Chapter 43

"Originally, I never intended to work as an adventurer. Fighting monsters is scary, and I felt resistant to the idea of getting used to holding weapons. I only entered the dungeon and obtained my adventurer's license because a friend invited me, and I thought that if I could obtain a status, it would make my body stronger, to the point where I wouldn't die in a car accident."

Indeed, many people aim to obtain a status with the goal of becoming strong enough to survive a car accident.

In fact, most people have such a casual attitude.

Those who risk their lives to fulfill the job of an adventurer are only a select few.

Yui was probably one of those many people.

And this is where things changed.

"But when I successfully obtained a status and discovered that I had a talent for being a healer, a certain idea came to mind. Although it's scary to fight monsters on the front lines, I thought I could support other adventurers from the rear. So, in the end, I continued to work as an adventurer and actually found it fulfilling."

Yui stared at her palm.

"Perhaps it was a coincidence that I was given this talent. Still, the fact that I find meaning in it is true. What I want most now is to grow this power that can save people, I think."

Then, Yui raised her face, her eyes filled with a strong resolve.

"It seems you've made up your mind."

"Yes. I'll gather my courage and join the guild."

"Got it. Well, if it doesn't work out, you can always quit. Your life is the most important thing. And... be careful not to be exploited for your sense of duty."

I smiled and said this, and Yui returned the same smile.

"That won't be a problem! When I told them I'm a college student, they said I only need to respond on weekends. And regarding the pay, I'll apparently earn more than the average healer. I might even surpass Rin's earnings soon."

"Ha, ha."

Before, I might have said something, but now I can earn over 10 million in three days.

I wanted to say that, but of course, I kept my mouth shut.

After enjoying a bit of conversation, we decided to leave the cafe.

When I tried to take the receipt, Yui said, "Wait, Rin, since you helped me today, I'll pay."

"Don't worry about it. Besides, even if you join the guild, it will take some time before you can earn money. If you really want to, you can pay me back when you get a promotion."

"Rin..."

Yui stood there, looking at me with a dazed expression.

It seemed she finally realized how capable I am.

Right after that, Yui said something unexpected.

"How can someone who is so considerate, kind, and reliable not have had a single girlfriend before?"

"Wait, did you just insult me? And how do you know that? Are you stalking me or something?"

"N-no, that's not it. I learned it from Hana when we were talking."

"Why were you talking about that..."

When I get home, I'll have to lecture Hana.

After that, we parted ways, still feeling a bit uneasy.

However, while heading towards the exit of the shopping mall, I noticed someone.

A girl with headphones was standing in a corner of the music store.

She was definitely—

"Hey? Kurosaki?"

Before I could recall her name, Yui, who was next to me, called out to her.

She—Kurosaki Rei—twitched her shoulders.

Rei turned to us hesitantly, her eyes wide.

"...Rin?"

"Hey, it's been a while."

"Yeah."

It had been a week since we met during our first attempt at the Kanzaki Dungeon.

Yui looked shocked as she watched us exchange casual greetings.

"Wait, wait, I called out to you, so why did you react to Rin?"

"...Who?"

"Surprisingly, you didn't recognize me? I'm Yui Kashiwagi from the same university!"

"...Now that you mention it, I think I remember you."

Hmm, it seems Yui and Rei are from the same university and year.

From the conversation, it seems they haven't talked much before.

"By the way, Rin, how do you know Kurosaki?"

"She's also an adventurer. We met in the dungeon."

"Is that so? I didn't know that..."

Yui looked genuinely surprised.

While Yui and I were talking, Rei quickly put the CD she was holding back in its place.

Unfortunately, I didn't miss that.

The CD cover featured female characters.

In other words, it was an anime song. So, we're kindred spirits...

She must have been embarrassed to be caught by an acquaintance while examining anime songs.

Yeah, I'll pretend I didn't notice.

But then—

"Still, it's a coincidence to meet Kurosaki here. I'm glad I got to talk to you for the first time. I always thought it would be better not to talk to you because you always wear headphones... You like songs from, you know, those cute girl anime, right?"

"――――"

Stop it, Yui.

That attack hits home.

As evidence, Rei's face turned bright red.

Yui probably didn't mean to, but it's embarrassing regardless.

Yeah, I get it, I get it.

I cleared my throat and changed the subject.

"Rei, do you have any plans to go to the dungeon today?"

"N-no. I was going to meet up with my party and head to the Kanzaki Dungeon later."

Rei answered my question as if it were a convenient opportunity.

But if she's going to meet up with them, it might be better to stay away from her.

Because I don't want to meet them.

Just as I thought that—

"What?"

"Is it an emergency announcement?"

Suddenly, an announcement started playing throughout the shopping mall.

The announcement was accompanied by a siren, which heightened the tension.

"An emergency situation has occurred. An emergency situation has occurred. A labyrinth collapse has occurred in the Kanzaki Dungeon. Please evacuate immediately. We request the assistance of C-rank and higher adventurers."

"Wh-what, labyrinth collapse!?"

I repeated the words aloud without thinking.

"Rin, a labyrinth collapse, you don't mean—"

"...This is bad."

Yui and Rei also looked tense.

As adventurers, they understood the danger better than most.

Labyrinth collapse.

A rare phenomenon that occurs when a dungeon disappears.

Normally, only adventurers can pass through the gate, but during a collapse, monsters can also pass through.

In other words—

"The town will be overrun with monsters."