Chapter 78

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As the day turned to dusk and the surroundings grew dim, I decided to escort Sae to her home. Since I had asked her to accompany Mika on her shopping, I had a responsibility to ensure she returned home safely. If she were to encounter some trouble on her way back alone, it would be a serious issue.

I informed Mika and my mother, then left the house with Sae.

"Sae, thank you for accompanying Mika on her shopping today."

"No, I was happy to be invited. If I hadn't been invited by you, I would have spent this Golden Week cooped up at home..."

"Really, you didn't have any plans today?"

I thought it was just an excuse, but perhaps she really didn't have any plans.

"Yes. My parents are both working this year, so there were no plans for family outings. It would have been strange to go to the stores we visited today alone. I was wondering how to spend the Golden Week period..."

"...I see."

"Yes. That's why, even though I felt bad for Mika, I enjoyed shopping too. And you treated me to a meal, so..."

Sae smiled without any guilt as she shared her thoughts on today's shopping.

"Well, I'm glad you enjoyed it."

"Also, I was able to consult with you about something I've been worrying about recently, which made me feel much lighter."

"...About the repeat explorer?"

"Yes. It's really a troublesome situation... Using their explorer powers, they're forcing first-year students to join their group. The school isn't doing anything about it..."

"The school, huh."

As long as there are no visible signs of misconduct or academic decline, the school is unlikely to intervene. From what Mika and Sae have told me, the repeat explorer is doing a good job. There are rumors of misconduct, but no evidence, and the pressure on the first-year students is more subtle, like the atmosphere and the power dynamics. There's no reason for the school to intervene at this point.

"If the midterm test results in late May are poor, the school might intervene under the pretext of academic decline and provide life guidance to the group."

"But until then, the school won't do anything, right? So, we have to take our own defensive measures..."

"...Yeah, that's right."

Sae sighed, looking tired. If Mika and Sae's birthdays were later, they could have used that as an excuse to decline, but since they were born in April and May, it was difficult to use that reason.

"Besides, since they've already repeated a year, the repeat students will likely focus on attendance and test preparation."

"True. If they fail two years in a row, they'll be expelled this time."

"Yes. The school rules clearly state that in the student handbook."

Given this, the most effective defensive measure for Mika and Sae would be to join an explorer group that the repeat explorers wouldn't dare to touch—such as the second or third-year explorer groups. In this case, the group they plan to join is ours.

We've been keeping a low profile as explorers to avoid persistent recruitment by troublemakers like Noguchi during our first year. Now that we're in our second year, we've acknowledged our explorer status publicly, so we have the qualifications. However, for us to protect Sae and Mika, they need to be registered as explorers on paper.

"So, you'll become an explorer?"

"Yes. I don't think they would dare to touch explorers from another group."

Sae met my questioning gaze head-on and nodded firmly, indicating her intention to become an explorer.

If they just wanted to be under our protection, being registered as explorers would suffice... But from the looks of it, she's serious about becoming an explorer.

"So, big brother..."

"I understand. But I can't decide this on my own. Can you wait for my answer? I'll discuss it with my teammates after Golden Week."

I could answer immediately if it were just me, but as a team member, I can't.

Joining our protection means potentially getting involved in first-year drama. I can't decide without consulting the others.

"...Hirose and Himeko, right?"

"Yeah. You've met them before, right? They seem to be busy during Golden Week, so I'll talk to them when I see them at school."

"..."

Sae looked slightly anxious, perhaps worried about being turned down.

"Don't worry. They'll definitely help you."

"...Really?"

"I can't guarantee it, but I think so."

If I explain the situation properly, they won't turn us down.

"Ah, we're here."

We had arrived at Sae's house without realizing it. She looked up at her home, then turned to me and bowed.

"Thank you for everything today."

"You're welcome. I'll keep the explorer thing in mind, so don't worry."

"Thank you. I'll be counting on you."

Sae bowed again, deeply. I need to convince the others to agree. I waved lightly and left Sae's house.

---

On my way back, I stopped at a convenience store to buy a roll cake for dessert. It would be perfect after dinner.

When I got home, I could hear Mika and my mother arguing from the living room. ...What are they arguing about?

"Why can't I become an explorer if it's okay for you, big brother!?"

"Unlike Daiki, you're a girl. What if you get hurt?"

Listening at the door, I heard Mika and my mother's argument.

"Besides, do you have the money to buy the equipment needed for dungeon diving? It costs more than a few thousand yen to get a full set."

"Big brother explained it to me, so I know."

"Alright... Let me be clear, I won't give you any money other than your monthly allowance. And I'll make sure Daiki doesn't lend you any money either."

"Don't worry. I have some savings from my New Year's money. According to what big brother said, it should be enough."

"...I see."

...This is a bit awkward to walk in on. But I can't stand here forever, so I took a deep breath, composed myself, and turned the doorknob to the living room.

"I'm home."

"Welcome back, big brother."

"I made sure to escort Sae home."

"Thanks, Daiki."

When I entered the living room, they greeted me with cheerful smiles, showing no sign of their earlier argument. ...They switch moods quickly.

"Oh, right. Here, this is a souvenir."

I handed the roll cake to my mother.

"This is... a roll cake?"

"Yeah. From our usual convenience store. I thought it would be good for dessert after dinner."

"Sure. I'll serve it after dinner."

My mother took the roll cake and put it in the refrigerator.

"So, what were you arguing about?"

I sat down next to Mika and asked. She looked a bit surprised, so I told her I had heard their argument through the door.

"I told Mom I want to take the explorer test. Then Mom..."

"Opposed it?"

"Yeah."

Mika looked dissatisfied and glanced at my mother in the kitchen before lying down on the sofa. Mika has her reasons for wanting to become an explorer, but my mother is naturally worried about her daughter.

"When I got the guardian's consent, it wasn't as much of an issue because of the timing, but since I explained the explorer's job, Mom is now hesitant about Mika becoming an explorer."

"Mom is worried about you, Mika. You understand that, right?"

"...Yeah."

I've shown Mika and my mother videos of us fighting monsters, so they understand the risks. It's hard to imagine coming out unscathed when facing monsters.

"We've been lucky not to get hurt so far, but it's not a guarantee. Mika, you remember the news about a high school student who died recently, right? Mom's concerns are valid."

"...You're right, Daiki."

"Mom?"

Mika and I were talking when Mom, holding a mug, returned and sat down next to me.

"To be honest, I don't just want Mika to quit being an explorer; I want Daiki to quit too."

"...Mom?"

I tilted my head in confusion. Mom always worries when I go to the dungeon, but this is the first time she's directly said she wants me to quit.

"The more I learn about being an explorer, the more I regret signing the consent form. But seeing Daiki enjoy exploring with his friends, I couldn't tell him to quit."

"Mom..."

"Daiki always comes home without any injuries, but I'm always worried that one day I'll get a call saying he's been seriously hurt."

Mom's expression was filled with worry and anxiety. Mika had a similar look on her face as she watched me.

...It seems I've been causing my family a lot of worry since I became an explorer. Without knowing about the Slime Dungeon, they probably see me as just another explorer. My lack of injuries might be seen as good luck rather than skill.

"...I'm sorry for worrying you."

I stood up and bowed deeply to Mom and Mika. However...

"But... I don't plan to quit being an explorer right now."

I raised my head and looked Mom and Mika in the eye, expressing my resolve.

Managing the Slime Dungeon requires the explorer qualification, and the items dropped from the Slime Dungeon are valuable. Additionally, I have commitments to my teammates, like Yuzi and Himeko. While Himeko's goals have been largely achieved, Yuzi's haven't. I can't quit right now.

"...I see. I expected as much from you."

"...I'm sorry."

"It's okay. But please be careful and don't take unnecessary risks."

"Of course."

I nodded firmly and took a sip of coffee. As I exhaled, I remembered the main topic of our conversation.

"...Ah, Mika."

"...What? Are you done talking with Mom?"

Mika, who had been sitting on the sofa, glared at me with a sullen expression. She seemed upset at being left out of the conversation.

"I'm sorry."

"Why are you apologizing? I'm not upset."

"No, I am. I'm sorry."

"...Hmph."

In the end, to cheer Mika up, I promised to give her the roll cake as dessert. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision, but I'm glad I bought it.

---

After dinner, a family meeting was held with my father, who had just returned home. The topic was whether to allow Mika to take the explorer test. After discussing her reasons for wanting to become an explorer, the estimated cost of equipment, and how to fund it, we finally agreed to let Mika take the test with several conditions. These included conducting her explorer activities under my supervision, not entering the dungeon until she received proper training, funding her own equipment, and not neglecting her studies. The test and her explorer activities would start in June, as her birthday is in mid-May and the midterm exams are in late May. Mika accepted these conditions and immediately contacted Sae.

However, under my supervision... Maybe I should tell my family about the Slime Dungeon.

---

Getting permission from my parents.

In the end, the negotiation was successful with the condition that Mika would be under the protagonist's supervision.