After the practical training, the students were given free time, with the option to either return home or participate in club activities. When I stopped by the classroom, I found Igarino-sensei there.
“Igarino-sensei, the practical training is over. About Hinata…”
“Y-yes, I heard. I was informed that Hinata-kun is seriously injured… and Renjou-sensei also reported to me about Fujiwara-kun.”
“We were nearby when Hinata was fighting the monster. So, we…”
“I heard you dealt with the monster. Thank you so much… truly, thank you…”
Igarino-sensei looked utterly exhausted—considering her attitude toward Hinata, it’s understandable that she would be in shock from the injury of a student she had high hopes for.
(Hinata’s attack was an energy drain… I hope his level recovers like mine, but if it doesn’t…)
“Because of your E-rank occupation, I ended up seeing you within certain limits. But Fujiwara-kun, you had the courage to help your companions… I’m sorry, I’m not fit to be a teacher.”
“Please don’t say that, sensei. It’s not over yet.”
“…Fujiwara-kun.”
“There were some unexpected events today, but I believe that’s just how dungeons are. Overcoming them is what makes us stronger as explorers.”
I’m speaking as if I’m an experienced adventurer—though, to be honest, I’m mostly talking from Beck’s perspective. I wonder if I’m really encouraging her.
Igarino-sensei removed her glasses to wipe her tears, then put them back on, seemingly a bit calmer.
“…Your academy ranking will probably rise significantly after this, Fujiwara-kun. You might even surpass where I was in my active days… If that happens, I won’t have anything left to teach you…”
“That’s not true, there’s still so much I want to learn. Besides, I don’t even know what my ranking will be yet.”
“If that’s how you feel… when you take my specialized classes, Fujiwara-kun, please make sure to give me plenty of time to teach you.”
“Ah, thank you…”
“I’m also glad that Nanami-san wasn’t injured. I saw from the roster that you two are in the same dormitory… I was quite surprised last night.”
“…Yes. We’re heading back together now.”
Nanami-san responds earnestly, though for some reason, Igarino-sensei’s face has turned red.
“A boy and a girl in the same dorm… that’s actually a special exception. I suppose there must be some circumstances.”
Indeed, it’s something that’s been on my mind for a while now. Maybe I’ll be able to hear more details from Akizuki-san later.
“I’m planning to visit Hinata-kun later, but before that, I’ll take you both to your dorm. The hill must be a bit of a climb.”
I’m grateful that the teacher is being so cooperative. Everything seems to be improving, which somehow makes me feel uneasy—maybe I’m overthinking it.
When Igarino-sensei offered us a ride, I expected Nanami-san to take the front passenger seat, but instead, she chose to sit in the back with me.
“Please relax until we reach Shizunami Dorm.”
“Thank you, I will.”
The sedan starts moving. Even as it climbs the hill, it handles smoothly—thanks to its suspension, I hardly feel any bumps and start to get sleepy.
“…Sorry.”
As I begin to nod off, I end up leaning toward Nanami-san—she gently pulls me in, and my head rests on her lap.
(N-Nanami-san…)
The teacher, focused on driving, doesn’t notice anything. When I glance up at Nanami-san, she looks incredibly happy, though her face is bright red, perhaps from embarrassment.
“You can sleep if you’d like.”
“Uh… that…”
Her lap is surprisingly comfortable—though she’s slender, her thighs cushion my head perfectly.
“Let me know if I’m too heavy.”
“It’s not heavy at all. It’s just right.”
“This mountain is so full of nature… oh, look, a raccoon just crossed the road!”
“Oh, really? That’s impressive…”
I can’t exactly ignore Igarino-sensei, but Nanami-san shows no sign of letting me go—could it be that the events in the dungeon have changed her feelings toward me?
(That reminds me… when I was regaining consciousness, it felt like Nanami-san was doing something for me…)
“…?”
For a brief moment, my gaze drifts to her lips. Could she have… performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation? If that really happened, what would that even mean?
“We’re almost there. Akizuki-san is the dorm supervisor, isn’t she? She’s actually my junior, though there was quite a gap in our academic achievements…”
Igarino-sensei shares an interesting tidbit, but I can’t fully focus because Nanami-san is still gently stroking my head.
(This is chaos… but it’s a very comfortable chaos…)
Soon, the car slows to a stop—Nanami-san quickly releases me just before Igarino-sensei notices.
With a playful gesture, Nanami-san raises a finger to her lips, signaling for me to keep this moment a secret. As happy as she seems, I wonder if she’s spoiling me too much.
“Well, I’ll head back to the academy. If you ever need anything, feel free to contact me—here’s my phone number.”
Igarino-sensei has become the type of teacher I can call at any time, though that’s obviously a joke. But still, now that we’re back at the dorm, I can’t help but feel a bit awkward being alone here with Nanami-san.
“Um, I’m going to my room for a bit. Shall we meet up later?”
“Uh… meet up?”
“Yeah, in the living room. To relax.”
Considering how forward Nanami-san has been lately, wanting to spend even more time together could mean… no, I shouldn’t jump to conclusions.
Returning to my room, I try to clear my head. Although I’ve left the dungeon for today, there are still several things bothering me—one being the presence of multiple traps that unleashed such dangerous monsters. And the fact that our retreat didn’t work. Then there’s the question of where that clown disappeared to.
(…There was nothing left to investigate at the scene. Renjou-sensei didn’t seem to know anything either… maybe Igarino-sensei could introduce me to someone who does.)
I’m also curious about the research lab Cipher mentioned. If I could visit, it might allow me to upgrade Cipher’s capabilities even further. By now, I consider him an indispensable partner.
Instead of just supporting my party, I want to take the lead and pursue my own goals. How far can I go as an explorer? Just thinking about it makes me feel a surge of excitement.
