arc1 · 006-ch6

Episode 6: Are You Really Going In With That Gear?

　After completing exploration registration, you hold up your explorer license at the security door leading to the dungeon, and finally dungeon exploration begins.

"Excuse me, you there! Could I have a moment?"

　Just as I was heading toward the security door, someone from the Association called out to me. A young man in his late twenties.

"What is it?"

"Is the purpose of this exploration to receive the dungeon's blessing?"

　When you enter a dungeon, you become able to see your own status and other information—this is called receiving the dungeon's blessing, and middle school third-graders who turn 15 enter a dungeon once to receive this blessing. Suzuka's birthday is June 6, Heisei 6—that ominous day—and Suzuka had also visited with his father to receive the dungeon's blessing.

　Receiving the dungeon's blessing is basically an event done with a guardian, and it's an important event for parents too, as they defeat monsters to show their children a good display. However, a guardian isn't required—there are also children who come to receive the dungeon's blessing with friends or alone.

"No, I've already received the blessing. I came here to explore Floor 1, District 1"

"Exploration, is it. In that case, I might be able to provide some useful information for your exploration, so could you spare a little time?"

　Saying that, the man invited me to sit on a nearby bench, saying it wouldn't take five minutes.

　He's probably just being meddlesome. A 15-year-old kid about to enter a dungeon alone. He won't stop me, but maybe he'll give me some advice so I don't die?

　Thinking that, I decided to obediently sit next to him and listen. With my memories of this world plus what I researched about dungeons yesterday, that's all I've got. I might be able to get useful information, so Suzuka sat down on the bench.

"First of all, you mentioned you'll be exploring—will you be exploring in a party with family or friends?"

"No, alone."

"I'm sorry to ask, but may I ask your age and level?"

　Asking explorers their level isn't recommended. Explorers are always on guard against conflicts. If their level or status becomes widely known, there's a risk of being targeted by higher-level explorers. But for a child like Suzuka who's just become an explorer, their level is obviously low, so it's not something you need to be that careful about.

"I'm 15, a third-year in middle school. My level is still 1."

"Thank you. In that case, do you know what monsters are appropriate for that level?"

"Is it the Drunken Sheep that aren't in groups?"

"That's right. If the Kettle Raccoon doesn't appear, then you've done your research well."

　Both Drunken Sheep and Kettle Raccoons are monsters that can be defeated from level 1. However, Kettle Raccoons can occasionally transform. What they transform into is the Clay Pot Turtle, a monster also found on Floor 1, District 1, but this one has a high level of 5 or above and uses water magic, so it's not an opponent to challenge at level 1. Considering the risks, the only option to face at level 1 is the Drunken Sheep.

"If you're aiming to be an explorer, there's Explorer High School, and if your goal is to raise your level, there are training facilities—have you considered them?"

"Yes. I considered that, and as a result, I'm here now."

　Not everyone who enters dungeons aims to be an explorer. If your level rises, you receive the benefits of status. Training facilities are classrooms that support level raising up to level 10, where you can do comparatively safe leveling in order to receive those status benefits. They're like driving schools.

　On the other hand, Explorer High School is, as the name suggests, a vocational high school for becoming an explorer. Most students aiming to become explorers attend Explorer High School, and it's said that most currently active explorers are graduates of Explorer Schools.

　The benefits of attending Explorer High School are significant—you can learn the basics of being an explorer carefully, plus there's lending of weapons and armor, and teachers lead you during exploration. Of course, even if you're a high school student, dungeons come with life-threatening risks if unforeseen accidents occur, but the fact that you can grow to a level where you graduate from beginner status by the time you graduate is a very major benefit.

　Explorer High School is partnered with the Explorer Association, and tuition being at the same level as public high schools is one of its attractions.

　But that's a high school story. If Suzuka were to attend, it would be more than six months in the future. Suzuka wants to enter the dungeon now. I'll decide whether to take the exam when the time comes.

"Understood. Finally, will you be using that?"

　Where the staff member pointed, there was Suzuka's catch that he had slung over his shoulder—a metal bat used in baseball. It was from when he played youth baseball. Since he chose a different club activity in middle school, it had been gathering dust in the closet, but he pulled it out.

"It costs money, but the guild has rental equipment for beginners too. There are weapons of course, and armor too, and guns are available too though they require an escort—will you use them?"

　In this world, Japan also has laws against swords and firearms, so there's no pistol placed in every home. However, in dungeons, guns are recognized for use because they can defeat monsters safely. Leveling in training facilities is also mainly done using guns.

　Of course, children can't easily rent them—they need an escort with qualifications—but compared to the original world's Japan, the ease of handling guns is completely different.

　Suzuka's outfit is his school's designated tracksuit. His weapon is a metal bat. It's really not an outfit for entering a dungeon. But this outfit is the result of Suzuka's own thinking—light equipment. I'd like to borrow at least a shield, but I intend to challenge the dungeon as planned.

"I'm fine. I'll explore as is."

　Perhaps because he didn't really think I'd challenge it with that gear, the staff member showed a briefly surprised expression at Suzuka's reply.

"With a metal bat...? As expected of Hachioji..."

"What's wrong with Hachioji?"

"No, I apologize. It's nothing."

　The staff member muttered something, like it slipped out unintentionally, but I couldn't catch it well. Maybe something like "is it okay at Hachioji Dungeon" or that sort of thing?

　At first, the staff member had a look of "are you sane," but when it comes to dungeon exploration, an explorer's will is respected above all. Since going further would be tasteless, the staff member didn't say anything more about equipment.

"Thank you for your time. May the hero's blessing be upon you. Good luck."

　Saying that and bowing once, he returned to his duties.