NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: Challenging the Dungeon
Chapter 3: Challenging the Dungeon
I quickly prepared my notebook and wrote down everything I could remember. Even in the previous loop, I felt like I did the same thing halfway through. However, this time, I put in more effort. I meticulously wrote down everything I could recall.
As I write, various emotions intertwine. First of all, in this world, there was plant-based paper. Since plant-based paper rarely appeared in history, I couldn’t help but think that this might be a world from a game or something. Also, in the previous loops, I wish I had paid more attention to worldly events, market prices, and such. If I had invested wisely, becoming wealthy in a short period wouldn’t have been just a dream.
Then, if the loops continue, does that mean I can freely indulge in romance? I, being the son of a decent merchant, may not be as noble as others, but I can’t marry just anyone. So far, I’ve been passive about romance. At most, I secretly dreamed of making my debut at a brothel while hiding the fact that I was still a virgin, enthusiastically discussing cute girls with friends.
However, in my past life, I was an ordinary adult with some experience in romance. That’s why, now that I’ve returned to adolescence, the idea of playing at romance with a cute high school girl is incredibly exciting. You know how guys are, right? They want to taste this and that, but cheating is out of the question, and jumping from one girl to another immediately is also not an option. It would tarnish my social reputation, and I’d lose my appeal. In that sense, a 3-year loop sounds perfect. I guess romantic simulations in the world are set for about three years. Approach, get curious, fumble around, and end up in a lovey-dovey situation in just three years. It’s perfect.
Yes, that’s it. I don’t know who else is looping, but I’ll jump on the bandwagon and enjoy romance.
However, I don’t know when the loop will end. If I get involved with a bad girl, and life continues after the loop, I’m still in trouble. I have to be careful in choosing a partner. Right now, there’s no particular person I’m interested in, so for now, I’ll focus on my studies and other things.
First of all, I was reincarnated into a world of swords and magic. Being the son of a merchant, I thought I didn’t need swords or magic. It was partly because I didn’t have any special talents. But if this is a game world, then maybe there’s a rise from leveling up.
Alright, next Saturday, I’ll prepare beginner’s weapons and armor and challenge the dungeon. On the outskirts of the capital, there should be an unpopular dungeon with only weak monsters. I became motivated and put down my pen. First, let’s build wealth and strength to be popular.
My battle begins now!
Saturday. I submitted an overnight stay request and returned to my parents’ house. From there, I headed to the weapon shop. In the commercial district of the capital, everyone is somewhat familiar. I expressed my desire for beginner’s weapons, and the shopkeeper recommended a mace. Handling a sword is difficult without a solid foundation in swordsmanship. Since I’ve mastered swordsmanship, the mace is more powerful. “Looks like the young one’s getting interested,” the stern-faced shopkeeper said with a smile, patting my head. I’ve known him since I was a child, so I’m always treated like a kid.
Then, I went through almost the same process at the armor shop. Sturdy cloak, leather armor, leather boots. It’s not as cool as I thought, but it seems functionality and ease of movement are essential. “Listen to what the experts say,” he said, patting my head again.
Afterward, I boarded a shared carriage bound for a neighboring village. Unlike popular dungeons, there is no dedicated route. I was shaken on the 5-kilometer journey to the neighboring village, and upon arrival, I retraced my steps a bit and turned onto a narrow path along a stream from the main road. More like a beast trail than a path. No one passes through, and the grass is thick, making me uneasy. However, cautiously pushing through the grass, I continued. A few hundred meters upstream, a cave resembling a limestone cave came into view.
The inside of the cave was cool, contrasting with the surprisingly hot weather outside for October. The sound of dripping water, “picha, picha,” echoed, and an eerily silent atmosphere enveloped the space. Using a light spell from my life magic, I cautiously proceeded. Startled by the light, a bat suddenly flew away, making me stumble and fall in surprise. I invaded, and immediately, my cloak and backside got wet.
From what I heard beforehand, the common monsters in this dungeon are the RPG staples: slimes, giant bats, and giant rats. Even those bats are monsters. However, I have no way to defeat flying monsters, and the giant bats are apparently docile creatures that won’t attack unless provoked. Let sleeping dogs lie. My targets are the slimes and rats.
After getting past the bats, some time passed. Still, the only sound I could hear was the water, and there was no sign of anything. I wondered if I could really encounter monsters and defeat them.