018 Peaceful School Life
Asagiri nodded, thinking that Yuuki Asuna was truly impressive. If it were a normal girl, having just cleared a dungeon a few hours ago and witnessed the bloody scene of death, they would likely want to avoid dungeons at all costs. Yet, after rational thought, she had made the most correct choice.
"Then, let's set the time for the next dungeon entry for this Saturday."
"Saturday?"
Yuuki Asuna frowned slightly upon hearing this. "Why don't we start signing up now? That way, we can enter the dungeon on Thursday."
Asagiri spread his hands and said something Yuuki Asuna had never expected him to say.
"Thursday is class time."
"Huh?"
Yuuki Asuna had a surprised expression and asked in confusion.
"Are you... the type who doesn't like skipping class?"
Asagiri shook his head and smiled.
"How could that be? I skip class relentlessly."
"Then why..."
"What if there are other Players in our school?"
Asagiri put away his smile and explained seriously.
"This is the first week of school, and it's also our first day as Players. If there are other Players at school, and we both take leave or skip class on Thursday, coupled with the fact that we entered the school together this morning, the flaw would be too obvious."
"Hmm, you're right. I didn't consider that point."
Yuuki Asuna nodded first, then said thoughtfully.
"The APP's rules don't specify the exact time of entry on the day of the dungeon run, so Friday, which has classes, won't work either. If we suddenly disappear during class, it's all over. However, a convenient point is that as friends, if we queue together, we are guaranteed to enter the same dungeon."
"Then it's decided. I hope this game doesn't use the dynamic difficulty, known as the root of all evil."
"Dynamic difficulty?"
Yuuki Asuna had never played any games, and she couldn't quite understand the jargon Asagiri was using at the moment, so she couldn't help but ask curiously.
"What is dynamic difficulty?"
Asagiri patiently explained, "So-called dynamic difficulty is a measure adopted by game developers to prevent the game from becoming too easy, which would cause Players to lose interest. Simply put, it means that the monsters in each area will become stronger as the Player's level increases."
Yuuki Asuna frowned tightly upon hearing this, a worried expression on her face.
"You mean... because we got too high a rating after clearing the beginner dungeon for the first time, it's possible that the dungeon difficulty will greatly increase the next time we enter? Then... if that's the case, what's the point of trying to get the highest clear rating every time?"
"That's why... it's very important."
Asagiri looked very expectant and said with a light chuckle.
"If even this point can be handled well, then this game is truly interesting."
Yuuki Asuna sighed slightly, covering her forehead in resignation.
"I'm starting to suspect that you doing something like playing the kazoo in class wasn't because of the promise with Ashikaga-sensei, trying to attract attention this way, but simply for fun..."
"No need to doubt."
Asagiri answered honestly without any concealment.
"I'm just looking for fun."
After saying this, Asagiri stood up and walked towards the office exit.
"Alright, I'm going to buy bento. I remember there's a gym inside Shuchiin Academy. Let's meet there after lunch."
Hearing the word "bento", Yuuki Asuna seemed to remember something and suddenly stood up.
"I felt like I forgot something. I've been thinking about the dungeon so much that I forgot to bring my bento to school. Let's go buy bento together."
"Are you sure?"
Asagiri asked back with a smile.
"I'm a celebrity at Shuchiin Academy now, and quite a few people are hostile towards me. You're also a new student who just transferred to Shuchiin Academy mid-year. If you're seen walking with me, you might be targeted and ostracized too."
Yuuki Asuna replied immediately without any hesitation.
"Hmph, who I make friends with is my own freedom. Besides, we've at least gone through life and death together. Just because you're unpopular at school, I should pretend not to know you, and then rely on your help when entering the dungeon? I'm not that kind of person, I can't do something like that. If I get ostracized, I get ostracized, I don't care."
Asagiri smiled, "Oh, you're quite rebellious."
.......
After locking the office door, Asagiri and Yuuki Asuna went together to the supermarket counter inside Shuchiin Academy.
It has to be said, Shuchiin Academy is indeed Shuchiin Academy.
The bentos sold here, besides the regular ones fluctuating around 800 Japanese Yen, also included high-end bentos like steak sets for up to 5,000 Japanese Yen and seafood sets for 7,000 Japanese Yen. After all, not every student at Shuchiin Academy comes from an extremely wealthy family. Some students' parents are very busy with work and don't have time to prepare bentos, and they feel that the bentos sold at convenience stores outside aren't very healthy, which is why there is this on-campus supermarket counter.
"What bento do you want?"
Hearing Asagiri's question, Yuuki Asuna looked up at the bento types and prices written above.
"Just... a regular pork cutlet bento, I guess."
"Okay, two pork cutlet bentos, how much?"
"That will be 1,600 Japanese Yen."
"Alright, pay together."
Seeing Asagiri reach into his jacket pocket, as if to take out his wallet and pay directly, Yuuki Asuna quickly took out her own wallet and offered.
"Let me treat you."
"Okay."
What Yuuki Asuna didn't expect was that Asagiri was truly not being polite at all, quickly moving away from the spot in front of the supermarket counter.
"I was just waiting for you to say that. Alright, you go ahead."
"No, you..."
Yuuki Asuna looked at Asagiri, feeling a bit speechless, thinking that while she sincerely wanted to treat him, the problem was that he agreed too quickly, a bit too eagerly, wasn't he?
Asagiri had a calm expression and waved his hand.
"No need to thank me."
"Thank you?"
Yuuki Asuna was somewhat exasperated.
"I'm treating, shouldn't you be thanking me?"
"Hmm? What kind of logic is that?"
Asagiri explained in a matter-of-fact tone.
"To be able to treat the esteemed Asagiri-kun to a bento, and also have the opportunity to eat bento with Asagiri-kun, facing such a gift from destiny, do you not have a grateful heart? This is not good, Asuna Yuuki."