Volume 3 Chapter 10 Exultation
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
I pushed through the night to finish the upgrades on the cosmetics gear. By the next morning, we were back to dungeon crawling. Liese hit Level 14 late last weekend. Our current grind¹ consists of the third floor for Skeletons, and the eleventh floor for Orcs and Lizards.
Spears have a bit of a compatibility issue with Skeletons. They’re so full of gaps that a thrust usually just whistles through the ribs. Since they don’t feel pain, piercing attacks are basically useless. Because of that, I’ve had her focus on using the butt of the spear as a bludgeon. It’ll be good experience for her to broaden her tactical options for the future.
Liese’s ability scores are averaging around 300 now – triple what they were when I first bought her. She can finally pierce Orc hide to deal real damage, but Lizards are still a brick wall. If we pushed it, we could probably manage the thirteenth floor with the Tortoises and Trents, but I’m holding off for a few reasons.
Reason #1: Tortoises are tanks. If I’m the one doing the killing, I can just lop off their heads before they trigger their Hardening Skills, but if I’m trying to funnel XP to Liese, I just can’t time it right. Even with maxed-out buffs and debuffs, she’d need to be Level 25 to be safe. On her own, she’s at the “hunting Spiders on the seventh floor” stage. If she targets the joints in the legs, maybe she could handle it at Level 20?
Reason #2: Trents are a massive pain. Their main gimmick is swinging branches around, binding you with vines grown from Wood Magic, and then hitting you with an HP Drain. At the right level with the right prep, they aren’t that tough. However, their reach is huge, and even if you chop a branch off, they just regenerate it with magic. It’s a hassle. Until her level is a bit higher, it’s just too risky to let Liese loose on them.
Reason #3: Orc meat is just tastier. You can’t underestimate the value of a good meal. When it comes to keeping Liese’s motivation up, it’s a factor you can’t ignore. Tortoise is edible, but it’s like those soft-shell turtle dishes from my old life – not exactly “delicious” per se. I’ve nixed the twelfth floor with its Mummies and Bears for the same reason. Killing them isn’t actually that hard, so I figured we’d swing by eventually just for the XP grind.
So, for now, we’re sticking to the eleventh floor. Liese is fired up, so it works for me. She’d probably love the sixteenth floor once we get to the Minotaurs. On the way back from the dungeon, we ran right into the Female Transferee Party. Luckily, Rei-san was with them.
”Hey there, Rei-san,” I said.
”Oh! It’s Daisuke-kun! Long time no see!” Rei-san replied.
She was as bubbly as ever. I hadn’t mentioned Liese to her yet, so I figured I’d better explain. “Do you have a second? I wanted to explain about this girl I’ve been adventuring with -“
”Ah, I heard the scoop from Yumiko-san,” Rei-san interrupted. “If you’d laid a hand on her, I would’ve had to punish you, but it sounds like you’ve behaved. So, I’ll let you off the hook this time!”
(Safe! Not guilty! No charges filed!) If I’d given in to Liese’s advances on that first day, my favorability with the female Transferees would have tanked for sure. At that point, any hope of recovery would have been DOA.
”Thank you. Just to introduce you properly, this is Liese,” I said.
”I am Liese. It is a pleasure to meet you,” Liese said.
”Oh, what a serious little thing. I’m Rei! My hobby is cosplay, and I’m opening a Maid Cafe soon!” said Rei.
”Cos…?” Liese muttered.
”I’ll explain later,” I told her. Liese had no clue what cosplay or Maid Cafes were, so she just stared with a look that practically had question marks floating around her head.
”When do you open?” I asked.
”In about half a month. The paperwork and prep work are a real nightmare,” Rei replied.
I see. I don’t run into Rei-san that often, so I figured I’d hand over the cosmetics now. “Rei-san, I’ve got a gift for you and the others. It’s some stuff I found in a treasure chest a while back…”
I pulled the cosmetic sets out of my Item Box. I didn’t know what scents they liked, so I’d whipped up a variety. I’d even prepared a few different shades of lipstick.
”What is this…?” Rei asked.
”Cosmetics,” I said.
Rei-san picked one up, opened the case, and began carefully inspecting and sniffing them one by one. The rest of the girls had similar reactions. The silence was agonizing. (If the quality is trash, is this going to backfire and kill my favorability? My nerves are starting to fray.)
”…Daisuke-kun,” Rei-san finally spoke.
”…Yes?” I asked. What gives? I was giving them a gift, but I felt like I was being subjected to a high-pressure job interview. You’re terrifying, Rei-san!
”…Well? How are they?” I prompted.
”YOU BEAUTY!” Rei shouted.
”Whoa!” I yelped. Rei-san’s eyes snapped wide as she nearly took my head off with a slap to the back. Since she was an active adventurer until recently, her strength was no joke. It actually hurt. It sounded more like a heavy thud than a slap. If I were a squishy backline caster, I might’ve been launched into orbit.
”We’ve been dying without makeup! For a cosplayer, cosmetics are second only to life itself, but you can’t find a scrap of it in this world!” Rei exclaimed.
”O-Oh, right,” I said.
”Man, now I can finally be the perfect maid!” Rei-san cheered.
(What the hell is a ‘perfect maid’? Better not ask.) Come to think of it, a lot of cosplay is pretty much impossible without makeup. Maybe Rei-san was worried about the quality of her work. She started prancing around, literally jumping for joy.
”I’m just glad you like it,” I said.
”Yes, yes! As a reward, Daisuke-kun, I’m giving you a VIP Pass! You better show up!” Rei said.
She handed me a card with a sharp wink. Printing tech in this world is still primitive, so the card had a distinct DIY feel to it. It clearly said “VIP Invitation,” but I wonder who she originally made these for?
”Ehehehe, I’m getting hyped now! This is an epic win!” Rei cheered.
”I wonder what Rei-san thinks she’s fighting against…” Hina muttered. (Don’t look at me, Hina.) Rei-san clenched her fist and stared off into the distance with a look of pure, heroic determination.
”Ah, I haven’t thanked you yet,” Hina said. “I was just a high schooler back home, so I wasn’t doing full-face glam or anything, but it’s been rough without even basic toner here. Thank you so much.”
”I didn’t do much with makeup either, but as expected, it’s still nice to have the option!” Mai added.
”Thanks, Daisuke-kun. This is a lifesaver,” Yumiko said.
”Gratitude,” Rin added.
”Thank you for the cosmetics! They’re really going to help!” Misaki said.
”Thanks, Daisuke-san. Do you want a little thank-you from Nanami-chan?” Nanami asked.
”It sounds like a trap, but… yeah, I guess I do,” I replied. Nanami is like a jack-in-the-box; she’s got this unpredictable edge that’s a little scary. To a middle-aged guy like me, that’s part of her charm, but I’m still wary of her pranks.
”Okay, close your eyes for a sec,” Nanami said.
”U-Uhh. Like this?” I asked. This was terrifying. My heart was racing knowing I was at her mercy. But hey, it might be something good.
”Stay just like that… muah,” she whispered.
”Huh? Wait, what!?” I blurted out. (Was that a kiss? It was on the cheek, but was it really a kiss?)
”That was a super-rare Nanami-chan kiss! Happy?” Nanami teased.
”Y-Yeah. Very happy,” I replied. It really was a kiss. No mistaking it. The problem was, I had no idea how much she meant it. She obviously doesn’t hate me, but I don’t know how deep her feelings go. I looked over at Hina, who’s usually close with her, but she just shook her head. Yeah, figures.
”Hina, you’ve gotta give him a thank-you gift too, right?” Nanami nudged.
”I-I couldn’t do a kiss like that! It’s not that I won’t, but doing it in front of everyone is so embarrassing…” Hina stammered.
”Oh? So it’s not that you won’t, huh?” I teased.
”Wha-!? Did I say that out loud!?” Hina cried.
(Diagnosis: Airhead.)
”Aaaah! I did it again!” Hina wailed.
”Ahaha, it’s okay. You can just take your time and think of something later,” I said.
”Yes, sir…” Hina replied. I tried to comfort her, though even I didn’t know what was “okay” about it. Hina turned bright red and curled into a ball.
”As for me, well, how about we go watch the martial arts tournament?” Mai suggested. “I can give you a play-by-play using the knowledge and experience from my old life.”
”That sounds interesting. You’ve got a deal,” I replied. (Regardless of how she phrased it, that’s basically a date. Nice! Date with Mai: Secured!)
The martial arts tournament is exactly what it sounds like. The prize money is pretty decent, and if you make a name for yourself, you could get recruited into the knighthood or scouted by a noble. For an adventurer who wants stability but lacks connections, it’s the chance of a lifetime. Naturally, I’m not entering – I’m not into being the center of attention. Since we’re going to watch, I assume Mai isn’t entering either.
The tournament isn’t until early autumn, which is a bit of a way off, but that works for me. Liese’s training is still in the weeds, and since I just started seeing Ines, I need some breathing room. I definitely want to avoid going on a one-on-one date with someone else before I’ve had proper time with Ines.
”As for me… hmm, what should I do?” Misaki wondered. She seemed lost in thought. It’s not like I needed something right this second, so I figured I’d let her take her time.
”No rush. Give it some thought,” I said.
”Got it,” Misaki replied. She answered in that airy voice of hers. When she leaned over slightly, I caught a glimpse of her cleavage. (Damn, they’re huge.)
”My request,” Rin stated.
”I don’t think it’s right for me to tell you what to give me. Just come up with something, Rin,” I told her.
”Acknowledged,” Rin said. She always looks like she’s spacing out, but it seems Rin is taking it seriously. She’s earnest at heart, so I’ll look forward to whatever she comes up with.
”As for me… well, I’d love to cook you a nice meal, but it’s hard when we’re living out of an inn,” Yumiko noted.
”That makes sense. You can figure yours out whenever, Yumiko-san,” I said.
”I’ll do that then,” Yumiko replied. She is a veteran housewife, so she’s probably a pro in the kitchen. I’d love to taste her cooking one of these days.
So, I ended up with a VIP pass from Rei-san, a kiss from Nanami, and a date with Mai, while the others remained pending. Thinking about it, Nanami’s reward was the most straightforward. She called the kiss “precious,” but she didn’t say it was her first. I might have just been played.
I want to give some to Manami-san too, but I never run into her. Should I leave them with Rei-san’s group, or just drop by when the cafe opens? Aya is supposed to be in the middle of her apprenticeship, so I’ll ask Rei-san where the shop is and pay her a visit. Mizuki said she didn’t need any makeup, so I need to think of something else for her. If there’s an orphanage around, maybe some meat for the kids would be a good gesture.
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Summary:
Daisuke balances dungeon logistics with social maintenance by gifting handmade cosmetics to the Female Transferee Party. The gesture significantly boosts his favorability, leading to a series of ‘reward’ promises ranging from a VIP pass to a future date. The chapter emphasizes Daisuke’s meticulous nature in managing both combat efficiency and interpersonal relationships.
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Trivia:
- Rei’s mention of a Maid Cafe setup suggests the development of modern Japanese business models in the fantasy world.
- Daisuke’s internal hesitation about dating Mai before spending time with Ines highlights his emerging commitment and moral compass regarding his relationships.
- Nanami’s ‘jack-in-the-box’ nature and the playful kiss suggest she might be more socially savvy or manipulative than she initially appears.
- Mizuki’s refusal of cosmetics and Daisuke’s orphanage comment hint at a more altruistic or humble background for her character
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Character Insight:
Daisuke’s status with the female transferees has transitioned from ‘potential threat’ to ‘valuable ally and friend.’ The playful physical contact from Nanami and the ‘date’ promise from Mai indicate that the party now views him with romantic or high-social interest, shifting the dynamic from purely transactional adventuring to a harem-adjacent social structure.
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Lore And Worldbuilding Context:
The dungeon mechanics are expanded with floor-specific monster traits (Skeleton hollow bodies, Trent regeneration/HP drain). The world lacks basic modern hygiene/beauty products like toner, making Daisuke’s crafting skills a high-value social currency among transferees.
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TL Notes:
The author uses specific internet slang (Katsuru) to denote Rei’s gamer/otaku background. The translation localizes this as ‘Epic win’ to maintain the intended character voice for a US audience.
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TL Notes:
Notes:
• Liese – Dragonewt girl, 16, grey‑blue hair, thick horns, grey scales on neck and limbs, 170 cm tall, thin chest, tail that thumps when excited. Loyal companion and former slave of Daisuke, she wields a spear, trains seriously in dungeon floors 3 and 11, Level 14, loves meat and reading, and bears the title “Two Conflicting Dragons” sealing fire/water magic.
• Rei – 155 cm tall, standard‑built member of the Working Women Party with twin‑tails, thick chest armor and a bright, high‑energy aura. She wields the Rainbow Raiment skill that brightens allies. Former corporate employee and hobbyist cosplayer, outgoing and teasing, known for comedy routines and plans to retire to open a maid café. Now a transferee, energetic and bubbly, gifted a cosmetics set by Daisuke, close friend of the protagonist and sought‑after for cosmetics advice.
• Daisuke – An ‘ara-fō’ (around 40) man from modern Japan reincarnated/transferred to another world. He acts as a mentor and guardian to Liese. Currently focus is dungeon exploration and crafting cosmetics. The protagonist. A reincarnated individual with an Item Box and high-level Healing Magic. Uses a ten-year-old watch from his previous life.
• Yumiko – Petite 155 cm Bow Saint, medium‑length hair, thin chest armor, appears 17 and is the eldest Transferee girl. A veteran housewife, skilled cook, maternal and authoritative, she serves as the party’s moral compass and grounding presence, polite and reserved, former corporate worker and ex‑Kyudo club member seeking emotional closure.
• Mai – 175 cm tall, toned and athletic, she dons thick chest armor and a single ponytail, giving a slightly masculine look. War Saint Vanguard of the Working Women Party and Leemans member — former gym instructor, adventure lover, brisk speaker — also in the transferee party, recalling martial‑arts tournament knowledge from a past life.
• Hina – 160 cm tall, muscular, beautiful girl‑knight with a ponytail and thin chest armor, exuding an honest, serious aura. Reincarnated as an Instant Swordswoman high‑schooler, she’s level‑headed, fiercely protective of Mizuki (ex‑basketball club member of the JK Party) and the straight‑man to Nanami’s antics. Yet in the transferee party she’s clumsy, shy, easily embarrassed, and blurts her thoughts.
• Rin – Ice Mage of the JK Party: a tall, large‑breasted high‑school girl with long shaggy hair and thick chest armor, wearing a cool‑beauty façade. Quiet, stoic, speaks in short sentences, uses ice magic for emergency first aid, feels a deep protective debt toward a beastman child, and dominates those around her, especially Daisuke’s delusion.
• Misaki – 165 cm tall, standard build, semi-long hair, thick chest armor; calm, kind older-sister aura. Priest of the Working Women Party and former nurse, also Leemans member who cared for elders and does physical labor. In combat she surprises with fierce mace strikes. Laid-back transferee noted for a large chest and relaxed demeanor.
• Nanami – A 165 cm slender high-school girl with short hair and modest chest armor, nicknamed Mermaid for her underwater diving skills, she’s a stealth-class transferee in the all-female JK Party—playful, teasing, and unpredictably jack-in-the-box-like, she gathers intel by befriending peers, slips effortlessly into school life, and famously kissed Daisuke on the cheek while ribbing him about his situation.
• Ines – 170 cm tall with long green hair and a voluptuous build, she wears heavy armor yet sports a feminine college-girl aesthetic, her blue eyes and goddess-like smile masking deep shyness and low self-esteem about her femininity. Cool-headed and dignified leader of the Gale Party and Leemans’ mentor, she wields wind-enhanced swordsmanship as a D-Rank, Level 21+ warrior, speaks in formal masculine ‘sumanai’, and is a safety-first light-drinker. Though outwardly composed, she pouts when teased and blushes easily—wearing a pants-style outfit and sword on dates with Daisuke, her first girlfriend, to whom she owes a professional debt. Innocent, naive, and fiercely loyal, she balances warrior gravitas with tender vulnerability.
• Manami – Leemans, sharp‑eyed former office worker and Working Women Party member, now a dedicated Tamer retiring to open a cat café. She’s a cosmetics recipient with unknown preferences, caring for cats with elegant poise, and building close bonds with party allies and future patrons.
• Mizuki – 165 cm tall, standard‑built girl with long hair, wearing modest chest armor and speaking politely; reincarnated as a Saint‑class high‑school student and JK Party member, highly formal and pious, despising vanity. She bravely confronts slave abuse, earns respect by defending the vulnerable, and often joins the protagonist’s circle at the temple, aligning with Nanami’s party. Her location is known to the protagonist.
• Aya – A 165 cm tall, slender alchemist with long hair and a flat chest, dressed without armor, clean‑prudent and serious. She serves the Working Women Party and the Leemans Party, formerly a pharmacist now an apprentice alchemist, and also receives store location information. In the protagonist’s delusions she appears as his lover.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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