Chapter 45: Adventurers Gathering

—Itsuki Isshiki also joins the expedition to conquer the “Scorching Mines.”

The news excites not only his former party members.

“Reaching Area 4 this quickly and being summoned from Tokyo… as expected of a comrade!”

Shigeatsu, the leader of “Monthly,” currently conquering Area 5, couldn’t help but feel thrilled. At first glance, he looks like a handsome young man who could be a model, but in reality, he’s a dedicated adventurer who has effectively had his brain consumed by dungeons, a cut above a typical person.

Next to him stands the large, solid Genzo, looking somewhat exasperated.

“They say Shiraishi from the reception is coming with the monk as a chaperone.”
“Chaperone wedding…?”

“That’s what I heard. There must be some reason.”
“Why do you always know things I don’t, Genzo?”

“Ha. Because alcohol is great, that’s why.”

Despite his intimidating appearance, which might make people shy away, he’s an expert in gathering information. He’s usually found visiting pubs daily when on the surface, apparently collecting information there.

“Hey everyone, hold on a moment, please!”

Emerging from the crowded station concourse and a bit behind the others is a lanky man with pale skin and glasses, looking like anything but an adventurer. Nobody passing by would assume him to be one.

He’s carrying a large paper bag under each arm, giving off an unmistakable tourist vibe.

“Mitsui, what’s with all the luggage? You know we’re not going on a vacation, right?”
“It’s for souvenirs. Since net friends are coming to today’s gathering, I thought they’d be necessary.”

“You have internet friends who are adventurers?”
“Heh heh heh… Quite a few, indeed. We are otaku adventurers, constantly honing ourselves to smile darkly in dungeons.”

“Hmm…”

Shigeatsu responds lightly, and Genzo looks uninterested as he gazes into the distance. “Monthly” maintains a comfortable distance among its members today as well.

“But isn’t it nerve-wracking to have mighty warriors gathering from all over the country…”
“No need to worry. We are ‘Monthly,’ nothing more, nothing less. Let’s just do what we usually do.”

Shigeatsu says calmly, stretching comfortably. His ability to keep things simple and clear makes him a good leader, or so Genzo and Mitsui secretly think.

While walking, Shigeatsu suddenly mutters:

“But this is troublesome. I told the comrade we’d meet next in the dungeon… Maybe I should hide. Genzo, Mitsui, if anyone asks about me, could you keep quiet?”

“You’re saying strange things.”
“Incomprehensible indeed.”

I’ve never thought of him as a perfect leader.

◇

Shinjuku… this seems right. Yep, looks good. I’m sure of it.

I compare the map on my cheap second-hand smartphone as I slowly proceed. The direction accuracy is low, so I have to ensure it matches the surrounding terrain. I’m glad I decided to leave early just in case.

I found the building I was looking for 20 minutes before the meeting time. Made it.

I showed my name and card at the entrance to get through. The building’s layout is the same as the facility I usually use. The equipment sent from the other side is in the assigned locker. I verify the full set of Undead King’s attire is there.

Instead of heading towards the gate, I take the elevator upstairs. In a room that looks like a conference room with rows of desks and chairs, many people are gathered. They seem to be the adventurers joining this time.

When I nervously enter, the first thing that catches my eye is something strange.

In the back row, in the farthest corner, sits a girl with red hair, looking listless. With red-frame sunglasses, a black knit cap, and a red mask, she’s completely suspicious-looking. Her outfit is a bright red hoodie. Her overwhelming presence creates a crater-like gap where people naturally avoid.

…It’s Lila, isn’t it?
…I mean, no one else would be that red, right?

Anyway, I should avoid being noticed. If I interact with her now, people might think I’m weird too. I’ll hold back for a bit and enter just as time gets tight…

Thinking this, the red-haired girl stands up and walks over. Yep. That’s it.
She grabs my left arm and drags me to the back. Lila stays silent. This is intimidating.

Once seated, she finally speaks up.

“Itsuki. Do you recognize me? It’s Lila.”
“Yeah, I do.”

“Really? Itsuki is amazing. Lila’s in perfect disguise.”
“Perfect… disguise?”

This isn’t even up to par with Volunteer Mask for hiding identity. But maybe that wasn’t good at hiding either? Nope, my knowledge of disguises is too poor to know what’s right.

“See, my face is mostly covered. Like this, people can’t tell who I am.”
“Why is it all red? What’s with the red theme?”

“It’s my favorite color.”
“Don’t put personal flair into a disguise!”

“Quiet. Lila dislikes attention.”
“Are you joking…?”

If people aren’t coming near us, it’s simply because they’re being considerate.

Living in a dungeon, to think she’d be this unaware of basic norms. Well, you don’t really get a chance to learn about disguises, I guess. Even Shiraishi-san has the Volunteer Mask, so maybe it can’t be helped that Lila turned out like this.

More people start filling the conference room. There are about 200 participants this time. Some are in suits, others dressed casually, and some wear flamboyant costumes. The oddballs slightly outnumber the rest, so Lila doesn’t stand out that much in the end.

Adventurers are something else.

When the gathering time arrives, staff appear, and the room lights dim. With a projected video on the front screen, the briefing begins.

“This is the third time an expedition has been launched to conquer the ‘Scorching Mines’ in Japan. Some of you here may have already experienced it. And those individuals should know firsthand—Grids are indeed cunning monsters.”

The screen shows the images of the “Scorching Mines,” which have previously been conquered.
The massive mountain has countless holes, where Grids mine, forge weapons, and supposedly live.

“The main objective is to defeat the Grid King—’Golden Wolf Grid.'”

An almost essential requirement for aiming for the top contribution ranking.
Being the first to reach and defeat the King among everyone here.

“There are also predictions of multiple unique individuals called ‘Silver Wolf Grids.’ Please remain vigilant at all times.”

After confirming the key points for the conquest, paper materials are distributed from the front.
Flipping through a few pages reveals a list of names and parties.

“In carrying out this operation, due to teleportation logistics, you’ll be divided into five groups. If you don’t see your name or party name, please inform us later.”

My name is under Squad 4. Along with Lila and ‘Monthly’ listed there as well.

Each group has a designated lead party, and tomorrow, strategies will be decided within these groups. Our leader is a party called ‘Yggdrasil Order.’ Remembering all these names is going to be tough.

“We wish everyone success and a safe return.”

With those closing words, the video shuts off, and the gathering concludes. People start leaving the conference room one after another.

“Itsuki, you’re in the same group, right?”
“Yeah. I’m relieved to know someone here.”

“Hey, Itsuki.”
“Hmm?”

“Lila defeated The Divine Giant Soldier alone.”
“I did too.”

I clasp my hands behind my head, avoiding eye contact.

“Lila won’t lose.”
“Then, it’s a challenge.”

Standing up from my chair, I turned my back to Lila.

After doing some information gathering before heading back to the hotel, it was evening by the time I returned.
We just had dinner together and decided to get an early night’s sleep.