Chapter 96

Upon arriving at the shrine with the dungeon, we inspected the scene. Right in the middle of the grounds, a hole was gaping open on the stone-paved path. How inconvenient, it’s blocking the way completely.

The priest seemed to have no choice but to smile wryly, complaining that he had been troubled ever since the hole appeared a few days ago. Of course, it’s bound to affect the number of visitors, being in such a prominent spot.

"We have to clear it out so that people can safely visit this place again."

"Yes, that’s right. That’s why we, as explorers, are here."

The two of us, Kyouhei and Kaori, looked at the dungeon seriously. As always, when it comes to the mindset, philosophy, and ideology of being explorers, we are surprisingly well-matched.

It’s about protecting people, lives, and livelihoods. To ensure everyone can continue their daily lives, we, the explorers, will eliminate the dungeons. That’s the spirit we both share.

"Although I’ve always known about Goudou’s seriousness... I didn’t expect Yamagata-kun to be this type. Or maybe it’s natural, given the mentor-mentee relationship?"

"To me, those two don’t seem like a mentor-mentee relationship. More like a sister and brother, or a couple with a significant age gap."

"I can hear you. Kyouhei and I are, bluntly put, the relationship between a savior and a guide. There might be other aspects, but first and foremost, that’s what we are, so please understand."

"No, we’re a palanquin and a fanatic. Or an idol and a cult leader."

Indeed, I think our relationship has many facets, but the first thing that comes to mind is this. Unfortunately.

Anyway, we dive into the dungeon. According to the information, this dungeon has five levels and 30 rooms. For me, it’s an unprecedentedly large scale, but apparently, for a B-rank dungeon, it’s on the smaller side.

First, Kaori and the others will fight the monsters. The formation has Kaori at the front, and the rest, including me, in the rear. We enter the first room at the end of the earthen path.

"SaAAAAAAAAaaaaa!"

Suddenly, monsters attack. I’ve seen them in the documents—flying worms with metal wings, commonly known as Bat Worms. With their eerie appearance, agile movements, and tendency to cling to explorers and constrict them, they are quite disliked among B-rank monsters.

A swarm of them attacks Kaori!

"《Light Magic》—"

However, Kaori doesn’t flinch or step back. She utters a single word on the spot. Instantly, a rainbow bursts forth.

Yes, a rainbow. A small-scale rainbow arcs from the ground to the ground, spanning from one corner of the room to the other.

As the shimmering light of the rainbow illuminates the dungeon, she continues.

"—Prism Call Destruction"

She utters some words, and suddenly, the rainbow bares its fangs. From the bridge of light, a destructive beam of light is suddenly released, shining down like the sun in summer.

The swarm of Bat Worms, bathed in this light, melts and disintegrates like heated butter. Indeed, they are being decomposed.

"BiAAAAAAAAaaaaa!?"

"They... they’re melting...!?"

"The power varies, which is a drawback of this technique... Prism Call Javelin Throw."

Most of them are decomposed and disappear as light dust, but a few still head towards Kaori. As she mentioned, the damage can vary depending on the enemy’s position.

She launches her second attack. Another beam of light, this time in the shape of a large spear, is released from the rainbow. Since it is aimed directly at the enemy, it’s not a wide-area attack, but the power seems to be stable.

This time, she eliminates all the Bat Worms without missing a single one.

Fast, strong, unbelievable... I’ve never seen it before, but this is the fighting form of Goudou Kaori, the top A-rank explorer.

The battle ends. The rainbow bridge, which showed overwhelming destruction in a short time, disappears. Suzuyama and Marie approach, commenting as if they’ve seen something expected.

"Excellent. The ‘Rainbow Bridge’ seems to be in good condition, which is a relief."

"Technically, she could easily handle S-rank. The only issue is the inconsistent power... but, well, that’s something to work on, hehehe."

"I’ve shown you something unpleasant. How was it, Kyouhei?"

"...It’s strong. Really impressive. Honestly, I underestimated you, I’m sorry."

At my words, Kaori’s face brightens with a beautiful, cute smile... She just used the destructive rainbow to eliminate the enemies in seconds.

I realized it again. This person, Goudou Kaori, is not only a fanatic but also a top-tier explorer. I might have taken her lightly, and I feel a bit embarrassed.

Kaori approaches me, takes my hand, and holds it gently but firmly, conveying her message.

"This is the first time I’ve shown you my fighting form. But Kyouhei, you are already on par with me. There’s no need to apologize."

"No, I think you’re overestimating me."

"I’m serious... so please, don’t have any misunderstandings. I am your Goudou Kaori."

"......Huh?"

With a serious face, though smiling, did she just say something incredible?

My cheeks heat up as I look at Kaori’s smiling face.

I can’t compete with her, I think.

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