Rent a Girlfriend: Return of Dungeons and Dragons (Short Story) Part 1

Characters:

Kazuya Kinoshita

Chizuru Mizuhara

Mami Nanami

Ruka Sarashina

Sumi Sakurasawa

Nagomi Kinoshita

Yoshiaki Kibe

Shun Kuribayashi

Sayuri Ichinose

Harumi and Kazuo Kinoshita

Mimi Yaemori

Umi Nakano

Countdown:

Arriving at the Guild, Kazuya had a distinct feeling he was not going to like what the Guildmaster was about to inform him. He knew that there was no way the Guild or the Government would ever allow him to go to Floor 70 by himself. He had to join a Party. A Party that would include two Level 6 Adventurers along with two Level Five Adventurers to provide Support and carry all the necessary Equipment. That is how the Exploration Quests generally worked. Though now he had two reasons on wanting to go. One was to go beyond Floor 70 and the second was to obtain a Magic Stone from a Level 12 or higher Monster. Dong that was actually more important to him then accomplishing entering into the Floors beyond 70. The reason for that was it could save Chizuru's Grandmothers life. A 12 or higher Magic Stone could be distilled into a Miracle Potion. Which was a potion that could cure anything. It could even regrow limbs. The main problem though was that the mandate when or if encountering a Level 12 or higher Monster was to evade, run or hide. Rather than facing it. The reason behind that was that any Monster that high in level was insanely powerful. The Grabiods and Sand Sharks on Floor 70 were mostly Level 10 or Lower. But there was a simple way to defeat them with no danger to anyone that faced them. Remarkably the idea came right out of the Movie Tremors. Still, he fully planned on facing and defeating the higher Monsters no matter what. Arriving at the Guild, he was met by the Guildmaster. A retired and seasoned Adventurer. The Man was about seventy and had the scars to prove that he had been an Adventurer for most of his life. "Welcome Mister Kinoshita. Could you come to my office." The man said and then once in his office he introduced himself. "I am Saito Hasiba and I am the Guildmaster of this Guild."

"It is nice to meet you Sir." Kazuya said and immediately noticed that the others had not arrived yet. "Am I early?" He asked and the older man shook his head.

"No. But I should inform you. Both of the other two are not the easiest to get along with. You do know that both have cooperate sponsors." Saito told him and Kazuya slowly nodded. He had heard all about them. Or rather he had seen them both doing various advertisements on TV. To the public they were superstars.

"Yes, I know." Kazuya said and Saito shook his head.

"Let me tell you about them. Taranaka Shinpei. Age 26. He had achieved Level 6 just under a year ago. Goes by a nickname some of the other Adventurers gave him. Steel Hand. Though I personally think he should have been nicknamed Block Head." Saito said and then after a moment continued. "He is egotistic and has been known to be a bit of a...Bully. I dislike the man completely and am really happy he frequents the Okinawa Dungeon." He then told Kazuya about the Taranaka's abilities and other relevant information. "Okay enough about that...Idiot. The second one is...Ranko Jiro. Age 25. Achieved Level 6 four six months ago. Otherwise known as the TRI-WITCH. An extremely powerful sorceress that uses Fire, Wind and Water Magic Combinations. Thing is as...good as she is with Magic. She is a bit of...Be careful with her. From what I have heard and know. She is a floozy and tends to be a little too...ambiguous when it comes to men. Younger men. Not that she is a Shotocon. Still be careful." Kazuya smiled.

"No worries on that. I have a girlfriend. An extremely beautiful girlfriend that I am in love with." Kazuya stated firmly and Saito shook his head.

"That won't matter to her. In fact, she might deem it to be a challenge and still try to seduce you. Like I said...Be careful." Saito warned him and Kazuya began to wonder if he was wrong to agree with this. But it was the only way he could achieve his goals. At that moment, Saito's secretary informed the Guildmaster that both Taranaka and Ranko had arrived. The first one in was Ranko and Kazuya could not believe her attire. It was like something from one of the Naughty Shops. Her outfit looked just like one of those Slutty Witch costumes that he had once seen on the Internet. Low cut to show off her cleavage and the skirt was so short that when she took a step it clearly showed her thong black matching panties. She held a Templer Staff in her hands and had her long black hair partially tucked under her Witches hat. The smile she had was more seductively coy and playful. As for Taranaka, he wore something that closely resembled Armor that a Samuria would wear. Bright Red with Black trim that seemed to add to the brightness of the Red colored Armor. It was extremely flashy and seemed to scream...LOOK AT ME!

"Before anything else...I am in charge of this Quest. I am the Team Leader and I will make all the decisions." Taranaka announced as he flopped down on one of the nearby Chairs heavily. He then put his feet up on the Guildmaster's desk, crossed his ankles with his right leg onto top of his left and leered at Ranko. Then with a comptempt expression glared over at Kazuya. "Any problems with that new bee?" He asked with a condescending tone.

"No. I guess not." Kazuya replied not really minding. For he had no inclination on wanting to be the leader.

"Good. You should know I personally believe you are lying about being Level 6. There is no way someone rising to that level so quickly. It took me almost 10 years to reach that Level." Taranaka announced and then chuckled. "Though if you are lying then you probably will get killed after we get to Level 60."

"Mister Kazuya is a level 6 and it has been verified." Saito stated and Kazuya now understood why the elder man did not like Taranaka. In fact, Kazuya actually did not like Taranaka at all. Or how he acted so superior to everyone else. He was extremely tempted to tell the overbearing idiot his true Level. That he was a Level 9 and was close to becoming Level 10. But suspected that could cause him some major problems.

"Yeah...Right. Well...It does not matter regardless. The Government or you at the Guild are not about to let me go to Level 70 without at least two other Level 6's. So, it is whatever as long as I get to go." Taranaka said with a small smile. Everyone could tell what he was thinking about. The amount of money they would get from the higher-Level Magic Stones. Along with being the first ones to defeat that Floor would increase his popularity with his Sponsors and the Populace. "As leader I suggest we depart tomorrow. Reach the safe Zone, rest there and then continue on the day after that." Both Kazuya and Ranko nodded their agreement. Kazuya noticed that she had not said anything since her arrival. Instead, she was glaring menacingly at Taranaka.

"Oh, you can tell she really does not like Taranaka." Kazuya mumbled inaudibly. She then looked over at him and smiled warmly. Almost seductively. So, with the departure time set and the names of the volunteer Level 5 Supporters. Kazuya decided to leave and get everything ready for the Quest. Along with spending a few pleasant hours before he left with Chizuru. But as he stepped outside. Ranko joined him.

"Can I talk to you for a minute?" The well-endowed Ranko asked almost basically thrusting her barely concealed and covered chest directly at Kazuya.

"Okay." Kazuya replied reluctantly remembering Saito's warnings about Ranko. She smiled and lightly touched his right forearm as she leaned closer.

"You need to be careful with Taranaka. He is not...I have dealt with him before on other Quests and he has a habit of...Endangering those he believes are expendable." Ranko whispered to him so no one around them could hear her. "I personally do not like him. Mainly because he also has a habit of...Expecting certain things from women within his party or those that join him in any quests."

"I take it that he has before expected those things from you?" Kazuya asked and Ranko nodded then smiled.

"Yeah...I may be easy in that regard. But I am not as gullible or as stupid as some of his other conquests. I do have certain expectations myself and one of them is that you are not...An asshole!" Ranko declared and her smile turned once more seductive. "Speaking of that...How about we spend the night together? Get to know each other better before we go on the Quest." She suggested and Kazuya shook his head.

"Sorry I have a girlfriend. But thanks for warning me about Taranaka." Kazuya said and Ranko pouted than removed her hand from his forearm.

"That is a real pity. Oh well...There are plenty of men around that I can...Guess I will see you tomorrow then." With that Ranko spotted a possible replacement and sauntered off to talk to her target. Kazuya departed and as he walked back home, he thought about both Saito's and now Ranko's warnings. When he told Chizuru about the warnings and his impression of the two others. She suggested he not go. Wait until another time and other Level 6's he could go with. But Kazuya reassured her that he would be alright. Reminding her of his true level and that he would be extremely careful.

Day 1:

It took about half a day for them to reach Floor 25 and the Safe Zone Fortress. Kazuya had to admit that Taranaka and Ranko were extremely skilled and powerful adventurers. With them was two level 5 adventurers and they were there mostly to be their supporters and supply carriers. Though what he thought was strange. Both of the Level 5 were young girls perhaps a year or two older than him. Then he remembered what Ranko had warned him about and it made sense. At the Fortress the two Girls refilled the two five-gallon Canteens and after a four-hour rest. The Party continued onward. Planning on reaching Floor 47 and the use one of the dead-end caves that were generally used for camping on the lower floors. He had suggested that to Taranaka back at the Fortress. Since he had already gone to Floor 50 numerous times before. To his surprise, Taranaka did not argue and accepted his suggestion.

Using a common method that had been used several times before by Kazuya along with anyone else that went into any of the Dungeons. The method to keep the party safe was easy and completely effective. To keep Monsters from attacking anyone while they camped within the Dungeon. The first thing they did was make sure that no Monsters were in the Side Cave that they would use. Next moving several Large Rocks, or rather boulders. They are placed at the entrance of the Side Cave. Creating a wall that kept any Monster out. The last step, which was the most important. The Rocks were sprayed with binding agent that usually began to dissolve after about eight hours and would essentially make the Rocks into a wall that could hold off or discourage most Monsters. While he and Taranaka set up the fake wall, the two five levels and Ranko set up the camp. Which included a makeshift Latrine in the back of the Cave with a tarp hanging from the ceiling for privacy. Though later Kazuya found out that Taranaka used it for another reason. A more sorted reason.

Sitting in front of the Propane Gas Powered Fire, Kazuya slowly stirred the Canned Beef Stew that was now being heated up. Later they would not be able to indulge in such a fair. Since there would be no real opportunities to have heated or warmed up food. So, for now they would enjoy what they could. He was not really paying attention to the others until Ranko sat down next to him. "There he goes." She said softly gesturing at Taranaka and one of the Level 5 Supporters, by the name of Erina Nakuri as they nonchalantly went to the back of the cave to do whatever they were going to do. Though both Kazuya and Ranko along with the other Supporter knew exactly what they were going to do. Kyoko Shito, the other Supporter openly glared at Taranaka and her peer as they passed her. "Guess she already has been with him and actually believed his bullshit about wanting to be in a relationship with her." Ranko whispered to him, and Kazuya shook his head in disapproval.

"We do not need this type of drama." Kazuya stated, not liking it at all. The dungeon was no place for any type of misunderstandings or nocturnal activities. All it did was cause problems.

"You are right. Even I do not do such things in a Dungeon. It could cause friction and internal strife." Ranko told him frowning as she looked at Kyoko. Easily noticing how jealous and angry the younger woman was. Kazuya went back to stirring the Stew.

"True. I did not want to believe that Taranaka would do something so stupid. But...I guess we will have to wait to see what happens tomorrow." Kazuya was tempted to suggest to the two Supporters to leave and head back to the Safe Zone. Not fully trusting them to be able to continue effectively. By the time Taranaka and Erina returned, the others had finished eating. Taranaka smirked openly at Kyoko as he sat down and dished himself several scoops of the lukewarm stew. While Erina went off to one side and did not even look at any of the others in the chamber.

"Crap! She found out that asshole there was just using her. Just like I believe he did with her over there." Ranko whispered to Kazuya so that no one else could hear her.

"This is not a good start of the Quest." Kazuya mumbled, standing he went to retrieve his Sleep Bag and went over to where he decided to spend the night. As he laid down, he wondered if it would be better to just head back and forget about continuing.

Day 3:

It took two more days to reach the passage that led to Floor 70 and as they neared the entrance to that Floor. Kazuya took out of his Backpack several Grenades and clipped them on his belt. He glanced over to see both Erina and Kyoko remove the remote detonated explosives from their own Backpacks and a couple remote controlled toy trucks. Then they all got their first look at the infamous Desert Floor. It seems to span for miles in all directions including across from them to the other side. "This Floor makes no sense. How can it be this vast?" Taranaka commented as he used binoculars to try to see the other side. All he could see was the Three Hundred Meter by Hundred Meter Rock Island that was about in the middle of the Chamber perhaps a mile or more away. The exact island that was more of a trap then somewhere safe. There was nothing on the Island. No water. No food and no shade. It was more of a slab of flat stone that rose out of the Sand about two meters high. None of the Sand Monsters seemed to be able to get up on it. Though Kazuya believed that if they did, then the heat would kill them just like it basically killed the Adventures that sought refuge there.

"I would like to know why it is so hot?" Ranko said using a cloth to wipe her sweat off her face. "It has to be about a hundred degrees in here and that fake sun, up there...Man it is really beaming down on us." They all looked up at the object that resembled a real sun. "No wonder those that made it to that Island died there."

"That is one of the reasons the Island is considered a Trap. Another reason is that just about every Monster in those sands sense and hunt by vibrations. They had made it to that island and ended up trapped and died there. Since the Monsters never left. So they had no way to get back here or move on." Kazuya said reminding them about the last Party that had come to Floor 70 several years ago. By the time a Rescue Party could be assembled and arrive. Out of the four Level 6's and the three Level 5's. Three Level 6,s and one Level 5's died of exposure and dehydration. The others were killed and eaten by the Monsters. Either before they got to the Island or basically committed suicide trying to get off the Island before they succumb to the heat and thirst. The Rescue Party ended up using over a couple hundred Grenades to chase the Monsters away so they could retrieve the bodies of those that died. One of the Level 5's had wrote down their plight in a notebook so that everyone knew what had happened.

"Yeah, well we are not doing that. A Tactician and a Monster Biologist suggested that we traverse along the walls. Use the Grenades and Explosives only if threatened by the Monsters." Taranaka stated as he too began to clip Grenades to his belt. "We might as well rest up here...Wait until that fake sun dimes and then travel by what is night here." He added stepping back away from Floor 70 itself to the much cooler cave that led to the floor. The others followed him and set up a temporary camp.

"Don't forget to conserve water as much as possible. Even though we do have three WEC." Kazuya stated, mentioning something else the Guild had suggested they take with them. The WEC's were invented a decade ago for those that lived in Desert Regions. The Water Evaporator Collectors generally were nothing more than Moisture Collectors that collected any type of Moisture in the air. Someone got the idea from a Star Wars Movie and it was in this case essential equipment for them to be able to survive on the 70th Floor. Taranaka glared at him, then nodded.

"I was going to." Taranaka snapped. Taking one of the WEC's out of his Backpack and setting it up.

Just as the Fake sun began to dim, Taranka led the party along the stone walls. All of them could feel the heat radiating from the wall. So Ranko used Ice Magic and Wind Magic to cool the wall enough so that they did not sweat too badly. Within about twenty yards, a Sand Monster could be seen heading towards them. It's shark like fin cut through the sand as it bared down on them. Erina panicked and tossed a Grenade and after it exploded. The Monster veered off and dashed away.

"Don't waste those." Kazuya said calmly at Erina and made sure the others also heard him. "There is no way the Monster could get us while we are moving this close to the Walls."

"Sorry. I just never saw a monster that big before." Erina said and none of them really blamed her. The Fin was about six feet tall which meant the Monster was probably huge in comparison to any other Monsters any of them faced before.

"That was probably one of those Sand Megadons. They are huge but generally are only about a Level 6 to 8." Ranko informed them all and they then continued on. Kazuya looked down at his feet and shook his head. They all were sinking in about five or six inches as they walked. Which in itself was exhausting. So, by the time the Fake Sun began to shine. All of them felt extremely tired and looked forward to resting until the Fake Sun dims again.

"Let's set up camp here." Taranaka announced as he pointed up at the Rock Wall that seemed to jaunt out from the rest of the Wall. Kyoko took out 3 Foot Long Petons and handed them to Kazuya. Who nodded with understanding. Slipping off his Backpack. Kazuya placed the Petons into his belt and then began to climb the wall. Using the cracks in the Wall to climb upwards. About ten or fifteen feet up. He took out one of the Petons and put the pointed end into one of the larger Cracks. With a grunt, he pushed the Peton in about Nine or ten inches. Snapped on a Carabiner. Erina tossed him up a rope and he snapped the rope into the Carabiner. Moving over several meters he repeated the process again and then again. When he was done, he let go and landed back on the ground. Taking out a Platform Suspension Tent. Erina, Kyoko and Kazuya hoisted up the Tent, so it was about eight feet off the ground. The fake sun's light reflected off the shiny heat reflective exterior. "Good job. Okay...I will take the first watch and while doing that I will set up the WEC's." He said as the others climbed the rope ladder up inside the Tent. Inside the tent, it was at least twenty degrees cooler than what it was outside. Kazuya looked out to see Taranaka place the WEC's in shaded places near the Rock Walls. There actually was not much of a chance the WEC's would collect much water in the heat of the fake day. But it was worth the effort even if the three WEC's only collected a cup each. Water was water. No matter how much there was.

About three hours later, Kazuya took up the watch and stood as much as he could within any shade he could find. The Fake Sun beamed down with light and heat. Causing him to drink more than he normally would. Just as he was about to move to another shady spot. He saw something from the corner of his eye. Moving his hand down to his sword he turned towards the source and there off in the distance was four or five dozen Orc's running as fast they could across the sands. Taking out his binoculars he focused on the Hord of Orcs. Then saw it. Several of them were preyed on by the Desert Monsters. So, the numbers were dwindling fast. "What the hell is going on?" He said and decided to alert the others. They all came out and watched as the number of Orcs continued to dwindle. Ranko while using her own Binoculars turned and saw something off to another side.

"Hey there are some Hobgoblins over there to the left. It is happening to them too." Ranko said and they all looked over to see several dozen Hobgoblins facing the same dilemma. Graboids and Megadon Monsters attacked one after another. Eating one after another of the other Monsters.

"I think I know what is happening. Think about it. There are some big Monsters living in these Sands. What would they eat besides themselves? I bet those Orcs and Hobgoblins are spawning somewhere and afterwards are trying to get to the Cavern Entrance over there or to the next Floor." Kazuya said and the others all nodded.

"So, there are a couple of Horde Spawn Points around here. We might want to avoid them. If there is an Orc and Hobgoblin Horde Spawn Point. We might have a hard time fighting that many all at once." Taranaka suggested as Ranko, Erina and Kyoko all seemed to pale.

"True. Though all you and Kazuya have to worry about is being killed and eaten. We girls have other worries when it involves Orcs and Hobgoblins." Ranko warned and both Erina and Kyoko shuddered a little. Orcs and Hobgoblins both had a habit of capturing Female Adventurers and turning them into playthings. Everyone had heard of it happening in just about every Dungeon. A Horde Point would for some unknown reason open and before anyone could react. A large number of Orcs and Hobgoblins would suddenly come out of nowhere. They would converge on any unsuspecting Adventures. Kill the Males and capture the Females.

"I had a cousin...She had...She was part of the Rescue Team from the last Horde when she was in Hawaii. From what she confided in me...They used the eight survivors for hours. One after another abused them over and over again." Kyoko said shuddering with the memory of what her Cousin had confided in her later.

"I think I rather kill myself then let something like that happen to me." Erina whispered softly trying not to imagine what those survivors had to go through.

"Well, we do not have to worry about any of those out there. They are all gone. The others had got them all." Kazuya said taking his binoculars from his eyes. "Still, we should be wary about where they had spawned from." He added and the others nodded their agreement.

To be continued: