Entering a Company From Another World! – Chapter 316

The battle with the President concluded without incident.

The Ore Tree was temporarily entrusted for further inspection.
It was stated to be returned within two to three days.
As for me, after the final examination, I was deemed to have no physical problems and was finally discharged from the hospital.

And then.

“So, Jiro-san, you understand what we want to say, right?”
“Yes, I am deeply sorry for causing you worry.”

We were in the middle of a family meeting.
Logically speaking, it wasn’t entirely impossible to say I wasn’t at fault, but there were several judgments, or rather, potentially fatal decisions, that I had made. So, I honestly prostrated myself and bowed my head.

This was not the first time I had joined this company and acted recklessly.
Each time, I had been told to be careful, but the result was that I had ended up causing them worry like this.
I was truly grateful for Suella and the others’ magnanimity, wondering how they hadn’t gotten tired of me.

“While we cannot strongly object as this is the work we have requested, Jiro-san, we would appreciate it if you could consider acting with a bit more caution.”

Suella exuded an atmosphere of being slightly angry, but her concern was more pronounced.

“Um, I know it’s not our place to say this, but… it’s because we’re worried.”

Her words gradually trailed off.
And I understood and agreed with what she was saying.

“I understand that you are passionate about your work, Master. However, even for me, it’s difficult to constantly have you come back injured like this.”

And it wasn’t just Suella; others were equally worried.
Seeing Himik, who was usually bright and energetic like Suella, saddened by the current situation also pained my heart.

“This time, I was truly chilled to the bone. Hearing that Jiro-san had resigned.”

Memoria, standing beside her, clutched the hem of her clothes, showing her anxiety.
The Demon Lord’s Army’s request to us Dungeon Testers was to create dungeons that no one could conquer.
This applied to heroes, who were their natural enemies, as well.
To create such a thing, the Dungeon Testers who challenged them would undoubtedly be exposed to danger.
Medical facilities and safety measures were prepared for that.
What I was doing was strictly business, and it could be said that getting injured was, in a sense, unavoidable.
On the other hand, it was understandable for them to worry about me in a private capacity.
After all, while my life was guaranteed, situations that would make a lover worry constantly arose one after another, such as suddenly resigning like I did, being sent to the battlefield, or going to another world.
Truly, there was no end to the seeds of worry.
There were five of us present: me, Suella, Memoria, Himik, and Evia-san, who had finished her work.
The expressions of the female contingent were all similar to Suella’s.
Even though they understood it was inevitable, they couldn’t help but worry.
Even Evia-san, who was usually stoic, seemed to find today’s topic difficult.
Worry was visible in her expression.

“…That being said, considering the current situation, there’s no way we can remove Jiro from our fighting force. Even using my authority, it’s impossible. However, that doesn’t solve the problem. It would be best if he became strong enough not to require our worry, but when will that be?”
“It’s a dilemma; if we satisfy one thing, the other is left unsatisfied. While the content is contradictory, it’s also a matter of how we carry ourselves emotionally.”
“Muu, I really don’t want Master to come back injured. But if we make selfish demands, does that mean we can’t do our work?”

To summarize, at present, there was no solution other than to endure it and for me to act more cautiously.
Quitting work or changing departments was not out of the question, but I had just shown my strength to the President, and I had no intention of abandoning my current life, so there were no other options.
Hearing the female group sigh in unison made me feel truly sorry.

“Evia-san.”
“…”
“Um…”
“…”
“Evia?”
“What is it, Jiro?”

While pondering what could be done in such a situation, wanting to at least reduce their worries a little, I considered presenting an idea I had come up with, but first, I needed to confirm something.
However, when I called her with a respectful title, she didn’t respond. When I hesitantly called her by her name, she responded readily.

“Well, I have a proposal, or rather, a consultation.”
“…”
“…I do.”
“I shall listen.”

I realized that even polite forms of address didn’t work.
Deciding to at least separate my professional and personal lives, I proposed the content I had thought of.

“I would like to step back from the front lines for about a month. I realized this during my fight with the President. While I can somehow use the dragon’s blood now, I can only use it. My precision is lacking. If I improve that precision, I believe I can contribute more to dungeon攻略 and ensure safety.”
“…Indeed, seeing you at that time, you didn’t seem to have complete control. It’s a bit dangerous to hone unstable power in actual combat. While there were no problems with the examination, it’s certain that we’ll need to observe you for a while. However, you’re bringing this up at this timing, so that’s not the real reason, is it?”

And this was a private space.
Evia, sensing that I had brought up work matters, prompted me to speak my true intentions.
As if I had been waiting for those words, I grinned and told her the truth.

“The reason I gave earlier is the superficial one. I also think I’ve worried everyone too much. I’d like to take some time off, like a partial vacation. Is that too much to ask?”

While I could take regular breaks and there were no mental or physical burdens, looking back at the past year, it could be said that I had experienced a very intense period.
Therefore, it wouldn’t be bad to stop for a
moment and reflect.
I also wanted to do something for them in return for the worry I had caused.
Hearing this, she crossed her arms as if to ponder, leaned back against the chair, closed her eyes, and remained silent for a few seconds.

“I won’t say it’s impossible, but the reason is weak. Retiring from the front lines immediately after demonstrating your strength could be misinterpreted by those around us as you getting carried away. We don’t dislike that you’re thinking of us, but if you want to convince others, you need to push a little harder.”

Evia’s response seemed to suggest that while I could take a break, it wasn’t recommended considering what would happen afterward.
In that case, then.

“Then, how about a policy of improving Kaido and the others?”
“Oh?”
“No offense, but there’s too much of a gap between my abilities and those of the other members. I don’t mean to say this in front of Evia, but in a way, it’s becoming like a Hero’s party. I’m not saying that’s bad, but if I were to fall, our combat strength would significantly decrease. So, how about we get on the same page now?”
“…It’s not bad, but it’s still weak. If we’re going to do that, we might as well boost everyone’s overall strength.”
“What do you mean?”
“The training period for the new employees is almost over. We were planning to deploy them immediately after, but this is perfect. Jiro, you can be the one to spar with them for the final part of their training. Considering the timing and future prospects, this would be better.”

I had intended to spar with Kaido and the others to get used to it, like a training session, but it seemed things weren’t going to be that simple.
Before I knew it, Evia seemed enthusiastic about the idea.

“It will be good for your own acclimatization. Besides, it might be more convenient for us this way.”
“How so?”
“We’re planning a large-scale renovation of the dungeon soon. So, we can do the renovations at that time. Even after a year, we’ve gathered sufficient information. All the generals are on board. The details won’t be announced, but well, look forward to it.”

I wondered what I should look forward to, perhaps a more brutal dungeon. I couldn’t complain since my original objective had been achieved.
It felt a bit counterproductive to think that I would have to struggle even after my break ended, but for now, this was fine.

“Also, Jiro, I’ll ask again, are you truly experiencing no abnormalities in your body?”

With the future plans roughly decided, Evia’s tone shifted, as if to address the main point, and she asked about my physical condition.
And it seemed Suella and the others were also curious, momentarily tightening the relaxed atmosphere.
I had undergone thorough examinations, and I hadn’t gone berserk during my fight with the President.
Still, Evia suspected that I might be feeling something myself, hence the question.

“…It’s not that my power has increased or anything, right?”
“Ah.”

Naturally, she wasn’t talking about an increase in physical abilities or anything like that.
Evia nodded in affirmation.

“I can only say that I probably haven’t.”

As Suella and the others watched intently, I recalled the faint, lingering memories from when I fought in the Dragon King’s Dungeon.
And tracing my memories from when I woke up, I couldn’t think of what Evia was asking about.
While I was relieved that I wasn’t exhibiting chuunibyou symptoms like a destructive urge, the fact that there was nothing at all made me a little uneasy.
Perhaps Evia also felt the same concern.
It was too “convenient.”
I had also seen the examination results of the Ore Tree.
It had evolved into an original species perfectly adapted to my physique, and my power, influenced by it, had increased several times over.
The researchers, excited by the results, had apparently urged Evia to let them study it, but she had dismissed them, limiting their involvement to data analysis.
I could only feel gratitude for Evia’s judgment, considering that my partner might have ended up in formaldehyde.

“…I see. If you feel even the slightest discomfort, report it immediately. Your body is no longer just your own.”
“I understand.”

Evia’s expression, showing concern, was not the professional face she usually displayed during work but rather the private one I had seen more often recently.
I nodded honestly at the gentle smile she faintly showed.

“Speaking of which, Jiro-san, you’ll be free for a while, won’t you?”
“Ah, I probably will be, but is there something, Memoria?”
“Yes, you’ve been busy until now, so how about we go on a trip this time?”

Once the main topic was concluded, the rest was small talk.
Memoria, who had finally relaxed, clapped her hands together, drawing everyone’s attention, and, as a way to change the subject, made a suggestion.
A trip. Given that Suella was in her stable period, it was possible.
As long as it wasn’t an excessively strenuous location, it should be fine.
Such opportunities for relaxation should be actively pursued.
Fortunately, I now had余裕 in terms of stamina, money, and time.
Going on a trip as a reward this time would be good.
As Memoria suggested with a faint smile, smiles also appeared on our faces.

“That’s right, if we can go, I’d want to. Does Memoria have a place she wants to go?”
“Yes.”

Then, rummaging through something she had apparently prepared beforehand, Memoria brought out various items and spread out flyers.

“Is this a Japanese tourist map?”
“Now that I think about it, you know our world, Jiro-san, but we didn’t know about your world. So, this is a good opportunity. How about taking a little break and sightseeing in Japan?”

Magazines featuring tourist spots like Kyoto, Osaka, Hokkaido, and Okinawa, as well as hidden hot springs and renowned inns, were included.
There were also other items with sticky notes attached, indicating Memoria’s considerable enthusiasm.

“Don’t worry, I’ll arrange the necessary magic tools for Himik, Suella, and myself, as well as Evia-sama.”

Memoria’s declaration to fully utilize opportunities was reassuring.

“Hmm, a vacation? I’ll try to make something work.”
The first to react to those words was Evia.
She casually picked up one of the brochures and began flipping through it.
The one she was holding was a gourmet magazine.
Now that I thought about it, she seemed to have been quite particular about food.

“Oh! I get to see Master’s country? I’m looking forward to it!!”
Hearing about Japan, for Himik, who usually stayed in her room, this would be a good opportunity to experience the world outside her window.
With a cheerful expression, she began reading a magazine, just like Evia.

“Yes, I’ve only seen Tokyo, so this might be a good opportunity.”

As Suella and the others also became enthusiastic, the topic of travel began to take off.

Today’s word:
Sometimes, one must consider taking a break.

This arc will conclude in one or two more chapters.
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*The first volume of the novel is published by Hayakawa Bunko JA.
It was released on October 18, 2018.
The e-book version was released on October 31 of the same year.
The second volume was released on December 19.
The third volume was released on February 20, 2019.
The content has been revised and expanded from the version posted on Shōsetsuka ni Narō, with the addition of an unpublished interlude.
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