The start of the meeting was not very promising, just as expected.
After all, this was the department for this company.
The Dungeon Tester division had only been established for a year.
Therefore, while some know-how existed, it was far from sufficient, and not enough had accumulated to serve as a solid basis.
In such a situation, deciding on the future work environment – whether to specialize or become all-might – which could be considered crucial, was difficult.
It was understandable that everyone chose to remain silent and observe.
“First, I will explain the benefits of specialization.”
No one offered a proposal from the start.
After all, there were no established criteria for judgment.
For now, they would fully listen to the explanation from a wait-and-see perspective.
“Specialization, as the word implies, means specializing in the攻略 of one type of Dungeon. This allows for a reduction in the necessary response capabilities.”
The biggest advantage of specialization is the ability to concentrate on one thing.
If one were to specialize in the Onio’s Dungeon, they would learn how to deal with the Ogre Tribe and become an expert in combating ogres. The Dungeons of the other five generals would be kept as references, and they would become specialists in ogres.
“Training for equipment and ability improvement, handling of consumables, and know-how construction are easier to build and understand compared to setting up a rotation.”
This approach also clarifies the direction for education and skill development, making it easier to compensate for one’s shortcomings and achieve results in a shorter time than aiming for all-around proficiency.
“Furthermore, it aligns with the company’s objectives. If all-around capability were possible, it would be desirable, but inherently, Dungeon攻略 requires specialists. Following this, it’s not just correct to pursue攻略 in this manner; it can be considered the proper path.”
Often, specialists form the basis for past Dungeon攻略. Heroes who defeat dragons. Clerics who wield holy light to defeat the undead. Heroes to defeat Demon Lords. Conversely, no one would send a cleric to defeat a dragon. No one would send a warrior incapable of using holy power to defeat the undead. No one would send royalty to defeat a Demon Lord. While response capabilities might be highly specialized, specialization is a strategy that resonates even in modern times.
Hearing this explanation, some newcomers nod in agreement, thinking specialization is fine. However, naturally, specialization has its drawbacks.
“Conversely, the drawback is that by specializing response capabilities to a particular Dungeon, one becomes unable to provide support to others in emergencies.”
And often accompanying specialization is a lack of broad response capability. If you asked a construction worker to serve a French full-course meal to a customer, would they be able to? If you asked a childcare worker to become a racehorse trainer, could they raise horses? If you asked a track athlete to swim a long distance, how many would be able to? Even in the sense of creation, the process differs depending on the subject. Even with beings to care for and raise, the methods differ depending on the subject. Even among athletes, different muscles are used depending on the environment.
From a year of being a Dungeon Tester, I’ve realized that simply changing the Dungeon significantly alters the approach. It’s not just about fighting. To challenge the Onio’s Dungeon, one must contend with the sheer number of ogres. To challenge the Undead King’s Dungeon, one must contend with all sorts of curses and diseases. To challenge the Lunaria’s Dungeon, one must contend with strategies that utilize nature. To challenge the Machine King’s Dungeon, one must contend with battles that discard lives, possible only because they are lifeless machines. To challenge the Uuor’s Dungeon, one must contend with fortresses built on vast mountain ranges. To challenge the Dragon King’s Dungeon, one must contend with a vitality said to reign over all things.
If, by chance, a specialized team were incapacitated, and another unit had to respond, their inability to do so could become a problem. Given the current limited number of personnel, specialization seems difficult when considering worst-case scenarios.
“Um, what’s the problem with that?”
After this explanation, one of the newcomers raised their hand, indicating they didn’t understand why the previously mentioned drawback was a drawback. Certainly, my explanation might have been too vague.
“The reality is that emergencies aren’t just about responding to instructions from superiors. For example, let’s say we assign all members of this department to all Dungeons. Now, suppose there are performance differences.”
This is a specific example of a drawback, or rather, a foreseeable problem. And it’s also the kind of situation that can’t be entirely dismissed as impossible.
“The攻略 of the Lunaria’s Dungeon is proceeding smoothly, but the攻略 of the Undead King’s Dungeon is not going well. In such cases, the team with free capacity should go to assist, but currently, we are the only unit available to do so.”
Dungeon testing is done by humans. It’s unavoidable that there will be differences.
“But now, suppose problems arise not only in the Undead King’s Dungeon but also in the Onio’s Dungeon. Our unit is busy dealing with the Undead King. We must resolve the problem in the Onio’s Dungeon. However, the remaining three units are specialized in their respective Dungeons, and while they can assist in solving the problems of those Dungeons, they may not be able to provide the decisive blow.”
Being unable to help is a worse condition than one might think. Inability to help and being stuck in place becomes a breeding ground for a vicious cycle.
“If we had more time, our unit might resolve the Undead King’s issue and then move on to the Onio’s Dungeon problem. But in the meantime, our unit’s work would halt, and the work of the two units experiencing problems would also be delayed. If another unit could respond, this time could be halved.”
If the policy were to disregard time, this could be overlooked. But unfortunately, this company is a competitive society. Any waste that can be eliminated should be eliminated.
“Furthermore, we have our strengths and weaknesses. We’re good at this Dungeon, but weak at that one.”
This is a drawback that applies not only to specialization but also to rotations. However, specialization can lead to greater damage. The newcomer who raised their hand earlier was so engrossed in the explanation that they hadn’t anticipated it expanding this far and listened in silence.
“To give an analogy, imagine everyone here is bad at horror movies. If we consider a level of fear that even a small child would experience, it means no one here could face the Undead King’s Dungeon.”
Specialization means assigning roles, and it means being required to show results in those assigned roles.
“With that in mind, if someone is assigned to the Undead King’s Dungeon but cannot achieve results there, and if they were to swap with another unit, it would take time and effort to train them from scratch.”
With a rotation, even if there’s a sense of weakness, they’ve had at least minimal training, allowing them to respond up to a certain level. But with specialization, they need to learn everything from the beginning. The question is whether that time is acceptable.
“…”
The newcomers, who had been presented with disadvantages that seemed to negate the initial benefits, appeared greatly troubled. Some were consulting with their neighbors, perhaps thinking a rotation would be better.
“Next, regarding rotations, the benefit is simply becoming all-around capable.”
I apologize to the troubled newcomers, but I cannot stop the explanation here.
“This applies not only to Dungeon response capabilities, but also to improvements in stats and thought processes, encompassing both physical and mental aspects.”
To rotate means to gain a wide variety of experiences. By not specializing in one Dungeon and challenging others, one can experience all sorts of situations and become more versatile than a specialist.
“There’s no doubt that the breadth of experience will increase.”
That is the greatest advantage of rotation.
“As for drawbacks, it’s the opposite of specialization. The necessary knowledge is six times that of specialization, and response capabilities are also demanded. The policy for raising stats, as well as equipment and consumables, will likely incur costs.”
On the other hand, the drawback of rotation is that the workload increases overwhelmingly. This applies not only to combat but also to paperwork. They must explore improvement strategies for all six types of Dungeons and submit reports by the deadline.
“Additionally, it’s not just competition with other departments but also competition within our own department, leading to comparisons in results.”
Rotating means everyone does the same thing. In other words, their results will be evaluated, and rankings will be established. To put it simply, it’s like sales performance. Even with the same task of sales, there will be differences in evaluation. Some people prefer a competitive environment, but many dislike competing with their own colleagues. Many people feel they can compete with those they don’t know well but don’t want to compete with friends. If one can work at their own pace, that’s fine, but if they dislike being compared, they should avoid it. These are roughly the main drawbacks of rotation. In summary, rotation involves more effort. Specialization requires less effort but poses problems in terms of response in emergencies. Ultimately, the ideal is an all-around rotation that encompasses all response capabilities, but the process differs. It’s a matter of improving comprehensively or improving in stages. It’s a question of how to proceed with the long process ahead.
“…”
Perhaps understanding this, the newcomers began whispering amongst themselves instead of remaining silent. Some were casting glances at the other members of Unit One besides me. Their intention is probably to follow the opinions of their senpai who have experienced this before. While that judgment isn’t wrong, it’s a mindset I’d prefer they avoid if possible. The thought of “If that person said it, it must be right” and “I don’t want to fail” is a natural one. Therefore, Kaido and the others have been instructed not to respond to those gazes. We have been working on rotation. We have challenged all types of Dungeons and achieved a certain level of results. That’s precisely why we don’t want to leave behind irresponsible words like “We were able to do it, so you can too.” I want them to think carefully and make their own choices here.
“Well, the explanation is mostly complete. It’s about time. Let’s take a ten-minute break and continue our discussion.”
Therefore, I will pause here for now. By taking a break, I want them to think leisurely. New ideas might also emerge during this time. Some leave the conference room at my words, while others remain to discuss, making the conference room somewhat sparse.
“Now, shall we have our discussion as well?”
“That said, it’s pretty much decided, isn’t it?”
I also step down from the podium and discuss future policy with Kaido and the others. Regarding this agenda, our party’s policy is already largely set. Whether we choose specialization or rotation, our actions will not differ significantly. Therefore, we can discuss it casually.
“That’s right, Senpai. I believe it will be decided as Kaido-senpai says, but…”
“We still want to add a little more, don’t we?”
“Hmm, maybe the current situation is fine too?”
“Yes, but it’s better to fix things that can be fixed.”
I apologize to any newcomers who might be eavesdropping, but no one will state our decision here. The newcomers, hoping for some reference, are all intently listening to our conversation, but I wonder if it’s appropriate to spend their valuable break time this way.
“Now, will anyone notice?”
As I murmur this, Kaido and the others all tilt their heads and say, “Yes?”
Today’s word:
It’s often said that the beginning is the most important.
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*The first volume of the book is 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.
Volume 2 was released on December 19.
Volume 3 was released on February 20, 2019.
The content has been revised and expanded from the version posted on Shosetsuka ni Narou, including unpublished interlude chapters.
Please look forward to the new releases too!!
A comic adaptation is being serialized in Kodansha’s “Young Magazine The Third.”
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