Overloaded With Attributes Chapter 70

 Atena's Dark Eyes

"Kudou-san... was I... abandoned?"

"No, I don't think Yuu would do that. Wait, are you trying to flex on me, since I'm not even engaged yet?"

It's been two weeks since I finally got used to the dungeon's mana and could adventure with him.

That said, we haven't spent much time together, thanks to 'all the things' that happened on that first day. The black rock party formation, the first Mochi hunt, the sudden warp, the new monster, and the level-up sickness... All of "that."

The party formation was the first sign! Text just floating in the air? What was that?! And the "Mochi hunt" wasn't normal either! We were fighting Blue Mochi!

Of course, because of all that, my "level-up" was fast. But the backlash was "level-up sickness"—a worse version of the mana sickness I just got over.

"It's not like I care about you. ...Or maybe it's that? My mother is a bit... you know? Maybe he's mad because I keep stalling on him coming over for the engagement greeting..."

"Stop with all the 'you knows.' Besides, Yuu isn't the type to get mad over that, is he? It was the opposite for me. I was selfish and made him come to my place, and he just... made himself at home and left."

"...What, exactly, did you do with my husband? And was that you trying to 'flex back' at me?"

God, that level-up sickness... Inside the dungeon, I was constantly dizzy, like being spun in a chair. Outside, I was so weak, I felt like I was being crushed by gravity! I knew I'd be tired after the dungeon... but I didn't think it would last for days!

"Hmph. 'Husband.' You're just a loser in love who can't even talk to him face-to-face."

"...Fine, I'll take that fight. Fufu, you're the type who thinks you can just cry to him and—"

"Akashi-san, back in middle school, you were a lone wolf. A wounded bear. You weren't the type to rely on anyone."

"When you find someone to love—no, when you find someone who loves you—you'll change, too."

"Alright, let's settle this. Time for a 'murder' (a 'nice long talk'). ...No, not now. I'm thinking. Stop distracting me."

Right. My weird classmate isn't what's important. I need to figure out what to do about my current situation, where I'm being left behind.

Even today! We started at B-Block as a group of six. But then...

"This area has 'Assault Rabbits'... wait, those are Horned Rabbits. 'Appraisal' says... Level 1, Combat Power 27. ...They're weaker than the Blue Mochi."

When he muttered, "You four should be fine," Akashi-san asked, "What do you mean, 'you four'?" We already knew!!

"Oh, yeah. I'm just going to check out all the other monsters on the first floor."

(Of course, that's the excuse. I'm really just registering all the portals so I can warp later.)

He said it in a small, apologetic voice. ...No. You don't have to apologize. We're the ones at fault, holding you back!

I have to get stronger... Strong enough to fight by his side!

He—and Takatsukasa Kazura—never came back that day. All I could do was channel all the "black emotions" I felt toward the woman standing by his side... into the rabbits.

---

The Osaka Dungeon's first floor is way bigger than I thought. I only managed to hit three zones, B through D. When I got back, Atena had dark, empty eyes. What the hell happened?

Maybe it's that? Her friend Shizuka-san got a fiancé, and she didn't? Is she stressed? ...Nah. She's a straightforward person. She's the type to act, not sit around being jealous.

So what is it... Ah... come to think of it. My party... isn't getting paid. In fact, all the profits are being sucked up by me. This is a management style so 'black' that even a 'black company' would run away barefoot.

We're risking our lives, and for students, getting zero reward... yeah, I'd make that face, too. Hell, I'd be starting a riot.

But I do have things I can sell. I'm already selling Slime Lotion and Lesser Panaceas through Shouko-san and Kazura-san. The money just hasn't come in yet. I want to keep the scrolls 'in the family' for now... but Tiara and Akiyoshi aside, Shizuka-san is already a fiancée, and Atena...

Okay, scrolls are on hold. But... Slime Lotion. Isn't this the moment for my God Finger to shine?

"So, Atena, find us a place where we can be alone."

"What are you talking about?!"

This world doesn't really have shady love hotels, not that I'd know... I can't think of a place, so I'll just dump this on her. The place she led me to was—

"I mean, I'm fine with this, but are you?"

"I figured my own room was the most appropriate place for us to talk."

...Huh? I don't remember saying anything about "talking."

"...So. The fact that you wanted to be alone... this isn't good news, is it? You're here to disband the team, aren't you?"

...Huh? I mean, I knew she must be thinking she can't earn money with me, but... it's already escalated to this?!

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