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 3

“Big brother!”

As I packed my few belongings and stepped out of the Dungeon Association’s building, a voice suddenly called out to me from behind.

It was soft and pleasant, with a slight huskiness to it.

Haruka.

I turned around and saw her running toward me, her slightly disheveled hair swaying with each step.

She must have rushed out in a hurry.

Even though her wounds had been healed by a cleric, she must still be in pain.

Not wanting her to overexert herself, I stopped and waited for her.

“Big brother, is it true? Are you really quitting the Dungeon Association? I just heard, and I couldn’t believe it!”

She called me big brother, but of course, we weren’t actually related.

Our families had been next-door neighbors since we were kids, and since Akane, her older sister, and I were classmates, we had all played together since kindergarten. The habit just stuck.

“Yeah. I’ve had enough.”

“But… I’ll be lonely… and so will my sister.”

Like hell Akane would be lonely.

Judging by how serious Haruka looked, Akane probably hadn’t said a word about it.

The news of my resignation must have reached Myoujou, but Haruka likely only heard it secondhand.

“They tried to pin the failure of the expedition on me.”

“Huh? …Why? If it weren’t for you, we would’ve all died! How does that make sense?”

I figured.

So they spun it like I just quit out of nowhere.

“The president said it to my face. I lost it. That’s all.”

“Ah! Mr. Okita! This is Tohto TV! We heard you left the association after failing the dungeon expedition. Could you tell us what happened?”

“Mr. Okita! This is Nippon TV! Many people and resources were poured into this expedition. Failing and running away isn’t acceptable. Don’t you think you should take responsibility?”

“Mr. Okita! Ameba TV here! Many people lost their lives. Why didn’t you protect them? Rumor has it you were the only one who came back unscathed. Don’t you think the public deserves an explanation?”

“Your team wanted to keep going, but you forced them to retreat. Don’t you think that was too selfish?”

“Do you have any idea how much taxpayer money was spent?”

“Meanwhile, China keeps pulling ahead. Are you even taking your job as an explorer seriously?”

“Say something!”

“You got pampered so much that it went to your head, huh?”

“What’s the matter?”

“Ugh—!”

The second I reacted, the reporters all recoiled in fear.

I hadn’t even restrained my magic while inside the association, so they were completely overwhelmed.

They didn’t need me anymore.

I could feel it.

I decided to leave without another word.

I’d message Haruka later.

“Did you all see that? What an outrageous display!”

Comments:

• Unbelievable.
• Explorers are nothing but frauds once you strip away the hype.
• So much for “Japan’s strongest explorer.” What a joke.
• Wasn’t he the one bragging about being stronger than China’s explorers? What a laugh.
• Disgusting. I can’t believe I ever admired this guy.

I scrolled through the news, but it was all the same.

Every outlet was dragging me through the mud.

Yeah, I was done with this place.

I had no regrets.

They could keep their damn association.

I was heading to the Pacific Dungeon.

Ding-dong!

…Nope.

Not answering that.

They must’ve found my address already.

Probably the damn reporters again.

Ding-dong!
Ding-dong!
Ding-dong!
Ding-dong!
Ding-dong!
Ding-dong!
Ding-dong!
Ding-dong!

So damn loud!

What the hell do they want?!

“Big brother! It’s me!”

…Haruka?

She could’ve just messaged me—

Oh.

Right.

I turned off my phone.

The flood of hate messages and notifications had been unbearable.

“What are you doing here? If people see you with me, they’ll come after you too.”

“Big brother… I’m sorry. I had no idea things had gotten this bad.”

“You wouldn’t have known. And you don’t need to.”

The frustration was starting to boil over, and my tone came out sharper than I intended.

“Just leave me alone, Haruka. Even Akane turned her back on me. It’s over. Let me be.”

“Big brother…”

I couldn’t control my emotions anymore.

I knew she was here because she was worried, but I just couldn’t handle it right now.

I saw tears welling up in her eyes.

“What do you mean? Akane? What did my sister do?”

But I couldn’t stop myself.

“Just go home. She chose Kazuno. She told me to do whatever the hell I wanted.”

“W-What…?”

Damn it.

That was just me taking out my anger on her.

I was a piece of sh1t.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that. It has nothing to do with you.”

“No… I should be the one apologizing. I didn’t know anything…”

Tears streamed down her cheeks as she stopped trying to hold them back.

That sight drained the fight right out of me.

I remembered when we were kids—when some neighborhood brat bullied her, she cried just like this.

I had beaten the hell out of the kid, only for her to cry even more, which left me completely dumbfounded.

I took a deep breath.

I needed to calm down.

I reached out and gently ruffled her hair.

“Big brother…”

“Sorry. I took it out on you. But I can’t stay here. You should go. If people see you with me, it’ll cause trouble.”

“No…”

She grabbed my hand with both of hers.

“No! I don’t want you to go!”

Her tears fell onto my hands like raindrops.

For a moment, I considered taking her with me.

But no…

I didn’t care if the world turned against me.

But I didn’t want her to suffer for it.

“Here. Keep this.”

“…Huh?”

Once she had calmed down a little, I handed her a charm.

“If you’re ever in trouble, call for me. Say, ‘Koichi, help me.’ For now, just wait. At least until things settle down.”

“Big brother…”

She clutched the charm tightly and burst into tears again.

I rubbed her back and comforted her until she calmed down.

Then I sent her home.

Now, time to head for the Pacific Dungeon—

Wait.

Sh1t.

“Hello?”

“Ah, Koichi. Sounds like you’ve had a rough time. Sorry I couldn’t step in.”

“No, I should be the one apologizing. I didn’t mean to drag you into this, Uncle.”

“Nonsense. So, what’s your plan?”

“I’m heading to the Pacific Dungeon.”

“I see. That’s a good choice. It’ll give the world something to think about. The idiots really shot themselves in the foot with this one.”

“Not that I care, but…”

“That’s fine. Just keep in touch.”

“I will.”

“Alright, then. Go raise hell. We’ll talk soon.”

“Got it. Thanks, Uncle.”

I owed my uncle a lot.

Now, it was time to move forward.