Tōto Television
“We interrupt this program for an urgent news report. Around 15:00 today, an SS-rank monster, the Megidoflare Dragon, appeared in the dungeon located within the Tōto Explorer Training Academy’s grounds. The academy was in the middle of its selection exam, and the footage was recorded by the academy’s broadcast. Please watch the footage.”
The fearsome dragon is shown on screen, spreading dark and fiery magical energy around it. In its mouth is what appears to be the severed arm of someone, presumably Mr. Yabuki.
“Is it okay to broadcast this?”
The announcer suddenly asks, causing those on the show—likely comedians—to fall silent in shock.
“Was it a student’s arm? Are they okay?”
“We’ve inquired with the academy’s PR, and all students are safe. However, Headmaster Minazuki, who delivered the final blow to the Megidoflare Dragon, is now unable to move due to recoil. Additionally, one of the academy’s students, who was rescuing others in the video and was struck by the dragon’s attack, is currently being treated for severe burns and full-body bruises.”
The emergency news break, showing severed limbs and burned individuals, must have shocked viewers at home. I was startled too when the announcer suddenly cut into a comedy show.
But why is this breaking news when the monster has already been defeated?
I tilt my head in the academy’s infirmary.
The severe burns and bruises have already healed, so I’m fine. I passed out afterward because I shifted to endure the pain, which caused me to lose control of my magical release… but I’ll never talk about it, not even in my grave.
Though I was told I still needed a check-up, so I ended up watching TV to kill time.
“Does this mean it was really defeated? Why the urgent news?”
“Oh, you’re wondering the same thing?” One of the comedians, still stunned, asks cautiously.
“According to the Dungeon Association, the Dungeon Bureau has filed a complaint about improper handling of the incident by the Tōto Explorer Training Academy. Here’s the audio of that.”
“The academy’s dungeon is ranked D! How many times do I have to tell you?”
“But A-rank monsters like the Archdemon, Baalor, and even the S-rank Nightmare King have appeared. This time, there was an immense destructive sound, and clearly, dense magical energy is drifting around.”
“You’re explorers, aren’t you? Handle it yourselves! I don’t want excuses!”
“This is no excuse! If we leave this situation unchecked, we’ll really have fatalities!”
“So what? It’s a dungeon! Shouldn’t you be prepared to die? Don’t blame the government for your own laziness!”
“Laziness? This is an academy! Even in our training, we explore dungeons with the utmost care. But the dungeon’s rank certification is flawed, and with the budget being cut, it’s impossible to proceed properly!”
“Money, money, money… That’s all you think about. I have no budget to throw at your laziness! The decision is final, and the students will be sent to explore it as part of the academy’s selection test!”
“What? How can you, not even an explorer, understand the dangers of dungeons?”
“This is final. If you don’t like it, quit being the headmaster!”
“What was that?”
“That’s a recording of the conversation when Headmaster Minazuki directly confronted Manager Akuta of the Dungeon Bureau regarding this matter.”
“Isn’t that outrageous? The headmaster—wasn’t that the one who defeated the Megidoflare Dragon? Does that mean the government wanted students to take it down on their own? Didn’t they say it was an SS-rank?”
The comedian is flustered. I’m shocked too. Was that really what was said?
It’s beyond ridiculous.
“Yumeno, the results of your check-up are in, and there doesn’t appear to be any problem. I’m relieved. Well done.”
“Oh, thank you, sensei.”
At that moment, Sensei Goto enters and informs me of the results. The other teachers are also present.
“So, you’ve seen the news, huh?”
“Were you aware of this?”
“The headmaster informed the teachers. In case something happened, we were allowed to send out parties from within our permitted scope, and we’ve been stationed at the entrance the whole time. Also, we recorded the instructions from the Dungeon Bureau and sent them to responsible members of the Dungeon Association. It seems they’ve handled things appropriately.”
Afterward, the broadcast shifts to a news segment in the studio.
That comedian was fun to watch; I hope to see more of their skits.
“Can you stand up now? If you’re fine, you can go home, but make sure to rest before you leave.”
“Thank you.”
With that, Sensei Goto and the others leave the infirmary.
Then, in a timely fashion…
“Tōma-kun!!“
Sakura and Eriina rush in, their faces slightly downcast.
“I’m glad you’re okay!”
“Uh, yeah. I’m sorry. I made a mistake. I’m really grateful you were there to call out to me, Sakura.”
“No, it’s my fault for not drawing the dragon’s attention more. I’m sorry.”
I see. That’s why they’re upset.
But it’s fine. I endured and recovered.
“I’m fine. See? No problems at all.”
I raise my clenched fist, but Sakura cups it with both hands and stares at my face.
“Really… you pushed yourself to defeat it, didn’t you? Thanks to your magic, the dragon was stopped, and the headmaster’s magic landed, but you stopped healing, didn’t you?”
“Uh… yeah. I thought defeating it was the most important thing…”
“Silly. I was worried about you…”
“Sorry.”
I pat Sakura’s head with my other hand.
The magic I used back then transfers my condition onto the enemy, so if I had healed, it wouldn’t have worked. I thought it would buy enough time for the headmaster’s magic to land, but I’m not going to say that—I’d probably get scolded.
Suddenly, my other hand is taken by Eriina .
“I was worried too, watching from behind. My heart nearly stopped.”
“S-sorry…”
“Look, it’s fine now, right?”
“Yeah, I’m relieved. But I just wanted to let you know I was worried.”
Wait… is this something more than just concern as party members? For both Sakura and Eriina ?
Uh… no, no, Tōma. They’re just really kind people looking out for their teammate, right? Don’t jump to conclusions!
