Chapter 56

In the eastern part of Higashiosaka City, at the foot of Mount Ikoma, there is a shrine called Ishikiri Shrine, which is famous in the Kansai region as a deity for treating swellings.

Additionally, the approach to the shrine is lined with numerous palm reading shops, and it is also known as the "Street of Fortune Tellers."

Climbing up this approach and heading further north from Ishikiri Station, there is a pond called Tengubaike.

"That's where Kinoshita Amusement Park used to be."

Father explained this to me using Google Street View.

However, all that remains there is just a pond, with no trace of the amusement park.

"Is that really true? I've never heard of such an amusement park. It wasn't even listed in the directory of closed amusement parks in Osaka."

"It's true. It was a historic amusement park that opened during the Taisho era. Moreover, it was quite an impressive amusement park for its time. It had a Ferris wheel, a riding club, a restaurant, a hotel, and a mini zoo. However, it faced financial difficulties after the opening of Ayameike Amusement Park and Ikoma Mountain Amusement Park, and it closed down in the early Showa era."

Father showed me some photos of Kinoshita Amusement Park on his smartphone.

It seems to have really existed.

The two conditions of being a closed amusement park and being near Mount Ikoma are met.

The issue is its sad history.

"After it closed, a sanatorium for tuberculosis patients was built here, called the Health Dojo."

"That seems like a very contradictory name."

"It was a dojo for getting healthy. It was more like a training camp for club activities rather than a sanatorium. However, tuberculosis was a difficult disease to cure at the time, so it was quite challenging."

Then, Father handed me a DVD called "Pandora's Box" that he borrowed from a friend.

It seems to be a film adaptation of a novel by Osamu Dazai, set in that Health Dojo.

I felt sorry for Father, but I didn't watch the DVD; instead, I read the summary online.

The story depicts the growth of a young man who frequents the Health Dojo, and it doesn't seem to be as tragic as I imagined, but it does deal with the theme of death.

When I explained this place to Danpon, he said he wanted to be taken there.

Of course, it wasn't to take a walk there like with Pochi and Shiro; he wanted me to create a PD (Personal Dungeon) there.

So, I went there by bicycle.

The slope was steep, and I used to think I couldn't climb it without an electric assist bicycle, but with my level up and increased stats, I could pedal with more strength.

I arrived at the destination.

There was no trace of the amusement park, but there was a small square-like area with what seemed to be the foundation of a building.

There must have been some building here.

Since no one was around, I set up the PD and entered.

"How is it?"

"It's good! This will make a great dungeon! I'll inform my companions and negotiate with the government right away."

"You're not just going to create it without permission, right?"

"Of course not. We can't ignore the wishes of the local residents. We've made mistakes in the past."

Danpon said this with a distant look.

The "past" he referred to was probably not from this world but from another world where the battle between Danpon and Dampul also takes place.

However, negotiating directly with the government.

There will be various issues, and it's unlikely that a dungeon will be created so soon.

"I need to thank Taichiro."

"That's fine. I just want to explore the dungeon. Please do your best managing the dungeon."

"I will!"

If a dungeon is created here, I can gather with Milk and Ayame after school to explore it.

But, I should have asked more about Danpon's "I will do my best."

The next morning, I received a call from Ako-san.

I knew her phone number, but this was the first time she called.

It was an urgent matter.

I told her I was in school, but she said I should take the day off.

It would be treated as an official absence.

She said the reason couldn't be explained over the phone.

I had a bad feeling.

Something might have happened at the Black Dungeon of Ikoma Mountain Amusement Park.

But it's strange.

The mysterious explorer who saved Japan from Mount Fuji is supposed to be known only by Hime and Ayame. Oh, the person who was piloting the helicopter might have recognized me, but I don't know who that person is.

If that's the case, why can I take an official absence from high school?

It's concerning.

I asked if I should go to the office in Umeda, but it seems everyone is gathering at my house.

"Everyone" means all the members of Office Tenka Musou.

Only Hime and I went to Ikoma Mountain Amusement Park.

Why are Ayame and Milk also being called to skip school?

And why are they gathering at my house?

If it's related to Ikoma Mountain Amusement Park, it would make more sense to gather around Ikoma Station.

Anyway, if it's an official absence, it must be a request from the government.

I gave a brief explanation to my mother.

"Running an EPO organization is tough, isn't it? Would coffee be fine for everyone?"

"Of the four people, three are the friends from Shirahama. You know them, right?"

"Then let's have milk tea. I'll go shopping."

I don't understand the logic, but my mother seems to think young people prefer milk tea.

I went shopping at the supermarket.

Milk arrived just as I left, and Ayame came a bit later.

"Kazuno's house is so big. Are you rich?"

"It's just old. It was originally my grandfather's house."

At least, having a yard is convenient.

I can set up the PD.

My mother came back.

"Oh, you're already here. Welcome, Milk and Ayame. Taichiro is always grateful for your help."

"Thank you for having us. Here, I brought some cookies. Please enjoy them if you like."

"I also brought some rice crackers."

"Oh, thank you so much. Wait a moment, I'll make some milk tea now."

She went to prepare the milk tea, and then we heard a car stop outside.

The doorbell rang, and when I went outside, Hime was looking at me with a serious face.

"Did I do something wrong?"

"I'm not sure. We've been asked to do a job by the government. Specifically, the four of us from Tenka Musou."

"Is it about the Ikoma Mountain Amusement Park—"

I thought, but Hime shook her head.

It's something different?

"It's a story I don't want to talk about much. Can you show me inside?"

"Ah... sure. It's a small house, but please come in."

I guided Hime and the others.

In my living room, there were four women besides my mother.

I never thought this would happen.

"So, Hime, what's going on?"

"I'll explain."

Ako-san said this and looked at the documents.

"At 7:00 AM today, we received an urgent request from the government. It's a near-command to assist us, the members of Tenka Musou."

"What's the content?"

"Very soon, a dungeon will be born at a place called Tengubaike, which is close to here. Our task is the initial investigation and setup for the dungeon."