Chapter 7: The Usual <Gold Chest> Episode! The First <Gold Chest> Goes to the Guildmaster!
Alright! It’s that time again — our beloved <Gold Chest> episode!
Let’s crank up the excitement and dive right in!
""<Gold Chest>!""
Lana and Hanna, our ever-enthusiastic backliners, shouted in unison and sprinted ahead.
Naturally, I ran too, and since I’m a melee attacker, I got there first.
"Fuhaha! I’m first!"
"Hey, that’s cheating, Zephyrus! You were already closer to it!"
"Y-Yeah, Zephyrus-kun, that’s not fair!"
For some reason, both Lana and Hanna were fuming. Just how serious are these two about this?
…Not that I can talk, since I’m dead serious too.
"This time, I’m the one opening the <Gold Chest>."
"That’s outrageous! I won’t allow it!"
"Lady Lana's right, Zephyrus-kun. Let’s talk this out, okay? No need to rush!"
This is our first <Gold Chest> in an Intermediate Dungeon. This time, I’m not backing down.
"This is our first <Gold Chest> since entering the Intermediate Dungeons. It’s only right that the guildmaster opens the first one, right?"
"That’s ridiculous! I’ve never heard of such a rule! As a princess, I should be the one to open it first!"
"I’ve never heard of either of those Lady Lana and Zephyrus-kun's ‘rules,’ honestly. How about we compromise—neither of you open it, and I’ll open it instead?"
""Denied!""
Unbelievable.
All I did was seriously volunteer for once, and suddenly the three of us, Lana, Hanna, and I, were in a full-blown standoff.
Ah, the <Gold Chest>… truly a seductive, dangerous artifact.
The desire to open it breeds conflict—conflict no one can stop.
"What are you three doing? Just open it already. You’re wasting time."
Sierra arrived, clearly exasperated. As expected of her, she didn’t hesitate to step right into this chaotic battlefield.
Hanna and I went quiet under Sierra’s withering gaze. But there was one person who refused to back down—Lana.
"Listen to this, Sierra! Zephyrus says he’s opening the first <Gold Chest> of the Intermediate Dungeon! But I want to open it first too!"
"…Princess Lana, please restrain yourself regarding this <Gold Chest>."
"Ugh!?"
A single sharp line—firm and absolute. Lana could only choke out a sound under Sierra’s commanding presence. A demon. Sierra looks like an absolute demon right now.
Why did she have to go up against Sierra of all people? Because of that, Lana completely lost her chance to open this <Gold Chest>. I could swear Sierra’s pressure level just went up a notch. Please, let that just be my imagination.
"Zephyrus, Hanna, do either of you have something to say?"
Just the thought of speaking up and losing our chance to open it filled both Hanna and me with dread. The tense atmosphere from that earlier squabble had vanished completely; now we could only stand at attention, trying not to draw Sierra’s gaze.
I couldn’t even look to the side, but I could feel Hanna giving off the same energy.
"No objections? Then I’ll decide, all right?"
Ever since Sierra became our submaster, her sense of responsibility has grown a lot. She’s really come into her own. For some reason, though, I can practically hear her saying, "That’s because you keep goofing off." Please, let that also be my imagination!
With nothing but silent acceptance from Hanna and me, Sierra smiled sweetly and delivered her verdict like a judge.
"Zephyrus, you’ll open it this time. Hanna, you can open the next <Gold Chest>. And no fighting, understood?"
"Thank you very much!"
The moment she gave permission, I couldn’t help but shout my gratitude.
I did it! I’ve earned the right to open the <Gold Chest>!… Though I’m not exactly sure what I’ve won against.
"All settled, then. Princess Lana, you’ll be after Hanna."
"Uuugh, I’m so jealous, Zephyrus-kun."
"At least you get the next one, Hanna. I’m stuck with the one after that! And there probably won’t even be another today… Not to mention we barely get to explore as a full party anymore…"
Lana was unlucky, but honestly, she brought it on herself. There’s a saying — Don't poke a sleeping bear.
"Well then, time to open it! Oh <Lucky Cat-sama>, please grant us something good!"
Somehow, I just knew this chest was going to have something great inside. Feeling that anticipation, I offered a quick prayer to the <Lucky Cat-sama> and lifted the lid. Everyone leaned in to look.
Inside was a single one-handed sword.
"Ohhh~!! The <Dino Slayer Sword>!"
I quickly pulled it out to inspect it, and Lana immediately asked, barely able to contain her excitement.
"Slayer… what? Is that a good drop, Zephyrus?"
"Yeah, it’s a solid hit. So this is where <Dino Slayer Sword> shows up, huh. Hmm… what should I do with it?"
I stared thoughtfully at the weapon.
The <Dino Slayer Sword> is a specialized weapon. It's a powerful weapon that deals about 20% extra damage against dinosaur-type monsters. A powerful weapon, though limited in scope.
Here are the details:
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<Dino Slayer Sword: ATK: 67>
<『Dino Killer Lv.5』 『Dino Slash Lv.7』>
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『Dino Killer』 is a passive skill that increases damage to dinosaur-type monsters.
『Dino Slash』 is an active skill that deals bonus damage to dinosaur-type monsters.
It’s a niche weapon, really only useful in the <Hill Dinosaur Dungeon>, but within that dungeon, it’s extremely powerful. Since it’s classified as a <Sword>, I can equip it myself.
Now, what to do…
For comparison, here are the stats for the <Sky Sword> I'm currently equipping:
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<Sky Sword: ATK: 85, MAG: 51, Holy Attribute>
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The <Sky Sword> is simple. It doesn't have any attached skills, but in return, it has very high base stats.
However, if we’re talking about tackling the <Hill Dinosaur Dungeon>, the <Dino Slayer Sword> would definitely outperform it thanks to its special effects.
If I do switch weapons, I’ll lose my set bonus skill, 『Status Ailment Resistance Lv.3』. But since no enemies in this dungeon inflict status conditions, that’s not an issue.
The only minor drawback is aesthetic — the color scheme will clash. My armor and the new sword won’t match at all. But since it’s just for this dungeon, I’ll live with it. The <Dino Slayer Sword> has a dark brown, almost black hue.
The real downside is that it has zero MAG, which means my spell damage will drop sharply.
Still, since 『Dino Slash Lv.7』 will give me a strong new attack option, I should be able to make up for it with sheer offense.
Alright then — decision made.
"Let’s swap weapons."
It’s been a long time since my last weapon change.
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