Two days after defeating the goblins, it was Sunday morning — but the media was dominated by one particular story.
That day, Japan — no, the world — had changed forever.
The governments of various countries announced the confirmed existence of dungeons and monsters, as well as the measures being put in place to combat them. Along with that news came reports of the incident from the previous night — the attack on the Police Commissioner’s residence and the tragic death of the Commissioner and his wife.
The news also reported that around the time dungeons began to appear, people with special abilities, known as 【Jobs】, started emerging across the globe.
Incidentally, Japan’s first officially registered Explorer was none other than the daughter who had slain the goblins during the attack on the Commissioner’s residence.
(Huh… Explorers and Jobs, huh…? I wonder if this has something to do with what happened yesterday.)
As I sat there thinking about it, a press conference started airing. And then… I couldn’t look away.
The beauty of Ootori-san on the screen had me completely captivated.
She was standing under a barrage of flashing lights, her black and crimson-streaked hair tied back in a ponytail, wearing a fitted suit. Her perfectly balanced features radiated strength as she faced straight ahead with unwavering confidence.
But what stood out most were her eyes — strikingly beautiful.
(Those eyes… They look like someone’s… But I don’t have any friends in this world…)
…There it is again. Thinking about “this world” like that… That’s kind of weird, isn’t it?
「What’s wrong, Yuuki? You’re spacing out.」
「No… I was just thinking how incredibly pretty she is…」
I was so surprised by my mom’s sudden comment that I ended up saying it out loud.
「Haa…Hikari-chan’s gonna stab you, you know?」
「Huh? What’d you say, Mom?」
「Nothing… Just wondering if I need to start planning my son’s funeral.」
「Isn’t that a bit harsh!? Why would you even say that!?」
While I was dealing with my mom’s side comments, the press conference had ended.
Afterward, a police representative and a government official from the Cabinet Office explained various matters — about the monsters that had become humanity’s enemies and the dungeons that had appeared out of nowhere.
They also talked about the establishment of emergency shelters in schools and local districts, and explained the current understanding of 【Jobs】.
The key points were as follows:
– Fantasy-like monsters have appeared all over the world.
– Dungeons — the places where these monsters are born — have also appeared.
– People with special abilities (Jobs) have begun to manifest worldwide.
– So far, 【Jobs】 have only been observed in people under the age of 40, with the highest occurrence rate among children.
– Currently, only melee-based Jobs have been discovered.
– Dungeons are under government control, and entry requires a permit.
– Ability assessments and dungeon permits are free of charge.
– Those with strong abilities often develop physical traits reflecting their power. (For example, Rina-san’s hair gained red streaks.)
– Rina-san is a high school second-year. (This part is important.)
– Underage Explorers will have the option to transfer to a specialized Explorer Academy, which is scheduled to open soon.
– There will be an entrance exam for the academy, which will involve the use of a dungeon.
– Adult Explorers will be treated as public servants, receiving a base salary plus performance-based bonuses (which will be tax-exempt).
– Deaths among Explorers will be treated as self-responsibility (though condolence payments and survivor pensions will be available).
– Using abilities to commit crimes will be treated as a serious offense.
The information on the flipboard was pretty much summed up like that.
「Yuuki, are you thinking about becoming one?」
「Hmm… Well, it’d be helping people, right?」
I replied to my mom without giving it much thought — and she immediately started laughing.
「Ahaha, you really are your father’s son. I don’t want you to push yourself too hard… but if you decide to go for it, make sure you talk it over with Hikari-chan first.」
「Yeah… She’s my childhood friend, so I should definitely talk to her about it.」
「…That’s not exactly what I meant, but… ah, whatever.」
With that, Mom headed off to work.
-0-
「Haa… dating a girl that beautiful would be a dream come true…」
After finishing the breakfast my mom had left for me, I went to the bathroom to wash my face.
After what happened two days ago, I thought maybe something about me had changed…
But unfortunately, the face and body reflected in the bathroom mirror and the full-length mirror in the hallway were the same as always. Just my plain, forgettable face staring back at me.
Once I finished breakfast, I went back to my room and started reading a light novel. A perfectly relaxed and peaceful day off.
Through the window, I could see Hikari’s room across the way. The window was open, and my childhood friend was vacuuming inside.
「Good luck… Yaaawn… I’m getting sleepy…」
Even though it was still early summer, it already felt like the height of summer outside. But with the AC running inside, it was paradise.
「It’s nice and cool… maybe I’ll take a nap…」
Just as I finished reading a volume, a wave of drowsiness hit me hard.
Deciding to indulge in a luxurious midday nap, I slipped under the covers.
And just like that, I drifted off.
◇◆◇◆◇◆◇◆
When I opened my eyes, I was in a completely white world.
(Wait… isn’t this the place where I met the god…?…Huh? Why did I automatically think “god” just now?)
「Ah, that’s because your memories from the other world and this one are starting to merge!」
「Huh!? Who’s there!?」
Startled by a cheerful child’s voice, I turned around — and saw a breathtakingly beautiful boy standing there.
「Yahho~! Long time no see, Yuuki-kun!」
The boy smiled brightly and called out to me.
「Uh… who are you?」
I would definitely remember meeting someone this stunning. No way I’d forget a face like that.
「Ahh, right. This is the first time you’re seeing me like this. Or maybe your memories haven’t settled in yet? I’m the god who sent you to the other world! Used up too much divine power and ended up looking like this. Tehepero☆」
(Wait… the god who sent me to the other world…?)
「Eh!? You mean that ripped, bodybuilder-level god!? Like, Sh〇wa-chan levels of muscle!?」
「Yup, that’s the one.」
With a snap of his fingers, the empty white space transformed. A large cushion and a table with a tea set appeared out of nowhere.
「Anyway, why don’t we have some tea?」
「…Sure.」
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