Chapter 95

I felt that the religious channel's surroundings had grown more than expected, and I was completely exhausted. So, I parted ways with her, Ogasawara-san, and the other friends, and spent the remaining half of the day recuperating.

I was not physically tired, but mentally exhausted... I couldn't forget the way Koseki-kun looked at me with a gaze that seemed to see me as something terrifying, after being completely ignored.

Did I, perhaps, brainwash Kano-san and Mochizuki-san without realizing it? Seeing them now, completely fanatical, I even began to doubt whether I had done something without knowing.

Just to be safe, I asked Liebe if the System had done anything strange, but...

"There's no way that could happen. If anything, the charm value correction from one of your title effects might have a little to do with it. Still, it's all thanks to your original words and actions, Mr. Koseki. Have more confidence. You're wonderful, wonderful!"

I was encouraged in a strange direction, and in the end, it was clear that those two had become that way almost entirely on their own, teaching me a lesson.

Still, they are believers. From the way they talk, there are quite a few of them... It's starting to feel like a cult. Kano-san is the leader, and Mochizuki-san, I wonder, is probably some kind of executive.

Anyway, that day, I spent the remaining half of the day relaxing in the hotel room, soaking in the hot springs, and then went to bed. Along the way, I was invited by a few explorers to tour the hotels, which was fun.

It seems that many others went out to sightsee. Honestly, since it's a neighboring prefecture and a distance that can be reached daily, I thought it would be good to come on a private trip next time.

"Well, feeling refreshed! It's a perfect day for exploration!"

The next morning, the second day of the tour.

Inside the recreation room of the neighboring prefecture's guild headquarters, the tour participants gathered to prepare for the dungeon exploration that was about to begin. Today and tomorrow, we would split into groups for the morning and afternoon, forming parties with various people. In my case, I would form a party with Kano-san, Suzuyama-san, and Marie-san in the morning, and then form a party with different people in the afternoon.

"Forming a party with S-rank explorers is a rare opportunity, Yamagata-kun. Learn as much as you can."

"Yes... I will learn."

Suzuyama-san said this. He has black hair, black-rimmed glasses, and is of medium build and height. Despite his gentle appearance, he is an A-rank explorer. As a contemporary of Kano-san, he has a lot of experience and is quite popular in the framework of being a contemporary of Kano-san on the internet. In fact, Kano-san's generation seems to be specially treated, with several well-known people. They are collectively called the Kano generation. I wonder what they think of her, who is turning into the leader of a cult.

"Suzuyama, shouldn't you be the one to learn? Marie-san, in particular, shows what it means to be an explorer and how great a savior can be through her fighting stance."

"Fufufu. The only thing an old man can learn from the young is what not to do as they get older. Fair enough, Yamagata-kun, go easy. Fufufu."

Kano-san is as usual, pushing me even to Suzuyama-san. Her words are always exaggerated.

Marie-san is also smiling calmly. It's helpful that she tells me to go easy, but no, I will learn normally. Don't say such sad things.

"The dungeon we are heading to is a B-rank dungeon that has appeared at a shrine about a 30-minute walk from here."

"Huh... Isn't that high? I thought it was supposed to be an easy exploration, more like a social event."

"Considering our ranks, it's probably appropriate. Two A-rank and one S-rank. It would be too luxurious to send D or E-rank explorers."

"There is one E-rank explorer, though."

"Your skills are already on par with mine, Koseki-kun."

That might be true, but on paper, it's not!

I want to protest loudly, but Kano-san is right. One S-rank explorer, two A-rank explorers, and no matter how many newbies are mixed in, the overall strength is undoubtedly the strongest among the parties formed for this tour. It's understandable that the tour organizers thought it would be too much for a low-level dungeon.

"First, Koseki-kun, we will each fight one by one. Please take this as a reference. Come to think of it, this is the first time you'll see me fight."

"Is that so? Kano-chan."

"Yes. He has a special large buff skill for solo play, so I usually just take videos and stand by in case of emergencies."

Kano-san says this with a happy look, while Suzuyama-san watches with a bitter expression.

Then, he immediately shifts his gaze to me quietly and says,

"For the famous Kano Kano to go to such lengths... It's a complex feeling to see a star of our generation acting like this with a child. Yamagata-kun, I hope you can show me the kind of strength that will make me understand, at least."

"Huh? Who do you think you are, Suzuyama? He will show you a form that far exceeds your expectations and imagination. You might want to wear a corset to avoid fainting."

"High bar..."

Words of challenge in response to his near-criticism. Kano-san, more heated than I am, reacts to Suzuyama-san.

This is getting serious...

But still, Kano-san's reputation can't be tarnished. Let's give it a shot!

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