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 25

Hagakure Channel (High-Rank Explorer: Hazuki)

“To think we get to see Okita-san fight… we’re seriously lucky.”

After fixing the camera on Okita-san, Kyoya, our party’s warrior, muttered excitedly.

He used to be a reckless kid who would pick fights with Okita-san.

But after getting beaten down and given some advice, he completely changed his attitude.

Now? He’s one of Okita-san’s biggest fans.

At one point, he was so furious about how Okita-san was being treated within “Myoujou” that he nearly stormed the Dungeon Association in protest.

But before he could, Okita-san resolved everything on his own.

Honestly, if Kyoya had gone through with that, we would’ve all gotten a severe warning.

Still, I had my own thoughts on the matter.

If Okita-san had actually left the Japan Dungeon Association, I might have followed him.

Okita-san is the strongest explorer.

I can’t stand seeing anyone undermine him.

He is the true heir to the legend, the one who deserves the most respect and admiration among all explorers.

: Is Okita-san really fighting…?

: But isn’t that the Pacific Dungeon’s boss? Is he gonna be okay?

: He instantly killed the Rampaging Dragon and wiped out Tokyo Dungeon’s 100th-floor boss. I doubt he’ll lose.

: Please, Okita-san!

The comments were filled with support and concern.

Anyone who dared to insult him?

I wouldn’t let it slide.

: I was in that building just a while ago.

: One moment, I was bathed in a strange light, and the next, I was inside a public gymnasium.

“That must have been Okita-san’s teleportation.”

“I saw him channeling his magic. So he wasn’t just preparing for battle—he was also saving everyone trapped in that collapsing building.”

: Damn… Okita’s insane.

: That’s Okita-“san”, you idiot!

: Go, Okita-san!

: We’re counting on you, Okita-san!

Okita-san saves lives as naturally as he breathes.

And he slaughters monsters just as effortlessly.

At this point, I’m not even sure he’s human anymore.

Even after becoming a high-rank explorer myself, I still feel like the gap between us only keeps growing.

No matter how much stronger I get, the distance just keeps increasing.

Maybe it’s because I’ve come to understand just how absurdly powerful he is.

Still, it feels so far away…

That’s why I respect Natsuki-san and Haruka-san for keeping up with him.

If it were me, I’d probably have lost confidence long ago.

Even so, someday—

I want to fight alongside Okita-san as an equal.

But as I stood there, lost in thought, the battle had already begun.

And Okita-san was completely overwhelming the monster.

What the hell is this? This is insane.

With every slight movement of Okita-san’s body, the giant mantis was getting sliced apart.

The massive boss monster couldn’t do a damn thing—

No, wait.

It wasn’t even capable of doing anything anymore.

It had already lost all its limbs.

Before it could even collapse, Okita-san suspended it midair with magic—

And kept cutting.

“Huh… this is weird~.”

He muttered absentmindedly as he continued to slice it up.

No, the weird one is YOU, Okita-san.

That’s the 100th-floor boss of a high-rank dungeon, right?

That mantis, right?

: Holy sh1t…

: This isn’t how I imagined it, but he’s way too strong…

: Uh… we’re the same species, right?

: I can’t even tell what’s happening.

: Every time something flashes, the mantis gets sliced into pieces…

: Is this gonna get complaints from some kind of insect protection group?

: No way, lmaooo.

The atmosphere in the comments shifted instantly.

Just moments ago, people were desperately cheering for Okita-san.

Now?

They were celebrating.

As expected of Okita-san.

There’s a reason he’s my idol.

“Looks like there’s no issue at all. As expected of Okita-san.”

Even Kyoya had sheathed his sword—watching the fight like a spectator at an arena.

Glancing around, I noticed the same across the battlefield.

The other explorers?

Watching.

The guild staff?

Also watching.

Even the civilians, who had just been evacuating, had stopped to gawk at the sheer absurdity of the scene.

Most likely, there were zero casualties.

Maybe not even a single injury.

The building that collapsed was unfortunate.

The roads and surrounding structures suffered damage.

But for a high-rank dungeon boss to escape into the real world…

And for no one to die?

That’s a miracle.

A miracle that could only happen in Japan.

: Okita-san keeps muttering while cutting it up. Did something bother him?

: I watched their Pacific Dungeon raid stream. There was a monster that talked.

: Wait, what?

: Are you serious?

: Explain!

“I saw that stream too.”

“It was surprising, right? It called itself the ‘Insect Lord’ and kept arguing with Okita-san’s fairy.”

: That’s a massive revelation…

: If it could talk, that means they could communicate, right?

: Well, Chairman Kamiya from the Japan Dungeon Association appeared in the stream’s chat and immediately changed the setting to private, so we don’t know anything beyond that.

“They’ll probably make an official announcement soon.”

“Until then, let’s not spread unnecessary rumors. Though… it’s probably too late.”

: Yeah.

: Trending on Tsubuyaitter right now—

#1: “Talking Insect Lord”

#3: “Pacific Dungeon 100th-floor Boss Teleported to Tokyo”

#7: “Okita-san Instantly Killed 100th-floor Boss”

#10: “Okita-san Rescued Everyone from Collapsing Building”

: Every social media platform is flooded with praise for Okita-san.

: The Dungeon Association just released footage—Okita-san entered the 100th-floor boss room, found it empty, and immediately teleported to Tokyo to help.

: Association did a great job handling this!

: I mean, they were the ones who sent him to the Pacific Dungeon in the first place.

: This is beyond insane.

: At this point, Kuzuno’s crimes have reached interstellar levels.

: Imagine if Okita-san had snapped and left Japan for another country…

“That would never happen.”

: Hazuki-san?

: Of course not! Japan can’t afford to lose its greatest treasure.

“That’s not what I meant.”

: Huh?

: Sorry…?

“I don’t mind. You wouldn’t know the full story.”

“But I’ll tell you this—”

“We will never again allow Okita-san—the man who saved countless lives, the son of Ransetsu—to be treated unfairly.”