Entering a Company From Another World! – Chapter 321

“I have completely revived!! Oh!! Sleep is important, you know!! I have no regrets!!”

“You should have them, and also reflect.”

“I’ll ask you to look forward to the next installment!”

“Sorry to have caused such a commotion.”

“Yeah, be more careful next time.”

“Yes.”

It was lunchtime.

Uncharacteristically, Kitamiya and Amelia were in the kitchen when the smell drew Minami from the nap room, who burst through the door with a comically dramatic entrance, striking a pose. Behind her, Katsu bowed courteously.

I warned the two of them, let out a wry smile at their contrasting reactions, and observed their complexions. Their complexions were so much better compared to this morning, it was like night and day. I knew how draining sleep deprivation could be from my previous company, so I told them it was good and offered them seats. They were just at the plating stage, so it was perfect timing.

“I made a simple pasta, not as fancy as Katsu’s, but I’ve tasted it, so there shouldn’t be any problems.”

“It’s very delicious!”

Kitamiya, taking off her black apron and bringing the dishes, and Amelia, taking off her blue apron, reported on the results of their cooking. The steam rising from the plates placed on the table was incredibly enticing. From the smell alone, it seemed like a soy sauce and butter flavor? Clams, parsley, and onions were arranged on the table in a pasta dish that looked familiar.

“I had prepared yours too, but I guess I don’t need to ask if you want to eat it.”

“We’ll gratefully accept!!”

“Excuse me, I’ll be eating.”

Kitamiya asked if they wanted something light since they had just woken up, but Minami proudly stated there was no problem. When Katsu also said it was fine, Kitamiya acknowledged it and brought out two more portions. Then, everyone took their seats, and lunch began.

“So, Minami.”

“Hm? *Gulp*, what is it, leader?”

It was usual for them to chat while eating. Minami, savoring her pasta, was addressed while they conversed about work and reacted to the content on the TV playing for background noise.

“I saw it, but are you serious about that story?”

“It seems you’ve read the third one too. And my answer to the leader is yes. I’m dead serious, like ‘seriously’ written with kanji. I wouldn’t have stayed up for three days for fun or out of mere whim. I am serious.”

After swallowing her pasta, her eyes became a bit serious, and she nodded repeatedly, emphasizing her seriousness. I also nodded, and shared my current feelings. Although it sounded like I was lying, I could tell from her expression, atmosphere, and intuition that she was serious.

“If I had to judge whether that story is plausible or not, I think it’s plausible. However, honestly, proceeding with it will be difficult.”

I was talking about the third story, the one about the clan Minami was trying to create. The concept itself was quite good, and the content was realistic. If realized, it would certainly bring significant benefits. However, even considering all that, I didn’t think it would go beyond the realm of theoretical speculation.

“I think so too~”

I honestly explained this, and expecting Minami to argue back, I was surprised when she simply accepted my prediction and began eating her pasta.

“You *think* so? Were you expecting it?”

“Even I’m not that much of a dreamer. Do you know how much connections, cost, and groundwork would be needed to get this approved? It would require a long-term plan, starting from building a solid foundation.”

Minami, aware that she lacked all of those, dismissed her proposal as a pipe dream for now. If that was the case, why did she say she was serious? Her expression was normal as she ate her pasta. Although she often reacted dramatically, in a way, her usual expression served as a poker face. She never revealed her true intentions and avoided making waves.

“It’s a goal for the time being. It would certainly be ideal if it could be achieved all at once, but I still find managing it difficult. However, it would be excellent if we could launch the project within the year~”

I had no idea what motivated Minami so much. Launching the project within the year meant establishing a realistic prospect within the year.

“Well, for that, the Dungeon Tester also needs to achieve a certain level of results, and we need to seriously start working on internal communication soon.”

Then, I realized that she had already formulated a schedule.

“How far have you considered?”

“For the immediate future, it’s about arranging to use Evia-san and Memoria-san’s connections. You have to use whatever you have, even if it’s your own parents.”

When I asked directly, she looked at me, her closest connection. Evia’s connections, connections within the Demon Lord’s Army, and noble connections. For Memoria, it would likely be related to trading companies.

“Well, since both of them won’t look at us with biased eyes just because they’re your friends, we’ll need to go through the process of clearly demonstrating our value.”

“I’m sure. Convincing those two will be quite a challenge.”

“My goal was to live easily without working, so where did I go wrong?”

“Probably when you joined this company.”

“Regrettable. In that case, it can’t be helped.”

Despite saying “regrettable,” she didn’t look disappointed. She blinked once, and the seriousness disappeared from her eyes.

“Hmm, this pasta is quite delicious. For Kitamiya, of all people.”

“What do you mean, ‘for Kitamiya’? You have no right to say that when you can’t cook.”

“Oh, I can. I just don’t. It’s not that I can’t.”

“That’s what people who can’t say.”

“I can… if it’s instant noodles.”

“Are you seriously considering that as cooking?”

The atmosphere relaxed, returning to its usual state. Kitamiya was irritated by Minami’s subsequent remark after she genuinely praised Kitamiya’s cooking. Although their relationship had improved recently due to Katsu, this exchange would likely never disappear. I, too, set aside work matters for a moment and savored Kitamiya’s cooking.

“Mmm, delicious.”

The subtle balance of soy sauce and butter was delightful. Lunch passed, and the relaxed time came to an end. As if for post-meal exercise, we began our work.

“It’s not bad to change locations once in a while.”

I equipped myself and was fully prepared. I passed through the usual gate and entered the dungeon.

“It’s not a place we come to often.”

“Wow, the magic power is as dense as ever!”

“It has ‘Dark’ in its name, but it’s an Elf forest, so it’s natural to have a strong impression of magic power.”

“More than that, I always wonder, there’s no path here, is there?”

“We can get through, though.”

The afternoon was for our normal operations, Dungeon Testing. We had come to the Tree King’s dungeon this time. It’s a dungeon managed by the Tree King, who is a Dark Elf like Suella and the highest-ranking Dark Elf in the Demon Lord’s Army. The characteristic of this place is its sea of trees, so dense it makes you lose your sense of direction. However, it wasn’t dim; the light filtering in provided sufficient visibility. Numerous trees stretched as if to reach the heavens. They were not evenly spaced, but grew with a certain width between them, making it easy to proceed. The sight was nothing short of mystical. It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful landscape anywhere on Earth, let alone in Japan. However, contrary to the picturesque scenery, it’s not an easy place to navigate for invaders, as befitting a dungeon. There are something like animal trails, but the tree roots protrude from the ground, preventing the formation of flat surfaces. And the lush green grass hides our feet. We proceeded with caution, stepping on or trying to walk in visible areas, always mindful not to get our feet caught.

“The monsters here are Treants and beasts, right?”

“We haven’t encountered any Spirits yet. And no Dark Elves either. As far as we’ve explored, it’s just the two types the leader mentioned. Well, since we’re reporting, there’s a high probability that things have changed.”

“Every time, I wonder if it’s a good sign that I’m starting to feel like I’m digging my own grave.”

“I don’t know, but at least I feel the same way.”

“We’re getting used to it.”

“It’s scary, getting used to it.”

“We have to be careful as we proceed! Right!”

We usually focus on the Machine King’s dungeon. Next are the Oni King and the Undead King. We went to the Dragon King’s recently, but after what happened, we’re taking a break. Some complained about the lack of income, but when I told them they’d earned eight figures, they quieted down. The remaining dungeons, excluding the closed Queen of Insects’ dungeon, are the Giant King’s and the Tree King’s. We didn’t intentionally avoid these two, but we prioritized dungeons that had some connection to us, so we’ve tackled them far fewer times compared to others. Although we have some information from other Dungeon Testers, it’s best to verify everything in person.

“Then, shall we go with our usual formation?”

“This time it’s also for leveling, so the leader will be in the rear guard. If the leader is at the front, all the monsters will be hunted down. Therefore, Kaido-senpai, you’ll be the shield.”

“Roger that.”

“Shield, huh? It’s not wrong, but could you be a little gentler in your wording?”

“My gentleness will cost you two thousand yen, Kaido-senpai.”

“You’re charging money!? Is that expensive or cheap, though!?”

“Is that so? For someone like you, Kaido-senpai, who goes to places of that sort, isn’t it cheap?”

“Don’t compare it to those kinds of places!?”

We entered the forest, treading on the damp earth with a mix of casual conversation and appropriate tension. Mapping this dungeon is extremely difficult compared to others. Being a sea of trees, the scenery is repetitive, and it’s dim, so there are almost no distinguishing features. While a rock could serve as a landmark, they all look similar, and if you look away, it’s hard to find it again unless it’s a particularly memorable rock. We’ve taken countermeasures like compasses, but they just spin around.

“Hmm, it’s deviating a bit. Leader, which direction is the exit?”

“That way.”

“I see, so then…”

So, we double-checked using Minami’s magic and my enhanced sense of direction due to Dragon’s blood, proceeding steadily.

“A howl.”

“Amī-chan.”

“OK, the distance isn’t that far. There are pack sounds in the two o’clock direction, and some in the eleven o’clock direction too.”

When the howl was heard, Katsu, Kaido, and I kept watch on our surroundings. Minami and Kitamiya provided support for Amelia. Amelia, holding her hands to her ears to pick up sounds, closed her eyes and pinpointed the sound sources.

“The pack in the two o’clock direction is coming straight towards us. The one in the eleven o’clock direction seems to be circling around.”

“They’re flanking us, creating a pincer attack with a time difference, huh? Classic. Well, it won’t work on us. Kaido-senpai, shall we do a practical test?”

“Oh, really?”

“It’s better to get used to it early on.”

“Then, I’ll take you up on your offer.”

About thirty minutes into the forest. The first ones to greet us were Forest Wolves, gray wolves. They are characterized by acting in packs, and if the pack is large enough, it can exceed a hundred. Their strength is somewhere between goblins and orcs. They are about the size of a large dog or a horse, but to us now, they are just familiar small fry.

“!? There’s a strange sound mixed in! Be careful!”

We won’t let our guard down.

“Understood! I, Kaido Tadashi, will be the one to finish this!”

“That’s going to be a flag, and Kaido-senpai will be–”

“Stop that!? It’s not a joke around here, you know!!”

“You two, get serious.”

” “Yes!” ”

…We’re not supposed to let our guard down, right? While Kaido was striking a cool pose in response to Amelia’s warning, Minami teased him, and the atmosphere lightened. Kitamiya, exasperated, admonished them. This, in a way, is a recurring flow.

“We’ll engage in about ten seconds. Let’s get ready to intercept~”

“Here I go!! First practical application, ‘Transformation’!”

With the tension appropriately eased and everyone mentally prepared, they psyched themselves up. Then, Minami, her focus sharpened, gave instructions to Kaido. Following her instructions, Kaido, who had struck a pose, began to glow. And in the middle of the forest, he transformed into a hero form with a conspicuous silver silhouette.

“Wow, that looks pretty cool! I want to borrow it later!”

“Don’t try to borrow it like some kind of transformation set!?”

The one who reacted was, as expected, Minami. Clenching her fists, her eyes shone with excitement. I remembered that this was the first time she had seen the transformation. I found myself making a strange observation, thinking that it’s not that common for a transformed hero to banter like this. I decided to see how Kaido, whose voice was slightly muffled through the mask, would perform.

“Here I go!!”

I watched as Kaido rushed out to confront the pack of large wolves that emerged from the forest.

Today’s Quote:

It’s important to have your feet on the ground and set clear goals.

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*The first volume of this novel has been published by Hayakawa Bunko JA. It was released on October 18, 2018. An 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 includes revised and expanded text from the version posted on Shōsetsuka ni Narō, with the addition of an unpublished interlude. We hope you will also enjoy the new releases!

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

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