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Tl: Sam

…

After confirming that the stream had stopped, Adachi faced Suda once again.

“Back when we were kids, Suda was the center of our group. He had a tough look, he was strong in a brawl, and even upperclassmen never dared to lay a hand on him. But… that balance of power changed the moment we became Awakened.”

On the day dungeons appeared in the world, all three of us became Awakened. Our playground shifted from the park to dungeons, and the dream of the three of us became turning into top-notch explorers.

“Once he became an Awakened, Tanaka was incredible. He got stronger by leaps and bounds, quickly surpassing even adult explorers. I mean, even the great Tachibana-san took him on as an apprentice. There was just no comparing him to average guys like us.” “…………”

Suda fell silent at Adachi’s words. I never imagined he thought of it that way. Back then, I was simply desperate to get stronger, and my mind had no room to think about anything else.

“Even I was jealous of Tanaka’s strength back then. So I get it, I know how frustrating it was for you. You used to be on top, but then one day that same guy was way out of your league. Of course you’d get anxious, and of course you’d feel envious. I understand how you felt all too well, but… there are lines you just don’t cross, dammit!”

Adachi yelled in a loud voice. Peeking at his face, tears welled in his eyes. Knowing Adachi, he was probably filled with regret for not being able to stop his friend.
Still, to think Suda was jealous of me… it wasn’t easy to believe. Figuring we could finally talk now that his murderous intent had vanished, I asked Suda.

“Suda, is what Adachi said true…?”

After a moment of silence, Suda bluntly replied.

“Yeah.”
“That’s right, I was envious of you. I wanted to become Japan’s number one explorer, but because of you, I was forced to realize it was impossible! The guy who used to follow behind me lapped me so badly it wasn’t even funny! You have no idea how miserable that felt! Every single day was so humiliating I felt like I was going crazy!”

Hearing Suda’s true feelings for the first time, I was taken aback. To think he had actually felt that way.

“Before I knew it, you were surrounded by so many people. Besides Tachibana-san, whom I idolized, there was Amatsuki, your students from the Ministry of Monster Control, Minister Dojima, and other famous explorers… I was so jealous seeing you surrounded by all those people and getting along with them! You have no idea how many times I wondered why the hell I wasn’t the one standing there!”
“Suda…”
“That’s right. It’s as simple as that. I… wanted to be you. But there was no way I could do that. So the only thing left for me to do was hate you.”

What Suda did is unforgivable. But he had his own share of suffering. I couldn’t help wondering what if, if only I had noticed it back then.

“Haha, when I found out you were taking on the Imperial Palace Underground Dungeon, I was thrilled. I thought that finally, you’d die in there. Then I wouldn’t have to suffer anymore… But you came back alive. I was in total despair, thinking I’d have to feel this miserable for the rest of my life.”
“Suda…”
“Except it didn’t end like that. I inherited my father’s guild, and then you walked in, broken and wounded after losing your parents and your master. I thought to myself, this is the chance for revenge God gave me! If I used my position as company president, I could crush you! That’s why I worked you to the bone!”

Suda spoke as if vomiting out everything he had kept bottled up inside. I see, so that’s why I was worked harder than any other employee. In his own twisted way, that was his “revenge.”

“I had no idea you were pushed that far. I’m sorry I didn’t notice.”
“Stop it! Don’t apologize! Don’t make me feel any more pathetic than I already do!”

Suda covered his ears and spoke in anguish. Deep down, he probably realized that what he was doing was messed up. But if he admitted it, he would break completely. That’s why he forcefully justified his own actions.
In this state, he wouldn’t listen no matter what I said. I left the rest to Adachi.

“Let’s call it quits, Suda. Brawling with Tanaka cleared your head a bit, didn’t it? It’s not too late. I’ll even turn myself in right alongside you.”
“Adachi, I…”

Remaining on his knees, Suda let his arms hang limply. I couldn’t feel any anger or hostility from his face anymore. It seemed he had no intention of going on a rampage any further.

“Tanaka, you’re coming with us too. Got it?”
“Yeah, got it.”

I went to walk over to Suda together with Adachi. When suddenly,

“My apologies, but we will be taking Suda back with us.”

A third voice suddenly echoed, and a figure appeared right behind Adachi. It was a man in a suit, his face concealed behind a mask. In his right hand, he held a knife pressed against Adachi’s throat.
Where the hell did this guy come from? I didn’t sense his presence at all.

“If you move even an inch, Adachi’s life is forfeit. Please remain where you are.”
“S-Sorry, Tanaka…”

Adachi is an Awakened, but if his throat is slit, he won’t survive. It seems best to obey quietly for now.

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