Chapter 3

The deepest part of the dungeon had completely transformed from the earthen paths that resembled mine shafts, taking on a highly sci-fi structure.

The floor and walls were made of inorganic materials, and for some reason, faintly glowing green lines ran countless times from the central pillar standing in the room.

Embedded in that pillar was a palm-sized, multifaceted material that shone like a gem when light hit it.

This was the Dungeon Core. It was the nucleus of the dungeon, and whoever possessed it would gain ownership of the dungeon, a mystery with no exceptions.

I approached the pillar and told the supervisor.

"Um? We're not actually taking the Core, right?"

"Yes. Reaching here is the passing standard for the final training exam for new recruits."

The supervisor, a woman, said this expressionlessly.

She was a stunning beauty with silver hair and an excellent figure. Wearing a recruitment suit, she had her neckline quite open, a dangerous sight that could send my teenage hormones into overdrive.

Damn, if I were a golden-haired handsome guy, I wouldn't let her go.

But the real me is a black-haired average guy, not quite a shut-in but definitely a loner due to my skills, a high school freshman with no trace of popularity.

There's no way I could reach someone as unattainable as her!

I bit back my inner jealousy and replied to the supervisor.

"Understood. Then I'll head back."

"......This is just my personal opinion, but......"

"Huh?"

Suddenly, the supervisor spoke.

To my bewildered expression, she gave a faint smile.

"You will surely become an extraordinary explorer."

"Huh? What makes you say that?"

"From the behavior during your first exploration, the true nature of most explorers becomes clear. But with you, I couldn't see your true nature. Perhaps it's because you have a special skill."

"《I walk through the wilderness where even the wind does not blow》...?"

"A poetic name I've never heard of, with an effect that seems impossible. If there is a god, they must have given you a heavy mission."

"Uh...?"

Why would I need such a mission?

But every time this incomprehensible skill of mine is known, people treat it as something extraordinary. I'm just a normal person, but the rumors about my skill make me feel like they're getting ahead of themselves.

I don't want to be bothered by troublesome people... This supervisor also has a slightly troublesome aura.

"My name is Mido Kanae. I'm an A-rank explorer."

"Ah, nice to meet you. I'm Yamanashi Kosei, a new F-rank explorer."

"I know. Come, let's go back. Once we safely reach the guild headquarters, let's exchange contact information and social media."

"Why!?"

Is this a reverse pick-up? Is it? It's too sudden, it's scary!

The supervisor, who was usually quiet, seemed to have changed her job to a carnivorous beast with a younger man fetish... I took a step back from Mido-san.

I don't know her exact age, but she looks like a college student or a new employee, around twenty. Despite being a beauty, her overly clingy gaze is suspicious.

They say beauty is an advantage, but that's a lie, because it's creepy. Am I overreacting? No, I don't think so.

"Um, isn't it against the rules for explorers to solicit for romantic encounters?"

"This isn't pick-up; it's an investment. I'm just scouting young talent, not planning to devour a ripe fruit, so please don't misunderstand."

"Your clear and fast talking is scary..."

The air was getting more and more ominous. I had to escape.

Not just my instincts, but my reason and logic were all telling me that this person was dangerous. I put as much distance between us as possible and started running back the way I came.

I wanted to get back quickly—was my wish granted? No, it was probably the effect of my skill, 《I walk through the wilderness where even the wind does not blow》.

My running was incredibly fast, even though I wasn't at full speed. It must be about ten times faster than usual.

Moreover, I was now considered to be in a solo battle, and I was treating Mido-san as an enemy. I did think she was suspicious, but there was no need to classify her as an enemy.

But with this, I could shake off Mido-san. Then I just needed to get certified at the guild and say goodbye.

...But as if to crush my sweet thoughts, Mido-san ran alongside me as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

"Why are you running, Kosei-kun?"

"Your speed! You're faster than me, and you even know my name!?"

"We're best friends, aren't we? Please call me Kanae, Kosei-kun."

Being declared best friends on the first day is scary. And you calling me by my name is really scary...

And you're so fast. I've shifted to a full sprint, but you're keeping up easily. We've already left the dungeon and are sprinting towards the guild.

"Damn, why am I... out of breath...?"

"Your poetic skill is extremely powerful, but it has a weakness."

"Don't... talk to me... like I'm a poet... Weak... point?"

"Multiplying your strength by ten is impressive, but if your original strength is that of a new explorer, you're still far from A-rank."

"Speechless...!"

I'm sorry for being such a weak boy, damn it!

By the time we reached the guild headquarters, I was completely exhausted. Thus, I was caught by the completely fine Mido-san and had to exchange contact information.