Episode 43: The Latest Model
“By the way, what’s the name of this weapon?”
“Hmm, I think it had some long official name…”
So said the president, furrowing his brow and scratching his head vigorously.
“I still can’t remember. I just called it ‘Pickel’.”
“Pickel?”
“It’s a tool used for mountain climbing. Its shape resembled one, so I called it Pickel. Right, Tanaka-san!”
“Yes, I don’t know any other name for it either.”
–Pickel, huh…? I feel like it suits me. I’ll use this to hunt down monsters like crazy.
“Next is the armor.”
The president took one of the helmets stacked up and plopped it onto Yuma’s head.
“Wear this.”
“Is this a dungeon helmet?”
“No, it’s just a regular helmet used on construction sites.”
“Construction site…”
Ignoring Yuma’s dubious expression, the president brought over a pair of black boots that were on the floor.
“Here, wear these too.”
“These are also, by any chance…”
“Of course, they’re regular boots used on construction sites. But believe me, these are the most useful.”
“I see…”
“Oh, and–“
The president went to the back of the room, opened a locker, and took something out. “Here it is,” he said, bringing it to Yuma.
“Here, use these. Rubber gloves.”
“Rubber gloves?”
“They’re important armor. You’re using a stun gun-type weapon in a dungeon with a lot of moisture. Boots and rubber gloves to prevent electric shock are essential!”
“Well, I guess so, but… can you really call these armor?”
“They’re perfectly good armor!”
“By the way, are these rubber gloves also for construction sites?”
“No, these are for household use.”
“Household use!?”
Yuma was dumbfounded, but the president said, “Just go, go,” and pushed him out of the room.
Carrying all the equipment, he reluctantly headed to the “Blue Dungeon” with Tanaka-san.
◇◇◇
Onojo City, Fukuoka Prefecture–
Five years ago, the “Green Dungeon” appeared in Onojo General Park.
A large office building was constructed above the Hole, housing various dungeon-related companies.
Elceed Corporation was one of them.
They rented the entire fourth floor of the building and used it as Elceed’s Fukuoka branch.
“This way, Amazawa-kun.”
Lured by the beckoning of Yoshioka, a Seeker from the Fukuoka branch, Rui passed through the black automatic door and entered a room labeled “armory.”
Lined up inside were numerous weapons and armor, all made by Elceed Corporation.
“Hah hah hah, amazing, isn’t it! All the latest models. Only Elceed Seekers can use things like this as much as they want.”
Rui’s face broke into a smile at Yoshioka’s hearty laughter.
As Honda had told him, Rui flew to Fukuoka immediately after graduating and would soon be entering a Dungeon.
Today, he had come to receive the weapons and armor he would use for exploration.
“It’s certainly amazing. I’ve only ever seen such expensive things in magazines.”
“Well, Elceed doesn’t skimp on training costs for Seekers.”
Yoshioka, standing in front of Rui, was the leader of the Fukuoka Seeker group “Exterminator.”
He wasn’t very tall, but he had a sturdy build. His buzz-cut hairstyle made him look like a craftsman.
“First, let’s start with the armor. The suit you’re wearing now is stab-resistant, but that alone isn’t enough. You’ll wear a protector over it.”
Rui was wearing a tight-fitting suit in two-tone colors of white and gray.
He didn’t know what material it was made of, but it was definitely very durable.
Yoshioka took out protectors made to order for Rui from the rack and placed them on the long desk in the center of the room. Protectors to protect every part of the body, such as knees, shins, chest, spine, pants inner, shoulders, and elbows, were lined up.
White gloves and boots were also placed there, and Yoshioka finally picked up a helmet.
It was a full-face helmet colored in white and black.
“That’s all for now. All of this has heat and stab resistance. There are many Monsters in the Green Dungeon that use Wind Magic. Armor that can defend against slashes is essential.”
“This helmet is…”
“Oh, you knew about it? This thing is a mass of high technology. It has communication functions, of course, and the shield has visual support functions for telescopic and night vision. It’s also connected to the internet, so you can receive support from AI. And this one is…”
Yoshioka picked up the white gloves and showed them to Rui.
“There’s an LCD screen here, right? You can check the time and your vitals here. Health management is an important job. Tell me immediately if anything is wrong.”
“Yes, thank you very much.”
“Next is the weapon. I have a recommendation…”
“I’ll follow Yoshioka-san’s instructions. You’re the expert among experts on this ‘Green Dungeon’.”
“Hah hah hah, is that so! Then this is the best choice.”
Yoshioka took out a red katana from the shelf and drew it from its scabbard.