Living in a Dungeon in Modern Japan! An Overpowered Life with a Useless Skill - Episode 12

Episode 12

I returned to the room. But it seemed the two of them hadn’t come back yet.

I didn’t think I had been away for even an hour. But apparently, it had taken longer than expected.

Within ten minutes, the two of them returned.

“Sorry to keep you waiting,” 

Hikawa-san said as he entered.

“No, I had stepped out too. And I just got back a moment ago. So it’s actually good that I didn’t end up making *you* wait.”

Satsuki came in behind him. But her expression seemed a little downcast.

“I’m sorry, but Kobayashi-san won’t be able to go home today. So you’ll have to return by yourself.”

Hikawa-san apologized with a regretful expression and bowed his head.

“Oh, I’m also staying here for testing. So I won’t be going home either,” 

I said.

It seemed Hikawa-san hadn’t heard anything from Hiyori and looked surprised.

“Oh? I see. Then I’d better let them know.”

Saying that, Hikawa walked out, phone in hand.

“Did something happen?”

Now that it was just the two of us, I asked Satsuki, whose mood seemed off.

“Ah, well… you noticed, huh?”

“Kind of. You looked clearly more gloomy than when you left.”

According to Satsuki, after we parted ways, she had heard about something that had happened to a person with a high magic power value.

“Um… are you staying in the facility’s lodging too?”

“Yeah, I heard I’d be staying here.”

“In that case… can we talk later?”

“Of course, if you’re okay with me.”

While we were talking, Hikawa-san returned.

“Since both of you are staying at the facility, I’ll show you around. I’ll also take you to the cafeteria.”

We passed through a special gate and were shown the lodging facilities and the cafeteria.

The lodging was provided for those staying overnight for testing purposes. And apparently, some of the staff even stayed there.

Clothes and other essentials for overnight stays were also sold in the shop. But since Satsuki and I were both staying for tests, we were given them for free.

We met up with Hiyori at the cafeteria, who had received word from Hikawa. And we had dinner together.

“I still have some work left, so I’ll leave you two here. Hiyori-kun, take care of the rest.”

“Understood, Chief Hikawa. Leave it to me.”

I couldn’t help but notice how unusually polite Hiyori was toward Hikawa—very different from how she acted around me—but I decided not to say anything.

“Well then, it’s a little early, but shall we have dinner? With your guest cards, you can eat three meals a day for free. So feel free to use them however you like.”

With that, I followed Hiyori and placed my order.

Come to think of it, I hadn’t eaten anything since morning. Maybe the smell of food reminded my body that it was hungry.

To energize myself for tomorrow’s start, I ordered a large pork cutlet meal set.

“You got the large size, huh? Well, you’re starting again tomorrow.”

“Yeah. Plus, if it’s free, I figure I should eat as much as I can.”

“No argument there.”

As we were talking, Satsuki came back carrying a large pot.

“They even have something like this—amazing!”

She had ordered motsunabe (offal hotpot). But was that amount meant for one person?

It was clearly more than what one woman could eat alone.

“I went for the large size since it was free,” 

She said.

Satsuki began eating enthusiastically. And despite the initial amount, the ingredients kept disappearing.

Hiyori and I just watched in amazement. We were wondering where she was putting it all.

Once the meal was over, Hiyori said,

“Well, now that we’ve eaten, let’s go talk in my room. Seems like both of you have things you want to ask.”

Satsuki had already agreed to consult with Hiyori.

To be honest, we wouldn’t get any solid answers without a professional’s opinion anyway.

“Are you sure? I mean, we just met today and you’re inviting us to your room…”

Biologically speaking, I *am* male. I knew a lot of women wouldn’t be comfortable with that.

“Oh, it’s fine. I only use the room here in the facility because going home is a hassle. I’ve been staying here so long it’s basically like my personal room now.”

I wondered if that was really okay. But after a quick search by name earlier, I’d learned she was actually a very well-known researcher in the dungeon field—far more competent than she appeared.

We walked a short distance, and she led us to her room. Indeed, it looked more like her personal space than a regular lodging facility room—stuff was scattered everywhere.

“Just a sec.”

The moment she opened the door, her face twisted slightly as if to say “oops,” and she went in alone.

We could hear some bumping and rustling noises from inside.

It seemed best to pretend we didn’t notice—anything else would be unchivalrous.

About five minutes later, she opened the door looking flustered.

“Sorry… you can come in now.”

The mess from earlier had mostly been cleaned up—so much so that it made me wonder where everything went.

There were still a few things left scattered around. But I decided not to pay them any mind—until I spotted what looked like underwear under the bed.

“Kobayashi-san, um… there’s something near the bed,” 

I whispered.

Satsuki’s eyes widened in surprise. And she moved closer to Hiyori and whispered something to her.

I pretended not to notice as Hiyori scrambled to retrieve the item. She was breathing heavily.

“Hahh… Okay, now then, let’s talk about what you wanted to ask. Please, have a seat over there.”

She motioned for us to sit on the sofa while she turned to face us from her chair in front of the computer. She was taking a moment to catch her breath.

We had both planned to discuss our concerns. But to be honest, I didn’t have that much to ask.

I figured it would be best to let Satsuki go first and resolve her issue.

“Then… um, sorry. I’d like to ask about my future…”

Satsuki began to speak, looking apologetic.