Chapter 10

"Admire someone like Sekiguchi? Kouta-kun, please take a break from your jokes."

After Mido-san rather forcefully pushed aside Sekiguchi-kun and got me into the car, she muttered, "Still, Sekiguchi-kun is amazing, isn't he? I can't help but admire him," and this is what she said in response:

"Maybe it's because you're still not familiar with the community, but that kid's only real pride is his Skill, 'Hero.'"

"Huh? But what about his titles and Hunter skills?"

"Those skills are all acquired later in life, and the conditions for obtaining them are known. They're quite simple, really. Their effects aren't particularly impressive, and they're not something you should be concerned about."

"But his levels were pretty high..."

"Three years as an explorer, and he's only at that level. If anything, it's quite low. He probably only delved minimally and was just fawned over by his followers. He's trash."

"That's harsh..."

Mido-san, aren't you being a bit too harsh? Your words are like knives.

Besides, are you not really angry? Honestly, while I don't agree with Sekiguchi-kun's ideology, what he said isn't entirely wrong... Yes, I couldn't bring myself to tell him I was an explorer because I was intimidated by him.

When I said that, she seemed even angrier.

"You are too indifferent to your own value!"

"Huh...?"

"The Skill 'Walking in a Wilderness Where Not Even the Wind Blows,' its effects tell the whole story! You are special! In this vast world, among all the people, you are the only one! You have the power to change everything!"

"Umm, well, but, umm..."

"Already, the top-tier explorers know about you! Those who truly have power and the organizations are paying attention to the abilities you possess and the mission and destiny you are supposed to have!"

"Wait, wait, wait, what? What is this?"

"Someone like you! Losing confidence to someone like that! And hiding your true identity is unforgivable! Don't hide yourself, a treasure, from the world!!"

"Is this a cult!?"

Suddenly, Mido-san got excited. What am I to her? At the very least, she's got some major misunderstanding, this person.

Also, what, am I already being marked by someone? If I mess up, will I get attacked or something? Is an organization involved? I'm scared...

Because she shouted quite a bit, Mido-san now seems much calmer. She just said, "I apologize," and the car fell silent.

By the time we arrived at the guild headquarters, I was already planning to visit since I intended to explore the dungeon after school today.

But now, I might not be able to go exploring, just talking. I wonder what will happen.

"We have been waiting for you, Mido-sama, Yamagata-sama. Hirose is waiting for you in the guild headquarters office."

"We have already informed Hirose. The matter is urgent, let's go."

"Ah, yes."

I followed Mido-san as she was told. We entered the spacious explorer waiting room, receiving the gazes of many senior explorers, and proceeded to the restricted area.

We got into the elevator and selected the 15th floor, the top floor. Despite the small space, it seemed that air circulation and cleaning were regularly performed, so the silence wasn't bothersome. This facility is impressive, being a high-rise building right in front of the prefectural government station.

Incidentally, this building is only used by the Explorer Guild on the 1st to 3rd floors and the top 15th floor.

If you ask what the 4th to 14th floors are used for, they are actually the office floors for S-rank explorers, the top-tier explorers.

There are only 10 of them in Japan, right? Each of these top-tier explorers is allocated one floor.

However, not all S-rank explorers live in this area. They have bases in each prefecture and change their location based on the dungeon they are tackling.

We arrived at the 15th floor. We walked down a long, wide corridor. There were many rooms on both sides, but this time, Hirose's office was at the end.

Mido-san knocked on the door at the end of the corridor. She opened it calmly, and inside the incredibly spacious office, Hirose and two other older men and women were sitting with serious expressions.

"Excuse me. A-rank License holder Mido Kanae, and Yamagata Kouta, are here."

"Thank you for your hard work... Both of you, please take a seat."

"Excuse me. Here, this way."

"U-Um, excuse me..."

The atmosphere was heavy. The important people were staring at us, making it quite tense.

We sat on the sofa as we were prompted. The guild head and the other older men and women sat opposite us, still staring at me.

I could tell they were trying to make me feel at ease, as they relaxed their cheeks and gave me friendly smiles, but they were still staring.

Stop staring, will you!

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