arc2 · 042-ch42

Chapter 42: The Explorer Protection Law

Well, I managed to cure Mom's illness safely yesterday. Today, after a re-examination, she should be discharged. Umi went to school, and I think it'll work out perfectly if I go to university in the morning, eat lunch at the cafeteria, and then head to the hospital.

I got ready and left the house.

I've gotten pretty used to the commute to university. I wonder if I don't care as much about people anymore because I've gained some confidence. If work continues smoothly, maybe I can return to my old self. No, maybe I can become even better than that.

While I was thinking about that, I arrived at the university in no time.

"Alright, today's lecture is 'Explorer Basics,' right. Since there aren't that many people taking this class, I wonder where the classroom is..."

'Explorer Basics,' which I'm starting today, teaches various things related to explorers. Explorers have their status protected by a law called the Explorer Protection Law. This lecture mainly teaches about those laws.

When I entered the classroom, several students were already seated. I sat in the seat at the very back, in the corner. Since this lecture is called Basics too, it seems like only first-year students are taking it.

"Haa, do we really need to take a lecture like this? Explorers can do whatever they want as long as they're strong, right?"

A student entered saying such stupid things. I could tell immediately just from that voice without even seeing his face. It's Ohsaki Satoru, a second-year like me. Wait, you failed to get credit for this lecture too?

For some reason, Ohsaki took a seat in the center of the classroom, and his lackeys sat on either side of him. Seriously, no one wants to be near that guy. Yet sitting in the middle like that—what a nuisance.

As I quietly sighed, it seems Ohsaki heard me. Does he have ears like a bat?

"Hey hey, look, the unawakened loser makes an appearance again. There's no point in him taking this lecture, right? Unawakened people can't become explorers. Can't you even understand something like that!"

While glancing at me, he deliberately spoke in a loud voice so everyone around could hear. Because of that, I attracted attention again. Since what he's saying isn't wrong, I could feel the other students agreeing with the atmosphere.

Oh well. I have plenty of mental room right now.

The classroom was getting a bit noisy, but thanks to the professor appearing immediately, nobody paid any attention to me anymore.

This 'Explorer Basics' was very educational. First, it started with an explanation of how to become an explorer.

To become an explorer, you must first be awakened. Since there's a magical tool that checks whether you've awakened or not, there's no problem as long as you get tested and receive a certificate.

Then, you must take training to become an explorer. This consists of four hours of classroom learning and one day of practical training.

Then, at the end of the training, an exam awaits. A practical exam and a written exam. The practical exam requires actually defeating a monster, and the written exam tests knowledge about dungeons.

By the way, if you've earned credits at this university, the classroom training and written exam are waived.

I gave up on becoming an explorer because of this practical exam. Since explorers are a profession that defeats monsters, it's obvious when you think about it, but my drone can't defeat monsters.

So, I was thinking of getting a job supporting explorers instead of becoming one myself, but since coming here, my resolve has been wavering. Because I've become able to summon drones with my skill.

I haven't verified what that drone can do yet, so I don't know, but depending on the situation, it might be able to defeat a single monster. If that's possible, I think I want to become an explorer.

Of course, part of it is that I admired the members of Hyakka Ryouran and Kokushi Musou when I filmed them, but even if you don't become as strong as them, being an explorer has plenty of lucrative perks.

The professor is currently explaining those laws.

"Ahem, explorers have their status protected by a law called the Explorer Protection Law. Specifically, explorers are exempt from taxes on their income. This is because the magic stones explorers bring back cover our fuel costs. In other words, the profession of explorer has become something this world cannot do without."

Yes, as the professor just said, explorers are exempt from all taxes. It's no exaggeration to say that the world's energy is now supplemented by the magic stones explorers bring back.

However, only about half the population awakens as explorers. Moreover, not everyone among them awakens to a profession capable of defeating monsters. Only those who fulfill the obligation of submitting magic stones can receive tax exemptions.

This world can no longer function without explorers.

Because of that, taxes for unawakened people and awakened individuals who don't submit magic stones are absurdly high. In other words, even poor people like us have been paying incredibly high taxes for the sake of explorers. Ah, I'm not poor anymore though.

Besides, since I got my hands on such a huge sum of money this time, next year's taxes are terrifying. That's why I'm thinking about whether there's some way to get explorer qualifications before then.

Beyond financial aspects, explorers are also quite thoroughly protected. It's not like you can do whatever you want like Ohsaki says, but minor violations are often overlooked. After all, even police and self-defense forces find it difficult to subdue explorers.

There is apparently a team organized by explorers to crack down on troublesome explorers, but if someone from Kokushi Musou goes on a rampage, probably no one could stop them. I'm glad those people are good folks.

In the past, there was apparently an incident where a B-rank explorer went on a rampage in the middle of a city, causing significant damage. At that time, they managed to catch the culprit with the help of an A-rank explorer.

By the way, among explorer jobs, there are apparently jobs that commandeer monsters. People with those jobs can walk around with them like pets if they get permission in advance. I wonder if my drone will be treated the same way? If that's the case, I wouldn't need to get flight permission each time.

I also listened to explanations of various other detailed laws, but no matter which one I heard, all I could think was that explorers get such a good deal. I understand it's a dangerous profession and it would be problematic if they disappear, but I thought maybe they're being treated a little too favorably.

"Well, they're putting their lives on the line, so it's only natural! Unawakened people had better pay those high taxes for our sake!"

Even though it's during class, Ohsaki stirred things up again in a loud voice. Since he thinks I'm an unawakened person, he's definitely talking to me. But still, now that Mom's illness is cured and I've got my hands on a huge sum of money, I'm feeling generous, so I'll forgive him.

The ninety-minute lecture was very instructive. Taking this lecture made me want to become an explorer even more. Today I'm going to the hospital to pick up Mom afterward, but tomorrow Hayate will finally return from repairs. Then I should be able to summon Hayate and test various things.

Lately good things keep happening one after another and I'm feeling a bit scared, but more than that, the excitement about what I'll be able to do won't stop.

After finishing the lecture, while eating a pork cutlet bowl at the cafeteria and thinking about what I should test with the summoned drone tomorrow, I heard a loud voice from somewhere that sounded familiar.