Chapter 9: Minase-san at Reception

A few days after helping the two members of 【Luna Stars】, I found myself venturing into the city for the first time in a while.

I live in what you’d call the suburbs.

Far removed from the hustle and bustle of central Tokyo, my home is in an area so rural it feels like it doesn’t belong in the capital at all.

Because of that, I managed to rent a dirt-cheap house. It was practically a ruin when I got it, but I worked hard to renovate it. There aren’t any houses nearby, so it’s spacious and quiet—perfect for me.

Lately, I’ve even started a small vegetable garden.

Since I don’t have anyone to talk to, I usually end up chatting with the vegetables. Yeah, I’ve officially become the neighborhood weirdo.

Still, with the 【Garden of the Gods】 close by, it’s not inconvenient. Sure, there’s nothing around my house, but thanks to online shopping, I can get anything I need without going out. Truly, a convenient era we live in.

Today, I visited the nearest Dungeon Management Association. It’s about a 30-minute drive from my house, which should give you an idea of how remote my place is.

“Oh, it’s been a while, Satou-san.”

The voice that greeted me as I entered belonged to Minase-san, the receptionist in charge here.

I always try to sneak in quietly, but for some reason, Minase-san always spots me right away and calls out.

“It’s been a while, Minase-san.”

Today, her hair was styled neatly to the side. It suited her perfectly, but I kept my mouth shut—didn’t want to risk coming off as a creep.

Minase-san is a half-Japanese, half-French beauty, combining the cuteness of Japanese features with the elegance of a French model. It’s honestly a mystery why someone like her is working in the middle of nowhere.

“Have you been well? I haven’t seen you lately, so I was worried. You’re not sick, are you? There’s a cold going around, so take care of yourself. Here, take this—it’s a nutritional drink.”

“Oh, uh, thank you.”

Grateful for her concern, I accepted the drink she somehow pulled out of nowhere. The label read “Sugyaku”… Wait, is this… a stamina booster?

As usual, she looked immaculate in her crisp uniform, smiling kindly from behind the counter. Was this moment supposed to be funny? I couldn’t tell.

“So, what brings you in today?”

“Well, I’d like to have some mana crystals processed as usual.”

I’m shy around strangers, but after meeting someone repeatedly, I can manage a conversation. That’s why I always ask Minase-san to handle my dungeon-related paperwork.

“Got it, mana crystal processing. Please follow me.”

She led me to a room about the size of a classroom, filled with various equipment.

This was the 【Mana Extraction Room】, equipped with machinery designed to extract mana from crystals. It’s a familiar facility for explorers, and every Dungeon Management Association has one.

“So, what treasures have you brought us today?”

“Just these for now.”

I took off my backpack and pulled out several mana crystals. Minase-san’s eyes sparkled with admiration as she examined them.

“My, my. Another incredible haul. I’ll take care of these for you. Please wait a moment while I process them.”

“Thank you.”

I handed the crystals to her, watching as she efficiently placed them into the machine. A low hum filled the room as the machine whirred to life.

When she returned, the processing was complete.

“As always, shall I proceed with the usual arrangement?”

“Yes, please donate them.”

“Are you sure, Satou-san? With this many mana crystals, you could easily qualify for S-Rank.”

“I’m sure. Please proceed with the donation.”

“I understand… I apologize if I overstepped.”

“N-not at all. You’ve always been a big help, Minase-san.”

As Minase-san said, I donate most of the mana crystals I collect. This system lets explorers donate the Dungeon Points (DP) they earn from mana crystals to various organizations and facilities.

I don’t need the money anymore—it would just go toward superchats anyway. Not like I have anyone to spend it with.

Besides, I’ve been helped by so many people throughout my life. This is my way of giving back.

Soon, the processing was complete, and a paper detailing the results was spat out of the machine. I took the paper from Minase-san and was about to leave when she suddenly spoke.

“Satou-san, do you happen to know this blog?”

In her hand was her smartphone, displaying a familiar banner.

Huh… how does she know about my blog?

“Uh… yeah, I guess I do.”

“It’s been gaining a lot of attention recently.”

Gaining attention? Is that why the number of visits has spiked?

“I suppose so…”

Not sure what to say, I just nodded along.

“By the way, Satou-san, do you know Niiyama Masaru?”

…Who’s that?

Is he famous? Maybe a streamer?

I don’t watch TV much, so I’m pretty clueless about celebrities.

I racked my brain, but no memory of a “Niiyama Masaru” surfaced.

“Uh… sorry, no idea.”

“I see…”

Just then, a phone started ringing—mine was silent, so it had to be hers.

“Please, go ahead.”

“Oh, excuse me. I’ll take this.”

Minase-san stepped away to answer.

“…Hello, Onee-chan? I’m working right now, so—What? A Japanese ninja? No, I don’t know anyone like that. Why? …You’re looking for one? Where are you? …You’re in Japan? To find a ninja? …If you’re joking, I’m hanging up. Bye. …Phew.”

She hung up and turned back to me, looking slightly embarrassed.

“I-I’m sorry about that…”

I was curious about the bizarre conversation but decided not to pry.

After finishing up the paperwork as usual, I left the Dungeon Management Association.

Oh, right, I lost my knife. Since I’m in town, I might as well stop by and order a new one.