Ordinary Person × Modern Dungeon × Summer Vacation Life = Rise to Success!? 〜A Private Dungeon Was Made at the Remains of a Secret Base From Childhood〜 - Episode 38: Hearing Investigation and Future Goals

Episode 38: Hearing Investigation and Future Goals

“I’m sorry for arriving just before the meeting. I am Sasarabashi from the Dungeon Management Bureau, Explorer Support Division.”

“I’m Yamada from the Tochigi Prefecture Explorer Association. Thank you very much for making the trip all the way from Tokyo.”

“No, this was our request. If anything, I apologize for the sudden participation.”

“Ohh……”

Shi-chan is acting like a proper working adult.

Until February, I also used to speak like that……

Though I’m gradually starting to forget how to talk like that.

“Shi-chan, your seat is here. Here’s some tea too—”

“Omoigawa-san! What’s with that way of speaking!”

“Fufu…… thank you, Tama-chan.”

Good grief, this Otama-chan.

After exchanging business cards, Yamada-san moved to a seat near the entrance.

“Now that everyone is here, we will begin the hearing investigation.”

――The location is the lecture room of the Tochigi Prefecture Explorer Association.

Inside the room, tables are arranged in a square “ロ” shape. And the relevant people have gathered.

From the head seat, it goes: me, Shi-chan, Jōnuma-san and Tatara-san from the Gunma Prefecture Explorer Association, and then Yamada-san and Otama-chan from the Tochigi Prefecture Explorer Association.

Additionally, at the Eayon Explorer Association counter, it seems a part-time office worker is sitting.

Yamada-san, while showing an A4-sized document, questions Shi-chan.

“Since Investigator Sasarabashi has already read the initial report, may we skip the overview and begin with Natsume-san’s hearing?”

“Yes, that’s fine.”

“Thank you. Now then, Natsume-san. Apologies, but we’d like to ask about what happened in the Ōta Dungeon. If there’s anything you don’t want to talk about, feel free to say so.”

“Understood.”

Thus, the hearing investigation by the Explorer Association began.

Even though I was told I didn’t have to talk about things I didn’t want to, most of what happened in the Ōta Dungeon has already been broadcast.

There’s no point in hiding it from the people here. So I just honestly answer what I’m asked.

“Hearing it again, it really is an amazing skill……”

“Ahh, warping from outside the dungeon, huh……”

Even the two from the Gunma Prefecture Explorer Association, who only had a vague idea about the skill’s nature, are surprised. 

“Still, the way you acquired that skill is quite unique…… Like the [Poison Absorption] skill—you still have a lot of potential to grow, Natsume-san.”

“I want to try feeding the caterpillar-chan too, next time!”

“Ah, sure.”

“…………”

Shi-chan silently listened to my story.

Seeing that, Yamada-san said,

“Then, before we move to the next question, just one thing……”

With a serious demeanor, she asks Shi-chan,

“Investigator Sasarabashi…… I’m sorry, but please tell us first. What does the country intend to do with Natsume-san? You must have some intention to have come here today, right?”

“……Yes. As you guessed.”

“Eh? Really, Shi-chan?”

“……Yeah.”

“Does the country want to bring Natsume-san under their control…… is that what this is?”

Shi-chan glances at me.

“No…… To be honest, even within the bureau, opinions are divided. Those who prioritize the development of the dungeon industry are considering hiring Natsume-kun as a government employee.”

“The government?”

“Yes. In that case, his status would be as a member of the Tokyo Labyrinth University—Tomei University—supporting exploration teams from the rear. No combat. The proposed annual income is on par with the Prime Minister’s…… that is, about 40 million yen.”

“K-Kou-chan……!”

“That’s an outrageous amount for a non-combat role……”

“……On the other hand, those who value Natsume-kun’s ability to acquire skills more than the [Wormhole] skill itself are hoping for his further growth. This country’s top explorer is Ouji-san at Level 85. But they’re hoping Natsume-kun can someday rival him……”

“I understand that viewpoint too……”

“Natsume-kun was Level 30 on his first exploration……”

“……I see.”

Yamada-san nods deeply.

“So, Investigator Sasarabashi, what is your opinion?”

“I……”

Shi-chan looks at me again.

“My organization believes that, depending on the case, we should support Natsume-kun’s growth with public funds. If that happens, his actions will also be restricted.”

“Restricted?”

“……Yes. If you’re getting stronger using taxpayers’ money, you can’t live a carefree explorer life. Your main duties will be explorations tied to public interests.”

Jōnuma-san adds,

“In that case…… what about the promise to form a party with me?”

“If he receives national support, it won’t be impossible. But restrictions are certain. They can’t let someone they trained with tax money die selfishly.”

“…………”

Tatara-san’s sarcasm is met with silence from Shi-chan.

She’s not denying it—that’s what it means.

“Shi-chan, is that true……?”

Otama-chan asks anxiously.

“Yes. That’s why……”

Shi-chan looks straight at me,

“Personally, I believe we should respect Natsume-kun’s will.”

“My…… will?”

“――Yes.”

After a breath, Shi-chan continues.

“――I came here today to hear what Natsume-kun wants to do from now on. How he wants to live his life.”

“……Is that so.”

Yamada-san looks at me and smiles softly.

“Natsume-san…… Sasarabashi-san came all the way from Tokyo to support your wishes.”

“Is that true?”

“……Within the scope of what I can do, though.”

“Thanks……”

I really am blessed with good companions.

“Natsume-kun, please tell us. How do you want to be?”

“I……”

At Shi-chan’s question, I recall my past.

『A useless guy like you can’t make it in any company!! You’re a failure as a working adult!!』

――The dark days of my corporate life.

『Yesssss!!』

――The joy of growth I felt in my private dungeon days.

『Hey, why don’t we form a party? I bet it’ll be fun?』

――The beautiful starry sky on the day I decided to team up with Otama-chan.

『Let’s make more memories together next time too』

――The ultimate sense of fulfillment from conquering the Ōta Dungeon with Otama-chan.

Thinking back on the days since entering private dungeons, the answer is clear.

“I……”

I glance at Otama-chan and answer Shi-chan.

“I want to value my own time more than money, stability, or fame. I want to enjoy every day as an explorer, like I did back at that secret base. And……”

I recall the battle with the Green Dragon Variant in the Ōta Dungeon.

Although we won, it wasn’t easy.

If we hadn’t been lucky in various ways, we might have lost instead.

That’s why……

“――I want to keep growing in private dungeons and aim to become the strongest explorer. I want the strength to protect Otama-chan when it counts. And I want to see how strong I can become.”

“Kou-chan……”

“I might cause trouble for you, Shi-chan……”

“……No.”

Shi-chan gently shakes her head.

“Natsume-kun’s answer isn’t far off from our department’s direction. I’ll adjust things inside the bureau so unnecessary interference doesn’t reach you.”

“――Thank you.”

Some time later, the hearing on the Ōta Dungeon concluded.

☆★☆

“Well then, Natsume-kun, Tama-chan.”

At the edge of the Eayon parking lot, Shi-chan got into her SUV.

“Sorry to bother you while you’re busy.”

“……No, this is my job.”

Shi-chan looked a little lonely as she said that.

“Tama-chan, you formed a party with Natsume-kun. I’m jealous. When I saw your exploration in the Ōta Dungeon, it might be inappropriate, but it looked kind of fun.”

“Ehehe, it *is* fun. Isn’t it great? Shi-chan, let’s explore together next time.”

“……I can’t. National investigators aren’t allowed to explore outside of work. Like I said earlier, since I’m being raised with public funds, I can’t enter dungeons for personal reasons.”

“I see……”

So we can’t go back to how things used to be, all of us together.

But still.

“But hey, if it’s for my investigation or something, you could go into the dungeon with me, right? I’ll keep growing, and make the government so curious they *have* to investigate.”

“Fufu…… Thank you, Natsume-kun. But you know, you can enter Type-5 dungeons without a ‘for-profit’ permit. If I ever get nostalgic, would it be okay if I went back to that secret base?”

“――Of course.”

“……I’m glad.”

With that, Shi-chan drove off toward the highway.

“……Shi-chan seems busy.”

“Yeah……”

Otama-chan and I returned to the Explorer Association counter.

With Shi-chan like this, it’ll be tough for the four of us secret base members to gather again and form an explorer party…….