Free Isekai Reproduction Life with an Endangered Demi-Human Onee-san in the Forest of Certain Death ~My Mental Stat Is Pathetically Weak, But After Transferring, I’ll Live for Myself This Time~ - Chapter 115: To Be Acknowledged by Many

Chapter 115: To Be Acknowledged by Many

“Excuse us.”

Bestelta and I return to the clearance officer as if nothing happened.

“Oh, you took a while. I was worried. Glad you’re safe.”

His relieved expression stabs me with guilt. It took, like, three seconds…

“Thank you. It was a tough fight, but we managed.”

“Is that so? I’m just happy to talk with you again.”

His pure smile hurts…

The tough part wasn’t the fight, though.

The demi-human girls’ breeding hits you with raw emotion—it’s intense. But, hard to explain, it’s also blissful, joyful.

Oh, I sent Lamialka back properly. She was sleeping, super content, after waking us. I told Sandria to look after her, and she let out a weird “Puhyu” and got all shady. Well, if they’re yuri-yuri-ing, I’m all for it.

Snapping back, I talk to the officer.

“Can we get the clearance now?”

“Of course. Let me call my colleague.”

He ducks into the back. Not alone, huh? Makes sense—one person couldn’t handle this. But a 24/7, 365-day gig? That’s brutal. Super black company vibes. They’d better rotate, or they’ll burn out… Wait, could Shaaru-chan get stuck here? A particle-level chance?

“Sorry for the wait. Let’s go.”

I shelve my thoughts, and we head to the floor-six pillar.

“Now, we’ll conduct the fifth-floor clearance. Conditions are as I explained.”

“Got it.”

I feel adventurers’ eyes on us.

Bestelta and I stand quietly by the pillar. She’s not talking, all fidgety. I’m kinda embarrassed too. Ugh, so bittersweet.

Pika.

The pillar flashes, and we teleport, no fanfare. Floor six. Nice, we weren’t rejected. Clearance done.

Still, this place…

“Huh, floor six is a grassland.”

“Y-Yeah.”

Fidgety Bestelta. Makes me wanna pat her butt.

A sea of green stretches endlessly, a refreshing breeze blowing, sunlight streaming. Total opposite of the gloomy caves. Picnic vibes. There’s a nice hill ahead—wanna climb it?

“How about we check out that hill? Looks cozy.”

“Sure, but… I smell blood from there. Human blood. Fresh and old, mixed. Probably soaked into the soil.”

Her words snap me awake. What was I thinking? This is a dungeon—a labyrinth of devouring desires.

So, the ones who didn’t return fell to this cruel comfort… The caves’ gloom, the stress of beating the boss, then this liberating grassland. You let your guard down, wander, and beasts strike. What a nasty trap. So insidious.

“…Let’s head back.”

“Yeah. I’m in the mood to sleep in for once.”

I nod, and we approach the pillar.

Pika.

“…You made it back.”

The officer’s still waiting, near tears. I’m tearing up too. This guy’s too kind. Hope he doesn’t wear himself out.

“Yeah, that was the plan.”

Almost got lured, though.

“Hehe, right. Here’s your certificate. Submit it to the guild for a swift I-rank promotion. Congratulations.”

He claps, pachipachi.

“Congrats!”

“Nice job!”

“Good work!”

Surrounding adventurers clap and cheer.

“Kei, are you crying?”

“N-No way!”

Bestelta peeks at my face, so I hide, wiping my eyes. Never been acknowledged by so many like this…

*

“Kei-san, I have a favor to ask.”

“What’s up, Kirk-san?”

We exchange names naturally. Kirk’s been a clearance officer for three years. No rotations?

“I showed you those certificates earlier. Could you deliver them to the Adventurer’s Guild? I want their I-rank promotions recorded…”

Kirk looks down, regretful.

“No one delivers them?”

“Well,” he starts, “we ask the guild’s supply team, but we can’t burden their load. We also ask returning adventurers like you, but they usually refuse. The certificates are numerous, bulky, and heavy. We can’t pay much, so it’s basically volunteer work.”

Dungeon luggage is tight, huh? Adventurers want to carry light, valuable stuff.

“Of course, just take what you can. Even one. It’s too cruel for their achievements to fade here unnoticed. Please…”

He bows deeply. Man, don’t bow to me.

He’s probably asked tons of people—guild teams, adventurers—and been refused, maybe coldly. But he’s got pride in his work. No way he’d stick with this painful job otherwise. I couldn’t do it.

“No problem at all.”

“…Thank you. They can rest in peace now.”

He closes his eyes, grateful. So sincere.

“I’ll take them all. Bring ‘em out.”

“All? Your kindness is appreciated, but it’s a lot of weight. How many porters do you have? I don’t see them.”

Ugh, should I mention my magic bag? Less people know, less trouble.

“Besides, too many certificates burden the guild’s receptionists and staff. A moderate amount is fine. I’m sorry to ask and then limit you…”

Receptionists, like Shaaru-chan? Can’t stress her out. I’ll take a reasonable amount. Keeps the bag secret too.

“Then a manageable stack’s fine. My party’s porter is top-notch.”

Magic Bag-senpai’s the MVP. Can’t sleep facing away from it.

“I see. That helps. Truly, thank you.”

Kirk’s overwhelmed with gratitude. No big deal, man.

*

Kirk hauls out the certificates, and I discreetly slip them into my bag.

While he’s fetching them, I fib, “Handing them to our porter outside.” A little lie’s fine, right?

Before leaving, we chat.

Kirk says the job’s tough and painful but he’s proud of it. Most officers quit in six months, but he’s stuck with it. He tries to teach newbies the job’s worth, but they break or transfer out, he says with a sad smile.

I got nothing to say.

I give him some rabbit meat, and he’s thrilled. It’s called Run Rabbit—fast, hard to catch, but tasty and in demand. Food’s mostly from supply teams, preserved and bland. “Fresh meat after so long!” Kirk beams. Second guild staffer I wanna spoil. I’ve got my own stuff to do, but I’ll help with food or conditions where I can. Favoritism? Sure, I know.

“Thank you, Kei-san. For the favor and the gift… I’m so grateful.”

Kirk sees us off from floor five.

“No worries. I did it ‘cause I wanted to.”

Sounding cool, huh? It’s true, though. But Kirk’s the real cool one. I just wanted to help him.

“I can’t play favorites, but… may the dungeon’s blessing be with you, Kei-san.”

“Thanks.”

We shake hands and leave floor five behind.