Status Window Chapter 29 : Vocational Experience as an Adventurer (5)

29. Vocational Experience as an Adventurer (5)

The moment we passed through the film of light, our field of vision opened up all at once.

A blue sky so clear it went on forever. Grasslands swaying in the wind, with no end in sight. In the distance, a deep green forest spread out, and further beyond that, mountains towered as if piercing the heavens.

It was hard to believe this was inside a dungeon. No, even if I wanted to believe it, the world was so vast that I couldn't.

"Wow... amazing! Is this really inside a dungeon?"

"Right?! It's no different from the scenery outside!"

"No, rather, this is more magnificent... how far does it go?"

We gasped at the internal world we had stepped into for the first time.

I had thought it would be a darker, damper, more suffocating place. To think there's wind blowing through like this, a sky, and scenery spreading out. I hadn't imagined it at all.

"This place is called the Beginning Grasslands. From here, many adventurers scatter into the dungeon. Right now, this kind of scenery spreads out, but depending on the floor, you can see various landscapes."

"I heard there's an ocean!"

"There's a desert too, right!"

"I heard there's a world that's always night!"

"Fufu, you know well. That's right. Various worlds spread out inside this dungeon. Doesn't a world you've never seen before excite you?"

We nodded at the lady's words. Various worlds spreading out in just a single dungeon. Just that makes my heart pound with excitement.

"Come on, Signa, explain properly too."

"...The image of dungeons as dangerous places is stronger. But at the same time, it is a world open fairly to everyone."

"Fairly...?"

"Regardless of birth or status, the same scenery opens up to those who challenge it. And—"

Signa narrowed her eyes and looked out over the landscape.

"Here, there are encounters and growth. Unknown monsters, unknown materials, unknown landscapes. Each one connects to a new self."

"A new self..."

"Even if it's a dangerous profession, the reason why people never stop becoming adventurers..."

At those words, I found myself naturally growing passionate.

"It's not just a place to become strong. Building trust with comrades, knowing one's limits, feeling the vastness of the world. Stories that cannot be obtained outside are packed in here."

"Stories...!"

Yes, yes, that kind of thing! When you say adventure, that's what it is. You can create a story unique to yourself. It feels like another world, absolutely thrilling.

"Adventurers really are great! Feels like freedom."

"My own story, so cool!"

The boys said excitedly, eyes shining. I understand that feeling. There are things you can't get just by working normally.

"Those were good words for Signa. Look how much the children's eyes are shining."

"...I only said what I thought."

"Isn't that good? It's been conveyed properly."

While we were looking at the scenery and letting our thoughts run wild, we heard those voices. Glancing over, my eyes met with Signa-san. It was a gaze probing for something, but I didn't know what she was probing for.

At times like this, open the Mind Window.

*[...They were listening very interestingly. Normally I'd think they'd be scared and not listen, but that's not the case. I'm happy they listened to my story.]*

At that time, a notification sound echoed. What parameter changed, I wonder? I want to see, but I'll save it for the final fun.

*[Maybe we can talk? But if she gets frightened...]*

It seems Signa wants to talk. But knowing she gets feared, she can't take the first step.

Certainly, Signa's appearance has tremendous pressure so it's scary, but I'm fine. Besides, I'm interested in Signa-san. Since she's interested in me too, shouldn't I talk to her without holding back?

The lady said something similar, and to connect to the future, I want to become closer here. It would be nice if a choice appeared, but there's no sign of that. So, I have to go myself.

"Signa-san looks incredibly strong. How can one become that strong?"

Attack innocently like a child! I asked a question that seems easy to answer; will this make the conversation bloom?!

"..."

She's just staring at me, no reply coming! Kuh, did I choose the wrong topic? No, it should be fine. To confirm, let's open the Mind Window.

*[...She spoke to me. And a question too. What on earth is going on?]*

No, no, you were surprised just by being spoken to first?! Just how much did you think you wouldn't be spoken to? There's an interested person right here!

*[...How should I answer. Finally, it looks like we can have a conversation. Carefully...]*

I can hear such an inner voice, but the real voice hasn't come yet. Far from it, only the glare and pressure are intensifying. She spoke so fluently earlier, what's going on?

"...Strong, huh."

She finally spoke! But a short silence continued after that. Waiting patiently, her mouth moved again.

"It happened before I knew it..."

"B-before you knew it?"

"...Just by living, it became like this."

"Does that mean you became strong naturally?"

"No, just living..."

M-making it difficult... Maybe she's explaining properly in her inner voice. Let's take another peek.

*[I just kept fighting to survive. Before I knew it, I wasn't losing to anyone. I didn't intend to make an effort. Just did what was necessary to survive... That's why I can't teach how to become strong.]*

Amazing, the inner voice can explain much more thoroughly!

*[Will she be disillusioned by this explanation? I wish I could convey something more concrete... She went out of her way to talk to me, but like this, she'll go away again.]*

I see, she's not used to being asked questions, so I confused her. Instead of closing the distance, it looks like we might drift apart. I better approach carefully here.

"Thank you very much! I understood well!"

"...Is that so."

When I answered with a smile, it seemed like Signa-san's expression softened just a little. You make that face here? Then I have to see what she's thinking!

*[...Good, it got through. ...Conversation with a small child is cute and fun. I want to talk a little more.]*

Then, the notification sound rang again. Didn't I just earn favorability in an unexpected place?

Signa-san is a special existence as an adventurer. I want to become friends here. Fuffuffu, I'm going to slowly conquer her from now on!