Chapter-08 · EP-116

Episode 116: Confidential Information

At the cafeteria in the dungeon building.

While eating lunch, I took out my smartphone.

I activated the AI Meiris and typed in a query.

"Search for explorer Tatsunori Susa."

The search results appeared immediately. Official information registered with the Explorer Guild.

― Tatsunori Susa ― Affiliation: Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, Special Exploration Unit ― Level: 43

"…Impressive."

The details of his skills were not public, but his level was apparently available for anyone to see.

That meant, if I wanted, I could also look up my own information.

I'd check that later. For now, this was about Susa.

His affiliation was the Self-Defense Forces.

Professor Yumi Kushinada, who had come to the academy as a temporary instructor, was also from the Self-Defense Forces.

"…There's definitely a connection."

Both of them appeared at the same time, and both were observing me.

It was too much to write off as coincidence.

If so, what were they investigating?

That was the question.

I sorted through my thoughts one by one in my head.

First.

My skill – Skill Camouflage.

The ability to copy other people's skills.

It was clearly extraordinary, and it wouldn't be surprising if it were managed at the national level.

This, above all, must never be discovered.

The moment it was exposed, my freedom would be over.

Second.

The fact that repeatedly using Water Magic on the first floor attracted slimes.

It made reaching Level 2 easier and allowed for obtaining large quantities of potions.

Anyone could replicate it if they understood the principle, but it wasn't widely known yet.

Third.

The method of raising Healing Magic's Skill Level by healing slimes while defeating them.

It was overwhelmingly more efficient than healing people.

If this spread, it would change the common knowledge of exploration.

Fourth.

The phenomenon where casting Healing Magic on a Heal Gem – a potion – immediately after it dropped increased its rank by the level of the Healing Magic used.

Thanks to this, I had repeatedly produced Rank 3 potions from slimes on the first floor.

I didn't want this known either. I hadn't even told Yuno and the others.

If this became public, unimaginable amounts of money would be at stake.

Fifth.

My own leveling speed.

Exploring floors one level above my recommended level, unafraid of injury.

As a result of pursuing efficiency above all else, my growth rate was clearly abnormal.

It was strange to say it myself, but I had too many secrets.

Probably – one or several of these were being investigated.

Or perhaps there was another reason?

Given my recent close relationship with Duke Kujo, it was possible that his political enemies were looking for a weakness.

Or maybe Kouki Haijima, the dissolute noble who was expelled from the academy, had hired an assassin out of spite.

No, someone like Haijima probably didn't have the power to mobilize the Self-Defense Forces.

Still, I had too many leads; I couldn't pinpoint the reason.

I couldn't help but press my hand to my forehead.

Should I cancel the afternoon exploration?

For a moment, I thought so, but quickly shook my head.

The afternoon was for Yuno and the others to practice.

Just Yuno practicing archery on the fourth floor.

There was no situation that would expose my confidential information.

As long as I didn't do anything flashy, it should be fine.

Besides, Susa hadn't done anything yet.

No attack, no contact. He was just watching.

"…Then, I'll stick to the plan."

If I acted overly cautious and changed my behavior, it would actually raise suspicion.

Acting normal was best.

Besides –

I couldn't afford to worry Yuno and the others.

Telling them about a tail would only cause unnecessary concern.

What I needed to protect was their daily life.

I decided.

Unless they made contact, I would do nothing.

I would join Yuno and the others in their practice as usual.

Naturally, with a face that showed nothing was wrong.

――As if I had nothing to hide.

I just had to pretend.

Finishing lunch, I stood up.

The meeting time with Yuno and the others was approaching.

"It'll be okay."

I muttered, not to anyone in particular.

"…I'm sure it'll be okay."

Telling myself that,

I headed to the meeting place.