Chapter 58

With over 9,360 favorites and over 2,980,000 views, ranking 16th in the genre's daily ranking, thank you for your support.

---

The next week after Mika's enrollment ceremony, the news was broadcast on a morning news program.

"Yesterday in the early hours, in the dungeon of ○ Prefecture's ○ City, an accident occurred where multiple young explorers were attacked and killed by monsters."

"When the DP (Dungeon Police) was called for assistance by the injured young explorers from the same party, they confirmed that young explorers were being attacked by monsters. After the rescue, they were immediately taken to the hospital, but their deaths were confirmed shortly after arrival."

"The young explorers who were victims had just become explorers this spring, and this was their first dungeon exploration."

"Currently, the DP and the police are jointly investigating the scene to determine the sequence of events."

"Next news item."

The dining table, where the family was having breakfast, fell silent as if water had been poured over it.

Everyone stopped the movement of their chopsticks, and without a word, their faces turned to me, their eyes filled with deep concern.

After a moment of silence, Mika asked me, as if squeezing out the words.

"Big brother, the news just now..."

"Ah, yes. It happened at the dungeon near here."

"Yes... that's right."

When I confirmed, Mika seemed to want to say something but fell silent again. Then, Father spoke up.

"Daiki, I know it's late to ask, but are you all right?"

"Are you asking if we fight monsters?"

"Yes, that's it. From your earnings as an explorer, I think you're doing fine, but with such news, I can't help but worry. I can only know what happened in the dungeon from your account. You're not doing anything dangerous, right?"

"The definition of danger is hard to pin down, but I'm not doing anything reckless, Father. We have a system in place to handle unexpected situations with ease."

"...I see. Since I don't know the details, I won't say anything more, but don't push yourself. If you get seriously injured or die, it will be all for nothing."

"I understand, Father."

Father seemed to have something more to say but closed his mouth, apparently satisfied.

Then, Mother spoke up last.

"Daiki."

"...What is it, Mother?"

"If we told you to quit being an explorer, would you?"

Mother asked me seriously if I would quit being an explorer.

Indeed, as long as I continue to be an explorer, the danger reported in the news will always be a threat. As a parent, I'm sure she doesn't want her child to be in such danger.

But...

"...I won't quit. At least not right away."

"...I see."

"I'm sorry, Mother. I'm causing you worry."

Mother's face showed disappointment at my answer.

"It's fine. If it's a decision you've made on your own."

"...Thank you."

"But be very careful not to get injured. If you get seriously injured even once during your school years, I'll make you quit being an explorer, no matter what you say."

"...Yeah, I understand."

Somehow, I ended up making a strange promise with Mother.

But, well... with the recovery potions, as long as it's not an instant death, I won't leave the dungeon with serious injuries, right?

...Wait, what? Is dungeon exploration with recovery potions like Dead or Alive?

"Alright, let's end the conversation here. Come on, finish your breakfast quickly. You'll all be late if you don't hurry."

Mother's voice startled us, and we looked at the time displayed on the TV. It was already quite late. Despite the heavy conversation, we forced ourselves to eat breakfast.

---

After a quick breakfast, I walked to school with Mika. Mika, wearing her new high school uniform, had cut her semi-long hair to a short bob, a change she said was for her high school debut. She looked more mature.

Usually, Mika seemed happy to walk to school with me, but today her expression was shadowed.

Well, after such a conversation in the morning, it's only natural.

"Don't worry so much. We don't get injured that easily."

"...But, big brother."

"Have you ever seen us come home injured? No, right?"

"...Yeah, but I'm still worried."

Mika looked up at me with a worried expression.

...Damn! Even my sister has quite the impact!

I didn't show my emotions on my face and tried to calm her by gently patting her head. Mika closed her eyes in apparent pleasure, accepting my patting.

Do I have a petting skill or something?

While I was wondering about my mysterious skill, Sae called out to us from behind.

"Good morning, big brother. Good morning, Mika."

"Ah, Sae. Good morning."

"Huh? ...Oh, it's Sae. Good morning."

Sae and I greeted her. Hey, Mika, your face is all mushy!

Sae, wearing the same uniform design as Mika, looked at Mika with a slightly exasperated expression. Sae had also changed her twin-tails to straight long hair for her high school debut, looking less childish.

"You look so relaxed, Mika. But your face looks a bit pale, doesn't it?"

Sae's comment made Mika's mushy face turn gloomy.

"It's... the news this morning."

"Oh, the news about the young explorer who died in the dungeon..."

"Yeah. Big brother says he's fine, but I'm still worried."

Seeing Mika's downcast face, Sae looked at me with a slightly reproachful gaze.

"...Big brother?"

"Hey, don't look at me like that... I really am not doing anything reckless. But I guess you won't believe me even if I say I'm fine, right?"

"Yes. I've seen the videos of you and big brother in the dungeon a few times, so I understand that you're not doing anything reckless. But..."

"Monsters attack with full hostility, you know? It's scary to think what might happen if you make one wrong move..."

We've shown Sae and Mika some dungeon battle videos, but not to the point where our spatial storage and other secrets are revealed.

The videos are from the perspective of the action cameras we wear, showing monsters attacking us with hostility and intent to kill. Indeed, even for us, it looks dangerous and intense.

"I understand your concern. But we're really fine. Have we ever come home with any noticeable injuries?"

"But, big brother, with recovery potions, minor injuries can be healed, right?"

Sae, making a rather accurate point...

But...

"True, but... Mika?"

"...What?"

"Has Mother ever mentioned blood or injuries on my laundry?"

"...Now that you mention it, no."

"See? If I had any bleeding injuries, there would be some traces on my clothes. Also, I've never come home in different clothes from what I wore in the morning."

In the past, I used to wash my clothes at the laundry if they got dirty, and recently, thanks to Hime's cleaning skill, they are as good as new. I've never brought back blood-stained clothes, so Mother has never said anything.

"So, I can't say I won't worry, but I promise I won't get seriously injured."

"...Really?"

"Yeah, I promise."

"...Okay."

Mika's gloomy expression improved, apparently convinced. Sae also seemed to be convinced, as she didn't make any further comments.

However, I wonder if there are any enemies in the lower floors that could seriously injure me? Of course, not being careless is a given.

---

After parting ways with Mika and the others at the entrance, I finally entered the new classroom, which was starting to feel familiar. Many students had already arrived, and the classroom was buzzing with chatter.

From what I could overhear, most of the conversations were about the morning news.

"Yuuji and Hime haven't arrived yet..."

Not seeing the familiar faces, I started to take out my bag's contents and put them on my desk.

As I was doing this, Shigemori Kyosuke, a new classmate, approached me.

"Good morning, Kusunoki."

"Ah, good morning."

"Hey, did you see the morning news?"

"I watched the news, but which one are you talking about?"

I have an idea of which news he's referring to, but I asked for confirmation since the subject was missing.

"The news about the young explorer who died in the dungeon."

"Ah, that one. I saw it."

"Since the general public was allowed into the dungeon last year, nothing like this has ever happened. Why did it happen now?"

Shigemori's point is valid.

The reason is probably...

"Well, it's an accident that was bound to happen."

"Bound to happen? What do you mean?"

"Rather, it was odd that such accidents hadn't happened before. How can ordinary people, who have no hunting experience, kill monsters without hesitation?"

"Well, I guess that's true..."

"They could do it because the atmosphere in the same floor made it seem like monsters were just things to be hunted. The atmosphere influenced them."

"Atmosphere?"

"Have you ever experienced it? When you calm down later, you regret doing something you wouldn't normally do."

Like getting caught up in the excitement of a concert or festival and doing something you wouldn't normally do, like jumping into a river from a bridge to celebrate a victory... various things.

"..."

"Once you get caught up in that atmosphere and kill a monster, you won't hesitate as much the second time."

It's like gaining experience in killing.

As I said this, Shigemori's face turned slightly pale.

"Then why did the young explorer in the news die?"

"The situation in the dungeon is different now compared to before. Before the regulations, explorers were densely packed on the same floor, but now, thanks to the entry regulations, explorers are more spread out across the floors. In such a situation, it's hard to create the same kind of frenzied atmosphere. The young explorers faced the difficult task of killing monsters without that atmosphere. Most likely, they hesitated to kill the monsters and were defeated."

"..."

"Also, the news said they got their explorer licenses right after April. They probably formed a party with other new explorers. While the party system ensured they had enough members, the lack of experienced explorers made them like a flock of sheep thrown to the wolves."

"..."

As I continued, Shigemori's face grew increasingly pale.

Is he okay?

"Hey, are you alright?"

"...Yeah. Thanks, Kusunoki. I kind of understand the reason now. I'll be going."

"Ah, okay."

Shigemori left, raising his hand lightly. He's a strange guy, starting a conversation and then leaving like that...

A few minutes after Shigemori left, Yuuji entered the classroom.

"Good morning, Yuuji."

"Ah, Daiki. Good morning. You're early."

"Sure."

We exchanged greetings, and Yuuji went to put his bag on his desk.

After placing his bag on a desk a bit away, Yuuji returned and sat in the empty seat in front of me.

"By the way, Daiki. Did you see the news?"

"About the young explorers?"

"Yeah, that one."

"I was talking about it with Shigemori just now."

"Shigemori?"

Yuuji turned his head to the left and looked at Shigemori.

...What's up with him?

"What's wrong with him? He looks listless, leaning on his desk."

"Beats me. He looked a bit pale earlier... maybe he's sleep-deprived?"

"Ah, I see."

Losing interest in Shigemori, who was leaning on his desk, Yuuji turned his face back to me.

"So, after the news, how did it go for you? Did your family try to stop you?"

"They didn't try to stop me, but they did tell me to be careful not to get injured."

"I see. My family was worried, but they didn't say anything about my future as an explorer."

Well, in Yuuji's case, he was sent into the dungeon by Juzo to gain practical experience. They wouldn't try to stop him, even if they were worried.

Come to think of it, why didn't my family, who aren't from a martial arts family, tell me to quit being an explorer?

Father tacitly approved, Mother conditionally allowed it, and Mika, despite her concerns, eventually agreed... Hmm? Is this... a sign of trust? ...I'll stop thinking too much about it.

Just before the start of the school day, Hime rushed into the classroom. Her face, which seemed expressionless at first, showed signs of frustration and sadness.

What happened?

---

This conversation highlighted the difference in perception between the main characters and the general students.