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 38

“Alright, we’re back!”

[Live Stream Comments]

: Welcome back!
: That was faster than expected lol
: So… are we still in ‘Koichi-kun’ mode or ‘Koichi-san’ mode?
: Bro, it’s the same person.

“Sorry about that! I couldn’t keep up the character for a bit. But don’t worry—I’m getting back into it now.”

: KOOOICHIIII-KYUUUUN♡♡♡
: Okay, yes, he’s got a cute face, but he’s still the world’s strongest explorer.
: So… who’s Egrus?
: My heart is racing…♡
: Why are YOU nervous?!
: Not to derail, but uh… we’ve got 40,000 concurrent viewers, and ‘HarukaLove Channel’ is trending at #7 on Tsubuyaiter.
: LOL priorities.
**: Bro, “Koichi-kun” needs to step it up!
: But damn, that’s impressive. Congrats!

“Wow, really? Thanks, everyone!”

: If only we could throw Super Chats…
: Let me donate! I’ll financially support Koichi-kun for LIFE!
: Too bad for you—this is HarukaLove Channel. You can’t beat her.
: tch.
: But seriously… Egrus?

“Egrus was my father.”

“…Wait, what?”

[Live Stream Comments]

: WHAT?!
: ARE YOU SERIOUS?!
Hazuki: I thought so. He used to work alongside Ransetsu.
: OHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!
: So… Koichi’s been using his father’s sword all this time… without knowing?

: That’s a lot to take in.
: His uncle gave him his mom’s keepsake, but it turns out… his dad was the one who made it? That’s kinda beautiful.
: More than beautiful—it’s a story full of love. (tears)
: A truly heartwarming moment.
: So that’s why he got emotional earlier… damn, what a story.
: Okay, but I’m actually crying now.

“Thanks, everyone. Yeah, I was surprised, but I’m good now.”

Should I be acting more “adorable” at times like this? I think I saw a TV show about it once…

: It’s okay, you can cry… (on my chest).
: Need a shoulder? Mine’s open for you.
: Uh, hello? He’s got Haruka, he’s fine.
: And Effie.
: …Wait, what?

Effie doesn’t even have a chest.

She’s literally palm-sized most of the time. Still don’t get why she looks bigger sometimes…

“That’s a wonderful story. I’m sure your father would be happy to know you’re using his sword, Mr. Okita.”

“Thank you. I’m really glad I had it analyzed today.”

[Live Stream Comments]

: That’s gotta be a great feeling.
: Honestly, this was a huge discovery.
: Props to KIJ.
: But… their past quality issues…
: DUDE, SHUT UP.
: Seriously, read the room.
: Don’t ruin this moment.
: KIJ gets my support now. Koichi’s happiest expression alone deserves an award.

**”We appreciate your support, but unfortunately, we weren’t able to analyze its materials or performance. We’ll continue improving our equipment to change that.

For now, let’s take a short break before we move on.”**

Hibino was thoughtful enough to insert another break before moving forward.

While I was sitting down and drinking another bottle of Celestial, one of the lab techs approached me.

“Apologies, Mr. Okita. We didn’t anticipate that the creator might be someone deeply connected to you. We sincerely apologize for any distress this may have caused.”

“No, don’t worry about it. I was surprised, but I’m grateful to know the truth.”

**”Thank you for your understanding. Also… there’s one more thing we discovered while the stream was paused.

We managed to identify the sword’s material—but… it’s something too shocking to reveal publicly.”**

Huh.

KIJ really does seem like a good place to work.

Considering how things were under Kazuno’s leadership at the Japan Dungeon Association, the difference is night and day.

But still…

What kind of material is “too shocking” to reveal?

“This sword… is made of Orichalcum.”

“Wait… the legendary metal?”

“Yes. But… we have no idea what properties Orichalcum actually has. The name only exists in myths.”

And with that, today hit me with another massive revelation.

I am so glad I came.

I’m totally bragging about this to Haruka and Yokota later.

Now that I think about it… this might be the perfect opportunity.

“By the way, I have a request. Can you analyze this?”

I handed the tech the strange figurine I had picked up earlier.

“What is this?”

“I found it in the altered Tokyo Dungeon. But… I have no idea what it is.”

“I see. Understood. We’ll run an analysis and have the results ready when you finish your next task.”

With that, my mysterious ‘Inexplicable Pig Statue’ was taken for appraisal.

Looking forward to the results.

“Alright, Mr. Okita. Shall we resume the stream?”

“Got it.”

I activated my floating camera.

[Live Stream Comments]

: YES, FINALLY!
: Time for dungeon action!
: Stripping down in excitement!
: …Excuse me??
: WAIT, WE HAVE TO HEAR ABOUT THE MAGIC SWORD FIRST.
: Damn it, fine.
: Okay, now that the annoying complainers are gone…
: Yeah, we reported that guy earlier. Hope he gets banned.
: You’re amazing, Queen.

**”The weapon we’ll be testing today is KIJ’s latest creation, codenamed ‘Susanoo.’”

“Whoa… that sounds badass!”

[Live Stream Comments]

: That name is sick.
: KIJ went all out.
: The past few years, their designs have been all sleek and minimalistic, but this? This is PEAK chuuni.
: Koichi’s eyes are shining.
: No lie, that thing looks amazing.

The comments had a point—

This sword looked awesome.

Honestly? I kinda want one.

“The live chat seems to love the design.”

“Really? That’s great news! The development and design teams will be thrilled to hear that.”

Feeling hyped, I grabbed Susanoo and headed for Imperial Palace Dungeon.

Dungeon exploration time.