Chapter 37: Yearning Heart

The job that Joe-san introduced went smoothly without any major issues.

Engaging with Grid takes time, so even if you’re in a pinch, don’t defeat it. Just use the chant-enhanced [Freeze] to stall it. That way, you can take breaks and challenge it again.

Thankfully, the party I was in charge of gave me excellent feedback.

“He doesn’t yell like Joe does.”
“His explanations are more thorough than Joe’s.”
“Why don’t you become our brother?”

Despite some occasional strange invitations like these, the three-day job ended without major problems.

I also brought back my luggage from the camp, so I had zero accommodation costs from the second day onward. As a result, I ended up earning an incredible amount.

“…It’s terrifying. Area 4 is terrifying. At this rate, I’ll become wealthy.”

Moreover, Joe-san pays me by hand. 210,000 yen. My hands tremble holding the bulging envelope.

“If you’re risking your life, earning at least this much is breaking even. Take it easy, Isshiki.”
“…Understood. I’ll do my best.”

“Many are happy, but some are scared, huh? Honestly. Well, go on, head back to the surface.”
“Yes, excuse me.”

I pack up my belongings and get ready to leave.
It’s evening now. If I run at full speed, I should be able to return home by tonight.

I have light conversations with adventurers I’ve gotten to know in the courtyard and then climb to the rooftops. In this maze-like city, running on rooftops is the quickest way.

Lila was waiting there.

“I’ll see you to the gate.”
“Thank you.”

We run side by side. Over the rooftops. And if there are no roofs, we kick through the air.

“You’re going home, Itsuki?”
“My family is waiting.”

“Is that so? Itsuki’s family is on Earth, right?”
“Are you going back to Tokyo, Lila?”

In the end, I decided not to team up with her. By now, Lila shouldn’t have any reason to stay here. But Lila simply shakes her head.

“I’m not going back. Lila’s living in the dungeon anyway, so I plan to stay here until the registration expires.”
“When does your registration expire?”

Apparently, entering a different dungeon requires procedures, similar to passports and visas. I’m not too familiar with either, though.

“Until October. So… Itsuki, what month is it on Earth?”
“September. So, you’ll be here for about another month, then.”

It seems she doesn’t have any urgent need to head to Area 5, which was a bit surprising, but when I think about it, Lila has been here waiting for me since August. Her demeanor seems quite relaxed.

“Do you think we’ll meet again?”
“I think so. Joe-san also told me to come for work. It’s nice not to have to transport items.”

“Is that so? Then Lila will wait here. Next time, let’s hang out together.”
“Hang out?”

“Yes, there’s the best playground here. You can see it from here too.”

Lila pointed with a smile to a majestic building far off. Located at the center of this area and serving as an entrance to the next— the [Church].

In that [Church], there exists a monster. With a regeneration cycle of about 12 hours, it’s known as the gatekeeper of Area 5— the unique entity “The Divine Soldier.”

“Could it be that… you mean to defeat that for fun?”
“I want to defeat it!”

“Eh…”

Is defeating unique entities something you do just for fun? Lila, who doesn’t notice my shock, might be aware but doesn’t seem to care at all.
She’s inviting me with a casual attitude, like asking someone to karaoke or a movie.

Well, well…

The Divine Soldier is the most well-known unique entity. It’s not as novel as the Red Walker, not as rare as cursewood, nor secretly dwelling like the Undead King. Standing in the way of all adventurers who wish to progress to Area 5.

Because of its notoriety, there’s an abundance of information, and some adventurers even have a certain affection for it—no, Lila, that’s definitely unusual.

“Lila’s family used to call that a morning exercise.”
“Like radio calisthenics?”

It appears that her extraordinary sense comes from the environment she grew up in.
The ‘Scarlet Tears,’ led by Lila’s father, were reportedly a very powerful party.

“Itsuki should try it too!”
“…Just make sure it’s not dangerous.”

“It’s fine. Bringing Joe along ensures safety.”
“Poor Joe-san.”

Bound by some form of debt or obligation, Joe-san can’t quite shake off Lila. I’m sure if asked, he’d tag along with a reluctant face.

The camp comes into view. In the center is the return gate.

“Bye-bye, Itsuki.”
“See you, Lila.”

◇

The building managing the dungeon operates basically around the clock. Some facilities like the cafeteria close at reasonable hours, but typically, there are staff working the night shift.

I drop off the collected items at the exchange and take a shower, changing into my clothes for the trip home. Checking my smartphone, I find messages waiting.

Nina mentioned she had finished eating. She said it was less than expected, so she’s going to remake my portion, prompting me to call her immediately. I tell her to focus on studying as I’ll grab something to eat outside.

Kirishima-san, aiming to become a commendable instructor, stated she’ll be in Nagano for the foreseeable future. Her grueling training regimen was detailed monotonously. It’s amusing as a sort of documentary, but definitely not a situation I would want to experience personally.

I get a message from Shiraishi-san a few minutes ago.

‘Isshiki, are you back yet?’
‘Just finished changing.’

The cloak and clothes are folded into a locker. Before leaving the dungeon, I sanitized them with magic. Due to the nature of the material, it remains odorless, retaining its texture without detergent.

Shiraishi-san replies.

‘Actually, I’m still around too. Have you had dinner yet?’
‘Not yet. Shall we go somewhere?’

‘Let’s do that. I’ll be there soon. Let’s meet at the exit.’

I put away my smartphone and hurry outside.

The September breeze still carries the remnants of summer. Here even the buildings in this regional city sporadically glow at this hour.

“Sorry for the wait.”
“Good work today.”

Shiraishi-san, in a beige casual suit, jogs up to me. She stares keenly, blinking a few times.

“Isshiki, did you grow taller?”
“You think so?”

“Absolutely so! When we first met, you were about this height.”

Shiraishi-san indicates around my eyes with her hand.

“Was I really?”
“Definitely were. Ah, youth is great. Growing tall so swiftly.”

I refrain from noting that Shiraishi-san is youthful as well. Even I would sense the youthfulness of a seventh grader standing before me.

A Chinese restaurant, recommended by Shiraishi-san, is just a short walk away. Few places are free to enter around this time, so we opt for it without hesitation.

Seated at a table, I sip the water brought to us.
Thanks to my numbed senses, I’ve grown accustomed to dining out. The 50,000 yen per night in Area 4 particularly desensitized me.

Once we order, Shiraishi-san asks.

“Can you manage in the new area?”
“I’m managing somehow. I’ve made acquaintances, so it’s fairly lively.”

“You mean Joe?”
“Yes. And also an adventurer my age, Lila.”

“How was it?”

Shiraishi-san, neither surprised nor indifferent, asks with genuine interest.

“Joe-san was a good person. Lila, well… she feels like she lives in a different world.”
“Even you think so, Isshiki-kun?”

“I do. Someone who’s been playing in dungeons since birth and I… we’re completely different.”
“But you see, Isshiki-kun, you have your own talents.”

“I’m not trying to compete. I don’t even plan to team up with Lila.”
“Is that so?”

“…Yes. Thank you for always looking out for me.”

I lightly nod my head, and Shiraishi-san quickly waves her hands dismissively.

“Hey, I’m just your number one fan, Isshiki-kun. … Is everything alright? Is it not a bit taxing?”
“Not at all. I’m grateful.”

Shiraishi-san and Kirishima-san always worry about me. Even after disbanding the party, they still engage with me like this, which truly makes me happy.

The gyoza arrive shortly, followed by two bowls of ramen.

“Chinese cuisine at this hour feels so decadent, doesn’t it?”
“It smells delicious.”

I break the disposable chopsticks and slurp the noodles. I recently found out that menma is made from bamboo shoots.

About 60% into the meal, Shiraishi-san speaks up with an “Oh, by the way.”

“The instructor left a message, and while I’d ask you not to share it with others… ah, Lila is fine. She probably already knows.”
“What is it?”

“They’re planning to attempt Area 4 of the Tokyo dungeon in mid-November. Our team has nominated you individually and ‘Monthly’ to participate. They have enough upper-rank members in Tokyo, so they’re gathering mid-upper-rank and promising newcomers from the regions.”

I tilt my head at Shiraishi-san’s words.

“Area 4?”

“Yes, but not the [Fallen Holy City], the other side.”

Hearing “other,” I have an inkling.
The gate leading to Area 4 we know isn’t the only one.

“They’re saying that you can reach the habitat of the Grids. The area is called [Scorching Mines].”
“….…”

My chopsticks stop, and the TV sound passes through my mind as if read monotone.

“Of course, you have the right to refuse. However, my opinion is that—”

The fervor in Shiraishi-san’s eyes stirs something inside me. The emotions I thought were chilled solid unravel almost too easily.

“I want you to see the vast world, Isshiki-kun. Choosing something can wait until after that, don’t you think?”