“So it was like that. The door to the surface won’t open, so the supplies won’t be arrivin’ and the personnel reinforcements ain’t be comin’ either.”
“That’s how it is. When we arrived at this level, it was already a horrible mess. We leapt straight inta the center of the battle and were able to push the monsters out of the community somehow.”
While gnawing on a grilled onigiri, Leader Keryoil washed it down heartily with a cafe au lait.
The combination of an onigiri and cafe au lait would make me furrow my eyebrows, but I don’t have any eyebrows. Besides, it’s not that rare to pair a bentou with coffee these days.
As I watch his eating figure, I had the useless thought that Hyurumi and Leader Keryoil’s ways of speaking are similar.
“Leader, continue on eating. I’ll take over the explanations.”
“Sorry for that, I’ll leave the rest to ya.”
So Vice-Leader Felmina will switch in for him. It seems she’s already finished eating the takoyaki I’d given her earlier, so she’s wiping the green seaweed flakes from the sides of her mouth with a handkerchief.
“Then I’ll continue. The Startling Level has many hunters, but they’re mostly beginners and weren’t able to deal with it when monsters came flooding in all at once, and an extraordinary amount of injuries occurred. They could have been annihilated if we had come just a little later.”
Well that’s how it is. This here is a level for beginners, and the experienced people have proceeded to more advanced levels. Fundamentally, these types of exceptional people, like the Fools of Whimsy Brigade and Principal-sensei, wouldn’t even look at this level.
“I’m reaaaally glad that the kids in Principal-sensei’s orphanage are safe.”
Remembering the time when we met up with Principal-sensei again, Ramis sniffled and was moved to tears.
While I was distributing food, Ramis had spotted Principal-sensei and the kids standing in line and had run over to meet them with delight for a bit.
Honestly, I had thought that it might be hopeless, but the reason the children from the orphanage were safe was thanks to Principal-sensei.
When Principal-sensei left the Starting Level, she made a request to two former hunters she trusted. Saying she wanted them to stay at the orphanage while she was gone.
If any unforeseen incidents occur, she said she wanted them to hole up in the basement, and it seems she had told them the method to open the hidden room in the basement.
Principal-sensei had said,
“As a hunter raising children, planning for their safety in the worst case scenarios is obvious.”
And she smiled sweetly.
Despite having made preparations, it seems that Principal-sensei was still worried about the children’s safety, and after transferring with the transfer circle, she fought with a ghastly ferocity. The Fools of Whimsy Brigade couldn’t even bring themselves to call out to her, the Red-White twins recalled, clutching each others’ shoulders.
Piercing through many monsters with a single arrow, the road that led to the orphanage became a road littered with monsters that had stopped breathing. By coincidence, all of the people who witnessed such a spectacle spread the information around, and since then there hasn’t been a single person who would go against Principal-sensei’s words.
“After blockading the entrance and stabbing at them through the cracks with spears and other weapons, we were able to drive them off. With this way of fighting, even the hunters unaccustomed to battle can deal with them.”
So that’s why they didn’t completely seal off the road, instead assembling something like a fence.
The single greatest factor that the Starting Level escaped the worst case scenario is probably its location. There is only one road that connects the community to further within, and it was fortunate that the width of that road is small. Not even five meters across.
There is only one direction the enemy can come in, and the width of the road was too narrow for them to advance all at once. It’s possible to suppress the invasion from the monsters as long as you can defend it.
“We were able to eliminate the threat from the enemy, but then the food problem broke out. We have some eateries that target people who come to the dungeon for sightseeing here so we were able to secure some amount of food, but as you might expect, after one month had passed, our supplies were unable to keep up with the demand, and we had just reached the point where it was becoming a problem.”
“If Hakkon came a little later, I was planning on destroying that barricade and launching myself out there, Red.”
“That’s right, White. Since there’s a lake you can catch fish in just a little further in, after all.”
The RedWhite twins seem to be stuffed, rubbing their stomachs as they lay on the ground. The next moment, I could hear their snoring. Did their tension disappear once they filled their stomachs?
Speaking of the Fools of Whimsy Brigade, there is another one here, Shui, but … she’s in the middle of eating.
The packaging and wrappers from what she’s done with eating, as well as the empty cans and plastic bottles, are surrounding her like her own personal carpet.
It’s already a mystery regarding how many people’s worth she’s eaten, but even now there’s no end to her appetite in sight, as she shovels it in with all her might.
“Hihyahyahefu! Hihyahyahefu!”
You can’t yell with food in your mouth. It’s a mystery as to what she’s trying to say, but the only thing that’s clear, with that sauce-covered face beaming in smiles and rejoicing, is that she’s happy.
“Shui-nee-chan, eat more calmly.”
“Yeah, yeah, it’s bad manners.”
“*Gulp* my bad-ssu.”
The children from the orphanage got scolded her, and she scratched her head awkwardly.
The current state of the children from the orphanage is light-hearted and talkative without a single one missing. I’m glad I made it somehow, to the point where I’d heave a sigh of relief if I had a mouth.
I do know that there were many casualties, but even so, I’m honestly happy that the people I know are safe.
“For crying out loud, forgetting herself when she’s wrapped up in eating; Shui never changes. Hakkon-san, I am truly grateful that you’ve provided food.”
She’s saying some things that are criticizing Shui, but the corners of her eyes as she gazes at Shui are turned down. Her voice also leaves echoes of unconcealed happiness.
“Ar en’t cha gla d?”
It’s questionable to address someone older than me with the usage of these words, but I’m doing my best with my choice of words that I can use, so please pardon me.
“Aren’t you glad as well, being able to have a conversation even if it’s not perfect, Hakkon?”
“Thank you very mu ch.”
Even if it’s awkward, being able to have a conversation is something I’m happy about. Just because there was a long period of time when I was unable to have a conversation, I often have moments when I’m deeply moved by it. Like now.
“Kuhahaha, it’s been a long time since I’ve had a satisfying meal. For real, thanks, Hakkon.”
Leader Keryoil thrust a thumbs up at me, showing his white teeth as he laughed.
At first he made a strong impression as a shady guy, but recently he’s been showing his true self in front of me and even I know that my vigilance against Leader is waning.
“Now that the food situation has improved, the defense of the Starting Level becomes quite easy. Hyurumi, please focus on examining the transfer circle.”
“Got it; Imma connect it to Clear Stream Lake Level first.”
Once it becomes possible to come and go to the other side, the noncombatants are to be evacuated immediately.
“’N so, although I’m technically left in command, I ain’t gonna be able to make the decisions about where to go from here by myself so … -ah, speak of the devil.”
Shifting his gaze to the side, as he held his chin, he saw the person he was talking about, it seems.
Following suit and shifting my gaze, there’s a woman in a bright red suit for women walking towards us.
I’m pretty sure this person is the Starting Level’s President.
Being able to pass for her late twenties or early thirties, her age is indeterminable from her looks. She’s beautiful, but a single glance conveys her strong aura.
Long eyelashes, sharp eyes, and bright red lips that won’t lose to her suit. Blond hair that extends to her hips without a single crease. A body that won’t lose out to Shirley’s.
I wonder if the pen that’s stuck in her cleavage is the one she had in hand during the conference. Her feet had sturdy, bright red boots that were very much like the Hunter’s Association. Since high heels are hard to move in.
“It’s been awhile. The magic tool called Hakkon. You bastard saved us, so I’ll give you my thanks.”
This woman gives a sense of rough manliness in a different way from Hyurumi.
“I think Hyurumi and Hakkon know her, but this is the Starting Level’s Hunter Association President.”
“I’m sure it’s a pain to call anyone but Clear Stream’s President ‘President ‘. Call me Starting President. I’ll be concealing my real name.”
As a person in a high position, she might find it inconvenient to have her name known.
“As for the plans for the future, once the transfer circle connects with Clear Stream Lake Level, we’re abandoning this place and moving everyone. It seems that Clear Stream President has given his permission, after all.”
At Starting President’s immediate declaration of abandoning this level, everyone within hearing range turned around at the same time.
“Good timing; listen up everyone. Staying on this level has no future in it. We might be able to defend if as long as we have the magic tool that provides food, Hakkon. But he must return to Clear Stream Lake Level at some point. Right?”
“Ye p.”
“There might be those of you who think we’ll be fine if we have food sent over periodically, but the transfer circle is in an unstable state. It might be possible to temporarily restore it, but we might also become unable to use it one day. If that’s the case, I want to put move everyone to a safe place while it’s still possible to use it. I know that parting with this place will be painfully tough. But with your lives on the line, my response is obvious.”
Does she have the same thoughts as President Bear? This level’s Hunter Association President appears to be an upright person who prioritizes lives as well.
They said the survivors here are similar to the amount in Clear Lake Streams, and if it’s this amount of people then we’ve made the preparations to receive them. President Bear sadly sad we’re short of hands for the recovery projects, so he’ll probably welcome them.
“Besides, this discussion only matters if the transfer circle is restored. Right now we can only think of protecting this level, right? Endure a little longer, and let’s overcome this together!”
“Oooooh-!”
The deep voices of the men filled the community.
It seems like the popularity of Starting President is extremely hot among the men. The women also agreed with their fists in the air, but the vigor of the male members completely overpowered them.
“This President is both strict and sweet on the hunters, see … in otherwords, she skillfully uses the candy-and-whip method, it’s effective on the rogues, and she’s got a ton of fanatic worshippers.”
Leader Keryoil leaned over and whispered. I stuffed that explanation into my heart and became able to understand the current situation.
This frenzy looks like fans at an idol’s concert.
With the explanation over, each person went off to where he or she wanted.
Our assignments were food distribution and searching for people hiding and people who need aid within the community. Right now there are enough people to make up the defenses, so it seems we can finish up without having to participate in battle this time.
That being the case, can I have expectations for the activities a vending machine normally participates in? I wonder if it would be good to make careful selections from the product list.
The temperature on this level is on the slightly cold side, so they would be happy with hot drinks and soups. There’s no place for shaved ice or ice cream. I can also have expectations for cup noodles to sell well.
–tte, I haven’t received any payment at all. This, do I bill Starting President? It feels different from asking President Bear for payment.
“-Oh, Hakkon, was it? Sorry, we haven’t paid you yet. Do you mind five gold coins for now? The Hunters Association was partially destroyed so I don’t have anything on hand but this. Later we’ll recover the safe from the rubble, so can you wait until then?”
That was right when I wanted to ask about it, so nice timing.
“I t’s fi ne.”
If it’s just for providing the food and drinks, that’s enough. I won’t mind if you eat and drink as you like.
With this, it’s settled so I won’t be at a loss even if they have a banquet with my products. Looks like I’d be okay even if I added some new product or function. I’ll be okay focusing on vending machine duties here
“So it was like that. The door to the surface won’t open, so the supplies won’t be arrivin’ and the personnel reinforcements ain’t be comin’ either.”
“That’s how it is. When we arrived at this level, it was already a horrible mess. We leapt straight inta the center of the battle and were able to push the monsters out of the community somehow.”
While gnawing on a grilled onigiri, Leader Keryoil washed it down heartily with a cafe au lait.
The combination of an onigiri and cafe au lait would make me furrow my eyebrows, but I don’t have any eyebrows. Besides, it’s not that rare to pair a bentou with coffee these days.
As I watch his eating figure, I had the useless thought that Hyurumi and Leader Keryoil’s ways of speaking are similar.
“Leader, continue on eating. I’ll take over the explanations.”
“Sorry for that, I’ll leave the rest to ya.”
So Vice-Leader Felmina will switch in for him. It seems she’s already finished eating the takoyaki I’d given her earlier, so she’s wiping the green seaweed flakes from the sides of her mouth with a handkerchief.
“Then I’ll continue. The Startling Level has many hunters, but they’re mostly beginners and weren’t able to deal with it when monsters came flooding in all at once, and an extraordinary amount of injuries occurred. They could have been annihilated if we had come just a little later.”
Well that’s how it is. This here is a level for beginners, and the experienced people have proceeded to more advanced levels. Fundamentally, these types of exceptional people, like the Fools of Whimsy Brigade and Principal-sensei, wouldn’t even look at this level.
“I’m reaaaally glad that the kids in Principal-sensei’s orphanage are safe.”
Remembering the time when we met up with Principal-sensei again, Ramis sniffled and was moved to tears.
While I was distributing food, Ramis had spotted Principal-sensei and the kids standing in line and had run over to meet them with delight for a bit.
Honestly, I had thought that it might be hopeless, but the reason the children from the orphanage were safe was thanks to Principal-sensei.
When Principal-sensei left the Starting Level, she made a request to two former hunters she trusted. Saying she wanted them to stay at the orphanage while she was gone.
If any unforeseen incidents occur, she said she wanted them to hole up in the basement, and it seems she had told them the method to open the hidden room in the basement.
Principal-sensei had said,
“As a hunter raising children, planning for their safety in the worst case scenarios is obvious.”
And she smiled sweetly.
Despite having made preparations, it seems that Principal-sensei was still worried about the children’s safety, and after transferring with the transfer circle, she fought with a ghastly ferocity. The Fools of Whimsy Brigade couldn’t even bring themselves to call out to her, the Red-White twins recalled, clutching each others’ shoulders.
Piercing through many monsters with a single arrow, the road that led to the orphanage became a road littered with monsters that had stopped breathing. By coincidence, all of the people who witnessed such a spectacle spread the information around, and since then there hasn’t been a single person who would go against Principal-sensei’s words.
“After blockading the entrance and stabbing at them through the cracks with spears and other weapons, we were able to drive them off. With this way of fighting, even the hunters unaccustomed to battle can deal with them.”
So that’s why they didn’t completely seal off the road, instead assembling something like a fence.
The single greatest factor that the Starting Level escaped the worst case scenario is probably its location. There is only one road that connects the community to further within, and it was fortunate that the width of that road is small. Not even five meters across.
There is only one direction the enemy can come in, and the width of the road was too narrow for them to advance all at once. It’s possible to suppress the invasion from the monsters as long as you can defend it.
“We were able to eliminate the threat from the enemy, but then the food problem broke out. We have some eateries that target people who come to the dungeon for sightseeing here so we were able to secure some amount of food, but as you might expect, after one month had passed, our supplies were unable to keep up with the demand, and we had just reached the point where it was becoming a problem.”
“If Hakkon came a little later, I was planning on destroying that barricade and launching myself out there, Red.”
“That’s right, White. Since there’s a lake you can catch fish in just a little further in, after all.”
The RedWhite twins seem to be stuffed, rubbing their stomachs as they lay on the ground. The next moment, I could hear their snoring. Did their tension disappear once they filled their stomachs?
Speaking of the Fools of Whimsy Brigade, there is another one here, Shui, but … she’s in the middle of eating.
The packaging and wrappers from what she’s done with eating, as well as the empty cans and plastic bottles, are surrounding her like her own personal carpet.
It’s already a mystery regarding how many people’s worth she’s eaten, but even now there’s no end to her appetite in sight, as she shovels it in with all her might.
“Hihyahyahefu! Hihyahyahefu!”
You can’t yell with food in your mouth. It’s a mystery as to what she’s trying to say, but the only thing that’s clear, with that sauce-covered face beaming in smiles and rejoicing, is that she’s happy.
“Shui-nee-chan, eat more calmly.”
“Yeah, yeah, it’s bad manners.”
“*Gulp* my bad-ssu.”
The children from the orphanage got scolded her, and she scratched her head awkwardly.
The current state of the children from the orphanage is light-hearted and talkative without a single one missing. I’m glad I made it somehow, to the point where I’d heave a sigh of relief if I had a mouth.
I do know that there were many casualties, but even so, I’m honestly happy that the people I know are safe.
“For crying out loud, forgetting herself when she’s wrapped up in eating; Shui never changes. Hakkon-san, I am truly grateful that you’ve provided food.”
She’s saying some things that are criticizing Shui, but the corners of her eyes as she gazes at Shui are turned down. Her voice also leaves echoes of unconcealed happiness.
“Ar en’t cha gla d?”
It’s questionable to address someone older than me with the usage of these words, but I’m doing my best with my choice of words that I can use, so please pardon me.
“Aren’t you glad as well, being able to have a conversation even if it’s not perfect, Hakkon?”
“Thank you very mu ch.”
Even if it’s awkward, being able to have a conversation is something I’m happy about. Just because there was a long period of time when I was unable to have a conversation, I often have moments when I’m deeply moved by it. Like now.
“Kuhahaha, it’s been a long time since I’ve had a satisfying meal. For real, thanks, Hakkon.”
Leader Keryoil thrust a thumbs up at me, showing his white teeth as he laughed.
At first he made a strong impression as a shady guy, but recently he’s been showing his true self in front of me and even I know that my vigilance against Leader is waning.
“Now that the food situation has improved, the defense of the Starting Level becomes quite easy. Hyurumi, please focus on examining the transfer circle.”
“Got it; Imma connect it to Clear Stream Lake Level first.”
Once it becomes possible to come and go to the other side, the noncombatants are to be evacuated immediately.
“’N so, although I’m technically left in command, I ain’t gonna be able to make the decisions about where to go from here by myself so … -ah, speak of the devil.”
Shifting his gaze to the side, as he held his chin, he saw the person he was talking about, it seems.
Following suit and shifting my gaze, there’s a woman in a bright red suit for women walking towards us.
I’m pretty sure this person is the Starting Level’s President.
Being able to pass for her late twenties or early thirties, her age is indeterminable from her looks. She’s beautiful, but a single glance conveys her strong aura.
Long eyelashes, sharp eyes, and bright red lips that won’t lose to her suit. Blond hair that extends to her hips without a single crease. A body that won’t lose out to Shirley’s.
I wonder if the pen that’s stuck in her cleavage is the one she had in hand during the conference. Her feet had sturdy, bright red boots that were very much like the Hunter’s Association. Since high heels are hard to move in.
“It’s been awhile. The magic tool called Hakkon. You bastard saved us, so I’ll give you my thanks.”
This woman gives a sense of rough manliness in a different way from Hyurumi.
“I think Hyurumi and Hakkon know her, but this is the Starting Level’s Hunter Association President.”
“I’m sure it’s a pain to call anyone but Clear Stream’s President ‘President ‘. Call me Starting President. I’ll be concealing my real name.”
As a person in a high position, she might find it inconvenient to have her name known.
“As for the plans for the future, once the transfer circle connects with Clear Stream Lake Level, we’re abandoning this place and moving everyone. It seems that Clear Stream President has given his permission, after all.”
At Starting President’s immediate declaration of abandoning this level, everyone within hearing range turned around at the same time.
“Good timing; listen up everyone. Staying on this level has no future in it. We might be able to defend if as long as we have the magic tool that provides food, Hakkon. But he must return to Clear Stream Lake Level at some point. Right?”
“Ye p.”
“There might be those of you who think we’ll be fine if we have food sent over periodically, but the transfer circle is in an unstable state. It might be possible to temporarily restore it, but we might also become unable to use it one day. If that’s the case, I want to put move everyone to a safe place while it’s still possible to use it. I know that parting with this place will be painfully tough. But with your lives on the line, my response is obvious.”
Does she have the same thoughts as President Bear? This level’s Hunter Association President appears to be an upright person who prioritizes lives as well.
They said the survivors here are similar to the amount in Clear Lake Streams, and if it’s this amount of people then we’ve made the preparations to receive them. President Bear sadly sad we’re short of hands for the recovery projects, so he’ll probably welcome them.
“Besides, this discussion only matters if the transfer circle is restored. Right now we can only think of protecting this level, right? Endure a little longer, and let’s overcome this together!”
“Oooooh-!”
The deep voices of the men filled the community.
It seems like the popularity of Starting President is extremely hot among the men. The women also agreed with their fists in the air, but the vigor of the male members completely overpowered them.
“This President is both strict and sweet on the hunters, see … in otherwords, she skillfully uses the candy-and-whip method, it’s effective on the rogues, and she’s got a ton of fanatic worshippers.”
Leader Keryoil leaned over and whispered. I stuffed that explanation into my heart and became able to understand the current situation.
This frenzy looks like fans at an idol’s concert.
With the explanation over, each person went off to where he or she wanted.
Our assignments were food distribution and searching for people hiding and people who need aid within the community. Right now there are enough people to make up the defenses, so it seems we can finish up without having to participate in battle this time.
That being the case, can I have expectations for the activities a vending machine normally participates in? I wonder if it would be good to make careful selections from the product list.
The temperature on this level is on the slightly cold side, so they would be happy with hot drinks and soups. There’s no place for shaved ice or ice cream. I can also have expectations for cup noodles to sell well.
–tte, I haven’t received any payment at all. This, do I bill Starting President? It feels different from asking President Bear for payment.
“-Oh, Hakkon, was it? Sorry, we haven’t paid you yet. Do you mind five gold coins for now? The Hunters Association was partially destroyed so I don’t have anything on hand but this. Later we’ll recover the safe from the rubble, so can you wait until then?”
That was right when I wanted to ask about it, so nice timing.
“I t’s fi ne.”
If it’s just for providing the food and drinks, that’s enough. I won’t mind if you eat and drink as you like.
With this, it’s settled so I won’t be at a loss even if they have a banquet with my products. Looks like I’d be okay even if I added some new product or function. I’ll be okay focusing on vending machine duties here
