In this Second Chance at Life, where I can see skills as clear as day, everything feels like a breeze. And to make it even better, I’m spending my days joyfully with my First Love. - Chapter 21

In my opinion, the world I live in now is nearly identical to the one I lived in before—yet subtly different.

The major differences include the appearance of the Chūetsu Dungeon three years ago, the appraisal skill I noticed upon being reborn, and the fact that both Ichika and I have memories of our previous lives.

Without a doubt, this is a parallel universe.

That being said, I can’t prove that dungeons, skills, or reincarnations didn’t exist in my previous life. It’s entirely possible that I just wasn’t aware of them.

As for the dungeon’s appearance, I wonder if it’s related to my immense magic power. Back then, I recklessly let my magic leak out without containment—enough to cover an entire prefecture—until I started storing it in my Item Box.

Whether this is connected or not, I have no idea.

However, broader historical events seem mostly unchanged—like the 9/11 attacks in 2001 or the Chūetsu earthquake in 2004.

Unfortunately, I don’t remember many significant events with exact dates after my rebirth, so I lack enough reference points to analyze thoroughly.

From what I’ve seen on TV and in my brief research using the computer I received as a gift to celebrate my middle school acceptance, there have been no reports of dungeons or irregularities aside from the Chūetsu earthquake.

This is why I suspect that my magic might have influenced things—at least to some degree.

But honestly, that’s not the part I’m overly concerned about.

“Hey, there’s a good chance another dungeon will appear around this summer break. Want to help me clear it?”

“Why?” Ichika asked.

“Because I vaguely remember another earthquake happening in Niigata around the summer of 2007.”

At the time, I wasn’t at my grandfather’s house, but I do remember hearing, ‘Another earthquake? That’s rough.’

While I only have one data point—the previous Chūetsu earthquake—it’s hard to believe that dungeon appearances were a one-time event.

“Plus… clearing a dungeon boosts your level, raises skill levels, and even increases your base stats.”

I wanted Ichika to become stronger.

Initially, it was so she wouldn’t die before I could protect her.

But now?

Now, it’s because I want her to be sturdy enough that I can hold her tightly without worrying I’ll accidentally hurt her.

Sometimes, during hugs, I’m so scared I might hurt her that I can’t even hug her back properly.

I’d mentioned this to her once before.

“Got it,” Ichika replied. “By the way, Chūetsu is in Niigata, right? When is the earthquake supposed to happen? If it’s on a weekend, I’d love to stay at your grandfather’s place again.”

“That… that would be amazing…”

Ichika staying over was both embarrassing and thrilling. There was the awkwardness, sure, but there were also perks—like seeing her in pajamas, catching a glimpse of her fresh from the bath, or sharing late-night whispers.

Remembering the last time she stayed over, I felt my face heat up.

“I think it’s on a weekday,” I said.

“Then how are we going to get there?”

“Well… I have a plan.”

◇

“W-Wait! Hold on! What are you doing?!”

It takes me less than a minute to run from my house to the epicenter in Niigata (with my agility stat exceeding 500 million).

On Monday, July 16th, during our lunch break, I secretly snuck Ichika out of school. After quickly locating the epicenter, I carried her bridal-style and began running leisurely toward it.

Since my speed far exceeds the sound barrier, I used magic to soften the impact of the sonic booms and prevent any sound leakage. I also ensured that Ichika, in my arms, experienced no discomfort or pressure from the high-speed movement or wind resistance by using magic to shield her entirely.

With over 250 billion magic points at my disposal, nothing is impossible.

“And here we are,” I said casually upon arrival.

“Ha… ha… I thought I was going to die!”

Still held in my arms, Ichika glared at me with teary eyes. She might not be the type who enjoys roller coasters. Now that I think about it, she kept her eyes shut the entire way here.

Feeling guilty for scaring her, I apologized lightly. “Sorry, sorry.”

“You could’ve at least faked being sick or told the school you were leaving early,” she grumbled.

Even while she looked at me with a mix of frustration and exasperation, I couldn’t help but think how cute she was.

As we bantered, I scanned the area around the epicenter.

“Hey, Yasu-kun, are you sure there’s a dungeon here?”

“Who knows?” I replied.

“Because, you know… we’re in the middle of the ocean!”

Clinging tightly to my neck to avoid falling, Ichika’s voice trembled slightly.

“Well, it’s the Chūetsu ‘Offshore’ Earthquake,” I pointed out.

Even if the dungeon were underwater, I could manage it with the help of magic. However, looking into the sea, I couldn’t see anything resembling a dungeon.

I created a magical barrier around us, preparing to dive underwater to investigate, but Ichika lightly bopped me on the head before I could. Taking the hint, I decided to head toward land instead.

I ran to the area that seemed to have sustained the most damage from the earthquake. While walking around and surveying the destruction, I occasionally acted out of goodwill—if only to impress Ichika. Whenever I sensed people trapped under rubble, I used magic to remove the debris and help them out.

“This is why I’d never want to live in a country prone to earthquakes,” I muttered to myself, eyeing the poorly constructed houses that had collapsed in a mere magnitude-six quake.

As we continued exploring, I suddenly sensed something unnatural—a distinct, unfamiliar presence.

I had found it.

For the first time in three years, another dungeon.