Man, having money makes for a completely different mindset compared to being broke!
Before entering the instance, Ryu had to budget meticulously. For the positive traits on the Silver System Card, he had originally planned to buy only [Treasure Hunter]. Now, even after conveniently purchasing [Humanoid Slayer] as well, he still had "54" Destiny Coins remaining—quite the surplus~
The reason for choosing [Humanoid Slayer] over [Monster Hunter] was a trade-off based on applicability:
[Monster Hunter] granted monsterology knowledge derived from the work Delicious in Dungeon. The monsters there were generally quite weak; even an ordinary person, provided they were fully equipped and mastered the methods, could successfully hunt them. Thus, this knowledge was very practical.
However, in most otherworlds, the ecology, innate talents, and stats of monsters were all different. For example, if one tried to deal with a giant dragon in another world by piercing its "reverse scale," there was an eighty percent chance they would be ground to dust by some unknown AOE...
Simply put, this knowledge was of very limited use to Ryu, who was bound to face challenges of higher difficulty.
But [Humanoid Slayer] was different. Whether in sci-fi or fantasy works, the physiological structure of most demi-human races was similar, and their weaknesses were basically consistent. Even in a world as earth-shattering as Dragon Ball, Son Goku still died of heart disease.
Its range of application was far broader than that of [Monster Hunter]
Calculating it this way, only a month had passed in reality, yet he had successively obtained three traits that directly boosted combat power: [Spirit Channeling], [God's Left Hand], and [Humanoid Slayer]. Furthermore, he had learned a massive amount of basic magic in the otherworld, with advanced black magic awaiting his study in the future. It could be described as a grand harvest!
Even a steady person like him couldn't help but show a considerable degree of joy. The moment he walked out of his "seclusion," he was spotted by the maid.
And Ruri-chan noticed even more!
First was his physique. As the person responsible for taking care of Ryu's daily life, the maid paid close attention to Ryu's nutritional intake and was crystal clear about his body's various data.
But this time, Ryu had enjoyed so many grand monster meals in the otherworld, which reflected in his physical body as changes in both height and weight.
Although the conversion function of [Gourmet of Solitude] was excellent, using energy to strengthen bones and muscles—mainly improving "quality" rather than "quantity" and thus indirectly controlling his shape—the sharp-eyed maid still spotted the difference at a glance.
Next was the smell of blood on his body... there wasn't much to say about this. No matter how clean Ryu washed, he couldn't possibly be the same as before he entered the instance. The maid knew exactly what shampoo he used and what his clothes were supposed to smell like.
Finally, there was the atmosphere... it sounds very abstract, and only those very familiar with him could perceive it.
He had spent thirty days in the otherworld entangled by [Arrogance], [Greed], and [Dullness], while also engaging in a battle of wits and will against the Winged Lion in the dark. To suppress his negative emotions, he had constantly calmed his mind and reminded himself during those days, perhaps even overcorrecting a bit.
Now that he had finished the otherworld cycle and the negative traits were cleared in one go, it was as if one end of a tug-of-war rope had suddenly been let go, causing a slight imbalance in his mindset—
Simply put, he was a bit hyperactive. Amidst the joy of the harvest, there was added a touch of contradictory melancholy
The last time Lord Ryu's mood became this complex was when he had just returned from India; it was almost as if he had gone to an otherworld—Ruri worried secretly.
But as always, she asked nothing. She simply arranged a physical examination for Ryu and conveniently rescheduled the timetable, pushing back the work originally set for tomorrow... She felt that Ryu likely needed to rest for a while.
However, Ryu didn't let her have her way. After resting at home for just one night, Ruri was surprised to receive her master's order again:
He was going into seclusion again!
Now, no matter how calm the maid usually was, she had to speak up and persuade him, suggesting he wait a while and recuperate first. But she was brushed off by Ryu in a few words and could only silently continue preparing the security measures.
Regardless, at least Lord Ryu looked very healthy, so there shouldn't be any problems—the maid comforted herself in her heart.
"By the way, go arrange Lucy's schedule. Clear out tomorrow for her. Any problems?"
"Eh?"
Hearing this instruction, Ruri felt slightly puzzled, but she took out her tablet and quickly made the adjustment.
"The schedule has been cleared, but this is for..."
"She's entering seclusion with me this time," Ryu thought for a moment. "It'll just be for one day and one night."
"????"
Ruri froze as if time had stopped. She remained frozen for three seconds before her eyes lit up.
"I understand. I will also arrange Miss Lucy's room to the highest specifications."
"No," Ryu wore an expression that said 'what are you talking about', "she's in the same room as me."
"..."
One room?
A lonely man and a lonely woman, in seclusion for a day and a night?
"Eh?" The maid's dignified and elegant expression instantly collapsed. "How... no... Cough! Is there some internal reason for this? Although Miss Lucy looks... could it be she has hidden depths and is actually a master of Esoteric Buddhism or Buddhist studies?"
"Probably not." Ryu frowned. "You seem a bit panicked?"
"I'm not!"
Ruri forced a smile: "I'm just very surprised... previously, you always went into seclusion alone."
"It can't be helped. This time, it has to be done by two people together. It's more efficient to act that way."
"Oh... Oh, is that so..."
What kind of thing requires two people to do?
Ruri took a deep breath. Placing her hand on the plump fruit of her chest, she mustered her courage and spoke boldly: "Actually, I also have some insights regarding cultivation—for example, Yoga!
"If Lord Ryu needs a partner for seclusion cultivation, I am very confident I can handle the job!"
"I'm happy you have that intention," Ryu shook his head, "but for this matter, it can only be Lucy. No one else will do."
Why can't it be me... why am I not good enough...
Ryu left after giving his instructions. Only after he walked away did the maid lose her support, slumping dejectedly onto the cold marble floor, looking like a total losing heroine.
It seemed the aftereffects of "Dullness" hadn't completely vanished from a certain someone... or perhaps he was just too mean-spirited.
However, Ryu hadn't lied. This matter truly could only be done by Lucy:
Returning to Cyberpunk to hoodwink... recruit people; Lucy speaking from personal experience would definitely be more persuasive than a maid!
—One cycle in the Main World offered one chance to open an instance world. He had been to Delicious in Dungeon now, but the door to Cyberpunk hadn't been opened yet!
At the start, he didn't know if he could enter two different instances within the same cycle. Out of consideration for this, he hadn't waited until the last day to enter Delicious in Dungeon back then, but had reserved time for Cyberpunk.
Now that he had returned, finding that he could still sense the Cyberpunk instance waiting to be opened, he naturally wouldn't let this opportunity slip.
Although he had just returned from a "business trip" and reasonably should rest well and not be too harsh on himself.
But what kind of person was Ryu?
He was a fundamentalist capitalist—
If there is to be exploitation, he would exploit everyone equally, including himself!
Otherwise, the purity would be too low!
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