Chapter 1

### The Dungeon.

It is a nest of monsters.

In the past, countless monsters, known as aberrations, roamed this world.

Monsters spawn in places called dungeons. They are born, grow, and when the time comes, they emerge into the outside world to attack people.

To combat the monsters, humanity has attempted to destroy their nests, the dungeons.

Those who conquer dungeons—explorers—are, in a sense, heroes to humanity. Their efforts have gradually reduced the threat of monsters.

Among them, the achievements of the explorers known as "Dungeon Slayers" were unparalleled.

As the name suggests, the Dungeon Slayer has destroyed numerous dungeons.

Despite his young age, his fighting prowess was fierce like a demon, and his ability to wipe out approaching monsters with his pitch-black greatsword was a source of admiration for other explorers.

However, in recent years, as many dungeons have been destroyed and the threat of monsters has diminished,

attention has turned to the resources within the dungeons.

Nations have come to recognize dungeons not as nests of monsters but as treasure troves of resources. With the threat of monsters reduced by the activities of explorers, the upper echelons of various countries have decided to use dungeons as tools for economic development.

As a result—

"The Dungeon Slayer. I hereby revoke your explorer's license."

"…What?"

I suddenly found myself out of a job.

The one who made this abrupt announcement was a noble of this country.

This room is in the central castle of the Westit Kingdom. …Having just returned from a dungeon exploration, I was suddenly called to this room, met with the nobles, and was given an incomprehensible verdict.

"Your past achievements were for the greater good. However, your services are no longer needed. As of now, your name will be removed from the Explorer's Guild registry."

"Um, could you please explain the situation a bit more?"

Since I didn't understand, I asked for an explanation, and the noble in front of me sighed as if it were a bother.

"In the past, dungeons were seen as nests of monsters and the source of all evil. …However, as you know, in recent years, the importance of the resources within dungeons has been emphasized, and our country has decided to adopt a policy of not destroying dungeons indiscriminately."

I knew that much.

I nodded silently and urged him to continue.

"In the future, our country will aim for coexistence and mutual prosperity with dungeons. …In this policy, your existence is an obstacle."

The man continued.

"Dungeon Slayer, your achievements are significant. After all, you have completely explored and destroyed seven S-rank dungeons, an unprecedented feat. No other explorer has accomplished such a great feat. You are truly the natural enemy of dungeons.

However… as the natural enemy of dungeons, you are an obstacle to coexistence and mutual prosperity. We cannot have you continue to operate as an explorer."

"So, in essence, you're expelling me from the Explorer's Guild?"

"Yes. Your license will be permanently revoked."

In other words, there is no chance of returning.

What a mess…

I barely managed to suppress my visible dissatisfaction.

I didn't become a hero out of choice. I didn't become an explorer to be praised—rather, I wanted to make a difference in the world. That's why I overcame numerous battles.

However, I didn't expect my efforts to backfire like this.

Coexistence and mutual prosperity with dungeons. It sounds good, but…

"…Do you really think it's possible?"

"What?"

"As an explorer, I have seen many scenes. From my experience, coexistence and mutual prosperity with dungeons are impossible. …They are alive. If explorers show any leniency, they will surely take advantage of it. If we hesitate to conquer them, the number of monsters will increase rapidly, and the world will be exposed to the threat of monsters again."

"Hmph, nonsense. I'm tired of the delusions of explorers."

The man clearly sneered.

"Unlike in the past, advanced weapons can now be produced. In today's world, maintaining dungeons without destroying them is no problem. The authorities in the field of dungeon studies in our country also support coexistence and mutual prosperity. …You may be called a hero by the public, but don't get the wrong idea. You are nothing more than a mercenary who can only destroy dungeons."

The authorities in the field of dungeon studies don't know anything about the field at all…

I couldn't help but sigh.

"Understood. If you keep me here any longer, I'll call the guards."

"…Yes."

I don't think the guards will stop me, but I don't want to make things more complicated, so I decided to comply.

It's a common story with nobles who don't understand the field. They make plans without fully grasping the threat of dungeons and refuse to listen to the opinions of explorers like us.

With a sense of frustration, I left the room.

"Ah, no, wait. I forgot one thing."

Just as I was about to open the door, I heard a voice from behind.

"Return that mask as well. I believe it was something we provided."

I nodded at the man's words and removed the pitch-black mask that had hidden my face.

The man who received the mask smiled mockingly.

"Hmph… As always, your face lacks spirit. If people knew this was the true identity of the Dungeon Slayer, many would be disappointed."

That might be true. I've often been told that my face lacks spirit.

When I act as the Dungeon Slayer, I am required to wear this mask. …My real face has no distinctive features. Black hair and black eyes are not that rare, and if I remove the mask, no one would recognize me as the Dungeon Slayer. Only a select few know my true identity.

"Then, Dungeon Slayer… no, just a commoner, Rekt."

I left the room silently, now that I was no longer needed.

###

"Lord Sargret, well done."

After the Dungeon Slayer—Rekt—left, a noble who had been waiting in the adjacent room appeared with a fawning expression.

"It went well."

"Hmph, he is just a commoner who rose to prominence by following our orders. The public may praise him, but to us, he is just a replaceable puppet."

The man said with a sly smile.

"We also successfully recovered the mask, the trademark of the Dungeon Slayer. Now…"

The man clenched the mask in his hand.

With a crack, the mask shattered.

"…The Dungeon Slayer is as good as dead. Well, as a disposable hero, he did his job."

The fragments of the mask scattered at his feet.

The man crushed them with a nasty smile.

"However, the princess may complain later. She seemed quite fond of the Dungeon Slayer."

"Let her be. Both the princess and the public will soon realize that the world can function without such a man."

"That's true. If we need someone like him again, we can always find a replacement."

"Ho, it seems you understand politics."

Ha ha ha! The two men laughed together.

The Explorer's Guild is a national organization that supports explorers.

In other words, it is under the control of the nobles who run the country. For these men, manipulating the guild was a simple matter.

Being an explorer is a national qualification, and membership in the Explorer's Guild is mandatory.

Revoking this qualification means being expelled from the guild and being unable to work as an explorer again. In the future, Rekt will not be able to earn income as an explorer and will lose all the privileges that come with being an explorer.

Thus, Rekt was reduced from the Dungeon Slayer to just a commoner.

The nobles believed that the existence of the Dungeon Slayer would soon be forgotten by the people.

"Announce that the Dungeon Slayer retired of his own accord. …In the new era, he is no longer needed."

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I will update two more chapters today.