Chapter 18: Peaceful School Life
Asagiri nodded, thinking Asuna was truly impressive. If it were a normal girl, having just cleared a dungeon a few hours ago and witnessed the bloody scene of death, they would likely want to avoid dungeons entirely. Yet after rational thought, she had made the most correct choice.
"Then, let's set the time for the next dungeon entry for this Saturday."
"Saturday?"
Asuna frowned slightly. "Why don't we start signing up now? That way, we can enter the dungeon on Thursday."
Asagiri spread his hands and said something Asuna never expected.
"Thursday is class time."
"Huh?"
Asuna looked genuinely confused. "Are you… the type who doesn't like skipping class?"
Asagiri shook his head and smiled.
"How could that be? I skip class relentlessly."
"Then why…"
"What if there are other Players in our school?"
His smile faded as he explained seriously.
"This is the first week of school, and it's also our first day as Players. If there are other Players here, and we both take leave or skip class on Thursday, plus the fact that we arrived together this morning, it would be way too suspicious."
"Hmm, you're right… I didn't consider that."
Asuna nodded, then continued thoughtfully.
"The APP doesn't specify the exact time of entry on dungeon day, so Friday won't work either. If we vanish during class, we're doomed. But one convenient thing is that as friends, if we queue together, we are guaranteed to enter the same dungeon."
"Then it's decided. I just hope this game doesn't use dynamic difficulty, the root of all evil."
"Dynamic difficulty?"
Asuna didn't understand the game jargon. "What is that?"
Asagiri patiently explained, "Dynamic difficulty is something game developers use to prevent things from getting too easy. Basically, monsters get stronger as the Player gets stronger."
Asuna's expression tightened.
"You mean… because we got too high a rating in the beginner dungeon, the next one might be much harder? Then… if that's the case, what's the point of aiming for the highest rating every time?"
"That's why… it's very important."
Asagiri looked excited, chuckling lightly.
"If even this point is handled well, then this game is truly interesting."
Asuna sighed, covering her forehead in resignation.
"I'm starting to think that you playing the kazoo in class wasn't part of your promise with Ashikaga-sensei at all… but just because you found it fun…"
"No need to doubt."
Asagiri answered honestly.
"I was just looking for fun."
After saying that, he stood up and headed toward the door.
"Alright, I'm going to buy bento. I remember there's a gym inside Shuchiin. Let's meet there after lunch."
Hearing the word "bento," Asuna suddenly remembered something and stood up quickly.
"I completely forgot. I was thinking so much about the dungeon that I forgot to bring mine. Let's go buy together."
"Are you sure?"
Asagiri asked with a mischievous smile.
"I'm a celebrity now. Quite a few people aren't fond of me. You're also a new mid-year transfer. If they see you walking with me, you might get targeted too."
Asuna didn't hesitate at all.
"Hmph, who I make friends with is my business. Besides, we've already gone through life and death together. Just because you're unpopular, I should pretend not to know you, then rely on you in the dungeon? I'm not that kind of person. If I get ostracized, I get ostracized. I don't care."
Asagiri smiled.
"Oh… you're pretty rebellious."
...
After locking the office door, the two walked together to the on-campus supermarket counter.
Shuchiin was truly Shuchiin.
The bentos weren't just regular 800-yen lunch boxes. They also had high-end sets like 5,000-yen steak boxes and 7,000-yen seafood sets. Not every student came from a wealthy family, and many parents were too busy to prepare lunch. They also didn't trust convenience store bentos, so this on-campus counter existed.
"What bento do you want?"
Asagiri asked.
Asuna looked up at the options and prices.
"Just… a regular pork cutlet bento, I guess."
"Okay. Two pork cutlet bentos. How much?"
"That will be 1,600 yen."
"Alright, pay together."
Asagiri reached into his jacket as if to pull out his wallet, but Asuna quickly took out her own.
"Let me treat you."
"Okay."
Asagiri stepped aside immediately, without the slightest hesitation.
"I was just waiting for you to say that. Go ahead."
"You…"
Asuna stared at him, speechless. She really did want to treat him, but he accepted it a little too fast, didn't he?
Asagiri remained calm and waved casually.
"No need to thank me."
"Thank you?"
Asuna looked even more exasperated.
"I'm treating you. Shouldn't you be thanking me?"
"Hm? What kind of logic is that?"
Asagiri replied seriously.
"To be able to treat the esteemed Asagiri-kun to a bento, and also have the opportunity to eat with Asagiri-kun… faced with such a gift from destiny, do you not feel grateful? This is not good, Asuna."
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