When I returned from exploring the dungeon to save the world, I found out that my lover had been stolen, and I was blamed for the failed expedition. Enraged, I quit Japan's strongest party—only for them to self-destruct on their own. - Chapter 24

The mantis locked its gaze onto me.

It must have sensed my presence when I unleashed my full magic to save the civilians.

Unlike the so-called “Insect Lord” (lol), this one didn’t bother speaking to me.

Did our power dynamic flip?

Or does it simply have no intention of talking?

Well, whatever.

If it has something to say, I’ll beat it up first.

Then, if it can talk, it will.

Slowly, I drew my sword, channeling my magic into it.

I doubt many people have ever seen me fight seriously.

Some might be surprised.

The Dungeon Association might even get complaints.

But I hope they’ll forgive me—monsters are best taken down as quickly as possible.

“Okita-san!”

A voice called out.

I turned to see an explorer—Hazuki-kun, if I remembered correctly.

He’s the leader of “Hagakure”, a high-rank explorer party.

One of the wise ones who turned down the invitation to join “Myoujou” (Morning Star).

We’ve spoken a few times before.

I’ve even given his party’s warriors some advice upon request.

“That monster is too much for us. Can we leave it to you?”

“Yeah, no problem.”

“O-oh…!”

Behind Hazuki-kun, the other explorers looked stunned.

Well, like I said, I’ve rarely shown my full strength in battle.

I suppose their reaction is understandable.

I never really took streaming seriously either.

Even the Tokyo Dungeon Raid footage from Myoujou was just a raw feed.

My actual fights were barely visible.

And because of that, Kuzuno and his father, along with that other party—I can’t even remember their names anymore—were free to say whatever they wanted.

I can’t let that happen again.

Maybe I should start broadcasting.

Then again, these guys are probably already streaming.

“Are you broadcasting this?”

“Huh? Ah, y-yes! Sorry! I’ll turn it off immediately!”

“No, keep it on. It doesn’t matter if they can see me or not—

We don’t have the luxury of streaming ourselves.

If you can do it, that helps.

I’m tired of misunderstandings and false rumors spreading.

Consider this a record.”

“Understood! I’ll take full responsibility for the broadcast!”

Hazuki-kun gave a salute-like gesture and nodded.

I’ll leave it to him.

They’re popular with the public and good at explaining things.

The comment section shouldn’t turn into a dumpster fire either.

Haruka, overhearing our conversation, bowed her head to Hazuki-kun and his team.

Natsuki did the same.

“Nn… huh? Where are we?”

And now the sleepyhead finally wakes up.

Must be nice…

Aren’t you supposed to be the so-called Demon-Slaying Spirit?

Weren’t you the one the steel bug monsters have a grudge against?

How the hell have you been sleeping this whole time?

If I ask, she’ll probably just say, “I trust you, Koichi!” or some nonsense.

A little punishment wouldn’t be out of line, would it?

“Huh? Why are you grabbing my head, Koichi?”

“Because I’m about to kill that mantis. Stay with Haruka.”

I grabbed Effie by the head and shoved her toward Haruka.

“Ah, uh, okay! Effie-chan, come here!”

Haruka was momentarily startled, but since Effie’s appearance was that of a small, fluffy fairy, she didn’t seem to mind.

She held out both hands.

Come to think of it…

Didn’t Effie grow way bigger during the bug monster fight earlier?

Eh, whatever.

“Yaaay~! Haruka is so soft~!”

“E-Effie-chan!?”

Effie launched herself into Haruka’s chest like a middle-aged pervert.

It pissed me off.

So, I grabbed her by the scruff of her neck, spun her around for no reason, and then handed her back to Haruka.

Meanwhile, I had been walking on eggshells the whole way here, praying I wouldn’t run into any cockroaches or spiders—

And this brat was sleeping the whole time?

“O-Okita-san!?”

Haruka gasped at my sudden aggression.

She still called me by my last name—probably mindful of Hazuki-kun’s livestream.

Or…

Maybe she almost called me “Onii-chan” again?

Either way, it’d be cute, so I don’t mind.

Despite our lighthearted exchange, I had been continuously pressuring the mantis with my magic.

But it looked like I had reached my limit.

The mantis raised its massive scythes and let out a ferocious roar.

Fine.

Let’s do this.

You insects think you can just waltz into the human world?

Time to teach you just how terrifying that mistake is.

Japan—

The land Ransetsu once protected with his life.

There’s no way in hell I’ll let monsters stomp through it unchecked.

If I allow this, my uncle—the chairman of the Japan Dungeon Association—will work himself to death.

He’s already stressing over his receding hairline.

The last thing he needs is more problems.

“If you can talk, start explaining how and why you came here.

Do that, and I’ll at least make your end quick.”

I gave the mantis one last warning.

No response.

Fine by me.

It’s time to begin.

Time for a bloodbath.