The Story of How I Ended Up Becoming a Hero Without Realizing It While Training in the Infinite Labyrinth - Chapter 19

The next day, I changed into the suit I’d had made right after awakening and got into the Shinonome family car waiting outside my apartment.

We arrived not at Rui’s house but the Shinonome Group headquarters—a dozen-story building.

I was led to a conference room.

“Never thought you’d awaken. Long time no see, Hajime-kun.”

“Daiki-san, Reiko-san—been a while.”

Shinonome Reiko—Rui’s mother, who treated me like her own child since we were little.

“Yes, long time. You only told Rui about awakening. Mother’s sad… I treated you more than your real mom, yet you hid it.”

“S-Sorry. I’ll explain everything today.”

“Good, or I’d be even sadder.”

Reiko stopped fake-crying. Daiki warned, “Don’t tease him too much.”

Soon, Rui entered last—everyone gathered.

“Rui, you’re late. Something wrong?”

“Work call—I cut it short for a family meeting.”

She sat beside me naturally.

“Rui’s seat is over there, no?”

“Hehe, no point sitting far with Hajime here. You two sit together too, Father.”

Daiki smiled: “Stay there.”

As Rui said, he never hated me.

“So, Hajime-kun, I hear you’ll share your ability first. Big secret if you’ve hidden it?”

“Yes, but Rui already knows. Thought you might hate me, so I hid it. She said no, so I’ll tell.”

“…Me hate you? Why think that?”

“Ah, you thought Father hated you. Your messages to me and Mother were warm, but stiff to Father.”

Reiko had noticed.

I explained the engagement breakup misunderstanding.

“That glare was at the Tōjōs—still care for you!”

“It’s fine. Rui told me the truth. Sorry for assuming.”

“No, sorry for making you think that. I still care.”

Rui flared: “Father, only I get to confess to Hajime.”

Reiko joined—odd banter ensued.

Ahem. “Back to Hajime. What ability did you get?”

Daiki refocused.

I explained everything known.

“Access to another dimension’s labyrinth—unique.”

“Plus Inventory—live freely as Awakened.”

“Solves a mystery. Rui brought tons of stones lately. Thought luck, but you’re involved.”

“Yes. Extremely Hard—near-guaranteed drops.”

Daiki nodded.

“Impressive… but not why you called us.”

“Right. This is the main topic.”

Pulled a box of herbs from the Inventory.

Daiki took it, opened—eyes widened.

“Your labyrinth grows herbs, too?”

“Eh!?”

Reiko checked, froze.

“Found them recently. Owe you all—gathered as thanks.”

“We never expected repayment for kindness.”

“No. Without you, I’d be a different person raised in that house. You and Reiko-san raised me right as a fiancé.”

Led to a warehouse.

Placed ~2,000 herbs—enough for research.