Chapter 176: Day of Celebration
Link: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n7583de/
Author: Hirukuma
Translated by Zzonkedd
Edited by Gumihou
Business on Scorching Sand Floor was nothing to write home about. In fact, I should say that due to the fierce business battle in the final couple of days, I ended with a loss. However, that is neither here nor there.
Now that we had done what we came to do on this floor, it was time to return to Clearflow Lake Floor. [1] With the transfer circles now fixed, I expect we’ll see more interactions between these two floors.
If something were to happen, it could be dealt with quickly. [1]
“We’re indebted to you. I’m sorry for not seeing what the Raging Inferno Squad for what they were really like. I truly regret this!”
The Director of the Scorching Sand Floor apologised to us with a bow that was over 90 degrees deep.
The incident had taken quite a toll, resulting in investigations into the backgrounds of all the hunters registered on Scorching Sand Floor.
“We’ll be back to help if you need it~!” Ramis said cheerfully.
“Although it would be great if it’s a little cooler,” said Hyurumi.
“Hot days are the best days for cold stuff-su!” said Shui.
Well, at least the girls were in a cheerful mood, despite all the things that had happened.
“The focus on sandals on this floor makes the view rather bland, don’t you think?”
“I have come to appreciate Master Hakkon’s greatness even more! I look forward to working with you on Clearflow Lake!”
The men were pretty happy too. I guess this had nothing to do with gender and more to do with a Hunter’s unrelenting spirit. Though I still can’t say why Mishael admire me so much. [1]
A little further away, Kikoyu was petting Kuroyata and Botan. She had a rather serious look on her face. Thus far, she had not said anything yet, was she worried about something?
The only worry I could think of was her suddenly being thrust into adulthood. She must have spent years in a child’s body. What is it like to suddenly be a mature woman now?
The only thing I can do for her as a vending machine is offer sanitary products… or not? Surely this is still considered sexual harassment as I still consider myself a man…
Wait, surely she’s not bummed out about losing money to me over the business competition? We ended up in a draw (or mutual loss) anyway, so one could only hope that she was dealing with some minor problems.
It was with such concerns that we returned home to Clearflow Lake Floor.
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As expected, there is no place like home. Home is the best. Even if ‘home’ is a spot by the Hunter Association’s main entrance.
“You sure take your time getting back! I was about to head over to Scorching Sand just for my fix!”
“This drink is the best to perk up the mind!”
Gatekeepers Karios and Gors hurried over to buy their usual from me, chattering and praising my products all the time.
“Thank you very much.”
Just speaking that phrase made me feel more vending machine-like. That’s right, as a vending machine, I should do my utmost best to be an excellent vending machine.
The gatekeepers were in long sleeves now. Scorching Sand’s eternally hot days made it feel like the peak of summer every day, but autumn had arrived at Clearflow Lake.
This would be my second autumn as a vending machine. Meaning that I had been here for about a year now. It felt like a lot had happened in a blink of an eye. After a year, I had pretty much gotten used to this unusual body.
Even if I transform back to my previous body, would I still be able to walk on two legs properly?
For now, the only sure way to transform back into a human form is the Dungeon Clear Reward. The wish that would grant anything to the victor. Honestly, I still felt it was a little dubious.
In this other world, magic and ‘gifts’ of powers existed as a matter of course, with dungeons that were like separate different worlds in each level.
Therefore, supernatural things should not surprise me at all, but somehow, the idea of being granted ‘any wish’ seemed kind of outrageous to me. Would this ‘any wish’ grant unreasonable demands like ‘Make it so that everything in this world belongs to me’ kind of request?
While pondering over these complicated thoughts, I continued to do business. Still, there was one other thing bothering me. I can’t help noticing it since it hovered around the edge of my vision.
On the surface, it looked like business as usual. However, I managed to catch a few sighs as well as some very serious expressions, which got me worried.
Kikoyu still looked troubled after returning to this floor.
Well, I would gladly listen to whatever you have to say, but for some reason, the now adult girl kept glancing at me before hurriedly looking away.
It was one thing to worry about Kikoyu, but there was someone else occupying my mind too. Ramis, the person who always tries to stick with me at all times has not been by much lately.
Well, since Hyurumi had not come by much either, I could only assume that the girls were busy with something. Even so, it does make me feel a little lonely.
As I fretted over this, the day bled to night. As I got ready to pick out some popular nighttime products, Ramis suddenly appeared. [1] [2] “Um, so, I’m sorry we’ve been so busy and couldn’t talk much. I really want to stay up and chat with you all night, so why don’t I take you to our tent?”
By ‘our tent’ I presume it’s the one she shared with Hyurumi?
“Welcome”
How could I ever refuse Ramis when she requested something from me with those puppy eyes?
How could anyone in this world refuse?
Anyway, I was picked up by Ramis and was effortlessly carried to the tent. I felt excited by the prospect of being able to chat with her for a while and-
“Happy Birthday, Hakkon!”
Eh?
What was that?
I was surrounded by applause and well wishes. Inside this tent, where only Hyurumi should be hanging out, tinkering with some invention or other, were the faces of all the people who had taken care of me thus far.
Director Bear, Director of the Beginner’s Floor, Director of the Labyrinth, Director of Darkness, Karios, Gors, Munami, old man Shimerai, old lady Yumite, Headmaster, Suori, Shirley, the four big eaters, Shui, Hevoy, Mishael, Kikoyu, Kuroyata, Botan…
…and Hyurumi and Ramis. All my close friends had gathered in this tent.
“Even though we don’t really know your exact birthday, we decided to celebrate this day. It’s close to the day we met. I hope that’s okay?”
I should convey my thanks to the blushing Ramis. She had set me down in the centre of my circle of friends, but… I could not find the words.
I was too surprised, too happy, and my circuit system felt like it had short-circuited. Not to mention, my words are limited in many ways.
“Thank you”
In the end, I managed to say this much, at least.
Once again, the people around me responded enthusiastically with ‘Congratulations!’.
Ahh, damn it, this was such a surprise. I never thought the day would come when so many people would celebrate my birthday as a vending machine.
It was probably Ramis’s idea. She’s too good a partner for me.
“Also, even though it’s a little late, happy birthday to Kikoyu-chan too!”
That’s right. Kikoyu had her birthday recently. We all saw how she had suddenly turned into a grown-up. How lovely it is to have a joint birthday party!
“Eh? Eh? Me too?”
Kikoyu seemed genuinely surprised. Well, it would be nice if this little party happened to clear away her most recent worries.
“I really wanted to treat Hakkon to a feast, but since you don’t have a mouth, let’s save that for when you’re human again! Now, please accept these gifts from all of us, you two!” said Ramis enthusiastically.
At that, the people in the tent formed a line in front of Kikoyu and myself.
“First, this is a gift from Gor and I!”
“I hope you’ll like it.”
The gatekeepers handed us a little blackboard [1] each. It was the type used in restaurants to show the ‘menu of the day’ along with a bunch of chalk.
Well, this would certainly come in handy. I can have someone write down instructions on how to use vending machines or describe new products. It was a really handy gift, one that I truly appreciate.
“Thank you”
I had been wondering what someone would give as a gift to a vending machine, it looked like they really put in a lot of thought for something that’s usable even for me.
“Hakkon, we thank you for your service until now. This gift is from the Hunter’s Association.”
“Umu, it’s thanks to Hakkon that the Beginner’s Floor did not collapse.”
“We, the Hunter’s Association, gladly value your efforts. As proof of our feelings, we have decided to give this to you. Indeed, though the idea first came from Director Bear, I had been contemplating the same thought. Truly, this is no lie. It is important for our appreciation be given proper form-”
“Right, right, that’s enough Director of Labyrinth! You talk too much. Look, Hakkon’s so troubled that he doesn’t know what to say, what with being a magical tool and all.”
Oi, don’t butt in, Director of Darkness.
Director Bear stepped forward on behalf of the Hunter’s Association to give me a card. A Hunter’s Card? Don’t I have one already? I registered as a hunter long ago on Clearflow Lake Floor.
However, this card was slightly different, it was edged with gold for one thing.
“This is a special card given only to those approved by the Hunter’s Association as a whole. With this card, transfer circle fees will be waived and you are allowed free access to all floors. Also, you have the right to refuse an order from a Director of the association.”
In short, this was some kind of VIP card? Wow, I felt a little worried about the privileges that came with it. However, there’s no reason to refuse if they trusted me this much.
In addition to the board and VIP card, I received handmade teacups from the elderly couple, in anticipation of the time I would return to my human form to use it.
There’s also a ticket from Munami, for a free lifetime accommodation at her inn, which would certainly be useful once I’m human again. Well, at least I won’t have to worry about where to live later.
Suori’s present was very straightforward.
“Hakkon, I heard you gain power by turning money into points. Therefore, please accept these gold coins from me.”
A man in black stepped forward with a small, very ornate box. How many gold coins could such a box contain? I’m a little scared to even think about it. Is it really fine for me to accept this money?
This isn’t… purchase price, right?
“There is no need to hesitate. A single piece of furniture in my mansion cost as much.”
Well, that was frightening in a different way. But, points are something that I want so badly that hands would stretch out from my throat to grab them. Not that I have a throat, or hands.
Suori has a fancy way of talking, but she has a good heart. So, let’s trust her.
“Goodness, I feel a little intimidated to give my little gift after Suori,” Shirley suddenly snuggled up to me and thrust a pair of ripe, fearsome fruits against my side. Her voice was low and husky, if I had an organic body, all of my rationality would have long since flown away.
“Do take this. Once you are restored to your human form, I shall personally attend to you~”
With that, she dropped a piece of paper into my coin return area. I was taken aback to find that the piece of paper was a voucher related to her special ‘services’. Special services aimed at men.
Ahem, it’s only polite to accept gifts when they have been given to one. Even if one has no intention of using it. One should prioritise the other person’s feelings and accept them first.
This has nothing to do with her at all, but I must strive harder to become human again, one day!
“Thank you for all your care! We went to great lengths to prepare this for you-su!”
“Mister Hakkon, this is a modest gift from Shui and myself.”
Then, Hevoy pulled out a large leather bag – no, it was not a leather bag, but a leather shoe. A huge leather shoe that could accommodate several adult humans inside. Did he actually have someone custom-made this monstrosity?
“I requested this from a toolmaker who migrated here from Dark Forest Floor.”
Ah, is that the toolmaker who made Ramis’ weapons?
So, this supermassive shoe is… for me?
“There is no need to worry about the size. When it comes to shoes, it is impossible for me to get the size wrong.”
What’s with this needlessly amazing confidence? I was just wondering whether I should thank him for this thing when Hevoy suddenly strode over, lifted me up and settled me into the leather ‘shoe’.
It… fitted me perfectly. Well, the lower half of my body was snug inside the shoe, but I lacked actual feet and toes, so the [3] ‘shoe’ was more like a leather bag.
“It, it suits you…su,” [2] [1] Try saying that while facing me, please. Also, why have the rest of you turned your backs to me with your shoulders shaking like that?
Everyone except Hevoy was doing that.
[Gumihou: Did my best to make this chapter more engaging]
[1] Adjust details – to make things less draggy [2] Made the dialogue more in character. [3] Give more details for the ‘shoe’
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