Chapter 71

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---

I, Jūshō Kyōki, was looking at the class assignment board set up in the main square where the cherry blossoms had fallen, with a relaxed gaze. Last year, I was nervous when I looked at the class assignments because I was starting high school, but after a year, such feelings no longer arise.

"Hmm, Class 2. I don't recognize any of these names..."

I found my name in the Class 2 section, but I hardly recognized any of the other classmates' names. Only a few names of girls I was in the same class with last year were listed, but I don't remember talking to them much.

"Well... I guess I'll get used to it eventually."

I sighed lightly, confirmed my class and attendance number, and headed towards the entrance. I need to check my attendance number because the shoe lockers will have changed, and I won't know where to put my shoes otherwise.

As I passed the shoe lockers, I saw the back of a student who looked like a classmate, but I didn't recognize them.

"Ah... I wish at least one of my old male classmates was here."

I couldn't help but complain.

I changed into my indoor shoes and put my outdoor shoes in the new locker.

As I was about to leave the entrance, someone called out to me from behind.

"Hey, Kyōki. Good morning. What class are you in?"

"...Daisuke?"

"Hey. What's wrong? You look so gloomy on the first day of the new semester?"

The one who called out was Kishima Daisuke, my friend from last year's class.

"No, I just looked at the class assignments and didn't recognize anyone..."

"Not a single person?"

"There are a few girls, but I'm the only guy. What about you?"

"I have three, including me."

"Nice."

"Try to make new friends in your new class. Oh, by the way, I'm in Class 5."

"Got it. I'm in Class 2. Drop by if you feel like it..."

While talking to Daisuke, we climbed the stairs together and parted ways at our respective classrooms.

I took a deep breath and opened the door to my new classroom. The eyes of my new classmates, who had already arrived, immediately focused on me.

"Good morning."

I greeted them in a light tone, stepping into the new classroom.

My voice was tense, but at least the greeting was successful. My first impression shouldn't be too bad. I could feel the classmates' gazes shifting away, so I checked the seating chart on the blackboard.

"Hmm... My seat is the one in front of the last row in the third column."

I glanced at the seat I was supposed to sit in, and the surrounding seats were still mostly empty.

I sat down at my seat and started unpacking my bag. Not that I had much to unpack.

After finishing, I glanced around the classroom with my phone in hand and sighed when I noticed a classmate with a bandaged wrist, recalling the events of the past year.

---

Since the government announced the appearance of the dungeon on the morning TV, the topic of dungeons had been overflowing in my surroundings. During break times in the classroom, everyone was talking about the dungeon.

Even the classmates I met after starting high school were no exception.

"Hey, Jūshō, aren't you interested in the dungeon?"

"Um, not really. The name 'dungeon' seems to have taken on a life of its own. I think I'll wait for more information before making a decision."

There's not much information, and it's hard to get excited. I guess I've become more calm compared to the surrounding excitement.

I feel like I'm missing out on something.

"Yeah, I see."

"I think more information will come out soon."

In this era, information, whether accurate or not, quickly surfaces from various sources. I might as well browse the internet for a while and gather some dungeon information.

---

After about a month, the internet was flooded with information about the dungeon.

From the types of monsters that appear in the dungeon to the items they drop, the most attention-grabbing information was...

"Hey, Jūshō, why don't we dive into the dungeon and strike it rich!?"

"...Sigh."

"What are you sighing for!? You've seen the news, right? The treasure that appeared in America and Russia!"

This is the general public's image of the dungeon.

The dungeon is truly a modern-day gold rush. There are risks, but the rewards are significant. Young people who feel stifled in today's society are increasingly calling for the opening of the dungeon. News from around the world shows that many are aiming to strike it rich in the dungeon.

"Are you talking about the gold bars and giant diamonds?"

"Yeah!"

The trigger for the dungeon boom was probably the rapid spread of such news on TV and social media. Without it, the dungeon boom wouldn't have spread so quickly.

"But, isn't that just a one-time bonus? I heard that the items you can get from the current dungeon aren't that valuable..."

"Even so, you can get a magic book!"

A magic book, also known as a skill scroll, is said to grant the ability to use magic.

People who have obtained them from foreign dungeons and used them have uploaded videos to social media and video sites. This has fueled the dungeon fever.

"Magic is cool, isn't it? I thought it was just a fantasy thing, but you can actually use it in real life?"

"Magic, huh."

"...Huh? Jūshō, aren't you attracted to magic?"

"Well, it's intriguing, but it's an unknown item with unclear details. I'm wondering if there are any side effects."

"It should be fine. I haven't heard any such stories so far."

...Isn't that a bit too optimistic?

I watched my classmates and friends, who were enthusiastically talking about the dungeon, with a somewhat detached perspective.

---

The news reported that the government had successfully implemented a new power generation method derived from the dungeon.

Since the nuclear accident a few years ago, the chronic power shortage could be resolved, according to the major news reports. However, it was also mentioned that it would take a few years before commercial operation could begin, so it's not an immediate solution.

However, this news seems to have been the catalyst. Public opinion, which had been cautious, shifted to a more proactive stance on utilizing the dungeon. Many media outlets began to feature special articles on the dungeon, and the public's interest in the dungeon seemed to be heating up. Indeed, right in front of me...

"Hey, Jūshō, did you hear? There was a demonstration in front of the National Diet building demanding the opening of the dungeon this weekend?"

"Yeah, I saw it on the news. About 10,000 people gathered, right?"

"Seems so. The next demonstration is already planned, and it's expected to attract nearly 20,000 people."

"Wow, I didn't know that."

"If it's nearby, I might participate."

This reaction is not unusual, given how heated the dungeon fever has become.

Is it just my jealousy for missing the boom, but isn't it heating up too quickly?

---

Finally, the dungeon was opened to the public. The Special Measures Act for Special Underground Structures, commonly known as the Dungeon Act, passed through the Diet and was set to be implemented after a grace period. A specialized agency called the Dungeon Association has already been established, and a permit issued by the association is required for civilians to enter the dungeon.

The recruitment for the permit examination has already begun, with tens of thousands of applicants. Most of the students in my class are also planning to take the qualification exam.

"Kyōki, aren't you going to apply for the exam?"

"Yeah, I... I'll pass for now. I'll observe for a bit longer. What about you, Daisuke?"

"I've already sent in the application form."

"You've already applied?"

I thought it was a quick move, but looking around, some classmates were filling out the application forms during lunch break.

"...What's that?"

"Kaneda just distributed them. He said he got them from the city hall. Do you want one, Kyōki?"

"No, I'm good."

"Alright. You can get the application form for free at the city hall. If you decide to go to the dungeon, just pick one up."

I missed the timing and couldn't keep up with the enthusiasm of my classmates. I could only watch them with a somewhat sullen heart.

---

Recently, more and more classmates have been seen with bandages or plasters. This is not limited to my class but is noticeable throughout the school.

"Since the dungeon was opened to the public, there have been more injuries..."

"Well, you fight monsters in the dungeon. Some injuries are to be expected."

"Right... Daisuke, you have a bandage on your wrist... Is it a sprain?"

"Hmm? Oh, just a slight sprain. It should heal in a few days with a bandage."

"..."

Is it just my imagination, or does Daisuke's smile seem a bit forced? This is common among those who have become explorers and have been diving into the dungeon. Many of them have a different aura compared to before they started exploring.

"Something... seems different about you, Daisuke."

"...Really?"

"Yeah, I can't quite put my finger on it, but you've changed."

"..."

I can't quite explain it. To be precise, I can't explain it.

The aura of Daisuke and other classmates who have become explorers is harsh, like a naked blade. It feels like standing in front of a sharp weapon. I can't just say that, though...

"Well, it's almost winter break. Why don't you forget about the dungeon for the New Year and take it easy?"

"No, I'll fall behind the others. I can only go to the dungeon on Sundays anyway..."

"Take some time with your family during the New Year. The dungeon isn't going anywhere."

...Is he okay?

I wonder if he's trapped in a compulsion to go to the dungeon. His eyes seemed to cloud over for a moment when I suggested he take a break.

---

The third semester started after the winter break.

While the news was buzzing with plans for large-scale power generation facilities and the practical application of room-temperature superconductors, our interest was elsewhere. The frequency of dungeon visits by Daisuke and my classmates had decreased due to entry restrictions. As a result, the tense atmosphere they had before the winter break had largely subsided.

"Recently, the atmosphere has become much calmer."

"...Really?"

"Yeah, it's like they've grounded themselves or something."

"...Maybe it's because they can't dive into the dungeon?"

"Probably."

It's not quite a state of collapse, but the unnecessary tension has eased, and they seem more natural. It's like a weight has been lifted.

"...When I thought about not being able to dive into the dungeon due to the lottery, I suddenly felt relieved. ...Why was I so anxious before?"

"Who knows? But... I think it's better to go to the dungeon with more composure from now on. You looked like a balloon that could burst at any moment."

"Really? I'll be more careful."

Daisuke nodded thoughtfully at my advice.

It seems the dangerous atmosphere has subsided. I hope the other classmates will also calm down like Daisuke.

---

Finally, the news reported that explorers had attacked other explorers within the dungeon—so-called PK (Player Killing) incidents. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but some were injured and had their items stolen.

These incidents occurred simultaneously in multiple dungeons across the country, leading to suspicions of a large-scale criminal group. According to unverified rumors, one of the students from our school was a victim of PK.

As a result, the topic has been buzzing in our classroom and throughout the school since the morning.

"Something big is happening."

"Yeah, I never thought PK would happen in real life..."

Daisuke's face was a bit pale.

While it's a common theme in games and fantasy novels, I never expected PK to happen in reality, especially in Japan. I was being too optimistic, but this is an unexpected situation.

"So, which student was the victim of PK?"

"Who knows? It's just a rumor that a student from our school was a victim... The truth is uncertain."

"But, where there's smoke, there's fire, right? There must be some basis for the rumor."

"True, but..."

Daisuke scratched his head, looking troubled. It seems he really doesn't know who the rumor is about.

"...Sigh. Well, if you're going to continue being an explorer, be careful, Daisuke."

"Of course. I'm already talking to the others about being cautious about PK. We're even considering pooling our money to buy a detection skill scroll."

"Skill scroll... magic? Isn't that expensive?"

"Very expensive. We'd need at least a few hundred thousand yen to buy one."

...Over 100,000 yen?

"Do you have that kind of money?"

"We have various expenses, so we'll have to dip into our savings and pool our money. But we can't go without any preparation. It's a painful expense..."

"My condolences."

I patted Daisuke's shoulder as he sighed and slumped. My gesture seemed to make him even more dejected.

I feel bad.

"By the way, Kyōki, are you going to become an explorer?"

"Would you think I'd become one in this situation? No way."

"Right."

Daisuke, who had been looking up after shaking his head slightly, asked me the same question he had been asking me all along. However, my answer was the same as always.

No one would say yes to becoming an explorer when there are reports of PK incidents.

---

As I recalled the events of the past year, I realized that the seats around me were already filled. I must have spent quite some time reminiscing. I had my phone in hand as a camouflage, but I hope no one thought I was weird.

After putting away my phone and looking around at the new classmates sitting in the surrounding seats, I made eye contact with one of them.

"Um... Nice to meet you?"

"Yeah, nice to meet you."

"..."

We exchanged greetings awkwardly, but the conversation didn't continue.

I decided to introduce myself to break the ice.

"...I'm Jūshō Kyōki, originally from Class 3. Nice to meet you?"

"Yeah, I'm Kujō Daiki. Nice to meet you too."

When I extended my hand for a handshake, Kujō didn't refuse and shook my hand. At least, I won't be alone in this new class.

We were both a bit awkward, but this was our first contact.

---

Last year was a tumultuous year due to the unexpected appearance of the dungeon. I don't know what this year will bring, but I faced the start of the second semester with a sense of trepidation.

---

This is the story of a general student who did not become an explorer during the year the dungeon appeared.

Next, we will enter Chapter 6.