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Jiro Tanaka, 28 years old, single
Girlfriend: Suella, Candidate
Memoria Tris
Occupation: Dungeon Tester (Full-time Employee) + Recruiter
Magic Aptitude: 8 (General Class)
Role: Warrior
After clearing another dungeon today, I was left alone in the Party Room to finish the remaining tasks: accounting and report writing.
It’s fortunate that I can smoke at work, but it’s difficult to do so when other party members are around, not to mention Kaido. So, I can only smoke cigarettes one after another with an ashtray on my desk when I’m working alone like this.
It’s also late, so I haven’t turned on the room lights much.
Typing on the keyboard is second nature. As for the content of the reports, it’s just a matter of documenting today’s events, summarizing my feelings, and adding improvements.
This job, I probably don’t need to tell you, requires creativity.
It’s been a few months since I started this job, and I’ve been repeating the same process so many times that my improvement ideas have become monotonous, and I keep coming up with the same patterns.
Thanks to that, every day is a learning experience. It’s often said that life is a continuous learning process.
I thought only the game industry would require me to come up with fantasy-like ideas at my age.
I never would have imagined ending up in a job like this. I certainly couldn’t have imagined drinking with an Oni and a Skull Gentleman boss.
“Hmm, I’m stuck.”
My fingers, which had been moving smoothly across the keyboard, suddenly stopped. My mind is clear, but I can’t come up with any improvement ideas.
Today, we were clearing the Machine King’s Dungeon.
It’s a dungeon that we’ve become accustomed to, mainly featuring Golems. However, I never expected that our own improvement ideas would almost lead to our downfall when we reached higher floors. I never thought they would stack Wall Golems and turn them into a trap to crush us.
Those of us without any melee attackers relied on Kitamiya’s concentrated firepower to break through. It’s fortunate we were able to break through this time, but this might be a point of improvement for the party.
Getting back to the topic, to be honest, improving Golem-type dungeons is surprisingly difficult. At first, I thought they would be mechanical and easy to manipulate, but conversely, there’s too little room for error, making it difficult to find improvements.
Just the other day, Minami suggested developing a transforming Golem. And Kaido, for some reason, proposed developing an assassin Golem that closely resembles a human. I wonder if he’s doing it knowing he’s the one who’ll have to face it. Katsu, being inherently serious, has it even tougher. His peaceful expression when thinking about dinner menus makes me believe his true calling is as a stay-at-home husband. Kitamiya doesn’t work on these within our department, but the fact that he occasionally asks for my opinion suggests he leans towards Katsu’s way of thinking.
“The dungeon itself prioritizes efficiency, so there are few, if any, openings. This structure seems to be designed with the assumption of endlessly tireless Golems if one has enough Magic Power… but surely, if countermeasures are taken, it’s game over, right? I just need to come up with those countermeasures…”
The Machine King’s Dungeon, which prioritizes efficiency, is actually the easiest to map compared to other dungeons. The Oni King’s Dungeon has a structure that’s like an expanded cave, with dim lighting and many hiding spots. The lack of proper paths makes mapping difficult. Furthermore, the landscape changes only slightly, so even if you map it, you can still be misled down a different path multiple times. The Undead King’s Dungeon is a ghost town, so we can’t even reach the dungeon itself. Even if we do, we’re constantly pursued by an endless horde of Undead. It’s a tactic that utilizes their sheer numbers, unlike the Golems. Well, it’s a given that they’re weak to light and fire magic due to their species, but dealing with such numbers would definitely deplete our Magic Power. On the other hand, the Machine King’s Dungeon is a maze, but the paths are well-defined, and the encounters with Golems are spaced out. While the individual Golems are troublesome, they aren’t overly difficult to deal with at the moment. There’s no strict regularity, but as long as you don’t make mistakes on the map, you won’t get lost. Minami has already devised a method to detect Wall Golems by their Magic flow. Thanks to that, we don’t have to worry about getting lost due to Wall Golems.
“If I were to make any changes, it would be here.”
The basic structure of the dungeon, probably designed to maximize the Golems’ effectiveness, is what’s giving us a clue for breaking through, isn’t it? Such questions are starting to bubble up in my mind. As I compile these questions into a separate data file, not for the report, improvement ideas begin to emerge. I drop ash from my cigarette, blending the rhythm with the renewed typing, and continue to finalize the report. It’s still in the conceptual stage, but I feel a sense of progress and finish compiling the report for now. I stretch to loosen my stiff body from sitting for so long.
“Kuaa, it’s this late already?”
It seems I spent more time than I expected. It’s usually a time when I’m still awake, but seeing the digital clock indicating a time when it would be perfectly fine to be asleep, I decide to take a bath and go to bed. But then, I hear something like a faint intuition whispering.
“Come to think of it, I haven’t maintained my weapon yet.”
It is, after all, a living weapon. I wipe it down lightly, but it’s not a complete maintenance. Usually, I’d put it off until tomorrow, but today I feel like doing it. I head to the armory and open the case containing the Ore Tree.
“…Did your atmosphere change somehow?”
Previously, or rather, before dinner today, it had the shape of a slender kitchen knife. But what was sleeping in the case was a blade thicker than a kitchen knife, an extended hilt, a wavy temper line, and a black, glossy appearance that had increased its heavy luster. Unbeknownst to me, this Ore Tree had achieved an evolution that could be described as a variation of a sword.
“I feel like I’ve glimpsed the origin of a blacksmith’s despair.”
Even the hilt felt comfortable in its previous state, but now it has a slight, clinging sensation. Even a light swing makes it feel more comfortable to use with its weight and length. I can’t just stand around gawking at its value of two million forever. It already has a long blade. I need to get started, or I’ll be up all night. With the Ore Tree, whose shape had changed, in hand, I leave the armory and begin my work on a cloth laid out on the cleared table.
It was easy to get started, but…
“Fah.”
“Leader, you’re letting out a big yawn, aren’t you?”
“Ah, I ended up staying up late while maintaining the Ore Tree.”
“What ti—time is it?”
“Uh, around one o’clock?”
“That’s not too late to be sleeping yet, is it?”
“Don’t lump me in with you.”
The maintenance of the Ore Tree took longer than expected. Its structure was different from before, so there were many more parts to work on, and it took several times longer than usual. As a result, I’m a bit sleepy. Well, with my enhanced body, that’s a trivial matter. It’s more about…
“You’re quite edgy, aren’t you?”
“Indeed, we are.”
Kitamiya, who is holding documents in front of him and muttering to himself while simulating, is probably in a more serious situation. We’ve decided to forgo our exploration today and are heading to the labor union to finalize Kitamiya’s transfer procedures. More accurately, we’re heading to a place where we’ll discuss the possibility of a transfer with a union representative present. When I confirmed with Suella, she said there’s a dedicated department, or rather, a room, where they can assist us.
“But still, why did she tell me to let my guard down?”
“I’m getting a bad feeling about this.”
When I confirmed with Suella, she wore a serious, almost contemplative expression, yet she was still handling documents at lightning speed. It’s truly remarkable. She also mentioned that if it weren’t for the procedures for the newly established department, she would have accompanied us. This company prioritizes ability, with personality taking a backseat. Judging from Suella’s warning…
“What kind of person do you think it will be?”
“Hmm, I don’t think it will be someone simple. How about a trap-waisted boy for a character who isn’t here, though?”
“Would Suella get that serious about that?”
“Meaning the romantic target is B, and it’s in a BL direction.”
“That’s no laughing matter.”
“I suppose so, wouldn’t you say?”
This company is, for better or worse, unique. If I may say so, we have a Giant shopkeeper who sells cursed weapons, a half-stalker Dark Elf who develops monsters that could be called mad, an Oni Yakuza who attacks with a chanbara blade, a Skull Gentleman who transforms a magical wand into a serious hunting stick, and at the top of it all, a charismatic Demon Lord who looks like a host. As Minami says, it’s possible that someone who looks like a girl but is actually a man could use that appearance to lull us into a false sense of security, and then…
“Well, we’re just here to represent the current situation, so if we leave the handling of it to Kitamiya, there shouldn’t be any problem.”
“But is it really alright? Karen, your hands and feet are moving together.”
“Is she practicing Namba running?”
“A Mage practicing Namba running? How novel.”
“Ugh! You guys are talking like it’s none of your business! Take this seriously!”
“Alright, alright, there’s no need to be so tense, is there?”
“It’s important to me! Besides, why can’t the representative from your department come?”
“It can’t be helped; they’re busy with the establishment of the new department.”
I was reprimanded by Kitamiya, who got angry because I was speaking too casually, not being overly cautious or tense. For her, this matter will decide her fate. The reason why both I and Minami are involved in this is that I am the person in charge of the transfer, and Minami is here to explain Kitamiya’s feelings from a third-person perspective as a fellow woman.
“Minami, you understand your role, right?”
“My role is the eradication of those in happy relationships! I just need to focus on that, right?”
“You’re unwavering.”
“That’s my quality, you see.”
“I’m worried.”
It seems that this atmosphere, including everything else, is leading to Kitamiya’s tension. I intended to create the usual atmosphere to ease Kitamiya’s tension, but it seems to have had the opposite effect.
“It’s here.”
“There’s only one presence.”
“Does that mean the other party hasn’t arrived yet?”
“I can’t imagine Himusumi being able to hide his presence, unlike Nostalfer. She has no reason to hide it, either. It’s probably someone from the union.”
Even through the door, I can sense a single presence. I want to show my past self the ability to exhibit manga-like powers even in such a small place as I take the lead and enter.
“Excuse me, after this… no, my apologies, I seem to have entered the wrong room.”
I deserve praise for not changing my expression. My brain refuses to recall the scene I saw after entering.
“What are you doing?”
“Well, I felt like I saw something I shouldn’t have.”
“Leader, you’re sweating profusely.”
“Ah, I see. Kitamiya, it appears this is the wrong room. Let’s find another one as quickly as possible.”
And my intuition is sounding an alarm. It’s telling me to leave this place quickly.
“You’re in the right place~ Come in quickly.”
“It seems we’re in the right place, Leader.”
“That’s right. The sign on the door also says ‘Labor Union’.”
“Is that so? Is that so?”
But it seems to be too late. Even through the door, I can hear muffled sounds, and I can tell something is approaching. My body, operating faster than my thoughts in response to that sound, grips the doorknob with all its might, preventing me from opening the door.
“Oh my, what’s wrong?”
“Minami!! Nails!! Bring me nails! And a plank!!”
The moment I heard that voice through the door, I unleashed all my Magic Power. And it was unconscious. My body, having faced numerous life-threatening situations, is instinctively telling me to give it my all. My lack of sleep from yesterday didn’t just disappear; it was obliterated!
“You’re Jiro from Suella’s department, aren’t you?”
“It’s a case of mistaken identity!!”
“You don’t have to be so embarrassed~ I’ve received word that you have a consultation regarding your party, so…”
“Your thoughtfulness is appreciated!! I just remembered I have something to do, so I’ll come back at another time!!”
A standoff at the door. A silent struggle between the one trying to close it and the one trying to open it. I pour all my Magic Power into Body Reinforcement, determined not to open it. If it were a normal doorknob, it would have snapped off in the initial struggle, but this is a Made-in-Giant product. It looks like a regular doorknob, but it’s holding up even against my magically enhanced body. I secure the doorknob with both hands, lower my stance, and brace myself with all my might. I can feel myself even letting out a primal scream.
“Hoho, I’m going to get a little serious now?”
*Zoarai*
I feel a shiver run down my spine.
“Dodge!!”
“FUAAATSURAAAAAAASSHHHH!!!”
Following my intuition, which I value most since joining this company, I instruct Minami and Kitamiya to dodge and jump with all my might. I can sense it. The sturdy Giant-made door, along with its fastenings, is being smashed through the wall.
“Oh dear, I broke it. I’ll have to request repairs later.”
“…”
I brace myself for the impact as I land, and slowly, I force myself to face reality. First, the door. It’s impressive that it’s only warped given it was forcefully removed through the wall, but it will never serve its purpose again. Next are Minami and Kitamiya. They’ve fallen on their bottoms, but there are no visible injuries on their suits. Both of their gazes are fixed on a single point, their expressions contorted. Alright, brace yourself, me. Face reality. Slowly, I follow their gazes. High heels, coarse hair, fishnet stockings, bondage, muscles, an iron mask, and a tattoo of what looks like Cupid on her shoulder— Ah, there’s no mistake. I *wish* there was a mistake, but reality is cruel. A pervert, without a doubt, stood there.
“Nice to meet you, I’m Bastet. I’m the leader of the Labor Union. Pleased to meet you~”
She probably winked. How do I know? I could feel it with my senses, and it made my skin crawl 30% more.
“You’re a pervert!!”
“Who are you calling a pervert!!”
“You are!! Be mindful of the time and place! Even if I concede the mask, that outfit is completely out of line!!!”
“My, how rude. This is the formal attire of us Incubi?”
The shock was so great that Minami’s speech pattern broke completely, and the established rule that Incubi are handsome boys was shattered. And now I understand what Suella meant. Indeed, this is not a being to be underestimated.
“Don’t worry, I’ll explain all that later.”
“I decline. Ah, I’ve made up my mind. We’re here for work, so let’s get this done quickly.”
“Weren’t you the one being selfish? Well, that’s fine. So, I heard there’s some dispute among party members about a transfer. Which one is it?”
She seems to be serious about her work despite her playful appearance. She’s going along with my story and proceeding with business matters. Honestly, it’s difficult to look directly. My sanity is being chipped away. Minami, on the other hand, seems to have lost all her sanity, muttering, “Is that an Incubus? Is that?” unable to accept reality. Her usual speech pattern is broken, and it will take time for her to recover mentally. I guess we’ll just have to leave her be for a while.
“It’s… it’s me.”
“Oh, what a cute child. I asked you to prepare documents with the situation beforehand, do you have them?”
“…Here they are.”
“Let me read them. Kaila should be arriving soon, so let’s wait inside.”
As for us, we somehow managed to muster the courage. Seeing Kitamiya trembling as she hands over the documents, I feel like I’ve glimpsed the true will of a woman. The question is whether to enter or not. Like Hamlet, I ponder, but if there’s anyone who doesn’t hesitate to enter a confined space with that being, I’d stay away from them.
“I-I’m going.”
“Are you alright?”
“We can’t just leave after coming this far!”
Kitamiya, your stubbornness at this point is truly remarkable. Even if you’re acting out of desperation, I don’t know if I could muster the courage in this way. Following Kitamiya, who was leaning on Minami, we enter. What will happen next, will a snake appear, or perhaps… Well, at least an effeminate Incubus and a pervert have appeared.
Jiro Tanaka, 28 years old, single
Girlfriend: Suella, Candidate
Memoria Tris
Occupation: Dungeon Tester (Full-time Employee) + Recruiter
Magic Aptitude: 8 (General Class)
Role: Warrior
Today’s Word
I expected someone unusual to appear in another world… but this is the first time a pervert has been assigned to a department.
Could it be?
This personnel assignment also has a meaning!!
That’s all for today.
Well, I wanted to introduce an interesting character, so I wrote this pervert. The concept is that he’s a pervert but a good person. I plan to feature him more often, so please look forward to it.
Please continue to enjoy “Corporate Expansion from Another World!? Rise to Power Record After Changing Jobs!!”
