Otherworld Company Chapter 7.1: Am I Nervous about My First Job? Oh, is it just me?

Jiro Tanaka: 28 years old – Single – No Girlfriend

Occupation: Dungeon Tester (Regular Employee)

Magical Aptitude: Eight (General Class)

“Is this a dungeon?” (Jiro)

As far as the eye can see, there are brick passages and similar sights sprawling endlessly in front of me.

“There is no sense of discomfort in my body.” (Jiro)

It was a bit disconcerting to see my body glow as soon as I entered the entrance, but I guess this is the procedure that turns your body into a magical body.

I try to move my body while watching the surroundings, but I don’t feel anything strange.

I’ve only been in the dungeon for a few meters, so I haven’t had any close encounters with dungeon monsters yet.

It’s a good idea for me to get used to this magical body as soon as possible.

I started with some bending and stretching exercises and moved my body around.

In the process, I felt something different from usual.

The air feels heavy, or rather, uncomfortably oppressive.

“It looks like it’s true what they say about magic being thick and heavy.” (Jiro)

When I was in training, I was told that the magic was much heavier than in the company, but I didn’t think there would be a difference that I could actually notice.

For now, you have to get used to this atmosphere.

“If I’m going to challenge it for the first time, I received a recommendation to try out the Dungeon of the Machine King’s Army.” (Jiro)

I took a deep breath as if I was absorbing magic power, and I felt somewhat more comfortable with the atmosphere.

I came to the dungeon as advised, but I can’t tell if I’m glad that I have to try this one.

“Okay, let’s get ready.” (Jiro)

I lightly patted my cheeks and stepped out into the dungeon.

A few minutes ago,

“If you want to try one first, I recommend the Dungeon of the Machine King’s Army.” (Vampire Shopkeeper)

“Why? Is that the best for beginners?” (Jiro)

“No, it’s just a matter of weighing efficiency versus risk.” (Vampire Shopkeeper)

“Efficiency versus risk?” (Jiro)

The vampire girl who is behind the counter, the worker at the General Store, stopped me. She was teaching me something about dungeons that I hadn’t been taught in the lecture.

“I’m also an employee of this company, so I’ve heard some stories about testers. I’ve heard rumors, and stories from instructors who witnessed actual training. I’ve also seen the personality and various experiences of the people on this side. However, the dungeon of General Kiou (Machine King) is probably the best-known spot.” (Vampire Shopkeeper)

Raising her finger the shopkeeper leveled it to my eyes.

“First of all, no one ever comes to the dungeon of the Undying King to which I belong, and once they enter, they return terrified. We will exclude the dungeon of Insect King for the same reason.” (Vampire Shopkeeper)

When she asked me if I had ever been attacked by a giant insect, I couldn’t help but get goosebumps imagining it.

I shook my head, and then the vampire girl continued.

“In addition, these two dungeons are not a good match for you right now. It would be a different story if you could equip yourself and raise your status, but that’s not possible for you right now.” (Vampire Shopkeeper)

The Immortal King’s Army is simply hard to defeat with physical attacks, and the Insect King’s Army is tough and has excellent fertility. Both are a little difficult to challenge by yourself, and there are many tough individuals due to their racial characteristics.

“Next, in the dungeon of Tree King and Giant King, you don’t know how to fight people. Are you prepared to fight those who are closest to you in appearance?” (Vampire Shopkeeper)

I agreed with what she said.

I might be able to fight, but in the dungeon, I have to kill them, not just defeat them.

That may be the battle with someone similar to Suela.

“I can usually tell what you’re thinking by looking at your complexion, so please calm down and listen to what I have to say for now.

These two dungeons are also excluded from your choices.

There are only three left, but I have to say that the quality of their army is higher than other dungeons because the Dragon King is simply a dungeon composed of dragon species. Even if you go now, you will only have your head and arms ripped off.” (Vampire Shopkeeper)

It seems that this vampire girl is good at stirring up the anxiety of humans.

As I listened to the story, I gradually felt more ill.

“So, there are two dungeons left, but probably most of the testers are challenging the dungeon of the Ogre King.” (Vampire Shopkeeper)

“Why do you think so?” (Jiro)

“It’s quite simple. People are afraid of the unknown. It’s easier to challenge what you know than to challenge what you don’t know. In addition, during the joint training, the average tester was able to overwhelm the goblins.” (Vampire Shopkeeper)

She sounded as if she was calling me a fool, and I thought back to the training I had participated in, and it was true that there weren’t that many people who dropped out when it came to the goblins.

It wasn’t until the skeletons that things started to fall apart.

Also, against goblins, I was able to overpower them to some extent.

“On the other hand, most testers wouldn’t challenge the Machine King’s dungeon. It’s an unknown experience, so you can challenge it efficiently without being disturbed, and in addition, the Machine King’s dungeon is made up of golems. The number of individuals is much smaller than that of goblins, so the frequency of you being surrounded is lesser. Though their quality is higher, but if you use your supplies and equipment efficiently, you should be able to fight them. As long as you don’t get carried away, you can fight without problems, and the danger should be reduced.” (Vampire Shopkeeper)

“Above all”, she continues.

“Golem drops trade at a higher price than goblin drops.” (Vampire Shopkeeper)

“That’s really important.” (Jiro)

It’s all about cash, and when people hear that it’s lucrative, they become more positive, it’s as if it was a lie that I’ve been so reluctant earlier.

For someone who had spent a lot of money today, the information was quite the bonus.

“I think that’s about it, I think I’ve told you enough to help you. I’ll leave it up to you to decide if you believe me or not.” (Vampire Shopkeeper)

To put it simply, she moved her gaze from me to the next bundle of slips, just as she was no longer in use.

The content I talked about maybe about the outline of the dungeon, but it is quite valuable information for me who is in a state of groping without prior information.

“I’ll use it as a reference. I will come again.” (Jiro)

“I look forward to seeing you again.” (Vampire Shopkeeper)

With a very limited amount of time, I didn’t want to stay any longer, so I left the store with the usual chatter behind me.

I stopped by the store to fill my stomach with rice balls, bought some water and rations, and then went to my room to change into my gear.

“Do I look like a cosplayer?” (Jiro)

My reflection in the mirror looked suspiciously like someone I would see on the street, but it made me think that if I keep wearing it for a while, I will get used to it.

“Now, it’s time to get to work, I guess.” (Jiro)

I checked my gear, and if everything was okay, I was off to the dungeon.