New chapter of Ordinary Person is out! (3/3 chapters)

 

 

Chapter 148

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

(POV switch – Mira)

Still more bundles were placed before Adelaide.

“My, as expected of first-rate explorers, you truly are exceptional.” (Luka)

It seemed that Luka genuinely meant it. Normally, such flattery was reserved for coaxing information from a source.

“I am honored.” (Kouta)

Kouta responded with a wry smile. He was likely thinking the same thing I was.

“Have you heard that a blue rabbit-type monster appears within the Toyota Dungeon?” (Kouta)

This was information Kouta had even withheld from us. To reveal it now, I had assumed it would be his final bargaining chip.

“No, never.” (Luka)

This intelligence officer was far too honest. Given that his payment came from public funds, one would expect at least a token bluff. He leaned forward eagerly as Kouta paused, glancing toward him, clearly signaling a price negotiation. Realizing this, Luka quickly conferred with Otou-sama. 15 additional bundles were stacked before Adelaide. Even in Germany, the maximum payment for information was said to be 10 million. Evidently, they judged this intelligence worth far more.

“I believe the blue rabbit is a rare monster. No reports exist about it, and I have never seen it again on the same floor.” (Kouta)

I reflected carefully on his words. Kouta’s reasoning contained speculation, too much to accept without proof. After all, no one but Kouta had ever seen it.

“If only I had recorded evidence. In place of that, however, how about a drop item?” (Luka)

The negotiation was now entirely under Kouta’s control. I should have intervened before he gained momentum.

“Muze.” (Kouta)

“Understood.” (Muze)

At his call, Muze dove headfirst from atop Kouta’s head into his backpack. Her small body wriggled within as Kouta reached in and pulled her out, holding a round fruit in her hand.

“Do you have an appraisal item? If not, the lady from earlier will suffice.” (Kouta)

Such words dripped with irony. To suggest calling back that same woman if necessary.

The intelligence officer produced a glasses case from his breast pocket. It contained an appraisal item borrowed from Japan. Japan retained several such tools in preparation for future dungeon outbreaks, which other nations could borrow when required. Germany was currently one of those borrowers.

The delayed negotiation had, in fact, been to secure this very item, normally kept at a research facility. Muze trotted across the table and presented the fruit before the appraiser.

“Here you are. Now then, appraise it.” (Muze)

Everyone except Otou-sama gasped in astonishment.

After all, only one edible item had ever been discovered so far. Even the intelligence officer’s hands trembled as he held the appraisal device. The soldiers, accustomed to dungeons themselves, leaned forward eagerly to glimpse the item. And no wonder, for that sole known edible item was…

“This is the item commonly called the ‘Fruit of Ability’. Please confirm it yourself.” (Kouta)

The fabled item that permanently raised one’s abilities, a dream made manifest.

“Ooooooohhh.” (Luka)

Luka’s voice quavered as he completed the appraisal. His reaction alone proved its authenticity.

The “Fruit of Ability” had appeared only once before in an auction. Despite its known existence, no further specimens had ever surfaced until now. This was, as Kouta claimed, the drop item of the blue rabbit. Even more bundles of cash were stacked before Adelaide.

To me, even that seems far too little.

“‘Fruit of Potential’, MP plus ten. Confirmed, without a doubt.” (Luka)

The intelligence officer could no longer contain his emotions. He blew his nose and wiped his tears. Even Otou-sama, who moments ago had appeared uncertain, understood from everyone’s reaction that this was something extraordinary. Luka promptly increased the payment, while the soldiers and aides leaned forward to see the item for themselves.

“Emilia, you are crushing my head.” (Mira)

“Ah, sorry.” (Emilia)

“Are we finished now? Nom.” (Muze)

Without warning, Muze ate the “Fruit of Potential”.

“What?” (Everyone)

No one could utter a coherent word. All simply stared in stunned silence as Muze chewed contentedly.

“Bitter.” (Muze)

“Muze, that is not something you should eat so casually.” (Kouta)

With a grimace, Muze spat the pulp onto her tongue. Kouta, looking resigned, picked it up and ate it himself.

“Delicious.” (Kouta)

It was a scene one might call familial, were it not for the fact that the item in question was worth hundreds of millions.

“Ah, I forgot. I was going to give it to Mira or Adelaide-senpai, but I accidentally ate it.” (Kouta)

I shook my head immediately. On the opposite side, Adelaide was also shaking her head vigorously, so fiercely that her entire body swayed.

Who in their right mind would eat such a thing?

 

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