kscans

Chapter 87 - A Message from Naoto

"Hm? Oh, it's Naoto."

I received a message from my high school friend, Konoe Naoto, for the first time in a while.

In our first year, Naoto and I sat in front of and behind each other in class. Since neither of us had anyone from our middle schools at the same high school, we naturally became friends. We were in the same class in our second year too. He’s my best friend from high school.

I opened the message.

'Heard Kawasaki Second is closing down, you know about it yet?'

…Huh?

Kawasaki Second is the high school I go to. And apparently, there's news that it's closing.

Seriously?

'Nah, didn't know.'

As soon as I replied, a message came back.

'My parents just showed me the transfer information.'

'Is it the kind that gets sent to your house?'

'I think so.'

'Crap, I haven't been home in a while.'

'What about your parents?'

'They're abroad to get away from the media.'

'Ah. That explains it.'

Even with all this digital technology, they still have a culture of sending the most important documents by paper…

'Want me to send a pic?'

'Sorry, yeah, please.'

Naoto took a picture of the information notice and sent it to me.

It stated that the closure of Kawasaki Prefectural Second High School had been decided. And that a new educational institution would be established on its grounds.

A school specializing in dungeon clearing. The name was listed as undecided. But it seemed to be confirmed that it would be a national school.

So it's a government decision. Then Kawasaki Second is really closing down.

…………Isn’t this the Goddess’s fault too?

My hatred for the Goddess grew a level stronger. I don't want to go to a different school from Naoto.

'You not gonna clear dungeons, Naoto? It's not VR, so you won't get motion sick. You're athletic, and you could make money streaming.'

'Yeah, I'm thinking about it. Just scared of the whole maybe dying thing.'

That's true, so I can't force him. But I'd like to go with him if possible.

'Anyway, you'll probably be hired as a teacher, not a student lol.'

'A teacher? Me?'

'You don't realize they call you the "Walking Dungeon Strategy Guide" on social media?'

'What's that?'

'I still watch all your streams, Hayate. It's crazy how you fight monsters while giving commentary. But watching it makes me feel like I could do it too.'

'Oh. So if I said I'd teach you how to fight, you'd go to the new school with me?'

'Having the explorer the US President acknowledged as the strongest as my personal trainer would be amazing, but Mei would probably worry a ton, though.'

Naoto has a cute girlfriend named Sakino Mei. They've been childhood friends since kindergarten, he said.

I used to call her "Sakinon".

The three of us used to hang out sometimes. But Naoto's VR sickness was severe, so he couldn't play FWO. We usually went to karaoke and stuff.

Even though he couldn't play FWO with me, Naoto often came to my streams. Back when I had few viewers, his comments really encouraged me.

When tests were coming up, the three of us would have study sessions.

But I haven't seen them since the dungeon swallowed my high school. The school has been closed ever since, and I've been flying all over the place…

I want to see them again.

As I was thinking that, I realized something.

'Let's talk about whether to go to the new school or transfer with Sakinon too. When I think about it, I don't really need to go to a specialized dungeon clearing school. I'll go with what you guys decide.'

That’s right. I could choose either one.

The new school is interesting, but it's a lower priority than being separated from my friends.

'Ok. Mei said she's free later today, so let's the three of us talk. The usual spot is good, right?'

'Ah, I moved a bit far away, so take your time getting there.'

'Roger.'

To decide our future, I headed to the family restaurant where the three of us always used to hang out.