A New Chapter Begins!!
I’m back.
Is it because I have an attachment to this company that I feel that way?
I can finally breathe a sigh of relief, having navigated the unfamiliar negotiation table and safely returned to the company.
Ultimately, I can say that I gained invaluable experience this time.
It also had a considerable impact on me moving forward.
Not only did I make connections with Kirie-san and Mimamori-sama through the association, exchanging contact information, but I also forged ties with the American Government and, naturally, the Japanese Government’s Akebono.
Though I question why a mere bodyguard would receive such favorable treatment, it was revealed that I am related to Kirie-san and am the most influential person in the company. From then on, I was surrounded by gazes as if I were prey.
The feast, with its dwindling time, left me with a different kind of fatigue than battle. It was a good opportunity to learn that forcing smiles requires an abnormal amount of nerve if you’re aiming for naturalness.
“So? So? How was it, Senpai? Those mysterious organizations in Japan!!!”
“Indeed, indeed! Even if we didn’t get any souvenirs, you must have plenty of stories!”
These two greeted me as I arrived at work, feeling unfamiliar fatigue after gaining experiences I never had as a corporate drone in my civilian days.
“You two’s attitudes make me feel at ease.”
The return after a safe business trip.
While the latter part ended peacefully, the preceding process was so tense that this carefree attitude felt like a healing balm.
As I took my usual seat in the section chief’s office, the two who immediately rushed over appeared like large dogs, their imaginary tails wagging frantically as they tried to play with me.
Glancing past Kaido and Minami, I sat down in the section chief’s chair. Ignoring their sparkling gazes, which felt like they were looking right through me, was difficult, but with these two, I didn’t need to worry about it.
“Calm down for now. I can’t talk about the details yet. Evia is reporting to the president right now, and we’ll decide after that.”
Even with the intervening holiday, diplomatic relations with Japan have just begun. The previous meeting was merely a preliminary skirmish.
From here, we need to wait for Japan’s response and further refine the content.
“C’mon, it’s okay. Just a little bit, just a little bit is fine!!”
“Indeed! We’re comrades who survived the battlefield together, aren’t we? No secrets!!”
I can’t blurt out details when I haven’t even finished distinguishing between what can and cannot be said.
Moreover, diplomatic relations with Japan are a sensitive topic within the Demon Lord’s Army.
Curiosity killed the cat.
And it’s out of the question to tell these two, who seem so prone to gossip from their appearance and usual behavior.
“Fine, if you can beat the instructors in a one-on-one, I’ll tell you.”
“Ah, Senpai, good work! I was diligently working on dungeon攻略 (guòlüè -攻略)!!” Look! I even have this report!”
“Leader, actually, I have something I’d like to discuss regarding dungeon improvement plans. It will cost a bit, but if used effectively, it will definitely be beneficial!!”
And they, having mastered how to distract a cat over the past year, performed a swift about-face, using the methods I know.
Even the newcomers are starting to get used to this scene.
Despite such a bright scene, dungeon攻略 (guòlüè -攻略) seems to have been in a slump during my absence.
“…Are the newcomers not doing well?”
I asked them in a low voice, to avoid making the atmosphere heavy, as they deliberately avoided the topic and acted cheerful. Kawasaki’s actions have had some impact, large or small, on everything.
In the past, the incident triggered by Carter Isperio had a considerable impact.
It wouldn’t be surprising if a comparable impact occurred within the Tester.
Ishan, whom I considered a friend, engaged in an act of terrorism. And Kawasaki Midori, whom I accepted as a fellow Japanese person, was involved in the scheme. These two things are not to be ignored.
“No, we’re fine. Hamamatsu-kun, who was acting with the Fuji-rangers, seems to be quite troubled, but others are okay.”
“The troublesome part is the interference from the Third Division. They kept contacting us frequently while the leader was away. They promised us benefits and all sorts of things. We ignored it all.”
“Manager Jūrgen’s face looked like a pufferfish that day.”
The two laughed heartily. Relieved it wasn’t a more serious matter.
“How about Katsu?”
Then I inquire about the situation of the person who is likely the biggest issue. Katsu had a not-so-shallow relationship with Kawasaki Midori. Honestly, he was the person I was most worried about when I went on my business trip.
“He’s been quiet too. He submitted several requests for a meeting, but Keiri-san stopped him, saying he should wait until Senpai returns.”
“I think Katsu will talk to you now that you’re back, Leader.”
“I see. Well, I can’t do anything about that either without Evia’s permission.”
Betrayal within an organization is far more severe and strict here than in Japan. Ishan and Kawasaki’s actions could have even led to their execution. Allowing them to meet is not something that can be permitted lightly.
“Regardless, for now, we’ll observe. We still need to continue negotiations with the Japanese Government and the dungeon tests. Compared to when I first joined, the workload is constantly increasing.”
“No comment.”
“It’s proof that Leader is reliable. In fact, only our division is operating properly. The Second Division is barely functioning, but it’s undeniable that the difference in their capabilities is starting to show. The Third Division seems to be paying the price, and the atmosphere is terrible. So, it’s natural for various things to come to the Leader, who can work properly.”
“A vicious cycle has begun.”
Putting aside Kawasaki’s situation and Katsu’s wishes for the moment, I worry about the work being concentrated in our section.
In fact, in terms of dungeon攻略 (guòlüè -攻略), our First Division is in a league of its own. Even considering my exceptional abilities, the gap widening to this extent is unacceptable.
It feels wrong to dismiss this matter with a wry smile, but resolving it is up to the higher-ups. I can’t take action even if I wanted to make some adjustments.
Therefore, all I can do is confirm the normal operations, as I am doing now.
“Amili-san’s dungeon is still the most progressed, right?”
“Yes, that’s right. Our party challenges it the most.”
“Conversely, the dungeons we rarely challenge don’t have a good completion rate.”
“Well, that’s how it is.”
There’s a difference in the completion rates for Kiō, Undead King, Dragon King, Oni King, Lunaria, and Uuor. That gap won’t be filled in just the week I was away. The situation hasn’t changed much.
“Should we reassign personnel for an average, or should we continue specializing in this way?”
As I consider future policies based on this data, I suddenly feel a familiar magical energy brush against my cheek.
“Kaido, Minami, step back two paces.”
“?”
I know the source of that magical energy. I instruct the two, who are unaware of what’s about to happen, to step back. Kaido and Minami glance at me with questioning looks but do as I say, moving back two paces. A space forms between me and Kaido and Minami.
“Would you like tea? Or coffee?”
I ask the approaching individual, as if speaking to the space itself.
“Kkkk, then I shall have some coffee.”
There’s no one in the space. Yet, a reply comes from the spot, and from the black mist that appears with a unique echoing voice, a familiar figure materializes.
“It’s been a while, Instructor. You seemed busy lately, have things settled down?”
The way he appeared itself isn’t surprising. What would be surprising is what the instructor will say next.
“You’ve started talking like that. Not too long ago, you couldn’t even sense my magic. A person’s growth is truly rapid.”
“I’m about to fall out of the ‘human’ category.”
We exchange banter and laughter. Internally, I smile wryly, thinking that Kaido and Minami’s reactions of surprise to the instructor’s appearance are probably normal. I ask a nearby administrative staff member to prepare coffee for the lounge and then rise from my seat.
“Kaido, apologies, but we’ll talk later.”
“Understood!”
The instructor coming in person means he has a significant reason. Kaido, understanding this, gives a mock salute and leads Minami away.
“Then, in another room.”
“Mmm.”
There’s no point in getting excited about what kind of conversation will unfold. As I lead the way, I feel the instructor’s presence behind me. I open the door to an empty lounge room and see the coffee already prepared.
We sit facing each other without exchanging words. The prepared coffee is ignored, and no one reaches for it.
“Let’s get straight to the point.”
“You don’t have much time?”
“Not much. Besides myself, only the Demon Lord, Raidou, Lunaria, and Evia know about this.”
Instructor Fushio, who had carried himself with a carefree air until arriving here, changes his demeanor the moment he closes the door and casts a simple barrier around us. The list of names he mentions, and his uncharacteristic, serious tone, which breaks his usual habit of starting with jokes, heightens the tension.
“Actually, there’s a possibility that our dungeon technology has been leaked.”
It takes me a few moments to react to those words. Technology leak. Those words circle in my mind. I’m glad I asked for privacy. If that information were to spread, it would be unforgivable.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes. My subordinate noticed it while investigating the pseudo-dungeon used by those angels the other day. That pseudo-dungeon was somehow using our technology. So, the question becomes, where did that technology come from?”
“The other day” must refer to the time when Seraphs were introduced en masse, and we were attacked at the company. I heard that Instructor Kio’s raid and destruction of the angels’ base, which had spread throughout the continent, resulted in a cave-like structure that resembled a dungeon.
“Why are you telling me this? Shouldn’t this information be more widely disseminated? The way you’re talking, it’s like…”
I couldn’t see a reason for him to tell me the details, and I chose my words carefully during the confirmation process, but I couldn’t finish the last part.
“We suspect someone from within. As Jiro is concerned, we believe the rot hasn’t been fully purged.”
However, Instructor Fushio dismisses those hesitant words easily.
“Since we don’t know where that rot is, we have no choice but to release information piecemeal.”
Even though it’s important information, this undead person says it so casually.
“The reason you’re telling me this is to monitor the Testers?”
I infer my reason for being told the information: he wants me to subtly look for individuals like Kawasaki or Ishan.
“No, the investigation is my responsibility, so your interference is unnecessary. Rather, Jiro has a separate request this time.”
“Yes.”
I thought, but I was mistaken.
“For a while, I’ll be busy with the investigation. Therefore, it will be difficult to implement new strategies for dungeon攻略 (guòlüè -攻略). Thus, I’d like you to act as a consultant for my wife during that time.”
“Um, you mean your wife, the Ghost we met the other day?”
“Indeed, Shuri. My wife is in charge of managing the dungeon, but it’s not her main profession. She might encounter problems. At those times, I’d like you, Jiro, and Suella to lend her your support.”
This is a surprisingly gentle request, considering it’s from the instructor. I’m somewhat taken aback by the instructor showing himself as a husband worried about his wife.
“Of course, I’ll instruct my subordinates to provide support, but there will be things they can’t tell you. Primarily, I’d like your support in those areas.”
“Yes, that shouldn’t be a problem. If you could contact me in advance, I’ll handle it as much as I can.”
“That would be fine. Shuri can be difficult at times, but she’s a good woman at heart. It might be a hassle, but I’m asking you.”
Come to think of it, this might be the first time the instructor has ever asked me for something. The instructor is different from usual.
“…Understood.”
Despite feeling a sense of unease about this strangeness, I have no grounds to point it out. Following the instructor’s lead, who reaches for his coffee, I also reach for mine.
Today’s Moral:
Pay attention to even the smallest things.
Thank you always for your feedback and error reports.
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*The first volume of the book has been published by Hayakawa Bunko JA.
It was released on October 18, 2018.
An 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 Naro, with the addition of an unpublished interlude.
Please support the new books as well!!
Thank you for your continued support of this work.
