Phew… I guess this will do.
I created a tentative streaming schedule while checking everyone’s status. I plan to show it to everyone, and if it matches up with their availability, we’ll 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.
“Ei-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.”
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.
“Koya. Dungeon streaming is dangerous. You also need to rest properly. If you rush, it could lead to more than just injuries.”
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 crucial… especially since Koya hasn’t fully adapted to the dungeon’s magic yet.
As the one in charge, I can’t allow him to push himself too hard.
“I’m still weak as I am. I don’t have any special skills, unlike others… I understand that. That’s why I need to work even harder.”
It sounds like Koya is really struggling. I don’t think just sending an email can solve this.
“Koya. I get it. Let’s meet and talk in person.”
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.
“Koya. What’s bothering you so much? You’ve been doing well.”
“I’m not as strong as Shiba-san, and I can’t use the variety of magic that Daigo-san can. I don’t have any special powers like Kaito-kun either. I know that I’m the weakest one in the group.”
The weakest? I don’t think that’s the case at all.
“Koya. Listen to me. I don’t think you’re weak. You’ve been an important part of the team. You helped Daigo-san—if you hadn’t acted, Shiba-san’s time might’ve been wasted fighting the weaker monsters.”
Shiba-san had planned to go rescue Daigo-san alone. If Koya hadn’t insisted on coming, Shiba-san might’ve lost valuable time dealing with weaker monsters. They might not have been able to rescue Daigo-san in time.
“But, Shiba-san tried to leave me behind. At that moment, I was nothing but a hindrance to him.”
“Well, that’s understandable considering they were up against a Murder Machine…”
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-san’s 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.
“It’s harsh to compare yourself to Shiba-san. He has years of experience as a dungeon streamer. He’s not someone you can catch up to easily.”
“I know that. But if I keep going at this pace, I’ll never catch up to him… I can see just how incredible Shiba-san is by being right next to him.”
Koya has seen Shiba-san’s greatness up close, and that’s made him more aware of how far ahead Shiba-san is.
It seems like Koya’s confidence is really shaken. I think seeing how quickly Ikezawa-san improved has also affected him.
Perhaps it’s the frustration of being surrounded by a genius. If there were someone with the same skill level as Koya, it might feel different.
“Anyway, I want to get stronger. If I can’t dive into dungeons, I’ll train on my own.”
“Train? How?”
“Well… I could practice swinging my sword. I use a sword, after all.”
It’s pretty vague, but I guess it’s better than nothing.
“Anyway, Koya. Remember why this agency was founded. I don’t want you to die. Minami feels the same. That’s why I started this agency—to keep you from dying.”
Koya falls silent, but I continue.
“If you die because you’re rushing to accomplish something, what am I supposed to do? You’re the one who gave me a reason to keep going in life.”
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 parents’ inheritance.
“Koya. I don’t think you’re a hindrance. You’re a valuable part of the team. If you weren’t here, we’d be in trouble.”
“Ugh… I don’t know… But I want to find something that makes me special. Otherwise, I feel like I don’t belong in this group.”
In the end, it seems Koya’s mindset is what matters. Shiba-san, Daigo-san, and Ikezawa-san don’t dislike him. At least, they don’t seem like people who would hold grudges.
But Koya hates his own weakness. That’s why he’s carrying this burden.
Having something unique to offer, a special skill, would definitely boost his confidence.
It’s tough being in a group where everyone else has something remarkable, and you feel like you don’t.
That’s the source of Koya’s 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, there’s nothing more I can do for him. It’s frustrating.
I can encourage him, but in the end, he’s the only one who can change himself. I can’t change him for him.
But… I believe in him.
“I believe in you, Koya.”
“Huh?”
“I’m sure you’ll get stronger. And you’ll find your own strength.”
All I can do is believe in my teammates. I can’t dive into dungeons with them, but I’ll support them in every way I can.
“Hey, Koya. Why don’t you try watching other streamers in times like this?”
“Huh?”
“You know, like people say, ‘Learn by watching.’ Maybe you can learn something by watching other sword-wielding streamers.”
I just suggested this on a whim, with no particular plan in mind. But as soon as I said it, Koya’s expression brightened.
“Ah, you’re right! That’s it! You’re amazing, Ei-to-kun! A genius! That’s exactly what I need!”
Koya’s excitement skyrocketed. It was like he’d been in a hopeless situation and suddenly saw a lifeline.
“Even when I’m not diving into dungeons, there are still things I can do. Thank you! I’m glad I asked you, Ei-to-kun!”
Koya grasped my hand firmly.
“Uh, yeah… I’m glad I could help.”
I hope this leads to Koya discovering something that will help him, but who knows what will happen next.
