Level Eater

By the time Salva and the others parted ways with Tatsuro and Ai, the sun had already set. While in Obsul, the streets had become quite dark around this time; thanks to evenly spaced, faint orange-colored streetlights about three meters high and the light escaping from the buildings lining the streets, Lyadas had become considerably brighter. Tatsuro and his group rode in their carriage towards the red road leading to their inn, which they had learned about.

As it had turned to night and the number of pedestrians had decreased, Tatsuro swiftly stashed Jeanne and the carriage away during a moment when no one was watching. Walking through the town was more practical, and, given the moving sidewalks, just standing would get them to their destination. Riding through the streets on Jeanne wasn't a feasible option.

"But this is quite convenient, isn't it?" (Tatsuro)

"Yeah, I wish Japan had roads like these." (Ai)

"Although it might cause more people to become sedentary." (Tatsuro)

"True, it could weaken our legs. However, if these paths were spread throughout the entire town, it would likely require a significant amount of power…" (Ai)

In Tatsuro's world, attempting to implement something similar would likely demand an enormous amount of energy. They arrived at the inn after switching sidewalks a few times, all while pondering over the advanced world's technology that allowed them to carry it out so quickly.

"It's near the Adventurer's Guild, and Jema said it's an inn with a bath…" (Tatsuro)

"It's more like a hotel than an inn." (Ai)

Before them stood a towering, beige, smooth-surfaced structure that, when you looked up, felt like it would hurt your neck; it was a long rectangular building. The plot of land itself was pretty spacious, and the surrounding area seemed well maintained, suggesting good hygiene and facilities for the inn.

"Shall we go in, then?" (Tatsuro)

"Sounds good. Jema-chan mentioned that it was reasonably priced, but I wonder how much it is for one night." (Ai)

Lately, they had earned some decent money, so they didn't mind the cost too much. However, being raised as common folks, they couldn't help but be concerned about it.

As they entered, gazing at the front desk visible through the glass door, three men and women at the reception nodded in acknowledgment. After briefly returning the gesture, they walked toward the reception, and it seemed that the woman on the right would assist them.

"Welcome. Are you staying with us today?" she asked

"Yes. Can we book for one night, for now?" (Tatsuro)

"Yes, there are currently vacancies in all room categories."

"Room categories? Could you explain each of them, please?" (Tatsuro)

"Yes, there are four categories in total—"

And so, the receptionist explained. There were four categories from fourth to first, and as the category went up, the price naturally increased, but the room facilities improved as well. Up to the third category, there were no private baths, but guests could use the communal bath on the first floor. From the second category and above, each room had its own private bath. Tatsuro and his companion wanted a room with a private bath, so they opted for the second category and above.

The second category was 85,000 Sis, and the first category was 150,000 Sis, according to the receptionist. After weighing the two options, and since there didn't appear to be a reservation system in place, they decided to try the first category for a night.

"We'll take the first category." (Tatsuro)

"Yes, please." (Ai)

Then, as they wanted to have a relaxed day tomorrow, they paid for a two-night stay and received the key. When they took a closer look at the key, they noticed that its tip didn't have the usual notches but had a shape resembling a minus screwdriver. They doubted whether this was really safe, but they accepted that some unfamiliar technology was probably being used. After receiving a brief explanation about their room, they headed to their accommodations.

"It looks like there's no elevator after all." (Tatsuro)

"But there was something like an escalator, wasn't there?" (Ai)

The room they were staying in was on the 32nd floor. Wondering how to get there, they looked around and saw a row of chairs next to the regular stairs, with chairs that moved upward and downward on both sides. It was more like a ski lift than an escalator. They held hands and sat in a chair that could comfortably accommodate two people.

Slowly, they began ascending and leisurely reached the 32nd floor. The ride was so relaxing that they felt like falling asleep, and they realized it wouldn't stop on its own when descending, which almost led them past their floor.

"That was close." (Tatsuro)

"Well, if we pass it, we can just come back down." (Ai)

They exchanged light banter as they gazed at the vast floor. There were only four rooms on this floor, and the one on the far right matched their room number. So they proceeded straight to that room and inserted the minus screwdriver-shaped key into what appeared to be the keyhole. Even though they hadn't turned it, there was a clanking sound.

"Huh? Did it open like that?" (Tatsuro)

"It might be like a card key." (Ai)

Tatsuro turned the handle, and the door opened smoothly. The room was luxurious, rivaling or even surpassing the one they stayed in at a high-end inn in Obsul. If you were staying in a room of the second category or higher, it seemed that you could have meals delivered at any time.

For Tatsuro and his companion, who couldn't cook and had irregular daily routines, this was as welcome as the bath.

"Shall we order some late-night snacks right away?" (Tatsuro)

"Sounds good. If the taste is perfect too, we'll make this our base while we're in town." (Ai)

"That sounds like a plan. It's a bit of a hassle going up and down, but aside from that, the location, comfort, and service are all top-notch." (Tatsuro)

"So, we just have to press this button to order the food, right?" Ai said, pointing to the green button on the room side of the entrance door.

Tatsuro, while asking Ai to wait a moment before pressing the button she seemed about to push, picked up a booklet placed on the table in the middle of the room and began reading it.

As described during the reception briefing, the booklet provided explanations about the button, how to place orders, and more. For now, Tatsuro focused on figuring out how to order food. Following the instructions, pressing the green button would open a cover below it. Then, you could input the menu number corresponding to the mealtime from the back of the booklet.

"This is incredibly convenient… Ai, before you press the button, we should decide on the menu." (Tatsuro)

"Is that so?" (Ai)

"Yes, the menu is right here." (Tatsuro)

Saying so, Tatsuro held up the menu for the evening meal, making it visible to Ai. Her eyes sparkled, and she immediately began examining the menu. Watching her innocent behavior, Tatsuro smiled and chose the evening meal together with her.

After selecting their meals, Tatsuro had Ai press the green button. The cover beneath it slid open with a clang, revealing buttons with the world's numbers written on them. Tatsuro inputted the menu numbers they had decided on and pressed the confirmation button.

Subsequently, a green lamp next to the confirmation button started blinking, and the location of the numbered buttons slid closed with a clang.

"Is this okay?" (Tatsuro)

"It should be." (Ai)

About twenty minutes later, there was a knock on the door. Ai rushed to answer it, received the food for both of them and returned.

"The appearance and smell pass the test." (Ai)

"Yeah, now it's all about the taste. Let's dig in right away." (Tatsuro)

After Ai had finished serving the meal on the table, she ignored the provided fork and knife, taking out her own chopsticks to begin eating.

"Delicious!" (Tatsuro)

"Having all three meals here is just fine." (Ai)

They had ordered a vegetable salad, a fish dish, bread, and soup this time. After spending several days eating only grilled meat, they ordered things they had been craving, and every dish had exceptional seasoning.

Once they had enjoyed the dishes that exceeded their expectations, they immediately checked out the bath. The layout had a dressing room that was quite spacious, and upon entering the bathroom, they found a wooden rectangular bathtub, about 1.5 tatami mats in size.

"It really feels like a bath." (Tatsuro)

"Yeah, this is nice too." (Ai)

In the corner, there were two tools resembling water spouts, almost identical in color and shape to what they had seen in the previous high-end inn. They started filling the tub with hot water while adjusting the temperature.

"What are we doing today?" (Tatsuro)

"Hmm. Since we have the chance, how about we take a bath together?" (Ai)

"Sure." (Tatsuro)

"Why are you blushing? You've seen me naked plenty of times, haven't you?" (Ai)

"I haven't seen you that much, and even Ai, who says that, has a bright red face." (Tatsuro)

"Liar!" (Ai)

Ai used both hands to hide her bright red cheeks and realized she was blushing even more.

Her innocent gesture and expression were endearing, and Tatsuro pulled her closer, stealing her lips forcefully. At first, she was surprised, but Ai quickly pressed her lips back against his.

"I'm sure I'll never get tired of Ai, no matter how long." (Tatsuro)

"Really, you think so?" (Ai)

"My bad, I misspoke. I meant definitely." (Tatsuro)

"Haha, I know, Tatsuro." (Ai)

Therefore, they lost track of time, seeking each other with passion.

T.N: This chapter makes me question why I don't have a girlfriend yet.

*Sob~*

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