kscans

Chapter 184 - Spartan Love

Chapter 126: Spartan Love

───The truth of the [Sage's Nucleus].

When I told them, everyone's reaction was calmer than I'd expected.

'Huh. Well, I kinda figured. You're you, Kyouta-kun, so it doesn't matter to me.'

'I see... It's all right. If any unsavory types were to come after you, I would fight with all my strength. You're like family to me now, Kyouta-kun!'

'...First, thank you. For trusting me that much. And I swear, I will never speak of this without your permission.'

'I'm just gonna run to the convenience store and the pharmacy.'

'Is that so. Yes, of course I am surprised. But rest assured. I have more connections than you might think. I will not allow anything untoward to happen to you, whom I consider a grandson.'

'Honestly, I'm still trying to wrap my head around it all, but...'

'...even so, your mother and I are on your side...!'

'Yep, got it! So business as usual! Let's build a ninja village together!!'

...Granted, there was a dwarf who got a fist to the head from her friend, and a self-proclaimed ninja spouting nonsense at the end.

But all in all, I'm blessed with good people in my life. And that's exactly why I don't want to lose them.

I sincerely hope it will be decades before I have to attend the funeral of someone close to me.

For that purpose...

"Well then, shall we depart?"

"Wait, that's weird. I think my ears might be playing tricks on me."

We were at the Dungeon Store. Our objective, of course, was to level up Aira-san.

The person in question currently had her arm locked tight by our resident self-proclaimed ninja. A preventative measure against escape.

On a side note, Erina-san's magnificent chest was pressed against Aira-san's slender arm, its shape deforming in a way that was visible even through her kimono. Honestly, I was incredibly jealous. I wanted to trade places with her, that hopeless co-ed.

"It's okay, Paisen!"

"Right, Erina-kun. He didn't mean 'depart' as in 'depart this life,' did he?"

"Yep! You probably won't die! Probably!"

"Someone, send a rescue team. I need to be saved from these barbarians... a princess in distress...!"

"You're less of a princess and more of a loafer, don't you think? And who are you calling a barbarian?"

"Shut up! I'm not a loafer! I'm busy with university this-and-that, research this-and-that, grinding in my games, and plotting how to sweet-talk Granny into giving me some of her wine!"

"Erina-san."

"Yep, got it all on tape!"

"Evidence secured. You wouldn't want the professor to hear this, would you?"

"Y-You fiends!"

Well, the professor was already aware of Aira-san's plan and was preparing a forced etiquette lesson as compensation.

Let's suffer through that 'constructive hell' together...!

Misery loves company. I am no exception. You, too, shall taste the violence of irrefutable logic...!

"What was that? I just felt a wicked aura from you, Kyouta-kun. Not a pervy one. Something more... insidious..."

"Hahaha. You must be joking. Come on, hurry up and get ready."

"Are you sure you're joking? You haven't set some kind of elaborate trap, have you?"

"Alright, let's go, Paisen! Let's go ninja!"

"Wait a minute, Erina-kun. I'm getting the distinct scent of a nefarious plot..."

After sending the hopeless co-ed off to the women's changing room with a pleasant smile, I headed into the men's.

I changed quickly, made a trip to the restroom, and then leaned against a wall near the changing rooms to wait for them.

When they emerged a short while later, their expressions were a study in contrasts.

"This is exciting, Paisen!"

"Hmph... I want to go home so badly."

Yep, same as always, and just as I predicted.

"Well, you know, Aira-san. After this is over, I'll play any of your favorite games with you. Fighting games, racing games, whatever."

"I'll get snacks and juice, too!"

"Ngh... If you're going to go that far, I suppose I have no choice. As an adult, I shall brace myself."

The methods of persuasion were clearly meant for a grade-schooler, but since they worked, I'll call it a win. I am, however, slightly concerned for her future.

We passed through reception and entered the gate room. In front of the white door, I activated Byakuren, and we equipped both it and Aira-san's golem, Renge, with their weapons and armor.

"Still, this feels rather momentous..."

"Hmm?"

Aira-san rubbed the area under her nose, looking somewhat embarrassed.

"This time, I will finally set foot in a 'D-Rank Dungeon.' I have become one of the more powerful adventurers."

"I see."

She had just been approved for promotion the other day.

Her level was already high enough. Her stats didn't quite match, but she couldn't level up properly in E-Rank dungeons anymore.

Apparently, she and Renge had cleared a Goblin dungeon without issue, and she'd completed the subsequent paperwork and everything else with no problems, officially making her a D-Rank adventurer.

Although, it seemed she left all the fighting to Renge. Her original goal was self-defense, so as long as she gained speed and durability, it was fine.

"Even you get happy about promotions, Aira-san."

"Of course. I, too, have aspirations of being an adventurer. It's just that the hassle outweighs it."

"Hassle..."

I couldn't help but smile wryly at her very characteristic comment.

Well, as long as it kept her motivated, anything was fine. I finished checking our equipment and moved to the front.

"Alright, place your hands on my shoulders. We're entering the dungeon."

"Mm."

"Alright! Invisible Ninjas, move out!"

'Everyone, please be careful!'

"Understood. We're heading out."

I stepped through the white gate.

Instantly, the familiar, strange sensation washed over me. It vanished just as quickly, and I felt the solid stone tiles under my feet.

We were in a corridor about three meters wide and high. Faint drafts slipped through cracks here and there, and the damp air brushed against my skin.

Using the SDF-installed lighting fixtures on the upper walls as our light source, I scanned the interior and confirmed there were no enemies nearby.

And then.

"Ghk, ugh..."

"Here's a motion sickness bag."

"Easy does it, Paisen. Slowly, okay? We'll keep watch, so don't you worry."

'Oh, sis, you poor thing...!'

"Bleeeaarghghgh."

Drawing the sword at my waist, I instructed Byakuren to watch our rear. I turned my back to them and kept my eyes forward.

Including the solo explorations she'd done, Aira-san had passed through the gate more than five times, but... it seemed she'd never get used to that sensation.

Honestly, no wonder she hates coming to dungeons, I thought, feeling a little guilty.

But this was necessary. Leaving my unique skill aside, the world was a dangerous place. The power to defend oneself was essential. This was a time to be cruel to be kind.

I really wanted to do a lot for my parents, too, but that didn't seem possible right now. First things first, I'd start with leveling Aira-san.

"Ugh... I think I've settled down a bit."

"Here, Paisen. Water. Let's rinse, okay?"

"Thank you..."

Now that Aira-san seemed to have recovered, I spoke to Mia-san through my earring.

"We should be able to start exploring soon. Please handle the navigation."

'Understood. Now, sis. It might be tough, but let's do our best!'

"Okay... I'll do my besht..."

Just as I was about to start walking down the stone-paved floor with a groggy Aira-san in tow, Erina-san's sharp voice cut through the air.

"Wait, an enemy's approaching. Just one. From the front."

"Got it."

I fixed my gaze straight ahead, shifting my mindset.

At the end of the stone corridor was a simple wooden door. It had no knob; the type that would open with a simple push.

I, too, sensed mana on the other side. It was very close.

"The monsters here have sharp senses! It probably picked up the sound and smell!"

"That is profoundly humiliating."

"Well, you can take out your frustration on this."

I handed my sword to Aira-san, then clenched my fists and lowered my center of gravity slightly.

Right on cue, the door opened, and a monster appeared.

'Grrr...!'

A beastly growl, and coarse fur covering its crimson body. Eyes as red as blood shone with particular intensity in the artificially lit corridor.

A bear-like physique, standing on two legs and glaring at us. Its face was relatively hairless, revealing features closely resembling a goblin's.

A large monster, baring fangs that possessed the luster and strength of iron.

Hobgoblin.

A creature without a goblin's intelligence, but with monstrous strength that far surpassed it, began to charge toward us.

'BUAAAAHH!!'

Spraying saliva, the Hobgoblin thundered across the stone floor.

The sight of that giant, clad in an armor of fur and muscle, closing in at nearly forty kilometers per hour was quite intimidating.

I stepped forward, pulling back my fist.

'VOH!'

"Hah!"

The Hobgoblin's huge, swinging right arm collided with my left.

Visually, the size difference was overwhelmingly in its favor.

'GYAGIIH!?'

But this was a battle between an Awakened Person and a monster, and that difference was about to be overturned.

If it were a Jötunn, things might be different, but the gap in stats is far more significant than the gap in size. My iron fist shattered the Hobgoblin's claws and pulverized the arm beyond them.

I followed up as it reeled back. I grabbed its left arm with my right and pulled it in with sheer force.

I had no experience with grappling, but I made up for it with brute strength. As I crushed its arm, I grabbed a handful of fur on its back with my left hand.

'GAAAH! GAAAA!!'

The Hobgoblin thrashed desperately, but I compensated for the weight difference by using wind to press down on its body from above. Even if I could overpower it with strength, restraining it was a bit tricky.

Small cracks formed in the floor beneath my feet as I anchored myself. With both of the monster's arms shattered and its torso immobilized, it was helpless. Its legs were too short compared to its long arms to land a kick, and it couldn't bite unless it was much closer.

Which meant...

"Aira-san, if you please!"

"This still looks absolutely barbaric..."

What can I say...?

Safety first, and besides, it's a monster. I'm sure from an outsider's perspective, this scene is utterly devoid of honor, but I generally prioritize practical results over such things. Not that I have any particular principles, so it's case by case.

In any case, there's no reason for us to show chivalry or bushido to a man-eating monster.

"Go on, give it a good stab."

"A good stab!"

"R-Right. I feel a bit guilty, but... uoooh!"

Aira-san lunged forward as if tackling it, thrusting the sword. It easily pierced the Hobgoblin's hide and sank deep into its chest.

...The tip of the sword emerged from its back, just a little above my hand. That was a bit scary.

With her strength and skill, I knew it wouldn't be a problem even if it hit my gauntlet, but to me, this view was more unnerving.

'V-Vooh...!'

"Hm, it's not dead in one hit. Then, one more."

'GAAAAAAAAAAAH!'

"Oof..."

This time the tip poked out between my fingers, and I felt my blood run a little cold.

It reminded me for a moment of when the Majin blew off my fingers. The adrenaline had numbed the pain back then, but now that I was calm, it was pretty terrifying.

I didn't let my guard down until the fur I was holding turned to salt, waiting for the Hobgoblin to breathe its last.

I looked down at the monster, which had formed a small white mound at my feet, and picked up the dropped coin. Along with the salt on it, I used wind to blow away the salt on my palm.

"Good work, Paisen!"

"Heh heh heh. I was surprised how easily it went in when I stabbed it..."

'Ahaha... It's not a person, so I suppose it's fine.'

Erina-san used a small brush, like one from a barbershop, to dust the salt off Aira-san where the blood had spattered.

We couldn't risk causing a stampede by leaving salt residue behind. We couldn't take responsibility if other adventurers got caught up in it, and if it was judged to be intentional, even a prospective B-Ranker like me would have their license revoked in an instant.

Lately, intentionally causing a stampede was considered tantamount to an act of terrorism. From my own experience, I completely agreed.

"Aira-san, can you keep going?"

"Yes. I'm fine enough to pray I'm not a serial killer. It's been a while since I last directly killed a monster... but I feel a terrifying lack of disgust."

"It's a monster, so it doesn't count."

One of the requirements for being an adventurer is whether you can fight or not.

That includes physical aspects and skills, but also the mental side. Aira-san's physical abilities might be pathetic, but her mind seems to be fine.

Well, after witnessing so many stampedes and all that, it's to be expected.

"Alright, we'll continue leveling up in the same way. As I explained beforehand, I'll generally be the one to restrain the enemy. If two appear, Byakuren will also hold one in a full nelson, so we'll deal with them one by one. There's no need to rush."

"Mm."

"If there are three or more, Erina-san and I will thin them out for safety, so please stay behind Byakuren and Renge for protection. And please, don't get careless and rush forward."

"I know."

"Alright then, let's aim for 'C-Rank Promotion' and do our best!"

"...Huh?"

"Now, let's resume our exploration. Mia-san, we're moving forward, so let us know when you spot the paint markings."

'Yes, leave it to me!'

I had wanted to level up my parents using this method, but... I'll leave that to the Walkers.

They have all sorts of know-how. Best to leave it to the experts. I'm sure they'll train them safely and efficiently.

"Wait. I, promotion, first I'm hearing of this."

"Eh? But at your level, even in D-Rank, your progress will start to stagnate soon, you know?"

"C-Rank, top tier of adventurers. Me, desk work specialist."

"Don't worry, in a few days B-Rank will be the top tier."

"Reassurance, where? Me, weak. You guys, gorilla, different."

"Why are you suddenly speaking in broken sentences? And who are you calling a gorilla?"

"Thought I'd make it easier for gorillas to understand..."

"I'll sentence you to punishment by candy apple."

"What is punishment by candy apple!?"

Professor Arisugawa had requested this, including the C-Rank promotion. If it came down to it, I wouldn't mind aiming for the rumored 'level cap.'

"Let's do our best, Paisen!"

'Well, I don't expect you to get that far in one go, of course. Let's take our time, sis! I'll come with you next time!'

"Someone, someone call a lawyer. I will protest this injustice to the bitter end...!"

"Just hurry up and go. We haven't even started moving yet."

Aira-san was escorted away, held on both sides by Byakuren and Erina-san. Fortunately, this dungeon had no traps, and Hobgoblins were monsters without ranged attacks.

Their raw physical abilities were greater than an Orc's, but as a hunting ground, it was perfect.

"Oh, and be careful of the Hobgoblins' fangs and claws, they have poison. I did get a potion from the professor just in case."

"Granny!? Granny's behind this, isn't she!? Damn you, Granny! I'll—get—you—for—this!"

The hopeless co-ed's voice echoed through the dungeon.

In a normal exploration, this would earn her a fist to the head, but for now, it was convenient. We let her scream and continued our exploration.

*

Later on, the hopeless co-ed tried to sweet-talk the professor into giving her some wine, only to find herself seated next to me as a 'reward' after the etiquette lesson. The look in her eyes was astonishingly dead.

Let's savor this hell together, shall we...?