The bond formed between Dada and Mika is a type of contract magic. Though it carries no binding force, it allows them to call out to each other in their minds—essentially something like a mobile phone.

“When you can come here, I’d appreciate it if you could let me know a day in advance. It takes time for us to get here, you see.”

“Got it. By the way, I wanted to ask about Dada’s companions—are these three races the only humans?”

“No, there are many. For example…”

Through Dada’s explanation, Mika learned the general distinction between humans and monsters. However, since there were far too many races, she decided to start by memorizing the monsters that appeared in this cave and make sure not to kill anything else.

Most monsters were vicious creatures that would attack relentlessly until the end, and Mika had already taken down quite a few. But humans tended to flee if they sensed danger, so fortunately, she hadn’t killed any so far. Even if it was out of ignorance, she felt relieved.

“There was this tiny, rainbow-colored fairy I mistook for a bug, so I sprayed insecticide on them…”

“Ah, that must’ve been a Capro from the fairy tribe. I heard they nearly died, but thanks to a high-magic staff lying around, they were saved with healing magic.”

It seemed that wooden stick Mika had left behind had come in handy.

While chatting, the three helped her gather antiques from the hollows in the area.

According to Dada and the others, this cave was a dungeon. The dungeon absorbed the remains of adventurers and monsters who had perished across its various floors, along with their leftover items. Some of these items would later reappear in this 60th-floor cavern, often imbued with magical properties. Even the monsters Mika had defeated and tossed into the red-ribboned holes would eventually reappear somewhere in the cave as items after some time had passed.

“I see. So these antiques are basically like… the dungeon’s excretions, huh?”

Mika nodded along, accepting the wonders of this other world without much question.

A week later, after making plans to go adventuring with Dada and the other two, Mika emerged from Warehouse No. 4 carrying four cardboard boxes’ worth of antiques.

Until now, she had assumed it was just an ordinary warehouse, so she never discussed what happened inside with the store manager. But now, things were different. Pushing the cart along, she pondered what to do next.

As she unloaded the cargo from the cart near the store’s back entrance, the manager appeared and called out to her.

“Ah, Mika-san, perfect timing. You can leave the stuff there—there’s something I’d like to ask during your break.”

“Oh, sure. What is it?”

“Today, my grandpa… the former former manager came back. When he asked about the warehouse key, I mentioned I’d left it with you, and now he insists on talking to you. I’m really sorry, but could you join him for lunch and keep him company for a bit? Don’t worry, he’s still sharp, both mentally and physically.”

“Huh? Oh, right, you did say that key used to belong to him. Got it. I’ll take my break now, then.”

At the invitation of the former former manager, lunch today wasn’t in the break room but at the manager’s house, just a short distance from Himawari Mart.

When she rang the doorbell, footsteps approached from inside, followed by the click of the lock. Standing on the other side of the door was a kindly smiling old man—his hair silver, but his complexion far too youthful for someone over 80, his tall stature exceeding 175 cm, with a gentle expression slightly reminiscent of the manager.

“Well, hello! You must be Mika-san? Yukiko (the manager) told me about you. Come on in, make yourself at home!”

Before Mika, who now knew the truth about Warehouse No. 4, stood the owner of the magical key. Just what was his purpose?!

“Oh, sure. Thanks for having me~”

Ever the easygoing one, 38-year-old Takana Mika replied in her usual unhurried manner. After all, she was a true professional housewife—someone who could effortlessly chat with the neighborhood grandpas over casual gossip.