Chapter 91

It has been two weeks since Kagemitsu and his team accepted the request from Asahikawa City.

Kagemitsu and his team have been relentlessly hunting down monsters.

First, Becky uses her wide-area detection ability, "千里眼" (Thousand-Mile Eye), to sense the presence of monsters and pinpoint their locations.

Kagemitsu, Van, and the cat dragon then hunt down the monsters they find.

At the end of their pursuit, Yoshi has set up traps.

His traps, like Becky's, are based on his awakened ability.

There is no worry that even upper-level monsters can escape.

In this way, Aerial managed to drive monsters into a 1-2 kilometer radius from the center of Shikigantam within two weeks.

Currently, the traps set by Yoshi are preventing monsters from spreading outside of Shikigantam.

The cat dragon and Van are serving as monitors.

They watch the movements of the monsters and, if any disputes arise among adventurers during the event, they handle disqualifications and mediations.

Becky's job is to count the total number of monsters.

She monitors them one by one with her "千里眼" to prevent any from being overlooked.

Kagemitsu is responsible for hosting and managing the starting point—mainly supporting the Ichiritsu Buyback Shop, which is assisting this time.

Rankers across Japan are using their fame to organize various events.

The most famous event is Bacon's "Beginner's Tutorial." Despite its name, even veteran adventurers gather to see his muscles.

Ordinarily unconnected adventurers connect, correct techniques are disseminated, and knowledge of dungeons is accumulated.

Events organized by rankers contribute to raising the overall level of adventurers in the region.

In fact, the death rate in dungeons began to drop sharply when rankers started providing basic training to adventurers.

While it is not certain that ranker-organized events are the cause of the drop in the death rate, they are certainly a factor.

However, Kagemitsu has never organized an event before.

Despite the fact that organizing an event would raise the level of Hokkaido's adventurers.

The reason Kagemitsu has never organized an event is simple.

If he were to organize one, he would inevitably stand out.

Kagemitsu is not good at standing out.

He is so afraid of people's gazes that his stomach lining wears down just from being noticed.

That is why Kagemitsu has always avoided organizing such events.

Currently, he is in a prominent position as a "Narou" ranker and with the support of a company, all for the sake of his companions.

If he had no companions, he would have lived quietly, unnoticed by anyone.

This time, the man who had endured for the sake of his companions was trying to stand out for something other than his companions.

The cause was a secret chat with Masatsugu he had had before.

"Mask-kun seems to have made contact with Shizukana recently."

"Shizukana seems to like him quite a bit."

"Mask-kun might benefit from coming to the center to further develop his abilities."

When Kagemitsu reported the rare deer species' defeat, Masatsugu said this.

Kagemitsu is not a petty person who envies others' success.

He was genuinely happy that a man he trusted was favored by Masatsugu.

But, still.

"Hokkaido's adventurer level is low, right?"

"I don't know what Kagemitsu was doing in Hokkaido, but—"

"I was really surprised to see the Self-Defense Corps' equipment was shovels. It's that bad."

"I think he will grow more by being challenged in the higher-level center rather than in such a low-level place."

Since the chat with Masatsugu, Kagemitsu has been plagued by a burning sensation in his chest.

His hometown being called "low-level."

Being mocked for being "low-level" because he is weak.

And most of all, he could not stand the fact that he could not say anything back to the efficiency-focused, emotionless "hardcore" Masatsugu.

(How pathetic!)

That is why Kagemitsu decided to step onto the stage.

It is true that Hokkaido's level is low, as Masatsugu said.

But Kagemitsu is not so resigned to Hokkaido that he can just sit back and do nothing.

The most famous adventurer in Hokkaido will shine a spotlight on unknown adventurers.

He will give them opportunities to shine and a chance to rise.

The more opportunities given, the more adventurers will reach out.

They will work hard to seize those opportunities.

That effort will raise the overall level of Hokkaido's adventurers.

He will show the adventurers of Honshu the high potential of Hokkaido.

This is the first step to raising the level of Hokkaido's adventurers.

At the same time, Kagemitsu is also focusing on his own leveling.

Currently, Aerial's "Chikaho" has reached the 27th floor.

He plans to reach the 30th floor within a month.

The 30th floor—reaching the deep layers will put him among the top rankers.

He will not be looked down upon by hardcore players as a low-level ranker who cannot even reach the deep layers.

"Being able to defeat that rare species means it's about time, right?"

Masatsugu's assessment is frighteningly accurate.

Indeed, Air and his companions seem to be approaching the next stage.

Or perhaps, Haruki has already reached it.

"Consider what actions he will take. It's best to think about how to handle the worst-case scenario."

Masatsugu's words are not necessary.

Defeating monsters in the dungeon and leveling up. That physical enhancement is not as powerful as "that."

If misused, it could instantly reverse the position of all adventurers...

That is why Masatsugu suggested bringing Air to the center.

To make him a person capable of handling that power.

Or to be able to deal with any misuse immediately...

Masatsugu is probably already taking action.

For his team, Braver, Air is a potential top-tier player.

Kagemitsu is confident of this potential.

There is no way Masatsugu, who aims to conquer dungeons, would overlook such a person.

From the moment they met, Masatsugu saw some talent in Air.

Shizukana, who is only interested in improving her own skills, found Air "interesting."

Kagemitsu has witnessed Air's terrifying combat skills in the extermination of Monpare and the defeat of the rare species.

Already, three rankers are interested in Air.

Three rankers, who have seen many adventurers and can accurately discern talent and ability, have sensed something—future potential—in him!

That alone is already abnormal.

If he so desires, he could climb to the top of the adventurer ranks in no time.

He has that much potential.

The only regret is that no one knows his true face.

"Because he disappears when he takes off his mask..."

His name is even mistaken.

His presence is so thin that he will never become a "Narou" ranker.

Heaven does not give two things.

Or perhaps, being Air is the price he pays for the excessive talent given to him, taken away by the gods...

"How envious!"

Kagemitsu cannot suppress his jealousy at Air's lack of presence.

"With that thin presence, I—!!"

He would not have to endure the pain in his stomach lining from too much attention.

With a thin presence, he could have lived as a real ninja, which he has always dreamed of since childhood.

How much Kagemitsu wanted to be a ninja.

And how much he had to give up on the path to becoming a ninja...

Thinking about it makes him cry uncontrollably.

The station area is getting lively.

It is almost time for the monster early-hunting competition to start.

Shaking his head, Kagemitsu switches his focus.

This event is different from regular adventuring, as adventurers will work together to defeat monsters.

For adventurers who usually delve into dungeons in teams, working together with other adventurers is a valuable experience.

By comparing themselves to others, they can discover their strengths and weaknesses for the first time.

Self-improvement.

Without sulking, without giving up, without looking down.

With such noble will, the path to greater heights will open.

Although this was a request with no basic fee, many adventurers have gathered for this event.

Most are mid-level or higher, and several of Kagemitsu's acquaintances are participating.

In such a gathering, how many monsters will Air be able to defeat?

Five or ten.

Kagemitsu is looking forward to seeing if Air can surprise him with an unexpected result.

If he can place among the top in a gathering of strong adventurers, his reputation will be established both in name and in reality.

Furthermore, if the strong adventurer who placed at the top is a new adventurer who just started this year, companies will not ignore him.

However,

"Will he let me post his name on my blog and make him stand out?"

When he posted names on his blog before, there was no reaction at all...

Kagemitsu cannot help but feel a bit of unease.

*

"Alright, everyone, are you all gathered?"

As Kagemitsu, who seems to have the sun's radiance, appears, the adventurers' "Oh!" resounds like a thunderclap.

The loudness of the sound makes Haruki instinctively cover his ears.

The adventurers all look at Kagemitsu with sparkling eyes of admiration and longing.

Not all adventurers have bright feelings, however. Some have a rebellious spirit in their eyes.

But it is a healthy rebellious spirit, a longing to "overtake him someday."

Becky appears after Kagemitsu. Even in the presence of Kagemitsu's strong presence, many adventurers are captivated by her appearance.

She, too, is a member of the team that reigns at the top of Hokkaido, and she has a strong presence.

Will it be okay?

With the appearance of the two Aerial members, Haruki fidgets.

Is my presence still there?

"Alright, let's quiet down a bit."

At Kagemitsu's words, the area falls silent.

No one dares to defy his command.

That makes sense.

Rankers are powerful and experienced.

They continue to fight and survive on the front lines where information is scarce.

They also have democratic support.

To adventurers, rankers are absolute kings.

Every adventurer knows the power that rankers have. No one would dare to defy them.

Everyone is holding their breath, waiting for the next words.

The intense tension makes the air sting the skin.

Haruki has fought alongside Kagemitsu twice.

Haruki uses the minimum honorifics, but due to Kagemitsu's request, they can speak naturally.

So, he did not think much about it.

But now, Haruki is reminded of how high a position Kagemitsu holds.

(Far away...)

Haruki feels a slight loneliness as he becomes aware of the distance between his current self and Kagemitsu.

"---This time, it's a monster extermination to deal with the monsters that escaped during the second stampede. But just mindlessly killing monsters isn't fun. The reward is also a measly amount."

When Kagemitsu makes a joke, many adventurers chuckle.

They must have been dissatisfied with the low reward, but Kagemitsu's joke dissipated their dissatisfaction with laughter.

"So, to make the job a bit more interesting, the extermination will be in the form of a competition.

The rules are simple. The one who hunts the most monsters wins. The top three will be awarded, and their names will be posted on my blog, which gets an average of 200,000 views a day. I think it will be quite a spotlight."

At Kagemitsu's words about the spotlight, all the adventurers murmur.

It is only natural.

For the tens of thousands of unknown adventurers, the hardest part is getting noticed.

No matter how many blog posts they write, they will not be seen if they are unknown.

But if their names are posted on a ranker's blog, which gets tens of thousands of views a day, their own blog traffic will easily increase.

---It is a chance to easily sell their names.

To receive sponsorship from a company, one needs a certain level of skill and overwhelming popularity.

Most of the adventurers gathered here meet the first condition.

In other words, if they can get their names out, they have the potential to receive sponsorship from a company.

There is no adventurer who would not be pleased with Kagemitsu's proposal.

Those who are not pleased would not have participated in this request.

Haruki, too, trembles with joy at Kagemitsu's words.

I can stand out!

I can have a strong presence!!

What should I do?

If I have a strong presence, what should I do!?

First, I'll go shopping without a mask...

In Haruki's mind, dreams are expanding.

"Note that if multiple adventurers attack a monster at the same time, the points go to the one whose attack reaches the monster first. Don't just keep attacking first and then go looking for the next monster. You have to finish the monster off properly. Otherwise, it's a no-go.

If the first attack is simultaneous, decide who gets the kill with rock-paper-scissors. I know there will be complaints, but complaining won't get you points. It's more efficient to look for the next target. The more reasonable you are, the higher your rank will be.

Obviously, any actions that harm other adventurers are prohibited. Don't drag them down.

Becky is the only one here, but the other members are watching the forest. Their main job is to prevent monsters from escaping the designated area, but they will also monitor the adventurers. Don't think you can fool our eyes."

Kagemitsu's final words carry a strong sense of authority.

It is a strong pressure that would paralyze a weak person.

Most of the adventurers shudder.

"The end time for the hunt is sunset. The hunt ends when the sun sets completely. If you can't finish all the monsters by then, we will take care of the rest.

By the way, there is a special one marked in the field. It's a bit dangerous, but if you can defeat it, you get 3 points! There is no mark, so think of it as a surprise lottery. Regarding the buyback of materials—"

While listening to Kagemitsu, Haruki is frantically working on something.

It is the final key to winning this competition.

He carefully ties the rope to ensure there are no mistakes.

"Um, Airstar, what are you doing?"

"It's what Firelotus said, right?"

Haruki tilts his head, looking up at Firelotus.

At the end of Haruki's hand, there is Estar, and on top of her, Rare, tied with a rope.

"No, no, I never said to put Rare on Estar!"

"You did. You said 'combine.'"

It was Firelotus's words that gave Haruki the idea for this strategy.

Named "Mobile Artillery Estarare."

Estar's agile mobility combined with Rare's artillery.

The best speed with the best strike.

It is full of the romance and dreams of a man.

"Combine" should be like this!

"But, isn't it too much to tie Rare and Estar together? Aren't they both unhappy with it?"

"Not really, you know?"

Estarare moves around with a rustling sound, aiming the artillery in various directions.

Perhaps because she can move quickly from the same perspective as usual, Rare is happily shaking her leaves.

In contrast, Estar exudes a melancholy similar to a younger brother being bossed around by his older sister.

However, Estar is not unhappy.

It is just that Rare's sisterly love is heavy.

"Since Estarare can move around now, they might be targeted by other adventurers. So, Firelotus, I'm counting on you to take care of them!"

"…What do you mean by 'So'?"

Firelotus slumps her shoulders.

However, if Estarare takes the lead, they might be attacked by other adventurers.

To be safe, Haruki decides to add "one more thing" to Estarare.

The "Mobile Artillery Estarare" that Haruki conceived will later become a frequent topic of discussion on the "Narou" bulletin boards.

Haruki never dreamed that Estarare would cause many adventurers to lose confidence and fall into a vortex of fear.

Next time, a new character will appear (a girl!).

And more chaos will ensue...

Stay tuned!