Entering a Company From Another World! – Chapter 329

Before I could even think something had happened, we bolted as an explosion rang out.

The distance to the group I had on standby was less than a hundred meters.

The stinging sensation on my skin was undoubtedly letting me know that combat was occurring up ahead.

I had them take cover in an inconspicuous spot among the rocky areas of the canyon, and I had asked Katsu and even the newcomers to act as lookouts, so we shouldn’t have been caught by surprise in this area.

Even with that experience, the dungeon was something that could outwit you.

“What happened!”

I unleashed a charge that shaved off thousandths of a second from our traversal time, and what I saw was Katsu desperately trying to rally the confused newcomers.

“Jiro-san!”

Katsu turned at my loud shout, a look of relief washing over his face.

“Everyone cover your ears!”

And then approaching the newcomers was a Dragon Species with gecko-like black, spotted, and shimmering skin. Its wide, bulging eyes, more creepy than cool, resembled a chameleon’s, yet the shark-like fangs inside its mouth were sharp. Its slimy skin made a squelching sound and, true to its appearance, it was slippery, giving off a repulsive feel upon contact. I pushed back the thoughts of where they came from and how they managed to surprise us; for now, driving away that threat was the priority. I took a deep breath into my lungs, channeling my magic. Towards the dragons, who were still ferociously trying to attack the newcomers.

“Kieeeeeeerrrrrrrrraaaaaaaaaa!!!”

I unleashed my full-power monkey’s roar. My monkey’s roar shook the space and instilled primal fear into their instincts. It wasn’t just about intimidation. It resonated throughout the space with a volume that truly hammered the emotion of fear into them. It was especially effective against weaker opponents. Despite the perfect targets of newcomers covering their ears and cowering, the gecko-like dragons focused all their attention on me. I widened my eyes, making them think they’d be eaten if they moved, and froze them with my gaze. I focused all their hostility onto myself and dominated the scene. If Minami were here, she probably would have let out a wry smile and muttered something about my excellent hate management. I wryly smiled at the thought in my head, but the smile that then graced my lips curved into a crescent moon. A smile laced with hostility, subtly telling my opponents that it was my turn now. My fighting spirit had already warmed up. The switch in my brain had been set to combat mode the moment we entered this dungeon. I moved my body smoothly and fluidly. With the lightness of going for a stroll, I kicked off the gravelly ground and closed the distance to the geckos in an instant. Without even a “shing” sound, my single, silent stroke passed through them as if nothing was there. That alone ended the gecko’s life. The naturalness of the swing was such that neither friend nor foe could comprehend what had happened.

The only confirmed fact was that its head rolled on the ground and returned to mana. Then, having quelled the atmosphere, I plunged the tips of my Dan and Kouju into the ground and shouted.

“Everyone, form a circle, with the rear guard in the center! Frontliners, move forward! Rear guard, form a protective barrier behind the healers and ready your weapons!”

What was needed in this chaotic situation was a reset. I swept away the atmosphere with my monkey’s roar, wiping the slate clean for my allies. Then, I imprinted upon those clean minds what they needed to do. Thinking while fighting constantly demands calm judgment. If that thought process momentarily boils over and ceases to function, the act of fighting becomes impossible. Therefore, I created a mental environment where they knew what to do, even if they didn’t understand what had happened, and helped them regain their stance. And when humans move, enemies move as well.

“Calm down! If you stay calm, they’re not an opponent you can’t defeat!”

If any of them faltered at that movement, I would seize the initiative and strike. I sprinted forward again, instantly closing the distance to another gecko and sending its head flying through the air. In times like these, it’s best to defeat enemies as flamboyantly as possible. While I usually prioritize efficiency, in situations like this, it’s perfect for instilling fear in the enemy and inspiring allies. The gecko’s head flew through the air, drawing the enemies’ attention back to me, but some of them were still trying to attack the newcomers without regard. The formation wasn’t complete yet, and they were trying to exploit that opening.

“Amelia! Switch to support!”

“OK! Leave it to me!”

They tried to flank me, avoiding a direct confrontation and instead moving to surround the newcomers from the opposite direction. It was like they were attacking from our weakest point. If I waited for something that would take several seconds to wipe out all the enemies in this area, the newcomers would be harmed. So, I wouldn’t push myself. A small shadow darted at my instruction, and the dagger in her hand was swung lightly. The sound of the slash reached us delayed. The magic that erupted after the sound told me that the geckos had been defeated. When the newcomers saw Amelia, they widened their eyes, as if they’d just noticed her.

“Hurry up! But, do it calmly!”

She moved her hair and smiled with an air of confidence, stepping lightly. The sight of the girl inspired the newcomers, and their movements accelerated.

“Katsu! Report on the situation! And tell me any characteristics!”

The situation, which had been chaotic, was gradually improving, and the defensive formation was beginning to take shape. The newcomers’ movements were becoming smoother, and the casualties were starting to decrease.

“We were attacked a little while ago and started our counterattack! Also, they came out from the shadows! Be careful!”

“How many?”

“Unknown! More than ten!”

“Alright! Sufficient!”

The sound of blows could be heard from a little distance away. Looking in the direction of the sound, I saw Katsu, who was maneuvering to shield the newcomers, performing a somersault and kicking a gecko in the jaw with his toe. As Katsu landed, I checked the situation with him, and he responded without pause.

“Any casualties!”

“We have a few injured, but they are minor and have been treated with potions!”

“Excellent! You held on well!”

“Yes!”

I nodded with satisfaction, seeing the casualties had been minimized by Katsu’s response. He shouted to make sure his voice could be heard over the sounds of battle, and his movements as he relayed information were unhesitating, showing a reliable demeanor. Then, I’ll leave this place to Katsu and Amelia for a moment. I want to avoid a situation like before where the Dragon King himself had to make an appearance and we encountered him. I briefly scanned the surroundings and the sky with my gaze; I felt no signs of any approaching figures or magic. And the swarm of geckos surrounding the newcomers, as Katsu said, emerged from the shadows as if they were growing out of them.

“Ishan!”

“!? Y-yes!”

The enemy numbers increased, and I could see they were desperately trying to surround us. However, it was still within acceptable limits. Then, this would be a good opportunity, though I would apologize to the enemies, for the newcomers to gain valuable experience. He hadn’t expected to be called at this timing, and Ishan, who had followed us in a defensive stance with his shield raised, turned back and replied. I admired his composure, even though his expression, which had been calm until just now, was tense with nervousness.

“Other dragons will be coming soon. Let’s give you a trial, shall we!”

I spoke while fighting, laughing gleefully as I addressed Ishan.

“I’ve managed the newcomers behind you. You can do as you please from here on! It’s fine to run, it’s fine to focus on defense!”

One swing eliminated a gecko, a gust of wind tore two more apart, and the sound of blows sent three more geckos flying.

“It’s also fine to step forward and fight!”

And, by my intuition, it would be better to leave the decision-making from this point on to them. Even though we were guiding them, it didn’t feel right for us to do everything. Of course, experiencing the atmosphere of battle would be good experience. However, from here on out, if they were going to fight within this company, I shouldn’t be the one making this decision. All I can say is that spectators who just watch are boring. Actors only belong on stage. Benny, Bart, Shuya, Haruna, and Katagiri all exchanged glances, then looked at Ishan, to whom the decision was delegated. Deciding what to do is difficult. Something you have no experience with is even more so. Who would have thought they’d be told to do as they please in a situation where they’d normally be told to stay put quietly? It’s impossible to stand in a perfect triangle and fight while protecting the newcomers. However, the number of enemies is finite. If we keep defeating them, whittling down their numbers, and defeating the ground tremors coming from afar, this battle will end, and it will be just about the right time. Staring eyes create pressure. Being entrusted with choices means being given freedom in exchange for responsibility. Given what happened earlier, I could see the atmosphere of growing caution as if it were in my hands.

“There’s no time to think deeply in a place like this.”

It wasn’t a teaching from an instructor, but in a battle, hesitating meant being mercilessly blown away. I wouldn’t go that far, of course, but I’ll be a little bit of a drill sergeant. I cut down a gecko, and in the brief moment I had, I leaped back and patted him on the back.

“It’s alright to be wrong, it’s alright to fail. Only not using that experience as fuel is unforgivable.”

I told him to do his best. I don’t know how much that eased his mind. All I can say is that the hesitation vanished from his demeanor.

“I’ll fight.”

“Alright, then what’s the next thing to do? You can challenge a dungeon individually, but it’s easier to challenge it as a party.”

“Yes!”

They had already experienced group combat in the mock battles. Now it was just about applying it.

“Please leave one side open.”

“Roger!”

Ishan’s actions were now without hesitation, his doubt having vanished.

“Everyone! Enemies will be coming from one side starting now! I will take the front! So, everyone, please lend me your strength!”

Ishan raised his sword to the sky, his voice resonating as if he were a hero or a valiant warrior.

“Alright! If I cower here, my son will laugh at me!”

“Indeed, as a warrior, I can’t back down here.”

“What nonsense, Shuya. You can stay in the back if you want.”

“Shut up, big guy.”

Two spirited individuals responded to his call. The mismatched pair stepped forward and stood beside Ishan. Seeing that they were finally getting into gear, I wryly smiled and continued to hunt geckos.

“Yes, yes, yes! I’ll help too! I won’t earn anything if I just stand around here!”

And as the tension eased, their greed for money also emerged. Raising their right hand, Katagiri stepped forward and stood beside Ishan.

“Hmm, I’d like to say I’ll join in, but I don’t do hobbies that hold people back. I’ll stick to support.”

“If you get injured, leave it to me! I’ll heal you right away!”

Following suit, the other front-line testers stepped forward. And behind them, Benny and Haruna formed a core. In group combat, coordination is paramount. Finally, it had taken shape. From defense to offense. This is what it means to be a Dungeon Tester.

“Jiro-san! They’re coming soon!”

“Alright! You guys are the reinforcements! Hold on tight!”

Amelia’s ears picked up the sound of a group’s hurried footsteps. I had made a grand announcement with my monkey’s roar. It would be problematic if they didn’t come. Saying “hold on tight” raised the fighting spirit of the newcomers. A suitable stage had been set for their debut battle.

“First, we’ll stop their momentum! Prepare for a magic volley! After that, the frontliners will charge!”

Ishan, having spotted the approaching group, shouted his voice, preparing to meet them. That’s right, that’s good. You don’t have to do everything yourself. If everyone fully utilizes their strengths, we won’t lose here. The mages prepared their magic, and in the meantime, Ishan gauged the timing.

“Fire!”

He unleashed the magic, slowing the approaching dragons.

“Katsu, Amelia.”

“What?”

“Yes?”

“I’ll handle this alone. Please go support Ishan and the others.”

“OK!”

“Understood.”

Seeing that, I anticipated the next move would be a charge and dispatched the two of them to eliminate any potential problems. Most of the surrounding geckos had been dealt with. Only a few remained, countable on two fingers, but there was a sense that more were coming. To prevent those reinforcements from passing.

“I guess I should get fired up too.”

I let a bit of dragon blood surge. The air around me instantly grew hot, and the quality of my magic changed. The gentle flow of magic became rapid, rough, and powerful.

“Now, now, it’s the newcomers’ debut match. Please don’t be rude and get in the way.”

With a grinned smile inherited from my instructor, I said.

“I am your opponent. I will entertain you to your heart’s content.”

I leaned forward slightly.

“Charge!!”

“You’re finished!”

At Ishan’s command, I charged forward as well.

Today’s word: Field judgment is difficult.

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*The first volume of the novel has been published by Hayakawa Bunko JA. It was released on October 18, 2018. The e-book version was also released on October 31 of the same year. The second volume was released on December 19, and the third volume was released on February 20, 2019. These books are revised and expanded versions of the content posted on Shosetsuka ni Naro, with the addition of unpublished interlude chapters. Please consider purchasing the new releases as well!!

The comic adaptation is serialized in Kodansha’s “Young Magazine The Third.” We hope you enjoy that as well.

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