When I returned to my room, I was holding my head in despair. What on earth did I say in front of Minami and Kōya?
I had impulsively said something about gathering dozens of dungeon streamers to create an office, but realistically, that’s impossible.
Even if I had money, I lack connections. I’ve spent 18 years interacting with people, and by the end, I was someone who didn’t even attend my own high school graduation.
I have no idea where my classmates have gone for further education or where they’ve found jobs; I have received no information about that at all. Since I haven’t worked, I don’t know anyone outside of school.
I’m in deep trouble. There’s no easy way to gather dungeon streamers.
The hopeful look in Kōya’s eyes when I said I’d create an office. Minami’s astonished face. I still remember it, and it makes me feel overwhelmed.
My brain isn’t functioning well enough to even articulate my thoughts.
“No, but… I said it. Since I said it, I have to do it now.”
It would be too embarrassing to say I can’t do it after putting on such a cool front.
Somehow… I have to create an environment that won’t let Kōya die.
But how do I even establish an office for dungeon streamers? I have no clue.
“Oh! That’s right! There was that!”
I rushed into my father’s study. I know I probably shouldn’t be doing this, but… if my father and mother opened a hospital in the dungeon, they must have had some connections with dungeon streamers.
Let’s see if I can reach out through those connections! Personal information doesn’t matter. There should be some documents with contact information written down somewhere.
“There it is!”
My father’s business card holder. It contained cards from various people. Most were related to the hospital, but among them was something I had been hoping for: a business card from a dungeon streamer.
Many dungeon streamers operate individually, so it’s not guaranteed they have business cards. However, there are likely some who care about formalities and have created cards.
In there, I found the name of a dungeon streamer I recognized.
“Shiba Atsunori… He’s the strongest dungeon streamer in this area.”
Shiba Atsunori. His personality is cool and stoic. He’s someone who seems to have dedicated his entire life to dungeon streaming.
It’s rumored that he trains every day and has completely sealed off all forms of entertainment. He’s careful about his diet, consuming only high-protein foods. He doesn’t drink or smoke, and he has virtually no romantic entanglements or scandalous stories.
He’s truly cool and handsome, which has garnered him many female fans, but it’s impressive that he has no scandals at all.
“…Should I contact him?”
There’s no guarantee that Shiba will join the office I’m trying to start. But if Shiba becomes my ally, there won’t be a more reassuring partner. That way, Kōya will surely be safe.
I input Shiba’s phone number with trembling fingers.
“Hello, this is Shiba.”
“I’m sorry for the sudden call. My name is Kageno.”
“Kageno? Which Kageno are you?”
“…I’m the son of Kageno Michiru, who passed away a few years ago.”
“The son of Kageno…? What do you want from me?”
Mentioning my father piqued his interest? He must have had some connection with my father.
“Shiba-san, I’m trying to establish an office for dungeon streamers.”
“An office for dungeon streamers? That’s something I’ve never heard of.”
“Yeah. I’m hoping to ask for your assistance in establishing the office. To put it bluntly… I’d like you to contract with our company.”
“…”
Shiba-san is silent. Of course, he would be bewildered by such an unexpected request. It’s obvious he’d refuse.
“Well, depending on the contract, I will consider it positively.”
“Huh?”
“Would it be alright to discuss the details of the contract another day?”
“Oh, um… if that works for you, Shiba-san.”
“Understood. Is that all you need?”
“Yes, that’s it.”
“Then please contact me again when you’re ready. Goodbye.”
The call with Shiba-san ended. I was left dumbfounded, my mouth agape. I must look like an idiot right now.
“Wait? Really? That Shiba Atsunori…? He’s willing to listen to someone like me, with no connections or relations?”
This can’t be a dream. In any case, if I can bring Shiba on board, I’ll at least be able to face Kōya. My pride will be preserved for now.
Oh, wait. First, I need to finalize the contract details… I need to prepare the contract. I haven’t had any work experience since graduating high school, but I need to do this properly.
◇
Then one day, I met with Shiba at a family restaurant. He is quite tall. He’s officially listed as 185 cm. Standing next to him, I could really see his height.
He has black hair and sharp red eyes. Shiba claims that after spending so much time deep in dungeons, the magical energy of the dungeons changed his eye color. As of now, he says he hasn’t experienced any health issues from it.
“Well then. Kageno’s son. I’m Shiba. Nice to meet you.”
“Ah, nice to meet you too. I’m Eito Kageno.”
I started to feel nervous. The other party is the strongest dungeon streamer in the region. He radiates a different aura. A confidence that I, who had been a recluse until now, lacked.
“Uh, here’s the contract.”
I handed Shiba a clear file. He began to go through the contract inside.
“Hm, I see…”
I swallowed nervously. My palms were sweating profusely.
“Understood. Let’s proceed with this contract.”
“R-really?”
“Yes. The compensation is more than satisfactory… and above all, you’re the son of my benefactor. If I refuse now, it would be disrespectful to Kageno-san.”
I’m relieved. It seems he’s satisfied with the compensation. Being able to recruit Shiba is thanks to the money my father and mother left behind. This isn’t just extra money; it was necessary.
Shiba signed the contract and stamped it, taking his copy and returning mine.
“Then, I look forward to working with you again. I’m Shiba Atsunori, a dungeon streamer.”
“Yeah. Thank you. I look forward to working with you from now on.”
“By the way, Eito-san. You mentioned establishing an office; do you have other streamers joining you as allies?”
“Yes, there’s one new dungeon streamer.”
“I see… I understand. You want me to look after that person, right?”
“Uh, yes. That’s about right.”
“Understood. As your senior, I’ll make sure to teach them everything necessary for dungeon exploration.”
I’m grateful for how quickly he comprehends things. Surviving in a dungeon probably requires a sharp mind. I wonder if Kōya will be alright.
“And Eito-san, let me thank you.”
“Huh? Thank me…?”
“Yes. I’ve felt an overwhelming debt of gratitude to the Kageno couple. However, they tragically passed away in an accident. I was sorrowful, thinking I could never repay my debt.”
Shiba bit his lip and clenched his fist, trembling.
“However, Eito-san. If I can take action for you, the son, and repay the Kageno couple even a little, that would mean a lot to me. Though I couldn’t repay them directly, I’ll repay their kindness indirectly.”
“Um… what kind of relationship did you have with my parents?”
“When I was still a novice and nearly died from a serious injury, the Kageno couple saved my life. Those two are my life saviors.”
“I see… My parents were indeed remarkable in saving lives…”
“Yes. They were truly admirable people.”
Knowing what my parents had accomplished filled me with pride. I vowed to live up to my role as their son, promising not to embarrass them.
