Entering a Company From Another World! – Chapter 429

“…Huh? You’re lying?”

“No, rather, why do you think all of it is true? Doesn’t it clash with the image of the person speaking to you right now?”

“Well, many people’s personalities change when it comes to combat.”

“…”

If such rumors were to spread, the damage to my reputation would be too severe.

Sister Sanari tilted her head, asking if it was a lie, the moment I said everything except for a few parts was fake.

And then there were Saml and Yaml.

Seeing their reactions, I couldn’t help but respond genuinely.

Well, I admit I’ve flipped off a god before, but I certainly haven’t been gleefully stomping on corpses.

I’m confident I can prove it’s a false accusation.

Besides, I didn’t have the composure for anything like that at the time.

Thanks to Valse-san’s abilities, I could somehow stand up and awaken various things, but my entire body was in tatters.

Even with a massive adrenaline rush, I wouldn’t get that high.

All I had was the survival instinct to not die.

Ah, and I did have a rather high level of killing intent for being so thoroughly beaten.

Damn, if I had taken one more step, I might have done something like that.

“What? Then the rumors about defeating the Hero are also untrue?”

“That part is true. Why would the core of the rumors be shaken?”

Are all temple personnel this pure? I worried as I watched the entire story twist when I denied something.

Considering the information I’ve heard, it’s a close-knit organization that doesn’t interact with the outside much. Are they perhaps ignorant of worldly affairs?

“Oh well, it doesn’t matter. As long as you ensure that I’m not the cruel person the rumors say I am, and that this child isn’t taught to carelessly attack people.”

“I will do my best.”

“Impossible!”

“You say that so easily!?”

Circumstances differ for everyone, and my interference would only cause discord.

I can’t be bothered to ignite my chivalrous spirit and declare, “That’s wrong!” like some righteous hero.

So, I intended to impart common sense, but while Sister Sanari acknowledged it, the little girl over there who raised her hand in objection, do you have a death wish?

If so, then rejoice.

That destruction is right beside you.

Even from my perspective, it was quite fast.

With a sudden, wet, and smooth movement, yet still possessing sharpness, it was an Iron Claw.

No, it’s a Mouth Claw since it’s gripping the mouth.

“Can’t you keep that mouth of yours a little quieter? Huh? For my part, I could just as easily sew your mouth shut with a needle? Haven’t you learned anything with that half-wit brain of yours?”

In modern Japan, this might be considered corporal punishment or violence, but given the circumstances, it’s understandable.

Though she uses a strangely menacing voice, I doubted she was truly a Sister.

I conceded that perhaps only such a stimulating, serious scolding would get through.

Being scolded is a sign of being cared for.

Indifference is the true end.

Cherish it while you can, I thought, reaching for my now cold coffee.

Leaving Yaml to nervously watch the exchange between the Sister and Saml, a knock sounded on the conference room door.

Sensing that it would take some more time, I stood up and opened the door myself, revealing Keiri-san.

“We have a visitor.”

Then, when I looked behind her.

“Yo, Jiro, how have you been?”

“Instructor Kio!”

It was our old acquaintance, the Ōni, Instructor Kio, also known as Oniō Raidou, whom I hadn’t seen in a while.

“It’s been a while. You’ve returned here, I see.”

“Yep! The post-war reconstruction has settled down, you see. It was about time I made an appearance here, so I decided to stop by. Oh, and while I was waiting for them, I gave that fellow from the south who was with Kaido a little… persuasion.”

“Thank you for that.”

A typical action for an instructor.

It was unfortunate for Kaido and Minami, but fighting against the instructor, while life-threatening, is extremely valuable for those in combat because he fights with exquisite control.

The fact that I could feel grateful for it meant that the screws in my head had loosened considerably.

Let’s consider it a positive, as it led to the strengthening of the party.

“So, what brings you here this time? Another invitation for drinks or a sparring match?”

“I hear you’ve acquired an interesting new weapon? Your mana aptitude has surpassed mine, finally allowing for a truly interesting ‘death match.’ I thought we could have one, but unfortunately, the boss himself stopped me, so that’s not possible. Oh well, this time it’s for a different matter.”

Then, I tried to guess the reason for the instructor’s visit, but he denied it with a sigh that sounded genuinely regretful and displeased, making me offer a wry smile.

He would never admit that the nuance of the word “shiai” (match) he just used was the same as “koroshi-ai” (battle to the death).

“A different matter… The Dungeon is proceeding relatively smoothly, though.”

“As far as I’m concerned, ‘smoothly’ is a problem. It’s not about that, either. I’ve come to pick up a guest who is here.”

Hearing “different matter” made me think of work-related issues, possibly regarding Dungeon攻略. But it wasn’t that either.

Perhaps it referred to the temple personnel still making noise, no, still lecturing, behind me.

“A guest… A temple official?”

“What? Do you know them?”

“They’re a victim, just like you.”

Seeing his surprise at my knowing that, I realized again that temple officials were not people who often appeared in public.

So, I casually explained how we met, with a bit of mischief.

“Hahaha! What’s this! That girl has challenged you now too!”

“Yes, and because of that, I’m being lectured by the Sister.”

“She was a spirited girl back when she worked for me, too. She hasn’t changed a bit!!”

The instructor burst into laughter, sounding pleased.

Naturally, that voice reached the Sister who was loudly scolding someone inside.

“O-Oniō-sama!? M-M-Might it be time already!?”

She straightened her back with a jolt and frantically checked the time. A considerable amount of time had passed since the start of work.

She seemed to be in a state of panic.

“Ah! It’s Raidou!”

“It’s Oniō-sama!!”

Furthermore, Saml’s casual address of the instructor, calling him by name, once again triggered the Iron Claw.

Her eyes spun around in a horror-movie-like fashion, and her next action was swift. From her footwork to her arms, the movement of her joints and muscles was so free of waste that it could be called artistic. Sister Sanari, with a smile, grabbed him and squeezed with considerable force. It could only be said that she had practiced this sequence of movements countless times to perfect it. She was truly a seasoned veteran. The Yaml next to her simply bowed her head upon seeing the instructor. Did she know the instructor too?

“Oh, hey girl, you look good. Still killing enemies?”

“I’m killing them!!”

“That’s a rather perilous greeting. It’s not something a young lady should say.”

“Huh? Oh, you only know her appearance, don’t you? Then it can’t be helped.”

While thinking that it was quite a peculiar exchange, I made a mild remark. The instructor nodded as if to say it couldn’t be helped.

“She’s the oldest among these three. In fact, she’s older than your wife, Suella.”

“No way!? Well, now that I think about it, it’s not that strange.”

He pointed to Saml, whose mouth was covered, and revealed that she was not only the oldest but also had the real “loli-babaa” element. I was surprised for a moment, but rationally, it wasn’t that strange for someone like her to exist. After all, lifespan could be extended with golden apples, and I myself was no longer entirely human. I thought it was a waste of energy to be so surprised, but it was within reason.

“What, you accept it so readily?”

“If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be able to work at this company.”

“That’s for sure.”

While asking a woman her age is considered rude, Saml, who somehow seemed to be boasting about being older while enduring the Iron Claw, reminded me somewhat of Mimamori-sama. Their appearances were quite different, but the similarity in their high-strung nature made me compare them.

“Right, I don’t have that much free time either. Jiro, I’m taking these guys with me.”

“Yes, that’s fine, but shall I inform Evia?”

“Do that… No, I’ll tell her myself. It’s a good opportunity. You come too.”

Although the situation was unfolding in a comedic manner, time was indeed passing. Thinking I needed to make up for being late today, I received an unexpected invitation from the instructor.

“Me too? Well, I can make time for it, but…”

Given the nature of my work, taking the whole day off wouldn’t be a problem. I might struggle a bit later, but I could catch up. It wasn’t ideal for a manager to be absent frequently, but I couldn’t refuse the instructor’s earnest invitation.

“Then that’s good. Hey, that’s how it is, Jiro. I’m borrowing you too.”

“Understood.”

However, Keiri-san communicated with her eyes. *You understand, don’t you?* I gave a wry smile and nodded in acknowledgment, and she readily agreed to the instructor’s words.

“Alright, hey Jiro. Get your gear ready. The place we’re going is a bit dangerous.”

“Understood.”

My tasks for the day had suddenly changed, but I accepted it as something that often happens. I changed into my full dungeon-diving gear, as instructed by the instructor. It was a familiar process, donning my armor and slinging the Ore Tree over my shoulder. Seeing me in my warrior’s attire, Saml’s eyes sparkled with a desire to fight, but I ignored it.

“So, where to?”

“Huh? To my Dungeon.”

When I asked for our destination, the instructor replied without hesitation that we were heading to his Dungeon. I wasn’t surprised by his words. However, a question arose in my mind: why was he bringing the three temple officials and myself into his Dungeon? As I followed the instructor, who seemed to expect me to follow silently, Saml, with her pure, sparkling eyes and palpable fighting spirit, followed behind me. Then, Sister Sanari and Yaml completed this peculiar party.

“This is…”

“A restricted area that even those below General rank cannot enter without authorization. Since I am accompanying you, you will not be questioned, but if you entered alone, you would be attacked without hesitation.”

We then entered a section of the company I had never been to before. The instructor carefully disarmed the heavily guarded barriers one by one, and we proceeded onward.

“A magic circle, no, a teleportation circle?”

“Don’t be surprised by something so obvious. Hurry up and get on.”

Before us lay a teleportation magic circle. I found myself looking a bit disappointed that there was only this, despite the stringent security. Noticing my expression, the instructor’s exasperated voice chimed in, and I boarded the teleportation circle last. As I stepped on, the instructor channeled mana into it, and sure enough, the magic circle activated, instantly changing the scenery.

“!”

We arrived in a vast cavern. However, before my eyes could even take in the immense space, they widened at a massive structure situated in the center of the cavern.

“What is this mana?”

Honestly, that was the only thought that came to mind. I could only sense the enormous amount of mana instinctively. At first, I couldn’t comprehend the meaning of its existence. Countless magic circles, drawn in mid-air, were busily operating, sending mana in all directions and receiving it in return. Then, the overlaid magic circles would switch, and new ones would appear. In the center was a colossal, red gemstone-like mass.

Before I knew it, I had moved forward to get a better view and was gripping the handrail tightly. This is what it means to be unable to look away. I was captivated by something overwhelming.

“How is it, Jiro? This is a Dungeon Core.”

“This… is a Dungeon Core.”

At the instructor’s voice behind me, I jolted and turned around. The instructor’s grin was like that of a child whose prank had succeeded, but I wasn’t irritated by his expression.

“I can only think of cliché words, but I can only say it’s amazing.”

“I imagine so. If you understood what kind of being this was upon first sight, you should probably pursue that field.”

I briefly averted my gaze and then looked back at the instructor. As a result, I could now see the entire Dungeon Core. A colossal amalgamation of magic technology. The heart of the Dungeon. The thought that I was now standing in such a place sent a shiver down my spine.

“It might be a bit premature, but if you reach the General rank, this is something the Commander will bestow upon you. What do you think? If you were given this, how would you use it?”

“…It’s too unrealistic to even think about how to use it. However…”

“However?”

“I can tell I’m incredibly excited.”

And the instructor, standing beside me, would surely understand. I was smiling now. You could say it was stimulating my childlike curiosity. I understood my excitement for something unknown. But more than anything, my heart was driven by a desire to simply use it.

“In that case, hurry up and climb up this place.”

A large hand slapped my back. Undeterred by the impact.

“Yes, please wait for me.”

Even I had become strong enough to grin.

“I’m impatient, you know.”

“I know.”

“You said that, didn’t you?”

Exchanging jokes, I mentally thanked the instructor for bringing me here to boost my motivation. I clasped his shoulder and slowly caught his released punch with my palm. Then, we both laughed. Our master-disciple relationship, which had somehow begun, was still going strong.

“Speaking of which, Instructor, why did you bring those three here?”

During this exchange, I suddenly posed a lingering question to the instructor.

“Why? Because they’re needed to maintain ‘this.'”

“Maintain?”

“Of course. ‘This’ also needs maintenance.”

The instructor, with an expression that suggested I was not taking this seriously, turned his gaze towards the three of them.

“Do your best with this, everyone!”

He called out loudly to Saml and the others.

“Yes, yes, yes, yes! Will you fight me when we’re done?!”

“Hah! Alright!”

They replied energetically, seeking a fight. It didn’t seem like they could possibly maintain this precise-looking Dungeon Core. Do people really not judge by their appearance? As I watched the girls descend, being scolded by the Sister for not taking it seriously while patting my head.

Today’s Words of Wisdom: Specialized skills are necessary.

Thank you always for your feedback and for pointing out any typos. If you enjoyed this, please consider leaving a review, rating, or bookmark.

*The first volume of the book has been published by Hayakawa Bunko JA. 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. Please also consider purchasing the new releases!

Thank you for your continued support of this work!