Chapter 70

Somehow, I forgot about the Shining Yamagata and the cheerful evangelist who were trending on the internet. We decided to watch a tokusatsu hero movie.

At the concession stand, we bought a large popcorn and two medium Cokes and headed inside. We found our seats as indicated on the tickets and sat down side by side.

There was still some time before the movie started. During this time, I was asked several questions by Sayama about my role as an explorer.

"…So, the monster that took over the explorer was wandering around the dungeon, leading a lot of other monsters."

"Yeah. In the end, it went into a dungeon near the lakeside… you know, the park in front of the big bridge. It was a close call because an explorer happened to be exploring there at the time."

"So, Yamagata went to help?"

"Hase… one of the bigwigs at the guild, asked me to. I wanted to help if I could do something about it."

As I talked, I noticed that Sayama's reaction seemed somewhat melancholic. While she seemed to be concerned for me, there was something else, like something was stuck in her teeth. I could see that she wanted to say something.

What is it? If she has something on her mind, maybe she should say it. Even if it's a criticism, I want to hear it. It's concerning to be stared at like that.

So, I decided to ask.

"What's wrong? Did something happen?"

"…Yamagata, why can you do so much?"

"Do so much?"

"When you helped us, and even when you were glared at by Sekiguchi at school, you still cared about me. You said you would protect me from the dungeon no matter what, and you would defeat monsters even if you were afraid of bugs. You said you would help if you could—"

"Sayama?"

"–You're too amazing, Yamagata. Why can you do so much? Even as an explorer, you're still a kid. You're in the same grade as me, first year high school."

She asked with a pained expression. Her question made me feel a bit more at ease.

Thinking back, Sayama has been trying to protect me ever since the stampede. From the teasing by the boys and the hostility from Sekiguchi. She seemed more sensitive to my situation than I was.

Probably, but… I guess I look precarious to her. She must see me as being too absorbed in my sense of duty and mission as an explorer. Yeah, I can understand that.

Especially since I actually take action, it must make her even more uneasy. She's worried about when I might lose my life.

"You're so kind, Sayama."

"Don't make fun of me… Hey, be more selfish. Everyone else does whatever they want. Sekiguchi, for example, is an explorer, but he's like that. Isn't it okay for Yamagata to not be so serious?"

"I don't really try to be serious…"

In fact, I'm usually quite playful inside. I guess I come off as too serious to Sayama because of my calm exterior.

But, how should I answer…

The current situation I'm in is the reason Sayama sees me this way. But if I suddenly start talking about my poetic skills and how the system makes me do things at Mach speed, it won't convey anything. I don't even understand it myself. It's amazing how much my life has changed in just a month or so.

The buzzer rings, and the movie is about to start. The lights dim, and the screen curtain opens. I turn off my phone, and the movie begins.

There's one last thing I want to say.

"I like my current life."

"Huh?"

"Studying at school, talking with you and the others. Going out to play after school and on weekends. And as an explorer, exploring dungeons. It's really fulfilling."

"…You're not forcing yourself, are you?"

"I wouldn't say I'm not forcing myself at all, but that's true for anyone. I'm happy to be able to do what I want to do."

There are things you have to do even if you don't want to. That's true for everyone, not just explorers. My dad and mom complain about their jobs and part-time work quite a bit. Yuzuko also grumbles when something unpleasant happens at school.

Everyone has a tough time, regardless of whether they are explorers or not.

So, I do what I want to do as an explorer. I try to stop people from having a tough time because of dungeons and monsters. It's simple, but that's what I want to do.

"Protecting the ordinary daily life so that it remains ordinary. I'm just doing what I want to do. I don't think I'm that serious."

"…Hehe. What are you saying, you're super serious."

Sayama smiles. I feel relieved, and the movie finally starts.

At the time of posting this story,

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