Akatsuki Translations

Early the next morning, I somehow escaped from Imari, who had clung to me in her sleep, and left the apartment, leaving her behind, still asleep. The outside was cold, with no sign of the sun rising yet. Still, cars passed by, their headlights shining, and the city lights illuminated the streets. 

I looked up at the barely visible stars. 

It was 4:30 a.m., with no sign of dawn yet. 

Even as I shivered in the cold, I knew it would get warm soon. I headed to Kokubunji Station and boarded the 4:52 a.m. express train. I had intended to catch the earlier first train, but it took time to get away without waking Imari from her embrace. 

I sighed with relief at the warmth inside the train. Despite being in Tokyo, the seats were almost empty at this hour. I sat down, placing my backpack next to me, which had plenty of space. It was packed with essentials I had researched online. 

I planned to purchase weapons and equipment for the dungeon at the Dungeon Shop located in front of the dungeon. My war chest was ¥526,821, which I had saved from my allowance for the past five years. 

“I’m grateful for the consistent money, and for being born. That’s about it.” -Rokujou 

My parents neglected me, but my dad made a decent income, so I received ¥100,000 every month for living expenses without any financial difficulties. They paid for my tuition and apartment maintenance, leaving me with 40,000 yen for groceries, and the remaining 30,000 yen is split equally between Imari and me. 

Although ¥30,000 might seem like a generous monthly allowance, everything I needed I had to buy myself. Yet, I managed to save over ¥520,000 in five years to increase my survival chances as an explorer. 

“That’s still hardly enough for an explorer’s expenses.” -Rokujou 

Explorers have substantial initial costs. You can enter a dungeon without spending a dime, but entering without equipment is a sure way to die. In the early days, many who entered dungeons unequipped didn’t return alive. 

【Your dreams are there! Let’s go to the Ikebukuro Dungeon! 】 

I saw an advertisement for the dungeon that appeared in Ikebukuro, the first confirmed dungeon in Japan. It was named the Ikebukuro Dungeon because it emerged around Ikebukuro Station. I was heading there. Although there are currently 89 dungeons in Japan, I chose Ikebukuro because it’s close to home and is classified as a “Special Class Dungeon.” Dungeons are categorized as Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced, and Special, and those serious about exploring often choose Special Class Dungeons from the start. 

“That outfit, is that guy an explorer?” 

“Yeah. Don’t get involved. You never know what explorers might do.” 

Voices came from the seats in front of me, where two salarymen sat. 

“Ugh, being with an explorer is gonna make my hangover worse.” 

“At that young of an age, he’s probably going to die. Just like my NEET older brother did in there. Well, it’s a good thing he did.” 

“Such a pity, they’re fooled by the country.” 

I can hear you, gentlemen. 

It seems many genuinely dislike explorers. In dungeons, defeating monsters allows for a phenomenon called “leveling up.” 

The higher an explorer’s level rises, the more incredible powers they come to possess, and many people resent this fact. I turned to look out the window, bothered by the two men’s indiscreet glances. Large buildings loomed in the darkness. 

“D-rank, huh?” -Rokujou 

The train swayed, and I caught a glimpse of Musashino Dungeon High School, where Ikemoto had said he would go. Even in the dim light, its tall structure was apparent. With the most students of any D-ranked school, it houses an Advanced Dungeon. 

D-rank schools all have dungeons on their premises, but only Musashino houses an Advanced Dungeon. The three tall buildings in Musashino serve as the D-rank school buildings, providing an environment where high school students can comfortably become explorers. 

“It’s been two years since its establishment, huh. Guess this year, they’ll finally have third-year students.” -Rokujou 

It’s been only five years since dungeons appeared, and many new developments continue to arise. The concept of “dungeon high schools” emerged just two years ago. Currently, they have up to second-year students, and this year, all grade levels will be complete. 

” I mean, I want to go. No, actually. I really wanted to. But if I’m just gonna get bullied there also, I’d rather just die in a dungeon.” -Rokujou 

That’s how I persuaded Imari. She knew I was being bullied at school. When I told her I was challenging the dungeon to escape that situation, she understood. 

However, she declared she’d follow me in death if I died. She’s probably serious. We’ve lived together long enough for me to know. 

“I have to give it my all.” -Rokujou 

From my home in Kokubunji, I took the Chuo Line express train, transferred at Shinjuku, and alighted at Ikebukuro Station. 

The Ikebukuro Dungeon. It was the dungeon that appeared in front of Ikebukuro Station. Emerging from the underground passageway, I saw a broad road in front of the department store attached to the station. In the center stood a grand entrance. 

The asphalt rose like the mouth of a cave. 

“The entrance to the dungeon…” -Rokujou 

In front of Ikebukuro Station, there were ten entrances. The number of dungeon entrances varies depending on its depth, and Ikebukuro Dungeon has ten lined up in front of the station. 

“Ten entrances mark a Special Class Dungeon… It certainly has an aura to it.” -Rokujou 

Nearby buildings, now vacant, had been demolished, and the road had been reconstructed to avoid the dungeon entrances. Even under the streetlights, the gaping holes in the shadows were terrifying. 

“I guess you can only enter from the first entrance.” -Rokujou 

I tried touching the tenth entrance, the entrance to the 91st floor, but it was blocked by an invisible barrier. The same was true for the other entrances up to the second one from the north. Only the very first entrance on the northernmost side allowed me in. 

However, I quickly withdrew. 

“Brrr, it’s cold.” -Rokujou 

The air was quite chilly, and my breath was visible. 

Even with gloves on, my hands felt like they would start to go numb. It was still before 6 a.m., and nobody was at the entrance. In the beginning, even at this hour, the dungeon would be so packed with people that there was hardly any space to step. 

Everyone came out of curiosity. But when videos surfaced showing monsters emerging from this entrance and killing people, those who visited for fun disappeared. 

“I wonder if it actually would be best if, as our teacher said, the Self-Defense Forces took charge of this.” -Rokujou 

Every country probably feels the same. But the dungeon doesn’t accept police or military forces. It only accepts those who want to enter of their own will. No one can be ordered into it. 

“And yet, if no one enters, monsters will spill out. Really, what on earth is this place?” -Rokujou 

If a dungeon is left unattended for too long, it collapses. Then it becomes a hole that endlessly spits out monsters. Already, 23 countries have been destroyed due to dungeon-related incidents, and over 100 have suffered considerable damage. 

“It was a real panic when that happened, especially since we thought Japan was safe.” -Rokujou 

In Japan, what is referred to as a “dungeon collapse” occurred deep in the mountains of Shinano, Nagano. The dungeon in the mountains went unnoticed, causing over 250,000 deaths and missing persons, creating a nationwide uproar. 

“Anyway, time to shop.” -Rokujou 

I stared at the department store attached to Ikebukuro station. 

A large gray building, brightly lit from the inside. 

Previously, one could enter the department store directly from underground, but now only the ground floor is open. Despite the dungeon’s emergence, the building remained unaffected. With aid from the government, the first and second floors had become what’s known as a “dungeon shop” for dungeon explorers. 

Above that were apartments for rent to dungeon explorers.  

So while it’s called a department store, it had stopped its department store operations because of the dungeon. With dungeons collapsing worldwide, fear of them was rampant. This department store, too, felt the effects, with fewer customers and was on the brink of closure. 

They decided to repurpose the entire building for explorers. 

“All I have to do is enter the dungeon shop, show my identity card number, and prove I’m over 15, right?” -Rokujou 

“Are you going into the dungeon?” 

“Wha-!?” -Rokujou 

I was startled and jumped. Someone spoke to me. I braced myself, thinking this was the same situation as with the old guys on the train. But the voice seemed kind, and it was a young woman’s. 

“Ye-yes, I plan to shop in the store before going.” -Rokujou 

I responded, turning to face the source of the voice. 

“Wha-!?” -Rokujou 

I was so surprised that I jumped again. 

“Um, did I… startle you?” 

Wearing a navy blue blazer with a wine-red tie, a student from my school, Kokubunji Middle School, stood there. Specifically, it was Kiriyama Misuzu, the girl I like. She was in her usual school uniform. 

It must’ve been cold, as she was also wearing her usual black trench coat, which accentuated her stylish figure. Despite the simple outfit, she looked incredibly elegant, and her presence was startling in such a place. 

“…” -Rokujou 

All I could do was stare at Kiriyama-san in shock. 

“Huh?” -Kiriyama 

Then, her sharp eyes looked directly into mine. 

“Could it be… Rokujou?”  

Kiriyama-san recognized me. She was impossibly beautiful for a middle schooler; there she stood, breathing the same cold air as me. 

“Ki-Kiriyama-san. I-is Kiriyama-san… going into the dungeon?” -Rokujou 

The fact that someone else had the same idea as me, and that it was Kiriyama-san, made my heart race. 

“Me? The dungeon?” -Kiriyama 

“Y-Yes.” -Rokujou 

“No way. I plan to take the D-rank exam in Musashino. I just came to see the country’s largest special-grade dungeon before the exam. Besides, there’s no way my parents would let me enter a dungeon without even going for the D-rank.” -Kiriyama 

Speaking with Kiriyama-san for the first time, my heart couldn’t stop racing. The town was still dark, but the streetlights illuminated Kiriyama-san’s beauty. Just having a conversation with such a beautiful girl made life feel worthwhile. Actually, it was my first time speaking to a girl outside of necessary situations. 

“I see, of course.” -Rokujou 

I felt down, thinking she had rejected the idea of my actions. 

“Rokujou, are you really going into the dungeon?” -Kiriyama 

“N-no, well….” -Rokujou 

“So, you’re not?” -Kiriyama 

“I mean, I pl-plan to.” -Rokujou 

Even though the dungeon accepts those who are 15 and older, I knew very well how unconventional it was to enter it without even going to D-rank. I almost denied it impulsively. 

But the reason I didn’t deny it was because I was fed up with always conforming to others and living with regrets. I’m going to risk my life. What does it matter if some girls who’ll never be interested mock me? 

“No way~!” -Kiriyama 

“It’s not a lie.” -Rokujou 

“Ehh, really? really?” -Kiriyama 

“Yes, really, really!” -Rokujou 

If they want to mock me, let them, I thought as I raised my voice louder than before. 

“Wowww, I’m jealous~.” -Kiriyama 

“Huh?” -Rokujou 

“Hey Rokujou. If you don’t mind, can you share your contact info? I don’t know anyone who’s ventured into a dungeon. I’d love to know how it feels. If you actually go into the dungeon and come back safely, I’d like to try too.” -Kiriyama 

“Uh, I’m not going into the dungeon for you, Kiriyama-san!” -Rokujou 

(Dude, just give her your contact. Don’t act all weird.) -Rokujou

“Ah, sorry. I realize how that sounded. I didn’t mean it like that~.” -Kiriyama 

The most beautiful girl in our grade, Kiriyama Misuzu, who I’d admired for so long, turned out to be quite the frank talker. I found this aspect of her all the more captivating. My heart raced even more, to the point I felt it might burst. 

“Well, it can’t be helped. Sorry for the sudden weird request.” -Kiriyama 

“No, it’s not like that… I mean, I’m not going into the dungeon for you, but I can share my number!” -Rokujou 

I’d rather have your contact, actually. 

“You sure?” -Kiriyama 

“If it’s just that, it’s fine!” -Rokujou 

Rather, please let me. 

“Rokujou, you’re a good guy. But I’m not trying to use someone risking their life. My parents just won’t understand. If I tell them someone my age is going, maybe they’ll agree.” -Kiriyama 

“Your parents are against it, Kiriyama-san?” -Rokujou 

“Yeah? Of course they’d be. And Rokujou, we’re classmates. Don’t call me ‘Kiriyama-san.’ Just ‘Kiriyama’ is fine.” -Kiriyama 

“Uh, okay. Kiriyama-san.” -Rokujou 

“I really don’t need the ‘san’.” -Kiriyama 

Calling her by just “Kiriyama” makes my head feel like it’s boiling. 

“By the way, Kiriyama-san.” -Rokujou 

“Are you even listening?” -Kiriyama 

“Uh, you really want to go into the dungeon?” -Rokujou 

“Of course.” -Kiriyama 

“Even if you might die?” -Rokujou 

“Should someone who’s trying to enter a dungeon without going to a D-rank even be asking that? Besides, it’s stupid not to go into the dungeon. You can level up like in a game. The possibilities are endless. By the way, I want to reach Level 1000, become one of the 12 Heroes, and become someone who changes the world. That’s my dream.” -Kiriyama 

Kiriyama-san’s motivation was grander than I expected. 

“Oh, me too.” -Rokujou 

But my goal was the same. Most people who go into the dungeon probably have this aim. And I have another reason: to show up those like Ikemoto who look down on me and my dumbass parents who neglect me. 

“Eh, really? That makes me happy~. The girls in our class don’t get it. But I don’t have any guy friends.” -Kiriyama 

“I heard you get confessed to a lot, Kiriyama-san.” -Rokujou 

“I do get weird confessions like, ‘I want to date someone as pretty as Kiriyama-san.’ Too bad, because the only beautiful part about me is my face. Personality-wise, I’m the kind of girl who wants to go into a dungeon and kill monsters.” -Kiriyama 

I felt deeply relieved that I hadn’t confessed, seeing that I thought exactly like those guys. I could clearly visualize myself being rejected in the same way. 

“But you never seemed like that at school.” -Rokujou 

“People have this weird perception of me being the cool, beautiful girl. It’s my fault for acting cool in junior high, but it’s hard to change my image now. It’s so stifling. Therefore, I decided that I’ll be my true self at Musashino without pretending.” -Kiriyama 

“I see. That’s something important.” -Rokujou 

In hindsight, I was so worried about being bullied at school that I never did anything true to myself. Even though I loved dungeons more than anyone, I never talked about it, and even though I was good at swimming, I didn’t join the swim club. 

I thought no matter how hard I tried, like the popular kids, I would just be made fun of, so I didn’t do anything. 

“You understand, right? Even though I know, I can’t help but want to look good.” -Kiriyama 

“Even you, Kiriyama-san?” -Rokujou 

“It’s been a stifling three years for me. But in the end, I couldn’t fully commit and am going to a D-rank. I really wanted to go straight into the dungeon, but my parents cried and begged me not to. Even though the 50% mortality rate was just in the beginning, they kept insisting it’s still dangerous.” -Kiriyama 

“It’s nice to have parents who’d cry for you. I haven’t seen mine in about 5 years.” -Rokujou 

“What?” -Kiriyama 

She looked at me after my careless remark. 

“Oh, it’s nothing, sorry! I have to do some shopping. See you!” -Rokujou 

I accidentally said too much. I was embarrassed for talking about my parents, something I’d never shared with anyone. In my cheerful mood, I just blurted it out. 

“Wait, Rokujou. What did you mean by that?” -Kiriyama 

“What did I mean…” -Rokujou 

I turned around, hoping she wouldn’t touch on that subject, and my face must have shown my discomfort. 

“Hey, Rokujou. Don’t make that face. If it bothers you, I won’t ask.” -Kiriyama 

Seeing my reluctance, her expression changed to one of annoyance. But she soon smiled and took out her phone. 

“I’ll forget what you said. Let’s exchange contacts.” -Kiriyama 

“Exchange…You really want mine?” -Rokujou 

“Why would I lie about that?” -Kiriyama 

Seeing her bright smile, I took out my phone, but I hesitated, not wanting her to see my phone which had no other contacts except family. 

“Give it here.” -Kiriyama 

She easily took my phone and added her contact without paying attention to my hesitance. 

“Rokujou, I think the way you live is cool. You’re much cooler than someone like me, who gave up because my parents cried. So, be confident.” -Kiriyama 

She said and handed me back my phone. 

“And no ‘san’, remember!” -Kiriyama 

“Got it, Kiriyama-san.” -Rokujou 

I liked Kiriyama-san even more. My heart raced. Even though her personality was different from what I imagined, it made me like her more. But calling her just “Kiriyama” would probably make my heart explode.