January 2025 Short

Favorite Shops and Dungeon Bosses

Author: Genra

Jinji Reiji heads to his favorite shop.

The shop looks like a coffee shop, but there is no sign. And, as a side effect of the dungeon appearing, the door to the shop can only be opened by hunters, but when he opened it, he saw the usual shopkeeper upfront.

　

“Ah, Reiji-san. Come in.”

　

She had gone from calling him “Meat-niisan” to calling him by his first name, so now he calls the owner by her first name too. Reiji feels that they’ve become a little closer.

　

“Yeah, here’s a souvenir, Arika.”

　

―― Idiot, can’t you come up with a wittier greeting……

　

While mentally berating himself for being too nervous to say more than a few short words, he was the first to present his gift.

　

“Wow, what a huge chunk of meat! Thank you! Well then, let’s get started…….”

“Oh, if you don’t mind, can I ask that you set the Skill Call to public?”

“Sure! So you can appraise stuff too?”

“Yeah. There are times when regular folks need to see the appraisal results.”

“Got it! 『Ingredient Appraisal – Public』”

　

Arika holds her hand over the meat, makes a skill call, and then designates the public mode, and a window appears that Reiji can also see.

　

　

　

　

“Heh~.”

“Hou~.”

　

Arika nodded when she saw Night Mutton (Meat) for the first time, and Reiji, who saw the Chef’s Appraisal Window for the first time, was impressed by what it looked like.

　

“What would happen if you made something different from this recommendation?”

“If not as recommended, the status buff will be halved. Also, if I use the items as recommended, it’s easier for me to gain experience points.”

“I didn’t know there was such a difference…… “

“I’m sure your guild has a Chef too, Reiji-san. You should ask him.”

　

As Reiji looked on with interest and seriousness, Arika smiled as she handed him the statement, to which Reiji muttered quietly.

　

“No, he didn’t have any Appraisal Skills. All his stats were still in the single digits…… Too many things happened, and he was dismissed.”

“Oh dear.”

　

Reiji keeps quiet about the details, saying that he can’t talk about the Drain Floral Bento Incident in a restaurant.

　

“Oh, what are you having today?”

“I’m not going to the dungeon today, so I’m not particularly looking to improve my status… but if you have any recommendations, Arika…”

“Oh, then I’ll make a seafood bowl with what I picked in the dungeon earlier!”

　

Since it’s going to take a while, Arika offers coffee and chiffon cake as a snack while they wait.

　

“Of course, I won’t charge you for it, so please enjoy your meal without worry.”

“I’ll accept it gratefully.”

　

They had finally gotten to the point where they were calling each other by their first names and had likely become somewhat close, so Reiji felt it would be rude to ask for permission to be polite, so he accepted Arika’s kindness.

Reiji sipped his coffee slowly and blew on it.

The chiffon cake fizzes and melts in his mouth. The aroma of black tea fills his nose. He wonders if it’s the aroma of the tea that makes him feel elegant. But then, a tremendous sound reached his ears.

　

Bang bang bang!

　

Glancing around, he saw Arika holding a hammer in her right hand.

She swings it down as hard as she can.

Breaking the top of the shell to create a gap, Arika thrusts her fingers in, prying the shell open.

　

“Ngigigigi… Urryaah!”

　

This is the type of shell that is opened by brute force. This is the correct way to open it, confirmed through her Appraisal and Recipe skills.

　

“Ah, Arika…! I can help you with the heavy lifting.”

　

Her face was bright red as she pried open the shell, so Reiji hastily offered to help, but Arika was also feeling exhausted so she gave in and said, “Please,” with a helpless smile.

Stepping behind the counter, Reiji washed his hands in the sink and began working on prying the shells open.

After leaving the shellfish to Reiji, Arika moves on to filleting the fish.

Reiji gasped in amazement at how smoothly and expertly her knife danced.

　

“So that’s how you prepare a fish…”

“Yes. I’ve always loved cooking since I was little, and I worked in a restaurant before I opened this shop, so I think I’m pretty good at it.”

“That’s not just pretty good, but definitely at a professional level. I can’t cook at all, so…… I can’t say anything bad about it, though…….”

　

Reiji crushes the tip of the shell with his fingers, breaking it, and then opens it easily with a cracking sound.

As they marvel at each other’s skill, more and more seafood is collected.

Before making the vinegared rice, Arika asked Reiji if he liked it sweet or sour, and made the vinegared rice to his liking.

　

―― Ah, specially made!

　

In most restaurants, you order from a written menu.

Reiji was so thrilled to have his (albeit small) preference accommodated in this way that he couldn’t help but grin.

　

“Thanks for your patience. I appreciate your help. Thank you.”

“No, don’t worry about it. I don’t get many opportunities to see the spectacle of cooking, so it was very stimulating.”

　

Reiji had recently experienced a poisonous sensation to his five senses at the guild he belonged to, but the shiny seafood bowl in front of him looked so delicious that it erased that memory and made him clear his throat.

　

The seafood bowl is served in a cylindrical sushi tray, like the ones you get when you order delivery from a sushi restaurant, and it looks delicious.

Thinly sliced shiso leaves are placed in the middle of the colorful fish, and it is garnished with a broiled egg on the side for a visually appealing presentation.

　

“Itadakimaassu!”

“Itadakimasu.”

　

He sits across from Arika, and they both put their hands together in a pre-meal greeting.

Arika starts to grate what looks like a carrot on a grater.

　

“What’s that?”

　

The tray with Reiji’s rice also has a mini grater and what appears to be a small carrot set on it.

　

“It’s wasabi from the dungeon. It’s orange, though.”

　

With that said, Arika cast an Appraisal (set to Public) Skill on the wasabi on Reiji’s tray, and the details appeared in the window.

　

　

　

　

“Do you often eat things from your home dungeon, Arika?”

“I do. If the Appraisal says it’s edible, I’ll try it. There are a lot of delicious things.”

　

The home dungeon should be a treasure chest for Arika, considering that it is a warehouse where ingredients grow naturally.

Listening to Arika with a smile on her face, Reiji’s cheeks relaxed as well.

　

“I get the feeling that you can pick just about anything in there……”

“It feels like that, but unfortunately there were some things that weren’t possible…….”

“Yeah?”

“There was a big fish in the lake, so I tried to catch it, but it was so big that I couldn’t do it because I only had the cheapest fishing rod I could find at the fishing tackle shop….”

“…… To catch big fish, you need not only flexible and strong rods and lines, but also reels, dips, and other equipment.”

　

Arika’s shoulders slumped as she realized that her only fishing gear was no good after all.

　

“I want something like the permanent gathering tools in games…… My old one broke so I need to buy one.”

“How big is the fish?”

“About twice as big as Reiji-san.”

“…… It won’t even fit in the net. I think it’s best to give up.”

“…… just as I thought.”

　

A fish that was nearly four meters long would undoubtedly be heavy, and no matter how much she had trained herself in cooking, it would be difficult for Arika’s thin arms to lift it. Arika grimaced when Reiji said so.

　

“It looked chunky and delicious……”

“…… There’s a fishing tackle shop nearby. Shall we go?”

　

More than the chunky fish, it was Arika’s dejected expression that struck Reiji’s heart.

The words came out immediately, but he scolded himself in his mind for not saying something more comforting.

　

“But it’s a big fish, I can’t catch it…….”

“I’ll be there. My physical stats are higher than yours, Arika.”

　

With the stats that were shown before, Reiji’s Strength Stat was listed as 87.

In simple numbers, it is about four times that of Arika.

Whatever Arika found too heavy, Reiji might be able to lift it up with ease.

Arika stared at Reiji with sparkling eyes, and pleaded, taking his right hand in both of hers.

　

“I don’t know if I can catch it, but I’ll give it a try.”

“Please!!”

　

　

　

　

　

A five-minute walk from Arika’s shop was a multi-tenant building, and they headed for its basement.

There were no lights on the stairs, and the only light coming in was from outside, but Reiji went forward without hesitation and opened the door at the end.

　

“Welcome”

　

A whispered voice called out. A man with gray hair and a scruffy beard was standing behind the counter.

　

“Do you have a really sturdy rod?”

“That’s a very rough order.”

“I’m trying to catch a dungeon fish about four meters long.”

“Now that’s one hell of a catch…”

　

While Reiji and the man were talking, Arika looked around the shop and observed them.

It’s more like a material store than a fishing tackle shop…… There are lots of things lying around that are probably monster fangs and bones.

　

“Ah, Arika, let me introduce you. He’s a craftsman from a processing shop who is on friendly terms with our guild.”

“It’s Tanabe Gonzo.”

“Oh, I’m Igusa Arika. Nice to meet you.”

　

They bow their heads deeply to each other.

　

After having a sturdy looking fishing rod made, they left the shop and entered Arika’s home dungeon.

　

“Oh, come to think of it, we  didn’t buy any bait…….”

“It’s okay, you can catch fish with potatoes around there.”

　

Although Arika doesn’t understand the words “catch fish with potatoes” at first, she takes out potatoes from a wooden box and cuts them with a knife.

Then, after sticking it on the tip of the hook, it was ready to go, and Reiji swung his rod.

Arika brings an empty crate and a cushion and gives them to Reiji. She also brought one for herself, so she sits down on it and waits patiently.

Arika also had a normal fishing rod made from monster materials and they went fishing together.

　

“You really catch fish with sweet potatoes……”

“That’s right, I even caught one with an acorn the other day.”

　

He put the fish he caught into a cooler box filled with ice, and they just kept filling up.

　

“Ngh!!”

　

Suddenly, there was a strong tug on Reiji’s rod, and he stood up and braced himself.

And then, making full use of the power (physical) of a combat Hunter, he held his ground to not be taken away, occasionally loosening the thread and pulling it in, and after about 15 minutes of struggling, red steam began to bubble up from Reiji’s body.

　

“Nuuoaaahh, yaaaaah!!!”

　

Arika, who had never seen red steam coming out of a human body before, froze in surprise, unable to speak.

And the next moment, a large shadow jumped out of the lake.

　

There was a heavy thud, and the fish was pulled out of the lake and dropped to the ground.

　

“…It’s… huge.”

“Sure, it’s big.”

“That’s amazing, I can’t believe you can pull something like this up…”

“As expected, it would have been impossible without Skills…”

“That steam, that was skill, wasn’t it?”

　

The fish, which was thought to be about 4 meters long, was actually a huge 5 meters long, and it was jumping not with a “bounce” sound but with a “thump, thump” sound.

The bouncing sound is loud and a little frightening, but Arika takes one step forward and holds up her hand.

　

“『Ingredient Appraisal – Public』”

　

She wanted to show it to Reiji, so she did a public appraisal and a window appeared.

　

　

　

　

“Dungeon Boss ……! This is it?!”

“It seems so…….”

　

There was silence for about ten seconds, and then Reiji spoke first.

　

“Arika…… do you want to close the dungeon?”

“…… No. It’s useful as a food store, so I’d like to keep it if possible. As a Chef, I think it will be useful for the Hunters too…”

　

Reiji quickly removed the hook and used his skills to lift the fish up and release it back into the lake.

　

“…… Is that okay? I think it would be better for you, the guild’s hunter, to close the dungeon…….”

“I didn’t see anything. No catch today.”

　

As a Hunter, it wasn’t a good thing to do, and Arika’s house had become a Stigmatized Property, causing the land value of this house and the neighborhood to plummet, but if Arika wanted to keep the dungeon, Reiji wanted to fulfill that wish.

　

“Thank you.”

　

It is a common wish among the public that dungeons, which are normally avoided, should be closed somehow.

In today’s world, it’s how hunters respond to such needs, but there’s no law now that says you have to do that, so what Reiji did was simply catch and release.

　

“I, I, I love Arika…’s food, and I, I know that Arika likes this dungeon and is enjoying it, so I don’t want to close it.”

　

Arika bows deeply in gratitude for him understanding her feelings, but is immediately pushed back by Reiji.

　

Although they were surprised to find a dungeon boss, the two of them had acted unbecoming of hunters by refusing to close the dungeon, and then they laughed softly together.

　

“I won’t tell anyone, and I won’t report this to the guild, so don’t worry.”

　

Reiji is in charge of the “dungeon audit” that is conducted by the guild he belongs to, as Arika’s dungeon is the target of the audit, but he prioritizes Arika over the organization.

Arika bit her lip tightly for a moment, then looked at Reiji and opened her mouth.

　

“Thank you. However, I’m sorry that my selfishness has caused this, so please let me do something to repay you…..!”

　

However, simply being spoiled isn’t Arika’s style, so while she was desperately trying to think of something she could do to show her gratitude, Reiji suddenly put his fist in his palm and made a face as if he had just had an idea.

　

“That’s right. In that case, can I order some takeout bento next time before I go into the dungeon?”

“Eh, that’s fine, but you know how the effectiveness of cooked food starts to decrease after about half a day has passed since making it? Apart from stews and curries that are simmered for days, the buffs are at the maximum until about half a day after it’s made.”.

　

There is no problem with the take-out service itself, because Arika’s shop is a restaurant and has a license from the public health department, but there could be problems with the effectiveness of the service rather than the license.

　

“Arika, do you know about the hunter job called Storage?”

“Sutore-je?”

　

Reiji explains about the Storage job. The guild needs someone like that, and it’s not classified information, so he tells her.

Reiji mentions that his organization’s Storage job holders have gained the ability to store food for around two weeks without it deteriorating, and he wonders if this ability also applies to the status-boosting meals that Arika makes.

　

“Ah, if that’s the case, I’d like to try it. If it can store non-living things the freshness of meat can be maintained within the storage period.”

“Ah, of course, before going to the dungeon, unless there is an emergency, a meeting will be held and plans will be made in advance, so there will be no sudden ordering or delivery of lunch boxes on the day, so if you could let us make a reservation….”

“Okay! That’s totally fine!”

　

As they talked, they returned from the dungeon to Arika’s house, and later Arika used the fish she had caught to treat Reiji to a light meal.

　

“Please recover any stamina you have lost from using Skills. It’s just a snack though.”

“I’d like to say don’t worry about it, but I’ll accept it gratefully. The smell is so appetizing, I can’t hold back.”

“Fufufu, that’s fine.”

　

With a mischievous grin, Arika handed him a fish burger and fries.

It is filled with a generous amount of homemade tartar sauce, made with eggs and onions, and is more like the filling of an egg sandwich.

The fish they caught was a white fish, and the Appraisal had said it would be delicious fried, so she quickly made some.

　

The buns were bought at the bakery, but since they weren’t going to dive into a dungeon today, Reiji didn’t mind and gratefully accepted what was given to him.

　

“Ahh… it’s delicious. I’ve never had such a tasty fish burger before.”

“You’re exaggerating. But I’m glad to hear you say that.”

　

As a Chef, it’s nice to receive compliments on your cooking, and it’s even better when it makes others smile.

This moment, when Reiji, who usually has a stiff expression, breaks into a smile of satisfaction, is like a reward for Arika as a Chef.

　

“Well then. If I need a bento, I’ll contact you in advance. Is it okay to use the number written on the previous survey form?”

“Yes, that’s fine. If there’s anything you’d like to increase in your status, I can make something to match it, so please let me know when you order, or order through the chat app.”

“Oh, all right. The bento box is paid for as normal. It’s on my guild.”

“Understood! Thank you as always.”

　

They laughed at each other, the matter was settled, and Reiji left.

　

“We don’t do take-out, but… this is, you know, a thank you for leaving me the dungeon … that’s what it comes down to…!”

　

Arika tells herself the excuse she has for giving Reiji special treatment, even though no one has heard it. No one should blame anyone for giving special treatment.