Chapter-08 · EP-117

Episode 117: American Top Team

The hall of the Shinjuku Dungeon building was crowded with explorers. Lines formed at the reception, and the weapon shops and rest areas were overflowing with people. Amidst this bustling atmosphere, a group of five particularly caught the eye.

A tall, blond young man – Josh Carmichael – led the way, followed silently by a burly black man, Marcus "Tank" Johnson. Then came the slender, composed mage Alex Harris, and the sharp-eyed scout Caleb Wright. Finally, the female member, Emily Crane, followed modestly, holding a notebook.

They were a top team, handpicked from the United Explorer's Department (UED) in America. Just the other day, they had made headlines nationally by breaking the record for the deepest floor reached in the US, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say they were now explorers representing their country.

There were two reasons they had come to Japan.

One was to take advantage of Japan's leniency toward foreign explorers. In Japan, foreigners were permitted to explore only specific dungeons, and items obtained there became the personal property of the explorer. This "leniency," including the ability to take items back without paying taxes, was often a topic of discussion overseas.

Thus, they were aiming to acquire high-rank potions, which had recently been skyrocketing in price worldwide. Particularly, Rank 3 and higher potions were being fiercely contested in every country, and supply shortages continued even in America. Their target was the "Quicksilver Slime" found on the 21st floor of dungeons near Tokyo, which dropped Rank 3 potions.

And the other reason – a hidden purpose not publicly disclosed in Japan.

The second was the field test of the UED's newly completed product, the "Skill Scope."

It was like a miniaturized Skill Board in the form of glasses, allowing the wearer to "read the target's status information."

Using this, they would investigate the average level and skill tendencies of Japanese explorers—

To measure just how much of a threat Japan could become.

Josh Carmichael sighed as he watched the bustling crowds in the Shinjuku Dungeon building.

"Haa, Japan is as peaceful as ever. A far cry from the battlefields of our country's dungeons."

"Yeah. A receptionist not carrying a weapon? Unthinkable in America."

Marcus shrugged. Despite his large frame, his voice was gentle.

"That just means public safety is that good. Regarding dungeons, their domestic management system is among the best in the world."

Alex said, taking notes. A theorist well-versed in both defensive and offensive magic, such observation and analysis were his forte.

"Well, that's why today we're also here for 'information gathering.'"

Caleb added quietly.

"We need to see what kind of people are diving into the Shinjuku Dungeon."

They peered through the Skill Scope one after another, checking the statuses of passing explorers.

"In Japan, it's not illegal to peek at the skills of explorers from other countries. Whether it's a lack of awareness of privacy protection or just that the laws haven't caught up… this country is really soft."

Josh muttered calmly.

"Now, what level range is mainstream…"

Though his tone was calm, Josh's gaze toward the plaza was somehow sharp.

People were disappearing into the dungeon entrance in small groups.

"Caleb. Start with those in that line."

"Got it."

Caleb looked through the scope, scanning from left to right.

"Hmm… Mostly general explorers around Level 10. Single-skill holders. Mostly attack-type or simple everyday-life skills."

"Pretty average."

Marcus said, bored.

"Next, that group of five. All around Level 15. Only one double-skill holder with a support skill. Probably a guild's rookie-training team."

"Not bad, but not top class."

Alex shook his head.

Josh watched silently with his arms crossed. It would be nice if they were lucky enough to see Japan's top tier, but they didn't appear so conveniently.

"…Hey. Look at that."

At Caleb's voice, the four turned their eyes simultaneously.

A group of five boys and girls walking toward the dungeon entrance.

They all looked to be in their mid-teens – still young, you could say.

One girl in particular was small, with softly swaying hair and an innocent expression; she hardly looked like an experienced explorer.

But Caleb's hand trembled.

"…Hey, Josh. Is this… for real?"

"What's wrong?"

"Let me confirm…"

He aimed the Skill Scope lens at one of the girls, and Josh caught his breath.

"Her Explorer Level is 3… yet her Healing Magic is Skill Level 2?"

"Explorer Level 3… with a Skill Level of 2?"

Alex's eyes widened.

"If I recall, to raise Healing Magic to Skill Level 2, you have to heal 100 people inside the dungeon, right? That should normally take years. And she's only Explorer Level 3? What kind of training are they doing in Japan?"

Even Marcus let out a voice of astonishment.

Josh took the scope from Caleb and looked through it silently.

Within a few seconds, he understood the situation.

"…Could she be another 'Saint of the Theocracy'?"

"Huh? What's that?"

Emily asked involuntarily.

Caleb explained to Emily.

"It's about a saint who reportedly appeared suddenly in the small Southern European country known as the Holy Remedios Theocracy. Her Explorer Level was only 1, but her Healing Magic was Skill Level 2. Since taking her under his protection, the priest's Healing Magic Skill Level has continued to rise; it is currently Skill Level 5, and he is said to be a candidate for the next Pope."

"She had Healing Magic at Skill Level 2 from the start? Does that happen?"

"I don't know. Also, the claim that those associated with the saint have their Skill Levels continue to rise is strange. The saint's own Skill Level is reportedly still 2, but that those connected to her reach Skill Level 5 seems nothing short of abnormal."

"How powerful is Skill Level 5?"

Caleb explained, trembling.

"It can heal any serious injury or old wound. Inside a dungeon, it can even regenerate lost limbs…"

"Limb regeneration? That's practically divine work!"

"Exactly. That's why he's a candidate for the next Pope. If it reaches the unprecedented Skill Level 6, probably equivalent to a Rank 6 potion, it could likely regenerate even half a lost body."

"Does that mean she could become such a saint too?"

"I don't know. I don't know, but…"

Behind the girl – Yuno – a boy walked beside her, as if looking out for her.

They did not yet know that the boy was Shirou Ichinose.

But their quiet gazes had already focused on Yuno.

If she was the same as the Saint of the Theocracy, it meant that those associated with her might have their Healing Magic Skill Levels skyrocket.

"Josh. What do we do?"

Caleb asked.

Josh exhaled briefly –

"That's obvious."

He narrowed his eyes and slowly stepped forward.

"―We'll talk to her. And find out if she is 'Japan's Saint.'"