Chapter 13

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Two weeks after submitting the application at the invitation of Yuzi and Huzuki, we came to the national university examination venue. We were slightly intimidated by the large number of people gathered in the auditorium.

The age range was diverse, with a wide variety of applicants, regardless of age or gender.

"There are quite a few people here."

"Of course. It's the most popular qualification exam in Japan right now, isn't it?"

"It's already been held several times, so the number of participants should have decreased significantly from the initial stages, right?"

The auditorium, which had hundreds of seats, was about 70% full. We confirmed our examination numbers and took our assigned seats.

"I'm glad we submitted the applications together. We didn't end up too far apart."

"Yeah. If we had ended up in different sections, it would have been pointless to come together for the exam."

"That's true. But I think we were really lucky, don't you?"

Indeed, as Huzuki said, we were lucky. My examination number was 351, Yuzi's was 347, and Huzuki's was 345. Our numbers were close, but if my number had been one higher, I might have ended up in a different section, dozens of seats away.

As I took out my writing utensils from my shoulder bag, Yuzi, who looked nervous, came to confirm the schedule.

"Is the first part the written test?"

"Yeah. The exam involves a lecture in the morning using a textbook, followed by a multiple-choice written test. In the afternoon, we go to the field for the practical test, right?"

"Yes, that's correct."

Just to be sure, I confirmed with Huzuki. She glanced at the schedule and confirmed it was correct.

"Well, the written test isn't that difficult. After a few hours of lecture, you should be able to pass. If you listen carefully to the lecture and read the textbook, you shouldn't fail."

"Right. Don't get unnecessarily nervous. Treat it like a regular class. Yuzi, you don't have bad grades, so just relax."

"O-Okay."

He must have been overwhelmed by the unfamiliar environment of the university auditorium. Despite his appearance, he's surprisingly delicate.

I opened the textbook distributed at the entrance of the auditorium and skimmed through it.

"1. Prepare your equipment. 2. Avoid acting alone. 3. Don't overexert yourself..."

"It almost feels like a role-playing game manual, this textbook."

"Is it?"

Probably, the opinions of game creators and science fiction writers, who were called in as experts by the Dungeon Appearance Verification Committee, are heavily reflected. Some of the text reads like game scenarios.

Well, at least it's better than having 2D anime characters explaining it.

"The content relevant to the lecture is about 30 pages, right?"

"Yeah, the back part seems to be a catalog of recommended equipment by the association. Even the application postcard is included."

"Ugh!? What are these prices, they're so high!"

It's unclear what criteria were used for the pricing, but the recommended items in the catalog were priced quite aggressively. Even ultra-hard alloy swords used by the Self-Defense Forces, which are listed, are priced in the millions. Who would buy these? They're definitely not something students can casually afford. Is there even a plan to sell them?

We browsed through the catalog and commented on various items, but in addition to the ultra-expensive items, there were also items that could be found at any home center, but at significantly higher prices.

"Hmm? It seems the lecture is about to start."

"Looks like it. I'll go back to my seat."

"I'll go back too."

Yuzi noticed the instructor standing on the podium, and Huzuki checked her watch, which showed it was five minutes before the lecture started. Huzuki and I, who were talking at Yuzi's desk with the catalog, returned to our seats before being noticed.

"Five minutes until the lecture starts. Students who are away from their seats, please return to your seats and wait until the lecture begins."

The instructor on the podium used the microphone to remind the students. Those who were away from their seats hurried back, and within three minutes, everyone was seated.

The bell rang in the auditorium, and the lecture began with the instructor's greeting.

"Good morning, everyone. I am Yamamoto, the instructor for this lecture. Thank you for gathering here for the pre-exam lecture for the Special Underground Structure Armed Exploration Permit Test. Today's lecture will cover two main topics. First, the legal aspects that explorers should be aware of, and second, pre-exam information based on lessons learned from the dungeon."

The intellectual-looking Instructor Yamamoto operated the terminal, and the projector displayed an image on the wall behind the podium. It read, "XXth Explorer Aspirant Lecture."

"First, we will cover the legal aspects. Please open to the first page of the textbook."

The sound of pages turning echoed in the auditorium.

"First, I will explain the Special Measures Law for Dungeons, which directly affects those who pass the exam and become explorers. The details are written in the textbook, but I will give a brief overview. First, only those with a Special Underground Structure Armed Exploration Permit are allowed to enter the dungeon. Second, the possession and use of swords and other weapons and skills are permitted. Third, items obtained in the dungeon belong to the state, and the discoverer will receive appropriate monetary rewards."

Instructor Yamamoto folded his fingers as he listed the three main points. After a brief pause, he looked around the auditorium and began to explain each point in detail.

"Let me explain the first point. As you might expect, the dungeon is a dangerous area inhabited by dangerous monsters. Therefore, the dungeon is currently under state management, and access by the general public is restricted. To open it to the public, we have created a new special qualification. This is the Special Underground Structure Armed Exploration Permit Test that you are currently taking. Those who pass this test and hold the permit are called explorers."

There were no objections from the students, and no questions were raised.

"Please turn to the next page. The second point. This covers the regulations regarding weapons and skills used by explorers to fight monsters in the dungeon. Explorers are permitted to use weapons and skills only within the dungeon. Of course, using them outside the dungeon would violate the usual gun and knife laws, making you a criminal. Additionally, there are regulations for storing and transporting weapons. Weapons must be stored in a secure metal locker with a lock, and the type and number of weapons must be registered with the Japan Dungeon Association. If you possess and store unregistered weapons, you may violate the gun and knife laws, so be sure to register them. As for skills, which are special abilities acquired from skill scrolls produced in the dungeon, there are no restrictions on using them inside the dungeon. However, if you use them outside the dungeon and violate the law, the punishment will be more severe than for ordinary criminal offenses."

Instructor Yamamoto took a sip of water from a bottle to moisten his throat. The textbook included reference illustrations of storage lockers and weapon registration forms.

"There are also regulations for transportation. The container used to transport weapons must not reveal the contents. For example, it is recommended to use a trunk, fishing rod case, or instrument case. If you are questioned by a police officer during transportation, follow their instructions and show your Special Underground Structure Armed Exploration Permit. If you do not have the permit with you, you may be temporarily detained. If detained, do not resist; go to the police station or police box. The Japan Dungeon Association will be contacted, and a temporary permit will be issued to release you. If you resist and injure a police officer, you may be charged with obstruction of justice or assault, so be careful."

The auditorium buzzed slightly at this explanation. It's understandable; no one expected such complicated procedures.

"Please turn to the next page. The third point. This clarifies that the dungeon and the items produced within it are owned by the state. The Japan Dungeon Association will buy and manage the items obtained by explorers from the dungeon. Most items produced in the dungeon are untested and not confirmed to be safe. This regulation is to prevent untested items from entering the general market. For example, it's better not to have new types of mushrooms on your dinner table if you don't know whether they are poisonous or edible, right?"

The auditorium buzzed again at the explanation that the state would collect all dropped items, but it calmed down with Instructor Yamamoto's analogy. Indeed, the state would want to ensure minimum safety checks. It's also clear that the state wants to manage dungeon-produced items.

"The items bought by the Japan Dungeon Association will be paid for at market prices, which are published and updated regularly on the association's website. The rewards paid to explorers are generally deposited into the bank account specified in the registration documents after the issuance of a receipt. Please file your annual tax returns."

The mention of tax returns caused a slight buzz, but it quickly subsided.

"However, for unconfirmed items, the payment may be delayed by about a month after the safety checks and auction evaluations. If the item is a dangerous substance, it will be disposed of by the Japan Dungeon Association, and you will only receive a disposal notice without any monetary compensation."

Indeed, it might take that long for the tests. Some items might take years to test. In the case of dangerous substances, it's better to accept the situation and not expect compensation.

"Finally, an important point. All items obtained and brought back from the dungeon must be submitted to the Japan Dungeon Association outpost in the dungeon. If you intentionally hide or bring back items without proper procedures, you may be charged with theft. As for skill scrolls and healing potions that you might use in the dungeon, there are no usage restrictions as long as you do not bring them outside. However, any issues arising from their use are the responsibility of the user, so use them with caution."

This caused a significant buzz in the auditorium. In essence, it means that you cannot take dungeon-produced items out without permission, and if you use unconfirmed items and die, the state will not be held responsible.

Instructor Yamamoto remained silent until the buzz subsided. The students quieted down, and the buzz subsided within a few minutes. Once the buzz had subsided, Instructor Yamamoto resumed his explanation.

"Fundamentally, all items produced in the dungeon are owned by the state until they are bought by the Japan Dungeon Association. This is a measure to ensure that the state is responsible if monsters from the dungeon cause harm to non-explorers."

Indeed, as Instructor Yamamoto said, it's better for the state to own everything related to the dungeon to clarify responsibility in case of emergencies.

"However, in return, explorers have the right to purchase dungeon-produced items at a discount directly from the association, rather than at market prices. In other words, you can buy back items that have been bought by the Japan Dungeon Association."

This means that while dropped items are initially bought by the Japan Dungeon Association, you can choose to receive your reward in cash or in the form of the items themselves. The handling of items like skill scrolls and healing potions, which might be used in the dungeon, needs to be confirmed.

The other students seemed to understand, and no complaints were raised.

Instructor Yamamoto turned off the projector and concluded the lecture.

"The above covers the known characteristics of the monsters and traps that appear in the dungeon. We recommend that you review the textbook before entering the dungeon as an explorer. This concludes the pre-exam lecture for the Special Underground Structure Armed Exploration Permit Test. The written test will begin in 30 minutes. Please take a break and return to your seats by the start time. If you leave the exam room during the test, you will not be allowed to re-enter."

After giving the final instructions, Instructor Yamamoto quickly packed up and left the auditorium.

I stretched my back, which had stiffened during the lecture.

"Daiki"

"Hmm? Oh, Yuzi. How was it?"

"Pretty good. I listened carefully, so I think I can do well on the test."

"Good. I feel the same way."

As I stretched, Yuzi came to my seat, looking a bit tired, but I probably looked the same.

"You two should be fine for the written test."

"Oh, Huzuki."

"Well, it wasn't that difficult, and as long as you don't make careless mistakes, you should pass."

Indeed, as Huzuki said, if you listened carefully to the lecture, passing shouldn't be difficult. I don't really need to go to the bathroom, so I'll just review the textbook.

We spent the time before the written test by reviewing the textbook and comparing it with what we had learned in the lecture, and then took the multiple-choice test.

"Time is up. Please put down your writing utensils. The examiners will collect the answer sheets and test papers. Thank you for your hard work. The written test is now over. For the next part, after lunch and a break, change into your sports clothes and gather at Field A. Use the designated changing rooms. The practical lecture and test will begin at 1:30 PM on Field A. Please be on time. This concludes the morning session. You may now leave."

The examiners quickly collected the test papers and left.

Phew, exams are always tiring, no matter what.

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This concludes the current chapter. The next update is scheduled for the 21st.