Chapter 44

Well, let's put aside the matter of Zayama and the interview for now. I went to the union headquarters and received the mission to clear a dungeon at the reception.

For now, I'm clearing dungeons roughly once every two to three days during weekdays. It seems to be a decent pace for a student.

"Here are the materials. E-rank explorer, Yamagata Masahiro. I wish you the best in your dungeon exploration, with the pride and courage of an explorer."

"Thank you."

After the usual exchange, I got the materials. The dungeon I'm challenging today is owned by Mr. Tayan, who lives near our school, and it appeared right in the middle of a rice field. It has 2 floors and 8 rooms, a very standard configuration. There shouldn't be any problems. My solo capabilities are already on par with B-rank monsters.

Incidentally, since the Stampede, I've been going on dungeon explorations whenever I have free time. My current status is as follows. Here it is!

Name: Yamagata Masahiro

Level: 68

Title: Stride forward and build the path, for now, it's time to accumulate

Skills:

Name: Walk through the wilderness where even the wind doesn't blow

Name: O soul seeking salvation, the wind comes with the light

Name: For a world where everyone can rest in peace

Title: Stride forward and build the path, for now, it's time to accumulate

Description: The will to take even a single step forward is your greatest strength.

Effect: Level up when clearing a dungeon.

As you can see, my level has skyrocketed, and my title has changed. Since the Stampede, it has remained this way after I cleared a dungeon, changing from "The one who warms the newborn miracle."

"…Now is the time for effort. Your accumulation will eventually become the key to breaking the situation."

This is the message from the system when I obtained this, the world's first title. In other words, it's telling me to train and prepare as much as possible since nothing will happen for a while.

Clearly, something is waiting, which is scary, but the level-up effect when clearing a dungeon is also unprecedented. Better to be safe than sorry, so I've been diligently clearing dungeons every day.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Kano-san. Shall we go?"

"Yes. I'll record your journey meticulously today as well."

I meet up with Kano Kano, a senior explorer who calls me a savior and refers to herself as a preacher without hesitation. She has been accompanying me on my dungeon explorations, taking photos with her smartphone and streaming them as part of her daily routine. When I asked if her exploration business as a top A-rank explorer is okay, she said,

"Thank you for your concern. But while you're away, I'm also completing my own dungeon clearances. Don't worry, I won't be a burden to you."

She boasted with the confidence of an adult. I like it when I can feel Kano-san's high skills, good organization, and reliability as an adult.

"So today as well, I will capture every step of the savior's mythic journey! I'll record it meticulously and thoroughly on this smartphone! And then I'll spread the word to those who haven't yet realized they've been saved! Let's go, Masahiro-kun!"

"Ah, yes."

Although, Kano-san's adult mode doesn't last long. But that's just how she is. Even as a fanatic, I can't help but think so. I smiled wryly, thinking I must be getting strange myself.

We leave the union headquarters. Normally, we would head straight to the dungeon, but today is different. We're going to a specialized home center next to the headquarters that sells explorer supplies.

This is my first time going there since becoming an E-rank. I wanted to use up the items I had before replacing them, out of eco-consciousness, and I finally used them up yesterday. Today, I can finally graduate from the F-rank items with the bare minimum performance. I'm looking forward to having more convenient items to choose from.

In the first place, why not let us buy E-rank items from the start? Why are there restrictions based on rank? Kano-san, as usual, provided the answer.

"Your question is valid. However, there are a few harsh realities here."

"Harsh realities?"

"Yes. First, F-rank explorers are treated as apprentices and not considered full-fledged explorers in the community."

That's right. I often forget because of my stacked fake skills and titles, but F-rank is supposed to be for complete beginners.

Swinging a sword can make you lose balance and fall, and receiving an attack can make you lose your will to fight due to the shock. Thanks to new explorer training, using items isn't a problem, but the unique atmosphere and space of a dungeon can still overwhelm them.

This is the reality of F-rank explorers, which every general explorer goes through.

"So, first, explorers need to learn how to fight with subpar equipment as F-ranks. They need to develop the minimum necessary skills without relying on high-quality equipment that doesn't match their level."

"Does that mean they're selling things at inflated prices, just like regular home centers…?"

"Well, F-rank explorers don't usually struggle with money. This leads to the next issue."

Kano-san smiled.

At the time of posting this story,

- It has ranked 1st in the Low Fantasy daily, weekly, and monthly rankings.

- It has ranked 6th in the overall daily ranking.

- It has ranked 1st in the overall weekly ranking.

Thank you very much. I appreciate your continued support. I would also be grateful for bookmark registrations and evaluations.