Side: Noctia
When I cut off the Far Sight spell, Pritia and Sanctina let out a relieved sigh.
Both Filia and I had sensed an unusual surge in magical power, so we had been watching over Kakeru ever since the dungeon appeared.
“Why has a dungeon appeared in this world?”
Pritia, who was about to rush to help, leaned back on the sofa, looking exhausted. Simply watching without taking action is tough, especially for someone who’s always been on the front lines.
Still, the dungeon is concerning. Kakeru did say there are no monsters in this world, and I don’t think he was lying. But…
“Could this be… our fault?”
“It’s too early to jump to conclusions. However, there’s one thing I can say. In this world’s magical density, creating a dungeon would be nearly impossible. Even I couldn’t do it.”
What Sanctina is thinking is probably off track.
First of all, there are different types of dungeons, generally categorized as naturally occurring or artificially created. Artificial dungeons are usually made by elves or demons, mimicking naturally occurring ones. Most of the time, they’re made simply as a place to hide away.
I can’t say for sure, but from what I saw using Far Sight, it seems like a naturally occurring dungeon.
“So, it’s something that was already there?”
“It looks like a ruin-type, rank-one dungeon. Even for a naturally occurring dungeon, or an artificially created one, it takes at least several years to form. Given this world’s low magical density, it could take even longer. We’ve only been in this world for a few days, and Kakeru was summoned from his world on the same day. It’s a stretch to say it’s due to our influence.”
The world is well-balanced, made so it doesn’t collapse due to sudden changes. Though I don’t know much about this world, I can speculate that, considering its advanced civilization, such drastic shifts are rare.
If the magical technology here were more advanced, things might be different. But given the magical density, it’s hard to believe this world’s magic surpasses the one we came from.
“We should investigate this dungeon.”
This world might be far more complex than Kakeru realizes. Given that it’s the world of the Hero, it’s not surprising, but still…
That dungeon could hold the key to sending them back to their world.
This is getting interesting. What exactly is a Hero? What is a Demon King? We might be able to uncover mysteries that have remained unsolved in their world since ancient times.
Side: Shou Amanohashi
When I stepped outside, the school was in a frenzy with the police and firefighters arriving.
Apparently, only my group had fallen underground. When my classmates and I appeared with our teacher, there was an air of relief.
The only visible exit was a staircase leading down, almost like to a basement. The police and firefighters, along with the teachers, were discussing closing off the area, including where the crack had formed.
“Amanohashi-kun, that… that wasn’t a dream, right?”
As I headed toward the changing room to get out of my gym clothes, Horii-san called out to me.
“I don’t think it was a dream…”
How should I explain this? Should I say we were attacked by Lesser Goblins? Or should I just call them strange monsters?
That was definitely a Lesser Goblin. But why are they in this world?
Kitamura and Aizawa-san will probably tell the police exactly what happened. Horii-san, on the other hand, hesitated. Saying we were attacked by monsters would make people question our sanity.
“Well, never mind. Thanks for earlier.”
As I started to think about it, Horii-san straightened her posture and thanked me, and I figured this outcome was probably for the best.
“Don’t worry about it. I just acted without thinking.”
Maybe it’s better not to stand out from now on. I thought this, albeit too late. It’s probably a habit from my time as a Hero in the other world. I just couldn’t help myself.
After that, we were taken to a different location for questioning. Kitamura and Aizawa-san told the teacher and the police exactly what they saw—that we were attacked by something bizarre.
To be fair, both the teachers and the police listened to us earnestly, but they probably thought we were panicking or maybe even hit our heads.
After the questioning, we were taken to a hospital for a checkup, just in case. By the time we returned to the school, the sun was already setting.
At the school, I saw Horii-san’s and Aizawa-san’s families, who seemed to have been briefed on what happened.
Seeing them reunite with their families, smiling, I felt glad that I was able to help, despite everything that happened.
As for me, I don’t have any family to come pick me up. If my grandparents were still alive, they’d probably be worried right now.
There’s no point dwelling on it. Just as I thought about checking with the teacher and heading home, I was surprised by what I saw.
“Kakeru, good work.”
“Filia? Why are you here?”
Filia was smiling and chatting with my homeroom teacher. I couldn’t understand what was going on.
“Oh, sorry. When I called your emergency contact, Filia-san answered. After explaining the situation, she came over.”
Oh, right. The emergency contact listed is for my current house. My grandmother was supposed to be living there. I guess the teacher made the call.
But, is this okay?
“I didn’t know someone was staying with Amanohashi’s family through a homestay program. I was worried after hearing about your grandmother passing away…”
I don’t know if it was thanks to the magic item or Filia’s eloquence. Probably both. She managed to explain the situation pretty smoothly.
Is this all settled, then…?
“Amanohashi! Who is that gorgeous woman!?”
Just when I thought it was over, Kitamura rushed over, looking at me in disbelief. His outburst drew the attention of Horii-san and Aizawa-san as well.
Wait, doesn’t the magic item prevent suspicion or anything like that? I glanced at Filia, but she was smiling wryly.
“Nice to meet you. I’m Filia. I’ve been staying at Kakeru’s house as part of a homestay program since last Saturday. Pleased to meet you.”
“Oh! Yes! Pleased to meet you!!”
Kitamura’s reaction made me realize something. People can recognize them without feeling any sense of discomfort or suspicion, but they can still develop a normal fondness for them.
Filia’s social skills are impressive. This must be her first time out in this unfamiliar world, yet she’s managing to converse smoothly with the teachers.
“Well then, shall we go home, Kakeru?”
“Huh? Oh, yeah.”
With Filia bowing politely to the teachers and the parents of Horii-san and Aizawa-san, I was led out of the school.
As soon as we left through the gate, I let out a sigh.
“You’ve had quite a day, haven’t you, Kakeru?”
“Yeah, there’s a lot I need to talk about.”
“Let’s save it for when we get home.”
I had planned on looking for smartphones for them today… but I guess that can wait until tomorrow.
Let’s pick up some groceries for dinner on the way back.
