Chapter 55

About an hour after the collapse of the Kenzaki Dungeon's labyrinth, in the guild master's office of the guild "Yoi Tsuki," a man was sitting at his desk.

Suddenly, a knock came from outside the room. The man quickly straightened his posture to appear more authoritative.

"Come in."

"Excuse me."

The person who entered was a girl with long, flowing silver hair. Seeing her, the man immediately relaxed his posture.

"Oh, it's you, Claire. My attempt to create an atmosphere was for nothing."

"…Master, please be more serious. It doesn't set a good example for those under you."

"You can call me 'Dad' if you want to be more casual."

"I would like to maintain a distinction between personal and professional matters. Besides, I would not call you that regardless."

"Ouch."

Ignoring the guild master's dejected expression, the girl named Claire continued.

"I have a report. When the last boss of the Kenzaki Dungeon came out, I arrived at the scene later, but the pioneers successfully defeated the boss."

"Is that so? That's a relief. But you don't look very happy."

"…They say five people challenged the boss, but all were wiped out except one."

"Wait. Weren't the ones who challenged first the King of Uniques, according to the initial report?"

"Do you know about them?"

The guild master nodded.

"Yes. They've been gaining some fame recently, but there was an incident a year ago. Were they strong enough to kill those guys…? And the survivor, was it really Kurozaki Rei…? No, I think she had already left the guild, right? The leader of something or other?"

"No, she is a girl who recently joined, Kurozaki Rei—wait, did you just say Kurozaki Rei?"

"Yes, is there something about that?"

"Actually, when the labyrinth disappeared, in addition to Kurozaki Rei and the B-rank party of Yoi Tsuki, another person returned from the dungeon via a transfer spell. The man's name was, I believe, Ten音 Rin."

"Really?"

The guild master leaned forward, showing interest.

"Was that man not involved in the last boss's defeat?"

"No. It seems he entered the dungeon after the King of Uniques started the battle with the last boss. Our guild members confirmed that the boss room did not open, so it's unlikely he could have participated."

"…Well, logically, that makes sense."

The usually optimistic and laid-back guild master now had a serious expression, which made Claire curious.

"Do you know him?"

"Yes. I tried to recruit him to the guild a year ago. He turned me down, though. I didn't have a business card on me at the time, and he might have thought I was lying."

"Did you personally recruit him, which means he was that good?"

"Not really. He was incredibly weak and was considered incompetent by those around him."

"Then why did you try to recruit him?"

"Besides the potential in his unique skill, what caught my attention was his eyes."

"His eyes?"

Claire looked puzzled. The guild master nodded and continued.

"Yes, his behavior and responses were normal, but his eyes were different. They were determined, willing to do whatever it takes to achieve his goals, and yet they were straight and true… You know, Claire, they were just like yours."

"……Really?"

Hearing the guild master's words, Claire closed her eyes quietly, as if recalling a past memory.

"Anyway, thank you for the report. It's a relief that no civilians were harmed in this incident. It's unfortunate about those who died, though."

"Understood. I will take my leave now."

Claire bowed and opened the door to the guild master's office, stepping out. Then—

"Like mine…?"

Her eyes were a deep, deep blue, like the sea.

[Chapter 2: The Dungeon Conqueror and the Thing He Takes] begins!