Earth With Dungeon: Saving the World With an Economic Boom

become intangible as if it were nothing, said, but I won’t be deceived.
Is this really how it works?

“Shizuku, it’s not like we could always obtain these potions when touching dungeon cores, right?”

I narrowed my eyes, trying to uncover the true nature of this bonus item.
It’s hard to believe that a kind of item exists in the dungeon.

[It’s a sharp observation, Sakimori-san.
That’s right, the gifts from dungeon cores are traps, just like before.
And it will continue to be that way in the future.]

Shizuku replies playfully, twirling her body in rotation.
It was as you expected.

“Could it be that all of these items, or even just some of them, we randomly get those??”

The store displayed a long list of skills and items, easily totaling over 10,000 varieties.
Will we receive only one type from these?

[No, that is the list of items in the store.
The actual rewards consist of approximately 10 predetermined level-up potions, status potions, and about 20 random items and skills.
When we obtain a dungeon core, it transforms into one of those.]

“It sure takes a long time.
How many times do I have to conquer the dungeon to obtain a level-up potion? But still, it’s better than endlessly fighting for decades to level up, I guess.”

It would be absurd for an old man like me to engage in inefficient battles to level up.

[Not necessarily.
For each dungeon, you receive only one Dungeon Core.
Those who seek level-up potions are numerous.
And…]

“It randomly grants skills, right? These skills here.”

I interjected, crossing my arms and leaning back on the sofa.
It wasn’t just about the items; there were various skills, ranging from unique skills to ordinary ones.

[For this reason, we need a sacrificial substitute who can use extra skills, except for potions, will accompany us and touch the dungeon core when we clear the dungeon].

“That might be the case for low-level dungeons.
But for higher ranks dungeon.
There won’t be such luxury, right??”

While the idea of a sacrifice bothered me, it made sense to ensure the safe acquisition of items.
I could understand why a sacrifice was necessary if the dungeon core possessed the ability to grant skills.
However, it was a trap.

“Skills like Strength Enhancement, which provides a +100 effect to strength, or Endurance Enhancement, which provides a +200 effect to stamina… Can you get something like this?”

I asked, grimacing at the unique skills listed under stat boosts.
If people can easily acquire such skills, those who can’t raise their status would be at a disadvantage.
And for high-level skill holders, it would be even worse.
I remembered that it would incur penalties unless the stats like stamina and strength were at similar levels.

[That’s right.
In this… um, let’s see… for dungeon attack accompanied by skill-granting humans, B-rank is the limit.
After that, you have to rely on your luck to progress.
The lack of capacity to protect the sacrifice becomes an issue.
As for skills, a warrior might obtain a skill that significantly reduces physical attacks but increases magical power, or a swordsman who prided himself on agility might lose it in exchange for increased defense.]

Shizuku tells me with a frown that there are traps, but it’s worse than I expected.
That’s just an impossible game.

[Even if you try to surpass those traps and conquer higher ranks… the nonsensical skill combinations and skills that don’t level up will inevitably hold you back.
Unlike a game, the current situation is such that you can no longer progress.]

“I see.
Even with a decent skill setup, it’s impossible to clear low-level dungeons, let alone ones with high-level dungeons.”

It’s filled with traps.
And some humans can avoid those traps.
That would be me.
The Equivalent Exchange Store absorbed the dungeon core.
Even if they try to interfere with me, the Equivalent Exchange Store will become my shield.
That’s my skills, which sought only to become stronger, and were able to counter the dungeon core.

[Yes, I understand your importance now.
I need you.
Your power.
We will surely become stronger.
More than anyone else.
That is my wish.]

Fixing her posture, Shizuku says it with a serious expression, and Sakimori comprehends it as he nods.
It’s something like that.

“You’re serious.
But just getting stronger isn’t enough.
Will you also assist as the savior who will save humanity? As my partner.”

Sakimori smirks and twirls his index finger.
He also needs Shizuku’s power.
He aims to become the savior.

[Of course.
We are partners, after all.]

The girl smiles happily.

Shizuku, with a smile like a flower, tilts her head slightly.
While admiring her face, Sakimori points to the store’s list.

“So, Shizuku-san, we aim for the strongest skill setup.
What skill will we acquire next?”

I said teasingly, and Shizuku immediately relaxes and proudly puffs her chest.

[[Aura Max Efficiency Conversion].
It’s a function that can efficiently convert mana into a fighting spirit.
Normally, there is a significant loss when converting mana into a fighting spirit, but with this skill, there is almost no loss.
You also receive fighting spirit techniques as additional skills.
That’s the skill I wanted the most at this rank.]

Shizuku laughs like a beast.
The girl in front of him is delighted to gain even more power.
It’s a good thing, a good thing.

[It means that normal attacks won’t be fatal anymore.
I’m sure we can envelop ourselves in [Aura] stronger than steel with martial arts.”

[That’s great.
In that case, [Aura Max Efficiency Conversion].]

It’s a unique skill that is marked as limited to one.
I decide to acquire it without hesitation.

Black particles, giving off an even more ominous feeling than usual, rise from the store and envelop Sakimori.
The method of use is imprinted in his mind, and he understands it immediately.

“For a while, I’ll have to practice using the skill called fighting spirit.
It should be a good way to pass the time alongside managing the market.”

Now that he knows the secret of the dungeon core, it’s time to start rebuilding the economy.
Starting with something simple.
Maybe he’ll create a market.