Unexpectedly, the daily PV exceeded 2,000. When I first saw it, I almost thought it was a different work.
This week alone, the overall rating surpassed 500, and my gratitude for everyone’s readership knows no bounds!
I intend to continue doing my best, so please continue to support me!
Jiro Tanaka, 28 years old, single
Girlfriend: Suella, Memoria Tris
Occupation: Dungeon Tester (Full-time employee)
Magic Aptitude 8 (General Class)
Position: Warrior
“A business trip? To another world?”
“From my perspective, it’s a homecoming.”
If I recall correctly, the Demon Lord’s Army’s presence in Isal was a very long time ago, on the order of thousands of years. How old is the Supervisor? Such a rude question crosses my mind, but I’m not so insane as to bet my life on inquiring about such things.
“It must be an order because it’s possible, but what about safety?”
“You pass the mark for not questioning whether it’s right or wrong, but your courage is still below passing. However, I’ll consider this a prudent decision.”
As usual, the evaluations are harsh. I’m already on the verge of my brain capacity overflowing from being told about a sudden business trip to another world, but I’d like the Master to praise me for managing to hold on.
Well, if the Supervisor has noticed, perhaps.
A light tap on the desk projects a continental map, different from Earth’s, in magic. They say the ultimate of science is not much different from magic, just like in science fiction’s holographic projections.
“Since coming here, I too have had the importance of information transmission, collection, and collation reconfirmed. Blindly attacking, overconfident in one’s own power, is not merely amateurish; it is the act of a fool.”
The implication that the Demon Lord’s Army is not like that must mean I lack knowledge about this organization. They naturally don’t employ a system where you have to collect information at the risk of your life, like the old Imperial Japanese Army. They’re indirectly telling me to know that much.
“Naturally, the transfer gates for information gathering, as well as the bases and information routes, are all managed in strict secrecy. This information is classified. It has been disclosed to you because you have attained a certain position. It’s fine to share to some extent, but you know what happens if you make a fatal leak, don’t you?”
I nod silently. Unlike the secret information managed by Japanese salarymen, the fact that Supervisors are managing secrets for war preparations is why they dress it up as “tester” or “dungeon attack.” When the prestige of nations is at stake, this level of information security is a natural obligation. I nodded in trust, which would also serve as a trial. Words are unnecessary here. That judgment was correct.
“Then that’s fine. Your actions there will generally follow the merchant caravan leader. Your temporary identity and position there will be as one of the caravan’s escorts. If you don’t want to bite your own head off, don’t bring any misplaced chivalry. Their common sense and our common sense are vastly different. Your job is to observe, listen, and learn. Carry it out completely.”
I can tell without them saying it that they’re warning me not to do anything unnecessary.
“How long will the period be?”
“Transportation is not as convenient there as it is here. About three months, but consider the possibility of an extension depending on the circumstances.”
“That’s a long time.”
“That much time is necessary. Rest assured, I’ll have you back by the time the second batch of trainees arrives.”
If this is purely for administrative purposes and to align common sense, then this business trip might be more akin to a short study abroad. However, I still don’t quite understand why I’m being sent on this business trip at this particular timing. Three months is longer than I expected. To put it bluntly, although I’ve given them retraining, the fact that it was done hastily cannot be denied. My role is, so to speak, like training wheels. My role is to support them until they can ride the bicycle on their own, and they’ve only just started to ride without the training wheels. Their riding is still wobbly and unstable. There are still many areas where I can provide guidance and advice. Is the reason for sending me away, despite all this, solely for my growth? It might be one factor, but it’s not the decisive one. See the broader picture; don’t just think about yourself. The Supervisor’s perspective should be not individual but military and organizational. If so, what can be considered…
“Is it to give the other testers a grace period?”
“Oh?”
If my guess is wrong, I’ll just end up looking foolish, and they’ll correct me. While expecting that, the Supervisor’s gaze, which tells me to continue, shows no sign of negation.
“The gap in our combat power and experience, or rather, military strength, has widened too much between me and the other testers. You’re not trying to fill that gap, but to widen it, aren’t you?”
“Why do you think so?”
“I hope you’ll correct me if this is arrogance, but it’s the difference in consciousness between me and the other testers who have joined this company. They are, after all, day laborers from Japan. They stand in the twilight, able to return to their everyday lives at any time. On the other hand, my position, or rather, the position I aim to stand in, is not in the twilight but in the sunlit place on this company’s side.”
I’ve already envisioned the path I’ll walk with Suella in my mind. I can’t say I have no lingering attachment to Japan, but I’ve reached a level where I can discard it. I’m about to place myself in a world that is extraordinary compared to everyday life in Japan.
“From Japan’s perspective, I’m about to stand at dusk.”
In other words, I am a hybrid of common sense. I aim to possess both the common sense of Japan and the common sense of the otherworld. Compared to the other testers, who see the world through the glass of Japanese common sense, I am about to enter that glass. And I will neither be dyed by the common sense of the otherworld nor repel it. I will embrace both the pure and the impure.
“It was necessary, wasn’t it? A middle manager standing at the boundary between different worlds. It just so happened that I had the aptitude for it.”
If I were to ask how many testers can converse with goblins, I would answer a few. I can predict there are definitely not double digits. Most testers shun goblins as barbaric, low-IQ, and dirty beings, not even deigning to look at them. From those testers’ perspective, I probably appear eccentric as someone who speaks to them as colleagues. However, even among Japanese people, there are those who are barbaric, low-IQ, and dirty. While there might be differences due to knowledge, I don’t see the logic in looking at the herd and not the individual. I understand that holding such values is extremely difficult, but I cannot agree. Then, wouldn’t that mean not talking to Dark Elves and succubi who have appearances close to humans as well? Well, some exceptions exist, like Minami and Kaido, who shop while having Orcs, built like construction workers, carry their shopping baskets, or the goblin foreman consoling them over a broken heart with alcohol. So, I’ve decided to accept that they’re just like that.
“What do you think?”
“Fifty points.”
“Is that a failing grade?”
“Let’s call it a passing grade.”
Finally, I shrug my shoulders playfully. I’m not good with serious atmospheres. Although my answer was the result of turning my brain as much as possible within the limits of what could be done here, the result was barely a passing grade, yet it seemed to be a satisfactory answer.
“Originally, the difference in our perceptions was raised as a concern. Among the characteristics of a Hero, there is an aversion to killing. From my standpoint, killing is evil, but I don’t consider it unnecessary. However, if you search, you’ll find plenty of people among us with similar thoughts. Conversely, there are rare cases of Heroes who do not have an aversion to killing.”
I want to say, “That’s just a mental abnormality,” but perhaps such a personality would be welcomed there.
“The grace period you mentioned earlier is not wrong, but it’s not entirely correct either. That is a bonus. It’s the last time I can give them to see how much advantage and elevation in their position the second batch of trainees can achieve.”
While saying that the term “grace period” is correct in that sense, he’s smirking evilly again. Well, she’s a beautiful woman, so that smile suits her. If I weren’t in love with Suella, I might have fallen for that smile. I see, this is her way of offering a carrot, isn’t it? Having joined earlier, my experience is undoubtedly superior. However, I wonder how many people will notice the stick hidden behind the carrot. If they get complacent with that difference in time, they’ll face scolding with no excuses. No, it would be good if it only ended with scolding. It would most likely be a physically enforced scolding course.
“I understand. I’ll keep it in mind.”
“Do so. And I don’t intend to let it end with mere aptitude for middle management. That’s the biggest deduction. To forget ambition.”
“……”
For a moment, I couldn’t grasp the meaning of those words. I expected to be given attention. Two instructors, or rather, two Generals from the Demon Lord’s Army, to guide me, and to maintain contact with them even after that. Furthermore, an unusually early promotion; thinking about it calmly, it’s abnormal. As my mind started to catch up, all I could say was:
“I will endeavor to improve.”
“Then it’s fine. That’s all. I’ll send the detailed schedule by mail later. Don’t neglect to check it.”
“Yes.”
I could only reply with those words, my eyes lit with motivation. The Supervisor merely nodded. From her perspective, my actions were probably normal. I shift my gaze back to the desk, entering work mode. When prompted to leave, I have no choice but to depart. Ah, when was the last time I was genuinely expected of? I feel like Suella often told me so, but that was about my growth. It feels like it’s been a long time since my own achievements were evaluated and expectations were placed upon me.
“It’s a good feeling.”
In a society where the evaluation method is like a quagmire, where “it’s only natural” and “produce more results” are the norm, I feel like a fierce but clear stream has flowed into me. It’s strange for a clear stream to have the explosive power of gasoline, but let’s assume it’s fine for now. It’s also good for me as it spurs my motivation. I pull out a cigarette with good spirits and light it. Good times seem to pass quickly; by the time I finish one, I’m already in the usual party room.
“Senpai, you’re working hard~”
“What, Kaido, you haven’t gone home yet?”
“My whole body is aching, so I can’t go home… Min-chan is resting in the back too, right?”
“What a wimp.”
“You’re the abnormal one, Senpai~”
“Thaaaaaaat’sssssssss rrrriiiight aaaaaaaattttttthhhhhhhhhh!!!!!”
“Whoa, Min, what’s wrong? Even a ghost wouldn’t let out such a terrifying scream?”
“I stayed behind to get revenge for the retraining, gozaru!!”
“What, you want more training?”
“What a joke, gozaru! Please don’t take me seriously, Leader.”
“You switch gears quickly!!” “You looked like you were about to pull out five-inch nails a moment ago, didn’t you?”
“Th-th-th-that’s not true, gozaru?”
“As usual.”
I had set that retraining quite strictly, but it seems they’re managing with余裕. Their bodies are certainly tired, but perhaps because they’ve become mentally tougher, there’s no gloomy atmosphere. I was concerned about them leaving immediately after retraining, but looking at them, it seems I don’t need to worry that much.
“Kaido.”
“Yes?”
I call out to Kaido, who was wrestling like two cats playing, no, like close brothers.
“I’ll be away from the party for a while again, so please take care of things.”
“Sure, but where’s the party going this time?”
“Unfortunately, I’m going on a business trip, so I’ll be away from the company for a while.”
“A business trip? Our company has those… Where is it, by the way?”
“Isal.”
“Hah?”
I suppose that’s the kind of reaction you’d expect. Seeing them both make dumbfounded faces, just like I did, the moment I told them the destination, I chuckle and sit in a chair, lighting a cigarette.
“It’s for three months. I’ll be relying on you without me during that time.”
“Ryokai-” “You cheat, gozaru!” “-su!?”
Min throws Kaido, as if her words could manifest visually. As I watch her approach me, I think that she’s become quite good at body reinforcement compared to when we first met.
“I want to go too, gozaru!!”
“You idiot, it’s not a trip. Would you say you’re going if it were?”
“Then why only the Leader!!”
“I’m a full-time employee and a chief. You’re a part-timer and a university student. Understand?”
“Logically speaking, no company would send out a part-timer who might quit at any moment on a business trip.”
“Then I’ll become a full-time employee, gozaru!!”
“I told you to do that after you graduate from university. In any case, I can’t take you on this business trip. I don’t have the authority.”
They say emotions are fuel for action, and Min is a prime example of that.
“Hmph, no, no, no, no, I want to go, gozaru!! I want to interact with the Kemomin!! I want to go to the guild!! I want to go to a fantasy world, gozaru!!”
As I ponder what to do with Min, who starts stamping her feet, trying to use emotion when reason failed.
“Hey, Katsu, can you do something about this spoiled child?”
“Sorry, I’m busy cooking and can’t get away. I think she’ll tire herself out and calm down after a while.”
I try calling for the professional against Min, but she’s deftly moving a heavy wok, and it doesn’t look like she can get away. When will “after a while” be? I guess since I made myself stronger, she won’t run out of energy anytime soon.
“Shut up!! You’re keeping me from sleep!!”
“Fugya!?”
“Nice one, Kitamiya.”
However, it was suppressed sooner than I expected. A pillow, thrown with a powerful fast ball that would make any pitcher pale, directly hit Min’s face, and she slowly collapsed onto the floor.
“So? What’s all the commotion? It’s not time for dinner yet, is it?”
“Next time, confirm before you throw it.”
“Then make the menu a little lighter. My body aches. If a noisy person appears while I’m resting, suppress them. That’s the iron rule.”
“You’re really starting to fit in here.”
“I’m grateful. I feel like I can spend my time more leisurely than in the past. Katsu-kun, mine with less meat.”
Ignoring Min, who had collapsed, Kitamiya slowly sits down in the seat opposite me and prompts me with a “So?”, asking for a status update. I think she’s become quite forward, but I don’t think it’s a bad thing. When I tell her about my business trip and destination.
“Bring back souvenirs.”
“That’s surprisingly casual.”
“If I know I can’t go, I don’t want to waste my energy.”
“You are interested, though.”
“It would be a lie to say I’m not. Because I’m curious, aren’t I? A chance to see a world that followed a different history than ours.”
“That’s one way to look at it.”
Min wants to see a fantasy world out of direct desire from games and novels, but Kitamiya, in this case, seems to want to see it out of historical and academic interest.
“But if you can do something like that, maybe I should have applied as a full-time employee instead of a part-timer.”
“I won’t stop you, but at least do it after you graduate. And you’ll gain common sense.”
“I know. And it’s ‘gain,’ not ‘change,’ isn’t it?”
“It’s advice from Senpai.”
Common sense doesn’t change easily. It’s not something that should be changed. Perhaps it’s because I work for a company like this, but I hope you’ll keep it in mind as mere advice.
“It’s ready. I made extra, so Leader, if you’d like.”
“That helps. Oh, Ebi Chili?”
“To be precise, it’s something with a texture similar to shrimp.”
“……It’s delicious, but can something be done about the constant anxiety about the ingredients that appear every time?”
“Isn’t it fine as long as it’s tasty?”
“I’m not as simple as you are.”
“Simple!?”
“I’ll have some, gozaru!!”
“Everyone, sit down first!!”
“Ugh, Katsu is mean, gozaru.”
Well, this advice might be unnecessary for them, but. After finishing dinner, which was made with ingredients other than shrimp but was no less comparable to Ebi Chili, I have to inform them, even though they probably know, so I leave the room.
“What’s going on?”
As I try to open the door to the room, an explosion sound comes from inside. Since the alarm isn’t ringing, it’s probably not an emergency, but a lingering anxiety pushes me to open the door.
“I’m going too, Keiri! I’ll leave all the remaining work to you!!”
“There’s no way I’ll allow that!! Everyone!! The reduction of overtime hours hinges on this battle!! Let’s go with all our might and stop Suella!!”
Witnessing a magical duel in the office, in what could be called the “Great Magic Era,” I find myself troubled, thinking that a different kind of persuasion might be needed than with Kaido and the others.
Jiro Tanaka, 28 years old, single
Girlfriend: Suella, Memoria Tris
Occupation: Dungeon Tester (Full-time employee)
Magic Aptitude 8 (General Class)
Position: Warrior
Today’s Quote:
Valuable experiences are important, but anxieties remain.
This concludes this part.
This chapter is actually the one I’ve been most looking forward to writing since I started structuring this novel. I hope you enjoyed it!
Thank you for your continued support!
