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Tl: Sam

…

　The next day.
　Having rested at the hotel, we made our way to the dungeon entrance.

　The dungeon attack was scheduled to begin at 10:00 AM.
　Apparently, ordinary dungeon attacks usually started around this time. Back when I was a corporate slave, I was forced to dive starting from around 5:00 AM. From then on, I was bogged down in work until midnight with no breaks… even I’m impressed with myself that I didn’t end up dead.

“There are so many people.”
“Yeah.”

　A large crowd of explorers had already gathered in front of the entrance.
　Numbering around thirty to forty people, it was quite a sizable group. At a glance, there didn’t seem to be any obvious beginners. The guilds probably wanted to send their most capable people to make a name for themselves.

“Good morning, Tanaka-chan.”
“Gah!?”

　Startled, I heard a sultry voice whisper right in my ear.
　Putting some distance between us and looking over, Yuki-san was standing there. Approaching without making a sound despite having such a massive frame is way too terrifying.

“Good morning, Yuki-san. That dress looks great on you.”
“My, that makes me happy. It’s a prized piece I had made just for today.”

　Yuki-san struck a pose in a magnificent dress with a slit.
　It was a dress tailored to Yuki-san’s physique. It was definitely custom-made. The material looked quite high quality as well.

　And aside from the dress, there was one other item Yuki-san was wearing that caught my eye.

“Yuki-san, is that…”
“Oh, you noticed? It broke back then so I had left it as was, but when I decided to make my comeback, I had it repaired.”

　Yuki-san stroked the slender-bladed sword, a rapier, sheathed at their hip.
　Back when we dived into the dungeon together, they wielded this rapier to mince countless monsters to pieces. If I recall, even my master praised that swordsmanship.
　I didn’t know how much they had recovered from their long hiatus, but I’d be glad if I could see that once again.

“I can’t say it’s quite the same as back then, but I won’t drag anyone down. Look forward to it, okay?”

　Saying that, Yuki-san followed up with “More importantly,” and shifted their gaze to the other explorers besides us.
　The guild-affiliated explorers were glancing over in our direction every now and then.

“Looks like everyone is curious about Tanaka-chan. Well, can’t be helped since you’re totally a celebrity now.”
“Aren’t they curious about Yuki-san? There are plenty of explorers who admire Yuki-san, after all.”

　When I said that, Yuki-san blinked in surprise.

“Oh, Tanaka-chan, you flatterer!”

　Saying that with delight, they slapped me on the back with a loud SMACK!!
　A shockwave scattered into the surroundings, and the ground beneath my feet shattered. Hey now, what kind of ridiculous strength is that for a playful swat? An ordinary person would have been turned into mincemeat.

“A-Are you alright, Tanaka-san?”
“Yeah, I’m fine. But it might hurt a bit for you, Hoshino, so it’s probably best not to praise Yuki-san too much.”
“U-Understood…”

　Hoshino answered, looking a little intimidated.
　Good grief, Yuki-san is a handful… As I was thinking that, a large man walked over toward us.
　Did we make too much noise? While I was wondering that, the person spoke to me in a humble, courteous manner.

“Pleased to meet you for the first time, Tanaka Makoto-san. I am Kumaiwa Daigo, president of the Obsidian Bear Guild. It is an honor to meet you.”

　The man who introduced himself as Kumaiwa offered a business card as he said that.
　The “Obsidian Bear” Guild, huh? I’ve heard of it. Adachi had mentioned it was a mid-tier guild that, while having few flashy achievements, had many veterans on its roster and produced steady, solid results.
　Being the president of such a guild meant his own skills were likely formidable. At a glance, he gave off a plain, modest impression similar to me, but he had the unmistakable air of an experienced warrior.

“Thank you for greeting me. I’m Tanaka from the White Wolf Guild. Pleased to make your acquaintance.”

　I also took out a business card that read “White Wolf Guild President: Makoto Tanaka” and handed it to Kumaiwa-san.
　I had thought that after quitting the corporate workforce, I would never have to engage in such working-class etiquette again, but becoming a guild president actually increased the opportunities to do this compared to before.
　Well, my working hours have decreased drastically, so I don’t mind.

“My, Kuma-chan came too? Long time no see.”
“Yes, it has been quite a while, Yuki-san. I look forward to working with you today.”

　Apparently, Yuki-san and Kumaiwa-san were acquaintances.
　Both of them (and me too, technically) were guild presidents. They both likely had wide connections, so it was no surprise that they knew each other.

“Tanaka-chan, let me introduce you. This is Kuma-chan. President of Obsidian Bear, and one of Japan’s leading tanks.”

　A tank is someone in an explorer party responsible for defense, intercepting and taking enemy attacks. Apparently, it was a term originally used in video games.
　In addition to high defensive ability and physical stamina, courage and fighting spirit were essential for the role. After all, they had to take the monsters’ lethal attacks head-on instead of dodging them.

　Someone like me, who repeats a cycle of dodging and slashing on my own, rarely relied on them, but for explorers who heavily utilized magic and needed charge time to cast spells, I had heard a tank was practically essential.
　The magic-users around me… Amatsuki and Rin were the mobile type who could cast spells while moving, so they had no need for a tank, but people like that were rare. Magic placed a heavy burden on the brain, so normally people couldn’t fight like that.

“I see. I’ll be relying on you, Kumaiwa-san.”
“Haha, please, don’t say that. I have some confidence in my skills, but with Tanaka-san here, I doubt I’ll be able to show off much.”

　Kumaiwa-san replied with a self-deprecating laugh.
　…Hm? For just a split second, I sensed an unpleasant vibe. It seemed those words weren’t mere modesty.

“Well then, I shall take my leave. I look forward to working with you in the dungeon.”
“Yes. See you later.”

　We watched as Kumaiwa-san headed back toward the members of his guild.
　Then, Yuki-san brought up the subtle dissonance I had just felt.

“Don’t take it the wrong way, Tanaka-chan. Kuma-chan doesn’t mean any harm.”
“What do you mean?”

　When I asked, Yuki-san explained the meaning behind those words with downcast, apologetic eyebrows.

“Right now, every guild is desperate to show results. The number of dungeon appearances has been increasing lately, right?”
“Yeah, that’s true. It’s an increasing trend globally, but it’s especially noticeable in Japan.”

　News of newly born dungeons was broadcast almost daily.
　Normally, one would think that made it easier to produce results, but apparently that wasn’t the case.

“Yes, the number of dungeon appearances is rising. But the danger level of those dungeons is also on an upward trend. From Tanaka-chan’s perspective it might not seem that different, but the danger level of dungeons is definitely climbing.”

　Come to think of it, I feel like Adachi had said something similar before.
　Because I had been forced to dive into high-danger dungeons since way back when, I hadn’t noticed.

“If the danger level rises, the probability of exploration failure naturally increases too. Dungeon exploration is a risky business… If you succeed, the profits are enormous, but if you fail, of course it’s the exact opposite. I heard Obsidian Bear also failed an exploration recently and took quite a heavy blow.”
“I see… In other words, every guild’s financial situation is tight.”
“Exactly. A First Attack can rake in an outrageous amount of money if it goes well. Kuma-chan is betting on this exploration to keep his guild’s operations afloat.”

　I see… While I was listening to the explanation, another person approached us.

“Indeed. We are betting everything on this exploration… unlike you people.”

　The one who spoke up was a young man wearing glasses.
　He looked to be around twenty years old, giving off the impression of a serious, earnest handsome guy. Seeing a sword at his waist, he was likely an explorer as well.

“You’re from Iron Stag, if I recall…”
“Yes. I am Mikami Shuji, affiliated with the ‘Iron Stag’ Guild. I am serving as the leader of our guild’s party for this operation. A pleasure to make your acquaintance.”

　Pushing up his glasses with a finger, the young man introduced himself.
　He was like an uptight, straight-laced character straight out of a manga.

　”Iron Stag” was supposed to be a recently established, up-and-coming guild. Adachi had mentioned it was founded by an ambitious group of energetic young explorers.
　Seeing that they beat out other major guilds to participate in this exploration, their momentum was certainly impressive.

“Tanaka-san, Busujima-san… I have immense respect for the two of you who stopped the Great Imperial Palace Monster Disaster. However, this matter is entirely separate from that. We must achieve tangible merit on this exploration, no matter what.”

　Beneath his composed tone, I sensed something akin to impatience.
　Impatience and recklessness are fatal in dungeon exploration, though.

“I do not know for what reasons you have decided to participate in this exploration, but I ask that you please refrain from interfering with our activities under any circumstances.”
“Hey, what kind of way is that to speak…!”

　Hoshino tried to protest, but I held her back with a hand.
　Then, putting on a serious business face, I replied to Mikami.

“Yes, understood. We will be careful not to get in your way.”
“…Thank you. If you will excuse me.”

　Mikami gave a slight bow and walked away.
　Good grief, looks like there will be rough waters ahead.

“Tanaka-san, are you really okay with letting him say things like that!?”
“He’s probably just feeling the pressure. It’s not like he holds any actual malice.”

　There was no point in winning a verbal argument here.
　Sour grapes would only increase the chances of trouble once inside the dungeon.

“Still…”

　However, Hoshino still didn’t seem satisfied.
　She had a surprisingly stubborn streak. Well, that was one of her good points too, though.

　As I was thinking that, I noticed Yuki-san smiling at us.

“You’ve really grown up, Tanaka-chan. In the old days, you two would’ve ended up in a brawl, wouldn’t you?”
“Eh, is that so?”

　Hoshino reacted to Yuki-san’s words.

“Yes, Tanaka-chan had an edgy phase too. A rebellious phase, you know? It was so adorable.”
“To think Tanaka-san had a time like that…! Please tell me all about it in detail! I’m begging you!”
“Of course, gladly♪ What should I start with, I wonder?”
“Wait a second, Yuki-san!? What on earth are you planning to tell her? Please stop!”

　I scrambled to stop Yuki-san from digging up my dark history.
　Good grief… what a troublesome person. I can’t let my guard down for a single second around them.

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