Chapter 12

"‘You are the one who will create the era. The hour of salvation has come’… is that right?"

"It’s a title like a confirmation of the answer, given by someone who is clearly watching us and has an incredible effect."

"It’s no longer a matter to be discussed just among us. Each of us should take it back to our organizations and thoroughly deliberate on it."

"We might have witnessed the birth of a myth."

No, really? Is it that serious? Is it that exaggerated? Shinokawa, Karasuma, and Hirose all look at me with a sense of reverence. And Mitani is even shedding tears...

What is this? System, answer me.

But no matter how I call out, there’s no response. You just came to say what you wanted to say, didn’t you? Really. You’re watching, right, even now!

The flow of the conversation, and the title update and explanation that seem to respond to it. The system’s inorganic voice loudly declaring it to the world.

Everything is incredibly strange. What will happen to me?

For now, the higher-ups seem to be leaving for today. It’s been about an hour... I can go dungeon exploring.

Well, it was part of the original plan, so I might as well go.

Leaving the scene, I return to the lobby on the first floor of the guild headquarters.

Here, I apply to explore a dungeon within the jurisdiction of this guild.

"Um, this is my first exploration after the training. Do you have any good ones?"

"Understood... How about the dungeon that appeared in the alley next to the tofu shop in the shopping district right across from here?"

"Ah, got it. I’ll take that one."

"Then I’ll proceed with the formalities... Yes, it’s done. Here are the documents. F-class explorer, Yamagata Kosei. With the pride and courage of an explorer, I wish you success in your dungeon exploration."

"Thank you."

...The application, procedures, and preparation are incredibly speedy. After all, this is a world literally filled with dungeons, so they don’t want to waste time on bureaucratic matters.

From here on, it’s straightforward explorer business. I turn to Mitani and greet her.

"Thank you for your help today, Mitani-san."

"Eh... I’m going with you, too? To the dungeon."

"Eh?"

"Because I want to see it up close, all the time. The new era that Kosei-kun will create."

No, no, no. What are you saying?

An A-class explorer accompanying an F-class on a dungeon exploration? That’s just treating me like a leech. I’m already getting special attention from Mitani, and if she goes this far, I’ll definitely be targeted by her fans. I’ll be killed.

There’s even someone like Sekiguchi-kun around.

"Hey? Are you still hanging around, bottom-tier explorer?"

"Ah, Sekiguchi-kun."

Speak of the devil. It’s the handsome senior explorer and classmate, Sekiguchi-kun, who lashed out at me over Mitani this morning. As soon as he enters the lobby and spots us, he starts cursing. His eyes are full of undisguised contempt and mockery.

Hmm. I don’t particularly want to be friends, but I don’t like being seen as an enemy either. But once these types recognize you as an enemy, they’re persistent until one of you is eliminated.

My student life has become suspicious on the first day.

While I’m feeling uneasy about my school life from tomorrow, Mitani is once again snapping at Sekiguchi. This time, it’s not just a snap; it’s a full-on attack.

"Sekiguchi...! Get lost, scum! Don’t interfere with this person!"

"S-Sakanae-san? Why are you so... I’m better than that guy, I’m—"

"This person, Kosei-kun, is the one who will create a new era! You, a perennial D-class who only knows how to abuse your status as an explorer, are worlds apart from him! I’ll say it again, get lost!!"

"Wh-What!? Yamagawa!"

"It’s Yamagata."

Unable to bear the barrage of words, Sekiguchi-kun turns his anger on me. Please, I just want to go to the dungeon.

I thought for a moment he might punch me, but explorers are not allowed to use violence against humans. It’s a major crime, and given their levels, they tend to be more dangerous than non-explorers, so the law is necessary.

Thanks to this, I won’t get involved in any rough stuff, so it’s all good.

I have no choice but to pull Mitani’s hand.

"Ah, Kosei-kun..."

"Wait! Where are you going? Don’t take Sakanae-san with you!"

"No, I thought I’d get some guidance from the senior explorer. I’m going to explore now. See you tomorrow."

"You, insect!!"

"It’s Yamagata."

I’m no longer even an insect. I’ve had enough of this, so I leave the guild headquarters with Mitani.

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