Phewโฆ I guess this will do.
I created a tentative streaming schedule while checking everyoneโs status. I plan to show it to everyone, and if it matches up with their availability, weโll finalize the schedule and make it public.
I send the schedule to everyone. It seems there are no issues, as Shiba-san, Daigo-san, and Ikezawa-san can follow the schedule I set.
Just as I was thinking that, I got an unexpected message from Koya.
โEi-to-kun. Can you increase the number of streams? Even just my solo stream is fine. I need to explore more dungeons and defeat monsters to get stronger.โ
From the tone of the email, it seems like Koya is really anxious.
I remember that when Ikezawa-san unlocked his talent, Koya seemed uneasy too.
For now, I should try to talk to Koya.
โKoya. Dungeon streaming is dangerous. You also need to rest properly. If you rush, it could lead to more than just injuries.โ
The magical energy inside dungeons grants humans great strength, but staying there for long periods of time is a huge burden. Given that, rest is also crucialโฆ especially since Koya hasnโt fully adapted to the dungeonโs magic yet.
As the one in charge, I canโt allow him to push himself too hard.
โIโm still weak as I am. I donโt have any special skills, unlike othersโฆ I understand that. Thatโs why I need to work even harder.โ
It sounds like Koya is really struggling. I donโt think just sending an email can solve this.
โKoya. I get it. Letโs meet and talk in person.โ
I decided to call Koya over to my house. He still looks downcast, almost like a completely different person from when he was so eager to become a dungeon streamer.
โKoya. Whatโs bothering you so much? Youโve been doing well.โ
โIโm not as strong as Shiba-san, and I canโt use the variety of magic that Daigo-san can. I donโt have any special powers like Kaito-kun either. I know that Iโm the weakest one in the group.โ
The weakest? I donโt think thatโs the case at all.
โKoya. Listen to me. I donโt think youโre weak. Youโve been an important part of the team. You helped Daigo-sanโif you hadnโt acted, Shiba-sanโs time mightโve been wasted fighting the weaker monsters.โ
Shiba-san had planned to go rescue Daigo-san alone. If Koya hadnโt insisted on coming, Shiba-san mightโve lost valuable time dealing with weaker monsters. They might not have been able to rescue Daigo-san in time.
โBut, Shiba-san tried to leave me behind. At that moment, I was nothing but a hindrance to him.โ
โWell, thatโs understandable considering they were up against a Murder Machineโฆโ
I see. Koya was emotionally hurt when Shiba-san almost left him behind. He acted like everything was fine, but deep down, he probably thought of himself as useless.
From Shiba-sanโs perspective, it makes sense. Even Daigo-san had trouble with that powerful opponent. It would be hard for Shiba-san to take Koya along. But to Koya, it probably felt like he was being called unnecessary.
โItโs harsh to compare yourself to Shiba-san. He has years of experience as a dungeon streamer. Heโs not someone you can catch up to easily.โ
โI know that. But if I keep going at this pace, Iโll never catch up to himโฆ I can see just how incredible Shiba-san is by being right next to him.โ
Koya has seen Shiba-sanโs greatness up close, and thatโs made him more aware of how far ahead Shiba-san is.
It seems like Koyaโs confidence is really shaken. I think seeing how quickly Ikezawa-san improved has also affected him.
Perhaps itโs the frustration of being surrounded by a genius. If there were someone with the same skill level as Koya, it might feel different.
โAnyway, I want to get stronger. If I canโt dive into dungeons, Iโll train on my own.โ
โTrain? How?โ
โWellโฆ I could practice swinging my sword. I use a sword, after all.โ
Itโs pretty vague, but I guess itโs better than nothing.
โAnyway, Koya. Remember why this agency was founded. I donโt want you to die. Minami feels the same. Thatโs why I started this agencyโto keep you from dying.โ
Koya falls silent, but I continue.
โIf you die because youโre rushing to accomplish something, what am I supposed to do? Youโre the one who gave me a reason to keep going in life.โ
After losing my parents, I was living as if I were already dead. It was Koya who taught me that living means moving forward.
Without Koya, I might still be holed up in my room, living off my parentsโ inheritance.
โKoya. I donโt think youโre a hindrance. Youโre a valuable part of the team. If you werenโt here, weโd be in trouble.โ
โUghโฆ I donโt knowโฆ But I want to find something that makes me special. Otherwise, I feel like I donโt belong in this group.โ
In the end, it seems Koyaโs mindset is what matters. Shiba-san, Daigo-san, and Ikezawa-san donโt dislike him. At least, they donโt seem like people who would hold grudges.
But Koya hates his own weakness. Thatโs why heโs carrying this burden.
Having something unique to offer, a special skill, would definitely boost his confidence.
Itโs tough being in a group where everyone else has something remarkable, and you feel like you donโt.
Thatโs the source of Koyaโs anxiety right now.
No matter how much others encourage him, the only way to change is if Koya changes himself. He either has to change his mindset or gain something special.
So, in a way, thereโs nothing more I can do for him. Itโs frustrating.
I can encourage him, but in the end, heโs the only one who can change himself. I canโt change him for him.
Butโฆ I believe in him.
โI believe in you, Koya.โ
โHuh?โ
โIโm sure youโll get stronger. And youโll find your own strength.โ
All I can do is believe in my teammates. I canโt dive into dungeons with them, but Iโll support them in every way I can.
โHey, Koya. Why donโt you try watching other streamers in times like this?โ
โHuh?โ
โYou know, like people say, โLearn by watching.โ Maybe you can learn something by watching other sword-wielding streamers.โ
I just suggested this on a whim, with no particular plan in mind. But as soon as I said it, Koyaโs expression brightened.
โAh, youโre right! Thatโs it! Youโre amazing, Ei-to-kun! A genius! Thatโs exactly what I need!โ
Koyaโs excitement skyrocketed. It was like heโd been in a hopeless situation and suddenly saw a lifeline.
โEven when Iโm not diving into dungeons, there are still things I can do. Thank you! Iโm glad I asked you, Ei-to-kun!โ
Koya grasped my hand firmly.
โUh, yeahโฆ Iโm glad I could help.โ
I hope this leads to Koya discovering something that will help him, but who knows what will happen next.