Akatsuki Translations

It had been an intense day. I was prepared to kill goblins, but I never expected to witness what I did. Due to the lawless nature within the dungeon, the government had been under significant pressure from the public to rectify the situation.

However, tampering with the laws concerning the dungeon is risky. One misstep could lead to a national crisis. Given that there are actual cases of countries perishing due to mismanagement of dungeons, it’s understandable why the government would be hesitant to act.

Ironically, thanks to the government’s inaction, Japanese explorers have become some of the highest leveled in the world.

“Plus, there’s the Dungeon High School thing.” -Rokujou

Japan was the first to introduce a system called Dungeon High School. It started based on advice from otaku experts they had invited.

And when it became clear that the dungeon system didn’t “reject” the Dungeon High School system, nearly every country in the world decided to adopt it.

From there, the rest of the world moved quickly. Not wanting to be outdone by Japan, within a month, equivalent systems were launched worldwide. Graduates globally aim for a level of 100, and as a result, it’s said that the beginner level for explorers worldwide has become 100.

Considering that by next April, explorers exceeding level 100 will be swarming the dungeons, I need to surpass level 100 before then.

“I’m back!” -Rokujou

I returned to a regular apartment, a different level compared to where Nagumo-san lived. Still, my father had said he spent 60 million yen on this new home after his remarriage.

And in this apartment they’d spent so much on, my parents weren’t returning.

I checked my wristwatch.

It was earlier than I thought, still before noon.

I had entered the dungeon around 6 a.m. and, due to the interference of the Hazumi group, had left by 9 a.m. If that guy had been with me, I’m certain I would have reached level 3 today. That was my only regret.

“Imari! I’m back safely. Oh, you’re not here, are you?” -Rokujou

I knew Imari should still be at school, but I called out anyway, not expecting a reply.

“Welcome back!” -Imari

But surprisingly, I got a response.

“Huh?” -Rokujou

“Yuuta, are you okay?! Are you hurt anywhere?” -Imari

There was a flurry of movement, and the living room door swung open, revealing Imari with a tearful expression.

“Why are you here? You should be at school, Imari.” -Rokujou

“Hehe, I was so worried about you, Yuuta, I just couldn’t bring myself to go to school. So I took a day off.” -Imari

“You did what…” -Rokujou

I was dumbfounded by how worried she had been.

“I’m sorry. Doing something like this; the school will notify our parents, right? They’ll probably oppose me going into the dungeon again.” -Imari

“It’s okay. I’m glad you were concerned. More importantly, Imari, I’ve reached level 2.” -Rokujou

“Huh?” -Imari

Imari blinked in surprise.

“Really?! No way! Really?!” -Rokujou

“Yeah, I met this super kind high-level explorer. Thanks to his help, I managed to surpass the first 10.” -Imari

If things had gone as planned, I could’ve not only surpassed the first 10 but also reached levels 3, 4, or even 5. Especially if that person, Nagumo-san, had stayed with us.

It’s a luxury to think this way, but knowing the horrors of the dungeon, I regretted not making the most of the special encounter with Nagumo-san.

“Well, at least they gave me their contact information.” -Rokujou

“Amazing! I heard reaching Level 2 usually takes about 10 days! To level up in just one day, Yuuta, you’re a genius!” -Imari

My younger sister’s excitement surged.

There are those who die without ever reaching Level 2, and most just give up before even trying. Many aspire to reach Level 2 due to the significant physical advantages it grants, but most of such individuals eventually resign.

Having experienced it, I can vouch that goblins aren’t weak. They felt like desperate sixth-grade boys armed with swords, genuinely trying to kill. A real sixth-grade boy, with a sword, trying to kill you.

Even without thinking about it, that’s pretty terrifying.

“It’s all thanks to a person named Nagumo-san. They’re truly a good person and helped me a lot.” -Rokujou

“Nagumo-san? Is she a woman?” -Imari

Imari asked. While gender doesn’t really matter for explorers, it seems Imari holds some preconceptions about combat roles.

“No, he’s a man. Extremely strong. His movements are so fast that I can’t even see what he’s doing. Actually, I think it was teleportation magic. Definitely. No matter how you look at it, he just appeared out of nowhere.” -Rokujou

“That’s reassuring that he’s such a nice man. I’ll have peace of mind from tomorrow.” -Imari

“Well, about that…” -Rokujou

Today was the last day Nagumo-san would be helping me out.

From tomorrow, I’m on my own. I still have a mountain of things I want to learn from Nagumo-san, but I can’t rely on him forever. And I couldn’t tell everything to Imari. If I did, she might skip school again tomorrow.

“Imari, you should go to school tomorrow.” -Rokujou

“I know. They say a lot about explorers, but there are still good people out there.” -Imari

“Yeah, that’s for sure.” -Rokujou

However, it’s also true that there are people who are like what the world says.

I need to change the riverbank tomorrow. Thankfully, thanks to Nagumo-san, I still have plenty of money. I just hope the money will last until I get my first gacha coin.

“Alright, Yuuta. To celebrate your level-up, I’ll cook for you tonight. Look forward to it. Since it’s your birthday today, we have a double celebration. I also prepared a special gift for you.” -Imari

“Oh, that sounds great.” -Rokujou

“Ahh, if only I could enter the dungeon now. I’d party up with Yuuta. Waiting two months is too long.” -Imari

“We’ll celebrate on March 15th. Then, on March 16th, we’ll enter the dungeon together. But remember, no matter what, don’t go in there alone.” -Rokujou

The dungeon holds both dreams and despair. The mere thought of letting Imari go in alone sends chills down my spine. It was indeed a learning experience today.

“I get it. Anyway, it’s lunchtime. Let’s eat outside today. To celebrate you reaching Level 2, I’ll treat you.” -Imari

“Weren’t we celebrating at night?” -Rokujou

“Because it’s Level 2, we’ll celebrate twice.” -Imari

The cheerful Imari treated me at the Italian restaurant our parents took us to when they were still on good terms.

And after a bit of luxury shopping at the department store, we returned home, where Imari made tempura for dinner. She served each dish, one by one, as I ate.

The piping hot batter was crispy and spread in my mouth, with my favorites being shrimp, potatoes, green chili peppers, and soft-boiled eggs. I’m glad my sister is a good cook.

After enjoying Imari’s delicious meal, I laid down on my bed.

“Find companions.”

Nagumo-san’s words echoed in my mind.

Companions.

If you’re serious about navigating the dungeon, it’s an issue you can’t avoid. Even on the first floor, monsters hardly ever act alone. It’s always one against many. The quickest way to turn the tables is with companions.

“Imari is definitely one… but who’s the other?” -Rokujou

I looked at my smartphone. Kiriyama-san’s contact was there. If I call, I’d reach her. Would she come if I invited her? But today made it abundantly clear that it might not be the best proposition for Kiriyama-san.

“They’re going to a D-rank, after all.” -Rokujou

Given Kiriyama’s ability, she’ll surely make friends in the D-rank. By carefully maintaining a safety margin and leveling up to 100, the risks in the dungeons would drastically reduce.

Despite that, if I were to invite her here, she might die at any moment.

It’s like inviting her to hell.

“It’ll be two months before Imari joins the team. I have to do it alone.” -Rokujou

Even that Nagumo-san said it’s impossible to do the dungeon alone.

I’m pretty sure he’s incredibly strong. I had some misconceptions because of people like the Hazumi, but for someone like me, who doesn’t know the ins and outs of explorers, to fuss about not helping is foolish.

Above all, it was said that very few people in the world possess the Item Box. At least, I’ve never heard of anyone on TV or online claiming to have it. Plus, he has teleportation magic.

Teleportation magic is truly invaluable. I’ve heard that even fewer people can use it compared to the Item Box. He is undoubtedly among the top of the first generation.

And he’s only 20.

There probably aren’t many people in the world who’ve achieved that much at 20.

Well-known explorers in the world are in their 30s to 40s. You need to be somewhat mature, because even if you can enter a dungeon at 15, surviving at such an age is truly difficult.

“As for famous explorers in Japan, there’s the『Guardian Shield of the Nation・The Angel, Foreign』, 『Tree of Millennium Komori』, 『Thunder God Toyokuni』, 『Dragon Flame Ryuubi』, 『Tanaka the Demon』, 『Ninja Gai』…” -Rokujou

I still haven’t heard of the name Nagumo-san.

“Well, in Japan, explorers don’t usually reveal their real names.” -Rokujou

Explorers enter dungeons at their own risk, so the country doesn’t have much information on most of them. Furthermore, the government absolutely protects the privacy of explorers.

Japan has had its share of experience with the consequences of angering high-level explorers. Not even the media would dare to expose an explorer. If they write an article about an explorer, they always obtain the person’s consent, and if refused, they’d pull the article, even if it leaves a gap.

“Honestly, I’m super curious about what kind of person he is, but it’d be rude to ask directly. I guess if I called, he’d probably think I’m overstepping…” -Rokujou

I looked again at the contact I had just added to my phone’s directory, which hadn’t increased in a long time. Today, two new names were added. One of them was Kiriyama’s.

“Please join me in hell.” -Rokujou

I can’t say that. I really have to do my best.

*Ring… Ring…*

Just as I was about to sleep in preparation for tomorrow, my phone rang. When I looked at the screen, I saw:

​【Kiriyama Misuzu】

My heart raced. It wasn’t the same kind of fear I felt when facing a goblin. I was overjoyed that she had actually called. I hurriedly answered.

“H-hello?” -Rokujou

『Good evening. It’s Kiriyama. Can you talk right now? 』-Kiriyama

Even if there was a goblin right in front of me in a dungeon, I felt I could take it on.

“Ah, yes. I can.” -Rokujou

『I called you out of the blue, do you mind? 』 -Kiriyama

“No… I mean, not at all.” -Rokujou

I should’ve said something cooler. But it was impossible to come up with anything clever during my first call from a girl.

It’s Kiriyama, after all, the most popular girl in my grade, if not the whole school.

I couldn’t have imagined receiving a call from Kiriyama just yesterday.

But on the other hand, I was hoping she’d call tonight. As far-fetched as it sounds, the only person who came to mind as a potential teammate was her.

『So, how was the dungeon? Was it amazing? 』-Kiriyama

“It was more like… terrifying.” -Rokujou

I recalled my experience in the dungeon.

I felt shivers even now. It wouldn’t have been surprising if I had died. If I hadn’t met Nagumo-san, I would’ve recklessly entered the dungeon, used up all my bullets, and eventually got stuck. It would’ve been the end of my life.

『As expected, it was bad huh~. I’m jealous~.I really wish I could just skip school and go to the dungeon. 』-Kiriyama

“It’s not as glamorous as you think.” -Rokujou

『People who’ve actually been in dungeons always say that, you know? ‘It’s hell in there.’ But even so, I want to experience living on the edge. 』-Kiriyama

“It was 100 times tougher than I imagined. I was lucky to meet a searcher named Nagumo-san. Thanks to him, I managed to get through without getting stuck.” -Rokujou

『Nagumo-san, is he a veteran? 』-Kiriyama

“Yes. He’s the one who taught me. In the dungeon, you don’t level up with a handgun. If I hadn’t known that, I’d have kept trying desperately without leveling up and would’ve been stuck sooner or later.” -Rokujou

『Wait, really? The media praised the government for being smart enough to allow handguns. 』-Kiriyama

I thought the same. Even on the internet, there were posts saying things like “Allow handguns sooner, idiots”, but I did appreciate the decision to allow handguns. I couldn’t believe it, but I thought he wasn’t the type to lie.

However, on the other hand, I thought that while Nagumo-san was mostly right, he might be mistaken about the handgun. I intended to check on that the next day, so I explained that part to Kiriyama-san.

Furthermore, I told her about meeting Nagumo-san today, fighting with goblins, how scary it was, leveling up at the end, and the things I wanted to test with the handgun tomorrow. I hadn’t told Imari, thinking she might stop me from entering the dungeon, but I talked to Kiriyama-san about everything.

Kiriyama-san was happy about the level-up and listened intently to my stories from the dungeon.

『I see. Then I understand why Nagumo-san might’ve misunderstood the handgun part. Sounds interesting. 』-Kiriyama

“Well, even so, I can’t really trust the lady at the dungeon’s register. I think she was trying to take all my money and make sure I couldn’t enter the dungeon.” -Rokujou

『If a 15-year-old middle schooler dies in the dungeon, the media will make a huge fuss, blaming the government’s lack of measures. Still, it’s infuriating to think they’d waste the money you saved up. 』-Kiriyama

“They probably think as long as you’re alive, it’s okay, but it’s not just about living.” -Rokujou

The only thing that seemed to interest Kiriyama-san was the dungeon. So I steered the conversation that way, hoping to talk to her on the phone again tomorrow. I wanted to talk to Kiriyama-san as much as possible, every second of every minute.

『By the way, 』-Kiriyama

“What?” -Rokujou

『I finished my D-rank exam today. I think I passed. 』-Kiriyama

“R-really? Congratulations.” -Rokujou

Even though I wanted to invite Kiriyama-san to join my group, I felt conflicted about congratulating her. Even though Nagumo-san said those things, I couldn’t bring myself to invite someone I liked into a hellish place.

Kiriyama-san also mentioned she was going to Musashino Dungeon High School, the same as Ikemoto. I think Ikemoto probably likes Kiriyama-san too. Just the thought of Ikemoto and Kiriyama-san being in the same party made me feel down.

『It wasn’t really a congratulatory moment. The entrance exam was so lax, more than I expected. I almost yawned. There was supposed to be a test where we cut off a mouse’s head initially, but it was canceled. 』-Kiriyama

“Why was it canceled?” -Rokujou

I hadn’t researched anything about the D-rank. I had decided not to go there, so I thought I’d end up feeling all sorts of ways if I did. Still, a test to cut off a mouse’s head seemed appropriate to someone like me who had killed goblins.

『Apparently, during the first batch of students two years ago, most of the students couldn’t kill goblins in the dungeon, and a large number dropped out. 』-Kiriyama

“Oh, I think I’ve heard of that.” -Rokujou

『They seem to have introduced the test last year, but it was very unpopular. 』-Kiriyama

“Why?” -Rokujou

『Some even got so angry, saying, ‘What do you think living creatures are?’ and tried to hit the examiners. And these are the same people who’d go into the dungeon and kill monsters. Honestly, they’re all so dumb. 』-Kiriyama

“Well, yeah.” -Rokujou

I wonder if I’d have felt bad for the mouse if I hadn’t been in a dungeon. But being in a dungeon, I did feel bad for the goblins.

And that hesitation could lead to death. It was something you should get used to before entering the dungeon.

『So, I thought, maybe D-rank isn’t for me. It’s become so large-scale that they have to consider so many things. It’s honestly annoying. I don’t think I can achieve anything there. What do you think, Rokujou? 』-Kiriyama

“Honestly, if it’s that lax, it might not be good. Are you sure you passed, Kiriyama?” -Rokujou

『I did pass, but… honestly, from what I gather since you don’t seem to know much, everyone passes the D-rank. The written test level is so low, I’d be surprised if anyone failed. 』-Kiriyama

I can’t say. I was the one who got a perfect score on that past paper and was happy about it.

『Last year, when they had the practical mouse test, the pass rate was less than half, but I think this year it’s over 99%. It was like that initially. 』-Kiriyama

“That many passed?” -Rokujou

I didn’t take the high school entrance exams, so I don’t know what they’re like. So, I can’t really say much, but I do understand that a 99% pass rate is high.

『Well, I think many will drop out after school starts when they can’t kill monsters in the dungeon. They should’ve just gone with the mouse test and weeded out the unfit ones while they still had a chance to apply elsewhere. 』-Kiriyama

“True.” -Rokujou

『Moreover, the second and third-year students next year seem to be far from the curriculum. They’re nowhere near level 100.』-Kiriyama

“Really?” -Rokujou

『Just a rumor, but it seems the maximum level for graduates is around 30. The current second-years average around level 20, and it’s uncertain if the third-years can even reach level 30. 』-Kiriyama

“That’s surprisingly low.” -Rokujou

The first generation of explorers, I heard, reached around level 300 in three years. Some of the top, active individuals even exceeded level 800 in three years. It was big news.

『Reaching level 100 as planned seems to be only for a select few, even in a large D-rank place like Musashino. Well, there seem to be exceptions, but those people completely ignore the high school curriculum, making me wonder why they even attend high school. 』-Kiriyama

“It’s quite different from what was rumored, isn’t it? Aren’t people angry?” -Rokujou

『Not at all. My friends who took the exam with me said, ‘Level 30 is impressive enough; it’s best not to die.’ Maybe my sense is off? After all, the top rankers in the world are over level 1000. Didn’t Rokujou reach level 2 in just one day? 』-Kiriyama

“That was due to my luck, or thanks to Nagumo-san, or the fact that I nearly died once.” -Rokujou

『I heard it takes an entire semester just to surpass the first 10 monsters. 』-Kiriyama

“An entire semester… you’re joking, right?” -Rokujou

『That’s what a kind-hearted second-year student told me. 』-Kiriyama

According to Kiriyama-san, the initial resistance to killing a goblin is intense for ordinary people. Moreover, the D-rank is now filled with people. The benefits of leveling up are said to extend to intelligence and lifespan.

If one can gain those benefits without dying, everyone would want them.

Due to the worldwide trend, the number of examinees has increased this year. There are even stories of people over 80 taking the exam.

Given such circumstances, ensuring absolute safety and trying to reach level 2 takes time. The fact that I was able to level up in one day was thanks to Nagumo-san and the potion. Essentially, it was due to Nagumo-san’s financial power.

I couldn’t believe that someone in D-rank had the financial capacity to use a potion the moment a student was near death. Given that, one can only imagine how long it takes to level up without risking death.

『Rokujou. I really want to enter the dungeon myself. I wanted to try and surpass human limits by entering the dungeon, but I really dislike the D-rank. After all, even the level 100 athletes who performed at the Olympics were incredible. The runners looked like F1 cars. The swimmers resembled torpedoes. High jumpers nearly reached the stadium roof. 』-Kiriyama

“Yeah, that was indeed amazing. The boxers seemed even more impressive than the best anime fight scenes.” -Rokujou

『But it’s scary to go alone. Rokujou, isn’t it tough for you to go alone? 』-Kiriyama

“Y-Yeah.” -Rokujou

『U-um, Rokujou… 』-Kiriyama

“What?” -Rokujou

『Would you… go with me? 』-Kiriyama

“You mean… into the dungeon?” -Rokujou

『Yeah. 』-Kiriyama

I was waiting for those words. Honestly, I’m overjoyed. If it were yesterday, I would have agreed immediately. But now that I’ve experienced the dungeon, I can’t respond rashly.

“What do your parents say?” -Rokujou

『They don’t know. I haven’t told them. 』-Kiriyama

“Is that okay?” -Rokujou

『It’s not okay, but if I tell them, they’ll just try to stop me. 』-Kiriyama

Kiriyama-san answered awkwardly. I thought for a moment before replying.

“I’m really happy with what Kiriyama-san said. But after seeing the dungeon for myself, I believe it’s not a place where I could easily ask Kiriyama-san to come with me. Still, I want to continue entering the dungeon. I can’t stop Kiriyama-san. So if you decide to come, I want to do my best to ensure both of us don’t die.” -Rokujou

If someone wants to enter the dungeon, you can’t stop them. This restriction, applied at the national level, also applies at the individual level.

If you stop someone from entering the dungeon, the one who stopped them will be barred from entering the dungeon.

That’s why explorers don’t stop other explorers.

And I felt like I was using this dungeon rule as an excuse to invite Kiriyama-san, which made me disgusted with myself. Yet, the joy of being able to invite Kiriyama-san was more overwhelming.

『I think you don’t truly understand the fear of a real dungeon unless you enter it. But I know that dungeons are no joke. I’ll listen to what Rokujou says, so even though it might be a bother, please come with me. 』-Kiriyama

“No, it’s not bothersome at all. Honestly, Nagumo-san told me, ‘If you’re serious, it’s impossible without comrades.’ It seems the deeper you go in the dungeon, the tougher it becomes. So, I’m really happy that you want me to come along.” -Rokujou

Being favored by the dungeon.

I don’t know if such a thing really exists, but just as Nagumo-san said, I found my first companion too easily. And that companion was the one I had been longing for.

『I see. That’s great. Honestly, I’m also really happy and relieved. Thank you. I think I would have been too scared to try it alone. 』-Kiriyama

In school, Kiriyama-san was glad to act together with someone like me, who was at the very bottom. That was strange.

『By the way, I checked online for things we might need. I’ve secretly gathered food and a medical kit, but the money… Do we really need about 500,000 yen? 』-Kiriyama

“Yeah, um, how much do you have?” -Rokujou

『A little over 100,000 yen. I tried my best to save, but with my allowance, this is the limit. I didn’t even spend my New Year’s money, but it’s still not enough. 』-Kiriyama

So, did Kiriyama-san originally dislike going to D-Rank? She wanted to go to the dungeon but hated D-Rank. I felt the same way. I never thought that someone like Kiriyama-san, who seemed so popular, would share that sentiment with me.

“No, we’ll probably manage.” -Rokujou

I remember Nagumo-san’s words.

If what she said is true, then 100,000 yen should be enough. Also, after delving into the dungeon, I’ve come to understand what equipment is essential. I have some things I need to buy as well. Including that, 100,000 yen should suffice.

『Thank goodness. I was wondering what to do if you said we needed another 400,000. 』-Kiriyama

“As for the dungeon, there was a murder in the Ikebukuro dungeon, so I’m thinking of changing the location.” -Rokujou

『Definitely. I don’t want to get involved in such scary stuff. The people in the dungeon now are probably the first generation, right? They must be over level 100. No way, no way. If we’re going somewhere else, how about the Kofu dungeon in Yamanashi? 』-Kiriyama

I do feel sorry for the victims in such cases.

But more than that, I didn’t want to get involved. Chasing after the perpetrator out of a sense of justice is something to consider once we’re as strong as Nagumo-san. Even she didn’t want to get involved, so it’s a clear choice to avoid it.

“I was thinking the same. Kofu is about a 2-hour trip, but it can’t be helped.” -Rokujou

『Right. I’m really looking forward to it. 』-Kiriyama

“I hope you’ll still feel that way tomorrow, Kiriyama-san.” -Rokujou

『Okay, but no ‘Kiriyama-san’. We’re partners now, so let’s go by first names. 』-Kiriyama

“Huh?” -Rokujou

『I asked a friend for your name. From now on, you’re Yuuta-kun. Well, just Yuuta. I’m Kiriyama Misuzu, so just call me Misuzu. 』-Kiriyama

“That’s a high bar!?” -Rokujou

I was already nervous enough about being told to drop the formalities. But suddenly switching to first names felt like an unexpected shock.

『What’s the matter? You can do it. Come on, give it a try. 』-Kiriyama

Was Kiriyama-san always this close and casual? I thought she was the complete opposite. But this is also good. Really good. But the bar is set high.

“Mi, Mi, Misuzu-sama.” -Rokujou

『Sama!? That’s setting the bar even higher, isn’t it? 』-Kiriyama

“No, um, maybe we should stick with Kiriyama-san for now.” -Rokujou

『Nope. Call me quickly. You can’t have my back tomorrow if you’re like this. 』-Kiriyama

“… Is it really okay to call you Misuzu?” -Rokujou

『Just do it. 』-Kiriyama

“Mi, Misuzu. The earlier we start, the less likely we are to run into other explorers, so let’s meet at 4:30 AM at Kokubunji station.” -Rokujou

『Hehe~. Got it. 』-Kiriyama

Why is Kiriyama-san so happy being called by her first name and bullied by someone like me? I didn’t have a childhood friend setting, did I?

Did she forget that I once saved her life? No, I don’t remember saving her from being run over by a car either.

『Then, good night. 』-Kiriyama

The call from Kiriyama-san ended. Even after the call ended, I couldn’t move the phone away from my ear for a while. When I finally took the phone away from my ear, I hugged it and rolled around on my bed.