Entering a Company From Another World! – Chapter 3

I’m posting the third installment.

Jiro Tanaka, 28 years old, single, no girlfriend, occupation: Dungeon Tester (full-time employee).
Magic Aptitude 8 (General Class).

It was yesterday that I was being beaten up by Suella, a Dark Elf Mage, during my training.
In the few days since Newcomer Training began, any illusion that Mages can’t fight in close combat has been blown away, not just to the horizon, but beyond dimensions.
And me…

“Jiro-san, how about some life insurance?”
“Why are you here so early in the morning?”

Even though I was still before work, I was inexplicably being solicited for life insurance.
I was in my suit, without my jacket, and this is my room.
Just as I was about to brush my teeth, wash my face, put on my suit, and have breakfast, the doorbell rang. When I answered, Suella was standing there with a stack of documents.

“No, there’s no deep meaning. Yes…”
“So there is a shallow meaning?”

Her usual intelligent and confident demeanor had completely changed. She couldn’t meet my gaze, practically declaring that she had something to hide.
And the title of the documents: starting with life insurance, then documents related to serious illnesses, hospitalization cost coverage, and a host of other insurance items.
I’ve received my insurance card, but the lineup that completely covers any gaps in the existing coverage made me wonder if she was even trying to hide how suspicious it looked.

“No, there’s a not-so-shallow reason, yes, but… I have it… I really do.”
“Suella-san, your tone is unstable. And why the three-stage conjugation?”

I was curious about what made the model employee, the impression I had of her, so obviously flustered. But there must be some reason she couldn’t tell me.
She’s the same age as me, possibly older, and seeing her so upset made me feel like I was wasting too much time, and I’d be late. So, for now…

“Um, could I perhaps have breakfast first? I’m going to be late if I don’t. Maybe after the afternoon training?”
“That’s too late!!”
“Eh?”

I don’t think it’s my fault for being startled when she suddenly yelled.

“For now, I’ll have breakfast delivered, so could you let me in?”
“No, that’s a bit much…”
“No excuses! Is that alright? Yes, it’s fine! I don’t care if you have those special goods for men! At this point, I don’t care if you have a mistress either!!”

I was about to say that it’s not good to be alone in my room with a woman I’m not that close to, but for some reason, she confirmed that it was fine in a situation that had escalated considerably. What am I supposed to do?
Should I at least say that having a mistress is not okay?

“Breakfast will be here soon, so let’s go in!”
“Uh, please?”

It was her momentum, really. Faced with a Suella in such a rampage, I couldn’t even execute the command to refuse.
The only saving grace was that the things a man might have were still in boxes and unopened, and the only mess was the leftover beer from yesterday on the table.
Somehow, watching her spread out the documents on the table, leaving me, the master of the room, completely out of the loop, I couldn’t help but feel like I was seeing myself again from my previous job when I was unfairly burdened with work.
Is this situation unavoidable?

With a breakfast of toast, sausages, salad, and coffee delivered just four minutes after ordering, I received an explanation of the insurance policies during the time until my Newcomer Training began.
I was shown everything from well-known companies to obscure ones, even something called “false tooth insurance.”
It truly lived up to the initial impression of her being competent at her job, and it was a time where I witnessed her efficiency, though I wished she hadn’t had to deploy it.

“Alright! Please sign by the break this morning!”
“No, explain the reason… Ah, she’s gone. Or has the storm passed? Or will it come again?”

I watched Suella’s back as she walked away, not running, but with a brisk pace and a perfectly straight spine.
Looking back into the room, I saw the insurance-related documents left neatly on the desk, with sticky notes indicating where to sign.

“Can I sign by the next break?”

I glanced at the slightly stacked pile of papers, then at the clock.
Ironically, my experience from my previous job told me I had just enough time.
All that’s left is…

“My motivation, I guess.”

I resigned myself to it and started signing the insurance forms, figuring today’s lectures would be a close call.
Every single one of them was thoroughly explained, and to my dismay, their future necessity was also clearly laid out.
Because of the high salary, I could afford to pay for it.
And from the past few days of training, I had also come to understand the need to worry about my own safety and the risk of injury, which were far greater than I had initially imagined.

“…Did I make a mistake?”

I thought I might have gotten a job at a company that was even more “black” than my previous one, but the pay and working hours were overwhelmingly better here.
It’s a simple problem: if I can manage the risks myself, it can be considered a very good workplace.
For example, starting with the high salary, the insurance documents I’m filling out now are much cheaper and more comprehensive than anything I could have gotten at my previous job.
Most importantly, I’m enjoying myself right now.
In this unreality that has presented itself under the guise of work.

“Well, if I can’t, I can’t, something will work out.”

The optimistic thought also occurred to me that I could quit and have my memories erased if things went south.

“For now, I’ll just finish signing.”

I rushed to finish the last sprint before the lecture, my ballpoint pen and seal flying across the documents.

“Did you finish signing!?”

During the break in the morning lecture, Suella appeared as I stretched to loosen my stiff body from sitting for so long.
Without messing up her stylish clothing, she appeared so quickly, about 30 seconds before the end of the lecture, that I could only describe her movements as incredibly efficient.

“With this?”
“I’ll check.”

I handed her the insurance documents I had put in my bag, and she began checking them on the spot.
However, her speed was abnormal.
It was so fast, I almost wanted to ask if she was actually reading them.
Her movements were like checking stacks of bills, reading through the documents at such a pace.

“Were there any problems?”
“No problems, please rest assured, I’ll definitely make sure you get it done, yes.”
“No, get what done?”
“There’s no time, I’ll explain later.”

Her attitude could only be described as being in a hurry.
I don’t know what to say, but to rush for an insurance contract? If I imagine myself, who lives in modern society, doing that…

I’d simply be in a hurry because I forgot about it.

An insurance company setup.

That’s about all I can think of.

However, whether it’s the former or the latter, it’s hard to imagine given her image up to now.

“Yes, the paperwork is ready. What are you saying? Please speak to the General Affairs Department properly. At worst, use charm magic, hypnosis magic, or coercive spells to push it through. Otherwise, I’ll confirm weekend overtime for you this week.”

She seems to be talking to herself while holding her ear close by, but this is apparently a magic called telepathic call.

It seems more convenient than a mobile phone, but it can only be used within companies that have magic power.

In short, it’s the fantasy version of an inter-company phone or in-house broadcast.

The content of her speech, however, sounds like something you’d hear in modern society, not fantasy.

“Yes, I’ll be there in three minutes. Sorry, Jiro-san, may I hold onto your insurance card?”

“Uh, yes, please do.”

It can’t be helped that I’m hesitant.

If they’re having a Black company conversation with fantasy elements, I find myself put off.

Honestly, I was surprised that I could smoothly take out my insurance card from my wallet.

“I’ll certainly return it to you this afternoon, so please don’t worry.”

Well, rather, I want to say, “I can’t feel reassured by your attitude,” but I can’t.

After all, when she smiles with a smile that makes me think, “Is this perhaps the benevolent smile of a popular Sister?” how could I not be mesmerized?

Even if something happened regarding this insurance matter, I might say something later, but here and now, I can’t say anything.

“Haa, good luck with that?”

“Thank you very much. Then, excuse me.”

I watch her leave with a graceful bow.

The events of this morning can be dismissed with a single word: abnormal, but I’ll consider it settled for now.

After all, I’m being subjected to stares from everyone around me, wondering what’s going on, so I have no choice but to store that smile in my memory as a way to escape reality.

Beautiful women have it easy no matter what they do…

“What will I be doing this afternoon?”

However, even if I try to escape reality, my anxiety leaks out.

“No, no, if I don’t do anything, I’ll start thinking strange things.”

Then, I’ll go for a smoke, I thought, reaching into my bag.

“Wait, I’m trying to quit smoking.”

When I move my body, my respiratory system naturally tightens.

I felt it painfully literally during the first afternoon training, but if I’m quitting smoking, I won’t have any trouble.

Addictive things like that don’t easily let go of your hands.

Or so I thought, but…

“Status screens are so convenient.”

When I first checked my status, if it said Nicotine Addiction, Lung Contamination (Medium) in the abnormal status column, I would have no choice but to be conscious of it.

Even funnier, when you tap it, specific bad statuses are displayed, which makes me laugh.

Nicotine Addiction

– Calming of thought

– Decrease in internal organ function

– Stamina reduction bonus

Lung Contamination

– Stamina reduction

– Lung function reduction

With explanations like that, and specific negative numbers written in parentheses next to the status, I’d have no choice but to quit smoking.

“Instead, my appetite has increased though.”

Compared to before, I eat a lot more.

To be honest, I haven’t eaten breakfast for several years.

I lived a life where I preferred sleeping to eating in the morning, but for the past few days, I’ve been eating three meals a day.

I believe that because I’m exercising that much, I’m gaining muscle instead of fat.

“Speaking of which, when you think about it, mages seem like they’d get fat, right?”

It’s a complete prejudice, but just casting magic from behind doesn’t give me the image of exercising.

They don’t move, and using magic doesn’t connect to the image of burning fat.

In addition, I feel like there are an unusually large number of descriptions of supplementing energy, such as magic power, with nutrient drinks or meals.

That’s my conclusion, but it doesn’t seem entirely wrong.

Well, even so, it’s just a thoughtless, joke-like imagination that equates to getting fat.

However, I think I saw a few women react slightly when they heard my words, but I’ll ignore it, or rather, pretend not to notice.

For one thing, this thought is just a side-show for me, whose first choice is a frontliner.

In fact, even if I become a mage, I have a feeling I’ll end up in a position that mages shouldn’t be in, like raising my magic power and beating things with physical force, so I don’t think I’ll end up fat.

While I was having pointless thoughts, the break ended, and the lecture began.

In the end, I spent time feeling vaguely unsettled, with Suella-san’s actions still a question, and the matter remained unresolved.

Conclusions can sometimes take a long time to form, and sometimes they come quickly.

This is a case of the latter; the doubt I felt in the morning was resolved quickly in the afternoon.

“Rest assured, Jiro-san. Our insurance system is flawless, and our recovery system is complete.”

Suella-san in a suit this morning was beautiful and cute, but her current outfit, which is unmistakably that of an Elf mage, seems expensive and more functional, is also cool and cute, and I can’t get enough of it.

Although she avoids revealing her skin, the color of her skin at the décolletage, which is emphasized even through being wrapped in cloth, cannot be seen, but it truly overflows with a feeling of visual pleasure.

Normally, I might think that, but unfortunately, I don’t have the composure to feel that way right now.

Rather, there’s a part of me that doesn’t want to understand Suella-san’s words, as she earnestly encourages me.

“Ho ho, is this guy the only one hoping to be a frontliner?”

“Kekekeke, it’s a lively soul indeed.”

Primarily due to the presence of the two individuals next to Suella-san…

In a word, they were an Oni Yakuza with red skin and a Dark Skeleton Gentleman.

The Yakuza, whose voice could be described as atmospheric if kind, or intimidating if harsh, was wrapped in a bursting-with-muscle white suit. His fierce gaze, which could make even adults faint, was hidden by sunglasses, but not entirely.

He had three horns on his head and stood well over 2 meters tall.

If I had to say, he was beyond dangerous.

The other? The Skeleton Gentleman, with his old-fashioned voice, wore a stylish black tuxedo on his thin, almost fleshless body. He peered out from under his silk hat with a bottomless skull-like smile that seemed like it could spill blackness at any moment.

His height was more than mine but less than the Yakuza’s.
“If I had to say anything, it would be that it’s just bad.”

Yes, I’ve only said “bad” since a while ago, but I can’t help it.

Because even through the Kendo *men*, I felt a presence or dignity? Rather, an aura that seemed to crush me, pressing down on me.

When Suella-san first appeared, I became happy, but as soon as I saw the two people standing behind her, it was only natural for my survival instincts to make me wait completely still.

“I’m Kio, and I’ll be in charge of your training. I’m counting on you for the month until we enter the Dungeon.”

“I’m Fushio, your assistant. I’m counting on you too.”

“I’m Suella, continuing as Jiro-san’s instructor. If you get injured during training, I’ll do my best to heal you as long as you’re alive, so try your best, okay?”

“I-I’m Jiro Tanaka.”

Ah, it’s because Suella-san is here that I can stand.

But can I have some water first?

I can’t stop breaking out in a cold sweat.

“I’m sure you both understand, but please go easy on him, okay? Really go easy on him.”

“We get it, we get it.”

“Kakakaka, understood.”

“Yeah, I’m going to fight these guys later.”

That explains Suella-san’s actions this morning.

I’m going to need insurance. I wonder if I’ll be alive after this afternoon’s training.

“C-can I ask a question?”

“Oh, I have two wives!”

“I only have one.”

“W-what are you two saying? You’re single!”

“Oh, Suella-san is single? Good to know.”

I mean, leaving aside Ogre Yakuza Instructor Kio, Instructor Fushio, the Skull Gentleman, you’re married?”

“What’s with that? I’m just trying to make you, who’s so tense, relax a little. It’s my consideration for you.”

“If you’re this tense, it’ll be difficult for us to teach you anything.”

“Oh, is that so? You’re kind people, considering your appearance?”

Strangely, my cold sweat might have stopped.

“That’s right. If you can’t move at full power, and we make a mistake going easy on you, you’ll be dead in one strike.”

“Kakakaka, in terms of skill difference, it’s like crushing a mosquito.”

“Geez, these guys weren’t nice at all.”

“Oh? You’re sensing danger and creating distance. Good judgment. Don’t you think so?”

“For mages like us, it’s a poor tactic, but if we assume we’re going to run, it’s not a bad judgment.”

“They’ve even grasped me completely.”

Are these guys Demon Lords or something?

I can only see a future where I die if I train with them.

“S-Suella-san, can I ask a question?”

“Yes, please be quiet for a moment, the two of you.”

“Oh!”

“Um.”

“…”

“Don’t be so wary, kid. We won’t eat you.”

“Kakakaka.”

“No, I can’t trust you.”

Especially you, Instructor Fushio, the Skull Gentleman. You said my soul was lively, didn’t you?

I won’t let my guard down.

But I have to ask.

“You mentioned it casually earlier, but is it true that I’m the only frontliner?”

“Yes, but we’re also interviewing people for job changes.”

“Any results?”

“It’s a fact that it’s not favorable.”

“I figured.”

If you attend the lectures together, you’ll hear at least some rumors.

Everyone is talking about mages, healers, or archers, all backliners.

There was absolutely no mention of frontliners, especially warriors who act as a wall.

The result is the empty space for four people in the training room, which is as wide as a gymnasium.

“Forcing someone who has no motivation from the start won’t make them useful.”

“Indeed, following others’ words instead of forging one’s own path is the logic of a fool.”

“…”

I feel sorry for Suella-san, who falls silent, but frankly, I agree with what these two are saying.

It’s the same with work. Only those with pride, strong resolve, or those who are crazy can continue doing jobs they dislike.

Most people don’t last long.

I’m worried if the project will be okay in such a state, but it’s not my concern as a regular employee.

Rather than that…

“…You can go easy on me, right?”

“Oh!”

“As much as possible.”

The reality of having to train against opponents who are clearly superior, and certainly several levels above Suella-san, is more than I can bear.

Mainly about whether I can survive.

In addition, the insurance fuss since this morning has doubled my anxiety.

That last question was born from a desire to drag others down with me.

I don’t have any noble spirit or anything that makes being a warrior wonderful.

In short, it’s about survival.

“…Alright.”

“Oh?”

“Hoo.”

“Please go easy on me with all your might!!”

“Gahahahahaha! I don’t dislike honest people!”

“Hmm, those who know their own abilities will survive.”

“And, please heal me if anything happens!!”

“Y-yes, leave it to me.”

However, from another perspective, this is an opportunity.

While the other members are being taught as a group, I have not just one, but three instructors.

The quality of training is definitely higher for me.

For me, who grows slowly due to age, this is a chance.

Also, it’s still a workplace I find enjoyable, so I won’t let it go.

If I put my mind to it, I can do it, probably.

Thinking positively to dispel my anxiety, I bowed ninety degrees with my waist bent while wearing my armor. It was a rather sincere wish.

“Alright then, kid, let’s start!”

“Yes, but a ‘Chambara Blade’?”

“Since we have to lower the attack power for Kio-sama, I thought this would be suitable.”

“Suella-san, as expected, a capable Dark Elf.”

Instructor Kio is holding a soft-looking sword made of blue sponge.

There’s no fantasy element to it from any angle; it’s a weapon you’d use in a balloon-bursting game or for children’s play, yet it’s strange.

When held by a menacing Ogre Yakuza who would make even those in that line of work run for their lives, it looks like a *kanabō*.

Just in case, I glanced at the other Skull Gentleman, Instructor Fushio, and he showed me a toy wand that, when a button is pressed, plays a cheerful tune that doesn’t fit the mood.

That too, looks like a magic wand or a cursed staff.

Instructor Kio holds a weapon made of sponge, Instructor Fushio holds a toy wand, and I hold a wooden sword with a steel core.
The scene would be quite surreal if you saw it.

In terms of the difference in weapons, there should be a difference comparable to that between an actual sword and toy swords.

I am endlessly grateful to Suella for bridging that gap.

“Begin!”
“KOTEEEEEEEEEE!!!”

At Suella’s signal, I decided not to defend and instead went on the offensive, aiming for Instructor Kio’s loosely lowered hands. This was a move amplified by the difference in weapons.

“Think a little more, kid.”
“Huh?”

But before I knew it, the taste of blood spread in my mouth.

“Crap, did I misjudge the force?”
“Jiro-san!!”

The ceiling was flashing.
Voices sounded distant.
Also, it was cold.

“Here, young man, hold onto your spirit.”
“Guh!”
“Kakakaka, it’s a warning. If you don’t heal this Dark Elf quickly, he’ll die?”
“I’m doing it!!”

As the distant voices faded, my vision went dark.
But just as I thought it had gone completely dark, my body suddenly tingled, I felt a bounce, then warmth spread through my abdomen, and gradually my bodily sensations returned.

“Ha!”
“Jiro-san!! Are you alright!?”
“Me?”
“Sorry, sorry, I misjudged the force.”
“In short, you nearly died from a single strike.”
“Seriously!?”

It seemed to be serious, as a distinct mark from the sparring blade remained on my torso.

“That’s a sparring blade, isn’t it?”
“Yep!”

While it’s a funny story that the weapon of near-death was a sparring blade, I, the one who experienced it, certainly wasn’t laughing.
Moreover, while my torso was dented, the sparring blade was not damaged one bit.

“How?”
“Huh? Was the impact point bad?”
“No, don’t you usually wonder about things like that? How something like that could leave such a mark.”
“Kakakaka, normally you’d be questioning the one who nearly killed you, wouldn’t you?”
“Ah.”

That’s true.
Normally, I would have raged about him trying to kill me and perhaps retreated to my room in despair.
Yet, I found myself concerned about the cause rather than the aftermath.
However, I had a reason for this attitude.

“Ah, I kind of have an idea why.”
“Oh? What is it, do you have a lot of experience in this area too?”
“Oh? I heard this world is peaceful, how unusual.”

By “this area,” I assume they mean battles, fights, or perhaps duels in a fantasy setting.

“No, it’s just that I was so busy with work that I nearly died several times, so I guess I’ve just gotten used to it.”

My personal record was four consecutive all-nighters, collapsing at my desk to sleep.
At the time, I thought I might not be able to wake up again.
And this wasn’t just once or twice, but a number of times I could count on both hands.
Therefore, my fear and doubt towards near-death experiences had dulled, and instead, I focused on finding the cause and taking measures to prevent it from happening again.

“That’s a terrible occupational hazard.”
“No, I think it’s a good one.”
“Indeed, it’s a perfect hazard for this job.”

As a person, I might be considered broken, but to them, it was convenient.

“The desire to live is normal, but the measures taken to survive are above average. In short, if you survive, you can use it for the next time. See, isn’t that convenient?”

In other words, if I survive, I can grow.
It’s a constitution that makes it difficult to become complacent.

“What a lack of convenient usefulness.”

However, the fact that I developed such a constitution as a result of a death march in my previous job felt utterly unsatisfying.
If it were the result of training or a fierce battle, it would have had a more fantastical element, and I might have been a little elated.
But, on top of a negative resistance that had dulled my fear of death, the reason for gaining such resistance was back-to-back all-nighters, which felt like a direct insult to fantasy.

“So, are you going to continue, kid?”
“You were on the verge of death, so you don’t have to finish today if you don’t want to.”

Suella watched silently as the two showed concern.

“No, if you look at me like that, I can’t say I’ll stop.”

This is what they mean by mismatched words and eyes. While they spoke with concern, their eyes were challenging.
Suella was definitely worried, but it felt like she was respecting my will.

“One more, please.”
“Well said!”
“Kakakaka, youth.”

I’m not exactly young, though.

“Speaking of which, how much force did you use earlier?”
“Huh? Like pinching a gnat?”

For a gnat, that’s a fatal blow.

“Next time, how about a gentle touch?”
“Jeez, hurry up and get stronger so you can hit me with your full power without issue.”

Instructor Kio walked away listlessly, and Instructor Fushio subtly distanced himself, moving without a sound and maintaining a certain distance.
They weren’t in a fighting stance, but it seemed they were ready.

“That feels like it requires stopping being human.”

As I stood up, my words were met with a provocative smile that seemed to say, “Then, do just that.”
I’ll do it.
Shaking my head to clear my mind, I felt Suella quietly retreat.
How could I reach such a level? Is this what it’s like to seek strength blindly, fumbling in the dark?
While I thought it was impossible, a desire to achieve it smoldered deep within me.
That feeling felt incredibly pleasant.

“Haaa.”

Taking a deep breath,

“KYYYYYYYYYYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!”

I ignited myself as if exhaling.

“Whoa, whoa, roar all you want, kid. That’s some good spirit.”
“Kakakaka, it feels good, it feels good. This is what life should be.”

They were ready, yet I couldn’t strike.
So what?

“MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIINNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN!!!!”

For now, I will only challenge them!!

“How was it, Oni King?”
“Not bad, Undead King.”
“If that’s the case, please go a little easier. I almost stopped you several times.”
“What are you talking about? I went easy on you.”
“Indeed, indeed. Otherwise, the shape wouldn’t have remained so clearly, and you wouldn’t be alive.”
“Right? Even with a weapon like this, I can vaporize a human without leaving so much as a drop of blood.”
“Hahaha, well, I would have obliterated him before he even saw me,” said the Oni King.

“Ah! I had a bad feeling from yesterday when I said I’d help because these generals were bored, but you’ve gone too far!!” Jiro Tanaka, lying spread out like a starfish, was unconscious. Naturally, his left hand was bent at an impossible angle from the elbow, and his armor was beyond recognition, including the faceplate. His torso had been pulverized, leaving his body, stripped of its kendo gi, a gruesome sight. Honestly, this must be what they meant by being on the brink of life and death. I once compared the difference in our strength to a wyvern and a baby, but when it comes to the General Class, the gap widens to that of a dragon and a gnats. Maintaining a human form with that kind of military strength is a miracle, or rather, a sign that he was holding back considerably. However, it’s also a fact that I am high enough in rank among the subordinates of the Seven Generals of the Demon Lord’s Army to ensure treatment is timely. Fortunately, I could also use magic potions to prevent any lasting disabilities.

“Magic potions aren’t free, you know!! Besides, it’s impossible to destroy talent with this much Magic Aptitude!!”

“Talent won’t grow if you coddle it like a flower or a butterfly. Besides, he was enjoying himself towards the end.”

“Hahaha, how truly strange. His body shouldn’t have been able to move from the pain, yet he moved by survival instinct in the end. Even though he understood intellectually that he wouldn’t be killed, his instincts told him that our existence posed a fatal threat. He felt that way, so he didn’t stop moving.”

“…”

That’s right, Jiro had said it with satisfaction right before collapsing.

“Ah, I’m alive.”

It was a heartfelt murmur, a word that implied his life up to that point had been meaningless, and I involuntarily stopped my rushing feet.

“He’s going to grow.”

“Indeed, it will be interesting.”

“I’m truly glad he’s alive.”

How many times today had he been on the verge of death? If it were just fractures, one hand wouldn’t be enough to count. He had writhed around at first, but after a few times, he learned to hold the broken area and crouch without screaming. As he gained more experience, he started to hold the injured spot and retreat. It was astonishing progress. He wasn’t overcoming the pain, but rather demonstrating how to avoid or minimize the risk. After the treatment, looking at his face, now peaceful in sleep, I found myself gently placing my hand on his cheek.

“Oh.”

“Hahaha.”

“Huh!?”

“Did you see that? Undead King.”

“I saw it clearly, Oni King.”

“Is it spring for that late-blooming Dark Elf lass?”

“Hahaha, spring is pleasant regardless of one’s age.”

“So? What do you like about her?”

“I don’t know!!”

I instinctively shouted back at the two generals smirking down at me. My face was definitely red at that moment. I didn’t understand why I reacted that way, but my hand had moved on its own, so it couldn’t be helped.

“Fine, you don’t have to say it. We can just go drinking with the Lunaria later.”

“Hahaha, she’ll make a fine anecdote for our drinks.”

“Your taste is terrible!!”

“Well, we’re the Demon Lord’s Army!!”

I would rather not recall what happened next. I was teased relentlessly and was only released after Jiro woke up.

“Ooooh, my whole body aches.”

Groaning on the bed, I reflected on the day, parts of which were a blur, enduring the muscle pain while lying on my stomach. It felt more like growing pains, but ultimately, my entire body hurt.

“Seriously, I’m so glad I reviewed my insurance details with that kind of content.”

I felt the morning’s struggles keenly with the pain all over my body, finding some solace in the plaster-like medicinal patch that seemed to be healing me. I rolled from my stomach to my back. In one hand, I held my device, launching the app. The words “Diagnosis Complete” were already displayed.

“No way, no way, no way, no way, the growth in durability is insane.”

I was stunned by the results. It was clearly the result of fighting opponents far above my class, and today’s training had been beyond tough; it was hell. So, these results were only to be expected. However, if asked to do it again, I would flatly refuse. Minor bruises wouldn’t warrant healing magic, and even with fractures, treatment was immediate, followed by resumption, and cruelly, I never bled. Thus, I didn’t experience anemia or anything similar. It was an afternoon that truly became a training session, but at the same time, I felt like I had been a plaything.

“Endurance and Dexterity increased by the next amount, followed by Strength. Agility and Magic, as well as Knowledge, are a pittance. Luck hasn’t changed at all.”

These results were understandable, given the nature of the training.

“At this rate, I’ll just be a meat shield.”

I counterattacked when opportunities arose, but my defense was overwhelmingly superior in proportion. I asked myself if this was okay, and the answer was no. So, what should I do? The answer came quickly.

“I have no choice but to train myself.”

Nostalgic, I recalled my high school training regimen. To be a frontliner, what I lacked was Agility and Strength. I had no idea how to increase Luck or Magic at the moment.

“Suella-san also said the pain would subside by tomorrow, so for now… I’ll sleep.”

It was pointless to dwell on it. I resolved to wake up early tomorrow, set my phone alarm, and wrapped myself in my futon. My eyes briefly glanced at the worn-out kendo armor in the corner of the room, replaced by the provided warrior’s equipment, before I fell asleep.

Jiro Tanaka, 28 years old, single, no girlfriend, occupation: Dungeon Tester (Full-time employee).
Magic Aptitude: 8 (General Class).
Position: Warrior.

Stats:
Strength: 25 -> 39
Durability: 30 -> 58
Agility: 17 -> 20
Endurance: 19 (-5) -> 34 (-5)
Dexterity: 21 -> 36
Knowledge: 31 -> 33
Intuition: 6 -> 7
Luck: 5 -> 5
Magic Power: 40 -> 41

Condition:
Nicotine Addiction
Lung Contamination

Quote of the day:
Today, I truly realized how important insurance is.

I will post one more chapter today.