Ch.9 Going to a Dungeon for a Recon

"Wow... So amazing."

"Kyui!"

This is a scene I've seen before in dungeon crawling streams that pop up in the recommendations on video sites.

The shopping street in front of the dungeon.

Even though we're still in the countryside, this place feels like a big city.

It seems we are actually here.

I don't really feel it, though.

From the bus stop named after this dungeon, we enter a bustling shopping district with shops lining both sides of the street.

In this country, weapons are displayed in showcases in the streets, creating a sense of unease, yet at the same time, there are plenty of delicious-looking restaurants, dessert shops, convenience stores, and chain boutiques.

"You wouldn't find something like this unless you went to a mall an hour away by bus..."

"Kyui?"

It's so much cleaner and more stylish than the area around the train station... I see, this kind of place isn't just in big cities, it's even in the middle of nowhere like this...

Most of the people around me are gathered in small groups.

Even though it's before noon, there are so many people here, it's like a bustling city street you see in TV interviews.

And what's more... there are lots of young people.

Well, when I say young, I mean people older than me... from high school students to people in their twenties who seem to be working adults.

Even so, it's an incredibly rare sight in the countryside... because basically, the only people walking around are just elderly people.

"...I've been missing out by never coming here before just because I can't go into the dungeon... There are shops I've always wanted to go to..."

Well, I'd end up just window shopping since I don't have any money though.

It's fine, there's also enjoyment in just window shopping.

"Look, look, that girl is so cute!"

"It's true... a primary school student... lost?"

"A little girl hugging a stuffed animal...?"

The only downside is the constant noise, but that's just how it is in a busy downtown area.

I grew up in the countryside where it's usually too quiet, so I have to put up with things like this.

But it's amazing... everyone's just walking around with weapons and equipments on.

That's nice, then I toi should get a cool one... Huh?

"...What should I... As a tamer do...?"

"Kyui."

Weapons... Do I even use one?

Now that I think about it, I didn't know the details...because I thought I'd be told today.

But then again, because those people are just government officials, I guess it's normal for them to not know.

But tamer... tamer.

I believe it's a skill that lets you have monsters that have become attached to you fight for you.

That's why the tamer themselves doesn't need that much combat power, and I think it was included in the "Collection of Rare Divine Skills" because it's safe.

"...So, I guess I can go lightly equipped. Otherwise, I'll probably get tired just from walking..."

"Kyui!"

I walk around looking at shops that sell weapons and armor, and think about it through.

"...But they're all expensive..."

"Kyui..."

Even regular clothes on display are often expensive, but even so...isn't this price difference just absurd?

Well, considering it's for combat, it's cheap compared to the value of a life...even though basically you won't die.

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"Wow... so this is a dungeon...!"

"Kyui...!"

I walked down what felt less like a shopping street and more like a beautiful main street in a big city I'd been to a few times before, and came across a gate that read, "Only those with a permit may proceed from here."

Further ahead, I can see something that looks like a huge cave.

Apparently that's the dungeon... and that area in front is where you do paperwork and leave your luggage, right?

"Let's come here next time."

"Kyui!"

Right now, even though I have the permission, I'm practically an ordinary person who doesn't know how to fight.

Besides, this child is still just a baby...a juvenile, so it won't be able to fight right away anyway.

"Grow up quickly so we can go diving together!"

"Kyui!"

"Haha, it's like it's answering me."

Even though it doesn't understand, this cute Omanjuu cried as if it does.

"Mmm, this fluffiness feels so nice..."

"Kyui."

When I bury my face on its back, my face is enveloped in soft fur and a fragrant scent.

"Hmm..."

"Kyui—..."

Animal fur is so nice... Ah, I'm so happy.

"Oh my, look at that girl!"

"Cute……"

"But that girl is, crying...?"

"Isn't she just talking to her doll?"

"Should I...should I say something...?"

"But only people involved with the dungeon come here... Maybe she's waiting for someone she knows to show up?"

"Like getting separated from someone and becoming lost..."

"...Kyui."

"Oh, sorry, sorry. Shall we go now...to the afternoon shift."

I don't want to keep petting it and risk it hating me, so I pulled my face away from the wriggling Omanju and turned around.

"Wait, isn't that cute?"

"Which one?"

"Both! Or rather... what is that?"

"Isn't it a stuffed animal?"

"It seems a bit big for that..."

"It's the size of a medium-sized dog, so it must be a stuffed animal. Otherwise, a child that small wouldn't be able to carry it around."

"That's true. But there's something about the appearance of that stuffed animal that's bothering me..."

"Let's ask our listeners for their opinions."

But...it's a little uncomfortable.

Because everyone can see me... and they're whispering about me...

This must be because my outfit is uncool... Everyone here has cool gear, or at least looks better than what I wear when I go to the city...

"Uu..."

"Kyui?"

On top of being short, I have a face that hasn't grown up, so people say things like, "You really look like a girl," or "You should always walk with a guy when you're in a secluded place or at night."

"...I want to become more handsome..."

"Gyui."

"Hmm?"

Is Omanju in a bad mood?

I wonder why.

"Are you hungry?"

"Kyui!"

"Oh, it's back."

I don't really understand why, but it seems like it's in a better mood now.

"Yoisho!"

I realized that it was probably uncomfortable being held for so long, so I tried changing how I am holding it.

"...Oh, but it's bigger than I thought, so when my part-time job comes around I'll have to..."

I'd been holding it the whole time so I didn't have time to check the time, but as I take a break and put it on my lap to check...it's going to be a close call even if I rush to my part-time job now.

Oh no, I was having so much fun I completely forgot...

"...Well, I do have a permit, and the receptionist said that a monster that's tamed won't cause any trouble..."

"Kyui!"

Oh well, I guess I'll bring it with me.

If that doesn't work... I can just leash it outside the backyard.

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Author's note:

If you enjoyed this and thought, "I want to see more cross-dressing boys," "I love cross-dressing," "I can't wait to see Yuzuki-kun treated like a princess by everyone," "This is interesting," "I want to read more," or "I want to support this," please leave a heart or a supportive comment at the bottom below, and if you haven't already, please rate it with ★★★ and follow me from the table of contents.

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