Chapter 45

The ones who appeared at the Kenzaki Dungeon were the members of the King of Unique, including Fumihiko.

Upon reflection, Zero had indeed said that he planned to go to the dungeon with them today.

The surrounding adventurers began to murmur as if they had found hope.

“With those guys who have Unique Skills, they might be able to handle the collapse of the labyrinth.”

“Yeah, we won’t have to wait for a B-rank party.”

Feeling good from the adventurers’ words, Fumihiko smiled.

“Now that we’re here, you can rest assured. I’ve heard the story. We’ll defeat the Last Boss without waiting for reinforcements.”

The adventurers cheered with a “Oh!”

In that atmosphere, a woman who appeared to be the dungeon manager stepped forward, looking anxious.

“Please wait. A dungeon where a labyrinth collapse has occurred is truly dangerous. Anything can happen, more so than usual. Excuse me, but have you ever cleared a B-rank dungeon?”

“No, but I don’t think it will be a problem. After all, we are all Unique Skill holders, and except for one, our levels exceed 2000. Even if the monsters have become more powerful, they won’t stand a chance against us.”

The manager showed a thoughtful expression upon hearing this but soon shook her head.

“Indeed, there is a possibility that you can defeat the Last Boss without any issues, but it’s not guaranteed. In confirmed cases, the recommended level for defeating the dungeon boss has jumped to nearly ten times the usual. If you insist, could you please challenge it together with the B-rank parties that will arrive here soon?”

“Really, you’re so rigid. This is a time-sensitive situation. If we wait and the dungeon collapses completely, what will you do if the Last Boss comes out? Will you take responsibility for that?”

“That...”

Seeing the manager hesitate, I decided to lend a hand.

“Fumihiko, that’s enough. The manager is more familiar with such emergencies, so we should follow her instructions.”

“Huh? Oh, it’s you, Tamaoto. It’s a coincidence to meet you again. However, I can’t agree with your words this time. While there is some truth to what she says, it doesn’t apply to us. We are a select few geniuses chosen by excellent Unique Skills. You are different. Even if we face a higher-level opponent, we will surely win.”

“...You”

I felt a bit of unease upon hearing Fumihiko’s words.

He seemed different from his usual self.

I don’t know what he thinks inside, but to protect our image, he was at least not the type to directly insult others.

...If I had to say, he seemed a bit excited.

While Fumihiko and I faced each other in silence, the manager spoke up.

“Then, how about this? Could you clear the path to the boss room instead of defeating the Last Boss?”

“Clear the path?”

The manager nodded.

“Yes, if a large number of monsters appear while the B-rank party is heading to the boss room, it will take more time and drain their stamina. I would like you to go to the boss room first and defeat the monsters along the way. With the stats I heard, while the Last Boss might be a challenge, the monsters along the way should be no problem. If you still have stamina left, could you please assist the B-rank party in defeating the Last Boss?”

“...Hmm. I have some complaints, but it’s not a bad compromise. Alright, we’ll do it.”

Fumihiko seemed to agree with the current proposal.

After a small smile, he turned around.

“Alright, the plan is set. Let’s enter the dungeon immediately. Let’s go, Sakura, Yuya, Kousuke—Zero.”

Fumihiko called Zero’s name last.

Hearing this, I couldn’t help but speak up.

“Wait, Fumihiko. Do you really plan to bring Zero? Zero’s level is much lower than yours. Wouldn’t it be better to leave him behind?”

“Oh, I’m sorry, Tamaoto, but this is our problem. Can you please refrain from interfering? After all, it’s only natural for the entire party to work together to clear the dungeon.”

“Even so, in this situation—”

“Rin”

It was Zero who stopped me from arguing.

She grabbed my arm tightly.

“It’s okay, Rin. I can handle the monsters along the way. As long as I don’t overexert myself, there won’t be any problems. I’m part of the party, so I need to do my best.”

“...Zero”

Zero declared this with a brave attitude.

However, I didn’t miss the slight tremor in her hand.

“...Alright. Don’t overexert yourself.”

“Okay.”

Honestly, I still couldn’t agree, but since she said it, I had no right to stop her.

In the end, the five members of the King of Unique entered the dungeon first.

The rest of the adventurers, including me, could only watch from outside.

Yui, who had finished treating the injured and came near me, looked worriedly at Zero’s back.

“Is it really okay? Kurosaki’s level is the lowest in the party, right?”

“Well, even so, he has a powerful Unique Skill. As he said, as long as he doesn’t overexert himself, he should be fine.”

While I was worried about Zero, this situation was convenient for me.

The manager’s proposal was a clever solution that addressed both the issue of manpower and time.

Fumihiko and the B-rank party would surely defeat the Last Boss without any problems.

This way, I wouldn’t have to openly reveal my own strength and the power of dungeon teleportation.

Yet, for some reason,

The unease in my chest wouldn’t go away.

“...It’s just my imagination. More importantly, monsters will still appear outside while they are clearing the dungeon. I need to focus on defeating them.”

I said this to myself and watched as Zero and the others entered the gate.