Madness of the Blue Blood Labyrinth - Chapter 19

Ah, what a chaotic world we live in. Truly, life is a rollercoaster.

Sure, the *Gift Box* is known as a treasure chest capable of containing absolutely anything.

But who could’ve guessed that “anything” might include an explosion itself?

—

“If my *Iron Blood* skill hadn’t activated in time, I’d be a charred mess right now.”
“If my *Astral Form* hadn’t kicked in, I’d be minced meat by now.”

—

I had dropped flat to the ground while hardening my body, but my clothes still got shredded.

Well, the fact that they’re even partially intact is a miracle. Must be thanks to that oil that boosts defensive power.

—

“Honestly, all you can do is laugh at this point. Hahaha!”
“This is no laughing matter. Ending things with an explosion? That’s the worst.”

—

While I was cracking up at the sudden spectacle, Rize was thoroughly annoyed.

She’s got no room to complain, though. Her *Astral Form* skill includes her clothing, leaving her completely unscathed. And thanks to her *Purge* skill, she didn’t even get dirty.

—

In fact, the explosion wasn’t entirely a bad thing.

A portion of the dungeon floor had been blasted away, making it easier to traverse. Plus, it triggered a surprise loot-fest, with magic stones and drop items scattered everywhere.

With luck, we’ll make up for the value of the unopened *Gift Box*.

—

“…Ugh, I’m done for. Using *Astral Form* drained my stamina, and now I can’t move. That skill sucks the life out of you, like sprinting at full speed.”

—

You’re not alone—I feel lightheaded too.

I could go for some liver right now. Bloody, juicy liver.

—

The time is now five minutes to midnight.

Our second dungeon attack of the day has concluded successfully.

—

After changing into fresh clothes in the locker room, we reported our safe return at the reception desk.

It’s important to stick to the estimated time you gave when you started the run—otherwise, they’ll dispatch a rescue team. I don’t want to deal with that hassle again.

—

“Ugh, my shoulders are so stiff. Random accidents really wear you out.”
“Yeah, but at least you made a good haul this time.”

—

This time, my share was supposed to be the magic stones from the creatures I defeated on floors one through twelve…

…but everything was obliterated in that explosion. Meaning I get nothing.

—

“…I feel bad taking the whole cut for myself.”
“It’s the only fair distribution. I’ll hear no objections.”

—

The loot-fest on floor thirteen was triggered by the *Gift Box* Rize found, so it’s only natural that all the spoils belong to her.

Thanks to the sheer amount of items dropped, the total haul came to just over 600,000 yen.

The floors in the twenties—the main moneymaking area in the Kofu Dungeon—are said to be drastically more complex in layout compared to the teens. Under normal circumstances, earning that much in a single day trip is no small feat.

—

“You’re weirdly serious about stuff like this.”
“I just don’t intend to cut corners when it comes to being a Seeker.”

—

After all, I like to keep things pleasant in the dungeon.

Now that I’ve finally secured a good weapon slot, I don’t really care about money anymore. In fact, I could do without it.

—

Oh, but gear. I want better equipment.

Custom-made is the dream, right?

How much would just the down payment cost?