go anywhere else?
Not that it's totally free. It's a business, after all.
I pay normally but get extra service perks.
Our mining trips with Erika even reached the 4th floor now.
She's grown a ton in just a few days—better stamina, way more skilled.
At this rate, if we fight properly together, we could clear up to the 10th floor easy.
10th floor boss is a cinch with [Hakuna Kirimaru], as long as we preserve Erika's stamina.
I'm going slow on purpose for her growth, though.
Probably growing faster than in the original story now.
And so, another morning dawned.
I chugged a refreshing drink right after waking.
Another Random Box pull—no real effects, just a cool rush down my throat that shakes off sleepiness.
Pretty decent for someone like me who hates mornings.
Then, habit kicked in: checked the daily quest.
📜 DAILY QUESTS 📜
1. Light Jogging (0/100 meters)
Reward: Trait Points 1P 2. Greet Someone You Know (0/3)
Reward: Trait Points 1P 3. Heavy Iron Demon Sword Practice (0/1) - Check Details
Reward: Trait Points 12P
"Oh?"
Hadn't seen a practice quest in days, and now it's here.
Even bumped to 12P—2P more than before.
'Same task, but why the extra?'
Who knows.
Check the details first.
Tap.
📜 QUEST DETAILS 📜
3. Heavy Iron Demon Sword Practice Practice Heavy Iron Demon Sword in the vacant lot in District 8's back alleys. (Start before 8 AM) Caution: No mana use allowedReward: Trait Points 12P
'District 8?'
Where Kyle practiced late at night last time.
Full of entertainment spots, bad security—like a no-go zone in a galgame where guards block entry.
Push past, and they sigh like you're hopeless, treating you like a john.
That disdainful look stings.
Time constraint means I gotta go now.
But today I'm supposed to mine with Erika.
Tough call.
Skip quest and mine with Erika?
Or explain to her and do the quest?
Maybe the system's being considerate, pricing it at 12P for that.
That's four days of normal quests.
'Damn, what to do.'
After some thought, I decided.
"Sigh."
No matter how good Trait Points are, ditching a date with my girlfriend feels wrong.
Fine, skip 12P and today's Random Box.
Right as I resolved to go mining with Erika...
⚙ SYSTEM UPDATE ⚙
3. Heavy Iron Demon Sword Practice (0/1) - Check DetailsReward: Trait Points 25P
'What the hell, system.'
Reward jumped 13P outta nowhere.
First time seeing this.
Now it's more than a full week's quests—eight straight days for 24P.
Feels like the system's dead set on getting me there.
Does it have a will or something?
25P is too tempting to pass up. Fuck, I want it bad.
I muttered, testing the waters.
"Guess I'll just go mining with Erika~."
Checked again.
Still 25P.
No bluffing it.
Makes sense—it's a cheat-level trait; it'd know if I'm serious.
Sorry, Erika, but I'm bailing today.
Honestly, 25P is huge.
12P is one temporary Ah-rin summon; 25P gets two with 1P left over.
I threw on clothes and bolted out, just in time to see Erika entering.
We've got this unspoken race to wake up early and fetch each other lately.
She beat me today.
"I got here first today. Good morning!"
"Good morning, Erika."
"Ehehe."
Just a simple good morning, and she's beaming like that.
Her smile's worth a million flowers. But now I have to tell her I'm ditching our plans—my chest feels heavy.
⚙ REMINDER ⚙
Reward: Trait Points 25P
Like it's telling me not to waver. Got it, okay.
"Hey, Erika. Sorry, but can we push back today's mining plans?"
"Huh? Suddenly? Is something wrong?"
"Yeah... something urgent came up. I can't make it. Sorry for springing this."
"Urgent... Got it. If you say so, it must be important. I won't get in the way. Next time, then."
Erika, total angel.
Lying to a girlfriend like this stabs at my heart.
But saying "gotta train" feels lame.
"Thanks for understanding, Erika. Don't overdo it mining alone. Stick to around the 3rd floor."
"Got it! Don't worry—go get 'em!"
I left her behind and headed out of the inn.
District 8's not too bad—inside the village walls, plenty of space.
Worse if it was that last lot.
⚙ QUEST PROGRESS ⚙
Daily Quest Condition Met. Light Jogging (100/100 meters) Reward: Trait Points 1P
Quest grinding too—jogged to Kyle's old practice spot.
Lot's surrounded by crumbling shacks, prime for hobos or vagrants.
Some signs of life, as expected.
Quick scan around.
"Magic sword, come forth."
I recited the comic line, pulling the Heavy Iron Demon Sword from inventory.
Means nothing, but it feels cool.
Like kicking a soccer ball yelling "Kami Nari!"—everyone's done it once.
Gripped it two-handed like day one to avoid drops.
These past days swinging it made it familiar now.
If I knew more moves—horizontal, diagonal—I'd mix it up. But I only know Kyle's downward chop.
Too prideful to ask him.
Wasn't there a retired mercenary in town?
Might ask for tips. Won't be pro-level, but better than now.
Mid-swing, thinking that...
Rustle.
Presence right behind me.
Who?
Turned—Erika standing there.
"Erika? What are you doing here?"
"S-Sorry. I didn't mean to follow, but... you said it was urgent, so I worried. Thought maybe you were hurt or something."
Oh no.
Makes sense—I bailed suddenly and ran off.
But I hadn't let my guard down despite presences around... and missed hers completely.
She's grown this much already.
"But what's with that sword? Your hands were empty earlier. Where'd such a huge blade come from...?"
"This?"
She probably heard the line, so magic summon excuse?
Or say it's a magic sword with summon function.
Habitual lie forming, but then I saw her face.
Pure worry and surprise—my girlfriend who followed out of care.
'...No more lies.'
Erika knows I'm a dimension traveler, sorta.
She's been to the real world once.
No need to lie here.
She's my girlfriend and party member.
Don't need to spill everything, but this much is fine.
"It's my innate ability. Pulled from a subspace."
"Subspace? Wow... amazing! Like a space pouch or spatial magic mages use?"
"Yeah. Lets me pull registered items like this."
Demo'd by pulling [Bloodcalling Morningstar].
"Eek! For real! It appeared from nowhere. Unlimited storage? Can you fit a house?"
"Nah, capacity limit. Only two slots. Just these two registered."
Pointed to [Heavy Iron Demon Sword] and [Bloodcalling Morningstar].
Inventory has my [Into the Comics Log] notebook too, but no need to show that.
It's my biggest secret.
"Ah, I see. Still super convenient—no heavy loads. You're incredible, Lee Jun."
"No biggie. Lots of restrictions, actually kinda inconvenient."
Truth.
Gimme 20 slots or a box item at least.
Four's too cramped.
"So you were practicing with that sword? That's why you rushed off?"
"Yeah, secret weapon I got—super heavy, hard to handle. Wanted more practice. Gotta look cool for you, not huffing and puffing."
This lie's safe.
A white lie to make his girlfriend happy—something even the Association would approve of.
Erika burst into delighted laughter.
"Pfft, you don't need to worry about that. You're already plenty cool. But... can I try holding it?"
"Sure. But it's heavy—be careful."
Obviously she'd drop it, so rested tip on ground, handed hilt.
She gripped, strained... wobbled.
Couldn't lift it.
"Eek! So heavy! Like a boulder!"
"Over 200kg."
"No way... You've been swinging this?"
"Yeah, perfect for training."
Took it back.
Erika pondered, then asked.
"Can I train with you, Lee Jun?"
"You too?"
"Yes! Gotta get better with Hakuna Kirimaru. Sword practice like you said."
"Well, this is more strength training than swordsmanship. No techniques, so not great practice..."
"Still..."
Saw her hesitating—oh, she just wants to be with me.
Don't ignore her feelings again.
"Ah, never mind. Let's do it! Reps build muscle anyway."
"Right?!"
So we stood side by side, swinging.
Me with massive greatsword, her nimble katana.
Different weapons, same goal—sweating together felt nice.
After a while, spotted an improvement in her form.
"Erika, hold up—got something to say."
"What? Bad form?"
"Nah, don't know form well myself. Just an idea."
"Idea?"
"Hakuna Kirimaru shoots slashes, right? Loosen shoulders a bit, practice precise, fast swings?"
"Ah! I get it. Slash power doesn't need brute force, yeah?"
"Exactly. Separate normal power swings from slash-only quick ones."
"And mix 'em for tricky combos?"
"Yep! Opponent won't know what hit 'em."
Not from original—just flashed in my head.
Sounds legit, right?
"That's... great idea! Slashes feel hindered by too much power sometimes. Was pondering fixes!"
'Nailed it.'
"Ehehe."
Back to practice.
By the way, early mistake: with Tenacity trait, better to swing again soon as stamina ticks up.
Higher Strength/Agility means less fatigue, but Tenacity grows from fatigue—so lags behind.
Good I figured it quick.
Weights on sword could work, but max growth comes from frequent reps when weak.
We took breaks, chatted, kept going.
⚙ QUEST COMPLETE ⚙
Daily Quest Condition Met. 3. Heavy Iron Demon Sword Practice (1/1) Reward: Trait Points 25P
Quest done before I knew it.
Last time dragged till late night; today quick.
Bonus points sudden, criteria mystery.
Checked message, stored sword.
Continue tonight.
Could keep going, but Erika's wiped—sitting, watching. Can't make her spectate forever.
Her stamina's up lately, but can't match [Blessing of the Earth] recovery.
"Whew... call it here?"
"Good work, Lee Jun."
Exhausted Erika came over, wiped my sweat with a towel.
"Thanks. You too, Erika."
Handed her [Magic Water Bottle] from my belt.
She sniffed, tilted head.
"What's this?"
"Water, as it looks. Why?"
"Just... familiar scent...?"
She's suspicious.
Of course—it's flavored to the drink she loves most.
Can't wait for her reaction.
"Try it."
"Okaay..."
Gulp gulp.
Her pale throat bobbed as she drank.
After a couple sips, eyes widened.
"Wow, Lee Jun—this tastes like my favorite tea! Never told you... how'd you know?"
I grinned watching her joy.
"Artifact, actually. Tastes like whatever drink the user loves most."
"Ah... so amazing..."
Got it back from her wistful expression.
My turn.
Gulp gulp gulp.
Drank till thirst gone.
That's the stuff.
Best Random Box reward yet, beer aside.
Pepsi anytime in soda-less medieval land—top item.
"Kaaah."
"...!"
Pulled away—Erika flushed, staring.
Lips twitching wordless, eyes flicking face to bottle.
Toes curling, uncurling.
Hands fidgeting wildly.
"What's up, Erika?"
"Y-Yes? N-Nyaha?!"
Finally snapped to, flailing in panic.
Clap!
Slapped both cheeks.
"...?"
"I-It's... no-nothing. Dizzy from hard training, I guess."
"Ah, yeah? Felt like we overdid it. Early lunch at Hearthside Cat?"
"Yes! Sounds good!"
Headed to [Hearthside Cat], greeted Nyami and boss.
Today's quest wrapped.
Said hi to quiet wife in kitchen—nod only, stone silent.
Super stoic.
So what was today's quest really about?
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
While Lee Jun and Erika finished training and ate at [Hearthside Cat]...
One man slowly walked the road out of Lumina Village.
Elderly, with patches of gray in his hair.
Chest and thighs bulged with muscle under clothes—tough beyond his years.
"Hoo..."
Ignored scenery, deep in thought.
Then muttered.
"This village's full of interesting kids."
And chuckled softly.