arc3 · 153-ch153

Chapter 153: High-Rank Explorers from Overseas

Yesterday, I found out the new house at the foot of Mount Takao is nearing completion sooner than expected, and I got all hyped up about it. Skills really do have a big influence, huh.

Anyway, today's a university day. First thing in the morning, I checked my email and found a message from Hananoi Saki-san, leader of Kachofūgetsu. They wanted to dive into the Inubosaki Tower Dungeon this weekend, so I sent back a reply saying there was no problem.

After another delicious breakfast and seeing my little sister Umi off, I left the house too — remembering Sasaki-san's advice and equipping hat, mask, and sunglasses.

I greeted the residents as always, passed through the entrance lobby, and today, unfortunately, it was raining. By the way, Hayate and Shiden have no problem getting wet — they seem to be made of mana, after all. Asahi is waterproof now too, thanks to President Yamamoto.

I obviously can't operate them underwater, but a little rain won't bother them. Someday, if I could summon a drone that works underwater, that'd be fun.

Not wanting to waste time, I sent all three drones off toward the Mouse Park Dungeon. This time, I planned to transfer Shiden to floor thirty and Hayate to floor twenty, then have them grind away beyond that.

My current level is 25, and Hayate and Shiden are level 21. My next goal is raising myself to level 30. At 30, there's a good chance new skills will unlock. Something to look forward to!

Also, Shiden has 70 Skill Points right now — I want to save up to 150 and get the Wind Bullet Machine Cannon. By my prediction, drones in the 20s gain 20 points per level, so four more levels should push Shiden past 150. Which would be when I hit level 29.

Leveling up has let me do more and more. I welcome these little joys wholeheartedly.

And so, while heading to university, I sent my drone fleet off to the dungeon with Parallel Thinking.

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Honestly, thanks to Arihara-san, I've already obtained the qualification this university would grant me, so I don't need to attend lectures anymore. But today was the combat training lecture, so I came. My level is about three higher than last time, you see. I wanted to see how my current physical abilities held up.

When I arrived at the university, I headed straight for the changing room. I changed into my tracksuit and entered the training room to find more students than expected. Whispers were drifting from all over. Everyone seemed more worked up than usual. Did something happen?

"Today we have an explorer from overseas visiting as a special lecturer. Everyone, mind your manners now."

While I waited, loosening up, the instructor showed up and opened his mouth with that announcement. An explorer from overseas, huh. Maybe that's why everyone was buzzing — they already knew.

I'm not that interested in overseas explorers, though. I do know the names of the world's top ten or so, but beyond that, nothing. Well, nobody would bother coming all this way from overseas if they were low-rank.

"Let me introduce Michael Lee Evans, a member of the British party Queens. Be on your best behavior, all of you."

The moment the instructor said that name, cheers erupted from the students. No surprise — this Michael guy belongs to Britain's number one party. Queens' leader is James Robert Austin, a powerhouse ranked third in the world.

I knew the party's and leader's names, but not the members. Which is probably why I've missed this wave entirely.

"The name's Michael. My party calls me Mikey — but only people I've approved get to use it. You lot will call me Mr. Evans."

His Japanese is pretty fluent, but that intro was awfully high-and-mighty. Blond hair buzzed short, sharp eyes sizing up the gathered students. His age — same as us, or a bit older?

And yet, despite that condescending self-introduction, the students were squealing with delight. Honestly, don't they realize they're being looked down on? However high-rank an explorer he is, this is no way to treat people you've just met.

So there I was scowling — which is how my eyes met Michael's as he scanned the students. In that instant, I swear the guy grinned.

"Togo — you wanted a sparring match, didn't you? If it's with that one, I don't mind. Well? What say you?"

Michael suddenly proposed a sparring match — with me. Wait, Togo? Who's that? Oh, right: the professor in charge of this combat training was Professor Togo.

"What!? You'll spar with him!? I'd given up hope since you said no earlier!? Excellent — you there! Um, what was your name again... Never mind! Prepare to spar with Mr. Evans!"

Hey hey hey, nobody's asking ME!? And he doesn't even remember my name. Though I can't talk either, so we're even on that front...

Still, looking on the bright side, this might be a chance to see how my physical abilities measure up against a high-rank explorer.

"Fine with me. By the way — what rank is Mr. Evans here?"

I only asked because I wanted to know his rank, to gauge my own strength...

"What!? You're telling me you don't know who I am!? I'm the great Michael-sama — the number-three explorer everyone wants for a little brother!?"

Nope. No idea. Where's that ranking even from? World number three, huh? Is that actually a big deal?

"Sorry. I really don't know you."

When I told him again that I didn't know, he slumped in obvious disappointment. This guy might be surprisingly decent, actually.

"Now, now, Mr. Evans — just teach him a lesson in the spar!"

Hold on, hold on, Professor Togo. Whose side are you on, exactly?

"True enough. Alright, you — grab a weapon! I'll show you my power in this spar!"

Somehow this has taken a weird turn, but at least nobody's getting seriously hurt. I accepted the match and moved to the center of the training floor, wooden sword in hand.

The surrounding students watched with shining eyes, brimming with curiosity. Though I suspect the one they're curious about is Michael.

Michael took up two wooden sparring daggers, holding them reverse-grip. Dual daggers, huh. Confident in his speed, I bet.

"Both sides ready? Then — begin!"

At Professor Togo's signal, Michael and I moved at the same time.