I returned to the classroom just as the lunch break was about to end, which saved me from causing any commotion—thanks, in part, to the teachers’ efforts, the situation seemed to have calmed down.
In the afternoon, we started general subjects, and thanks to the increase in my intelligence due to leveling up, I found it easier to absorb the information. Of course, this didn’t mean I automatically understood things I didn’t know, so I still had to pay attention in class.
After school, I was told by Igarashi-sensei to wait within the academy, so I headed to the library.
“Everyone’s off checking out clubs… Are you planning to join one, Nanami-san?”
“No, not really. I got some invitations, though.”
“I see. In that case, you might be able to explore dungeons after school. Do any of the clubs do that?”
“Yeah, there’s the Dungeon Exploration Club, Dungeon Research Club, and even the Dungeon Cooking Club.”
“Eating in a dungeon, huh… If it’s about eating monsters, that sounds like quite a challenge.”
—”There’s no way I’d eat something like that! Are you mocking me!?”
—”Well, you’d be surprised. It’s actually pretty tasty. Though it’s a shame it’s just some old guy’s cooking.”
—”I-I’m fine with just water, really…”
Memories from my past life sometimes flood my mind. The female members of my old party weren’t too fond of monster cuisine. In certain dungeons, where food spoils quickly, eating monsters became a necessity.
“…If it’s with you, Fujiwara-kun, I’d join any club.”
“Th-That so? I guess I’ll think about it, then.”
As I glanced through the club listings, a lot of them seemed interesting. Still, as someone who used to be a “baggage carrier,” I felt drawn to clubs related to hiking and outdoor activities. But activities requiring a lot of physical stamina might be a burden on Nanami-san.
—”This is a notice from the student council. Fujiwara-kun and Nanami-san of Class 1-D, please come to the student council room.”
“…Am I allowed to go with you?”
“Since we were together yesterday, it should be fine… or maybe the teachers already know we hang out?”
“Maybe.”
I was relieved that Nanami-san would be coming along, as I didn’t like the idea of her walking back to the dorms alone.
The student council room for first-years was in the first-year building. We left the library and headed towards the main entrance.
“This is Fujiwara and Nanami from Class 1-D.”
“Please, come in.”
The voice that responded was familiar—one I had heard just earlier at lunch.
“Excuse us.”
Inside the room was a round table where Igarashi-sensei, a first-year girl, and two older adults—a man and a woman—were seated. The older man was the academy principal, but I didn’t recognize the woman.
“Since the third-year students, including the president, are out on practical training, I will greet you as their proxy. I’m Haruka Mikuriya from Class 2-A, the vice president of the student council.”
I realized that the person I’d met earlier must have been her younger sister, who was also here but seemed to be gradually blushing for some reason.
“I’m Teruhisa Mitsuya, the academy principal. You may remember me from the entrance ceremony.”
“Y-Yes, I remember.”
“And this is our academy’s director and the chairperson of the All-Japan Explorers Association…”
“My father doesn’t need to be mentioned right now. I came as someone involved in the management of this academy, to greet students who I believe will be promising—or rather, those who will shape the future of this school. I’m Sayako Honjou, the academy director.”
“Pleased to meet you. I’m Tsukasa Fujiwara. I’ve just started attending this academy.”
Both the principal and director handed me their business cards—Nanami-san received them as well. It seemed that Nanami-san already knew both of them.
“I’ve been wanting to formally greet you, but I kept delaying it. My apologies.”
“No need to apologize. I should have come to greet you instead.”
I couldn’t help but wonder what kind of relationship Nanami-san had with the director. The director appeared to be in her mid-thirties and had a gentle look in her eyes when gazing at Nanami-san.
“I’m Futaba Mikuriya, the student council secretary. I’m here as the first-year representative.”
Though we’d just met, her demeanor seemed different—making me a bit confused. But judging by the atmosphere, this was probably considered our “first” meeting.
We were shown to our seats and sat down.
“Now then… Fujiwara-san, it seems that the video of your actions from yesterday was released through two channels and has caused quite a stir.”
“About that, I didn’t post it myself…”
“I’ve heard that the video was recorded by an accompanying automaton… a doll. Recording the feats of explorers is one of their intended purposes, after all.”
“Is that so… I’d really like to speak to whoever posted it.”
“There’s a research section within the academy where dolls are developed, but it’s not a place that students typically have access to.”
Igarashi-sensei said she’d make inquiries, but the director suggested it might be difficult—her stance likely carried more weight.
“Even so, I need to understand why it was posted.”
“…I imagine you haven’t heard this yet, but the person who posted the video is a student from our middle school. They are enrolled under a special incentive program, and for specific reasons, only a select few are allowed to meet them. However, you do have the right to meet this person, Fujiwara-kun. So, please wait a little longer.”
I was eager to meet Cipher, the one I had acted with, and ask what had gone through their mind after seeing the data. There were many things I wanted to ask—but given the circumstances, I would have to wait.
“I understand. I’ll wait for further communication.”
“Thank you. I believe that if you wish to meet someone, you have the power to make it happen… you have that much influence.”
“No, I’m not one to force my wishes on others. If I’m told I can’t meet someone, I’ll figure out a different way.”
As long as they were willing to listen to what I had to say, that was enough for now. I couldn’t let things happen without speaking up.
“Now then… shall we get to the main topic? Teachers?”
“Yes, let me explain. The video uploaded to S-Channel was taken down by 6 AM today. But by then, almost all the students had viewed it. By the time I was informed during the night, world-class explorers had already broadcast emergency livestreams about the video, and mentions had been made on external sites.”
“Th-That really happened?”
“Videos from those external sites were soon made private again, possibly due to some error, but word spread quickly about a student from an explorer school somewhere in Japan. Inquiries flooded in from schools across the country, as well as overseas. The sheer volume crashed our communication lines. Even now, the situation is only just calming down… but don’t worry, you did nothing wrong. You’ve received a lot of praise, which is purely a good thing.”
I felt guilty knowing that all of this was happening while I was taking a physical test. I bowed my head, feeling sorry for the people handling the situation.
“Based on the usual criteria, the fact that you defeated two unknown monsters and saved lives would earn you the highest commendation for a first-year student. However, your abilities have already exceeded that level. It’s safe to say you’ve become a unique presence within the academy.”
The principal, an imposing older man, continued speaking excitedly about me—showering me with praise to the point that I could only feel embarrassed.
“The incident involving the son of the Hinata family, one of the three great houses, was a significant loss for the academy. But the way you heroically saved him has garnered widespread admiration. However, we must also consider the achievements of second- and third-year students who have built their reputations over time.”
“Yes, I understand. I didn’t act because I wanted recognition; I just did what I thought needed to be done.”
It was better to raise my ranking a little, so that I could partner with Nanami-san without anyone saying anything. That’s all I was hoping for.
I aimed to be somewhere in the middle among the first-years, and if possible, close to Nanami-san’s rank. But I wasn’t expecting that to happen from just one evaluation.
As I was pondering this, I finally realized something.
“…You’re an incredibly humble student. A model explorer candidate… no, a treasure of this academy.”
“Eh… n-no, that’s an overstatement. I’m just a…”
“You are no ordinary ‘baggage carrier.’ A Rank E job…”
