Chapter 48

「I’m ranked first in my year… and third in the entire academy…」

I can’t fully grasp the reality of being first in my year since my rank rose so suddenly, but jumping to third in the whole academy, ahead of second- and third-year students, makes me wonder what kind of evaluation criteria they used.

However, the academy headmaster and the chairman both look straight at me and nod, as if to confirm that their decision is without a doubt.

“Being ranked third in the entire academy means the second monster you fought was that unique of a being. Monsters that use ‘life absorption’ have been confirmed before, but every one of them caused severe damage… The one discovered in a North American dungeon three years ago left many promising explorers unreturned. The monster you fought, code-named ‘Joker,’ was equally as dangerous.”

“You prevented the damage from spreading and established a remarkable achievement. As the headmaster said, you have left a one-of-a-kind legacy. Therefore, two medals will be awarded to you: the ‘Celestial Wing Medal’ and the ‘Lifesaver Medal.'”

“Thank you very much. Um, about those medals…”

Akizuki-san also mentioned the medals, but I can’t accept them without knowing their meaning — I glance at Igarashi-sensei, and it seems my intention got through.

“The ‘Earth Wing Medal’ is awarded when you defeat a monster designated with a boss code — in other words, a ‘dungeon boss.’ One rank above that is the ‘Celestial Wing Medal,’ and only three academy students, including you, Fujihara-kun, hold it.”

“So, does that mean the monster I defeated was a ‘dungeon boss’? But aren’t bosses supposed to be in the deepest part of a dungeon?”

“Yes, in most cases, they are in the deepest part, and defeating them usually causes phenomena like monsters not appearing for a certain period. However, there are also extremely powerful roaming-type monsters that can sometimes surpass dungeon bosses. ‘Joker’ falls into that category, though considering how it appeared, it could also be classified as an ’emergent type’… This definition is still being debated.”

That clown-like monster was ‘Joker’ and stronger than the dungeon boss — with that in mind, something keeps nagging at me.

(If I mention I might have captured such a monster… No, that must’ve been a mistake. But if it wasn’t a mistake and it appears again, we’d be in trouble…)

“Uh… Fujihara-kun, what’s wrong? If you’re thinking of declining the medal, we’d be left with no choice but to ask you to accept it, even if we have to beg.”

“Oh, no… It’s not that. Actually… would it be possible for me to investigate that dungeon alone for a few days? I want to make sure that monster won’t reappear.”

“Hmm… I see. That’s a valid concern. However, since ‘Joker’ disappeared, the environment in that dungeon has stabilized, and there’s no sign of a new boss emerging.”

“Is that so… But I still think it’s worth checking out.”

Honestly, I still feel unsettled that I haven’t fully explored that dungeon. If there were multiple summoning traps that could bring forth monsters like that, it wouldn’t be surprising if there was a ‘third’ one — not that I’m hoping for it, but I’m curious if that dungeon has some special circumstances.

“Then, for now, we’ll prohibit entry to ‘Beginner Dungeon No. 2’ for a while. If you, Fujihara-kun, make a request, we’ll allow you access, so feel free to explore.”

“…Thank you so much!”

I thought they might have reservations, so I’m glad the headmaster agreed readily.

“When that time comes, can I go with you?”

“Of course. Let’s go together whenever it suits you, Nanami-san.”

“So, does that mean Fujihara-kun won’t be entering any other dungeons for a while?”

It was the vice president of the student council who asked this. Despite her graceful demeanor, there was a slight urgency in her voice.

“Well, I guess so. We might be entering a different dungeon for class, though.”

“I see. So, for after-school activities, you’ll be entering the No. 2 dungeon…”

The vice president looked at me as if she had something to say—what could it be? I still don’t quite understand what women think.

(Is she irritated? Or maybe not quite that?)

“Um… Fujiwara-kun, with your abilities, this offer might come off as disrespectful, but would it be alright if the student council members accompanied you in exploring the No. 2 dungeon?”

The vice president’s younger sister raised her hand to speak. Having the student council accompany me would increase our fighting power, but it would also mean inconveniencing them during their valuable after-school time.

“No, I couldn’t trouble the student council with my personal matters…”

“Oh, speaking of which, I forgot to mention something important.”

Igarashi-sensei suddenly spoke up as if she had just remembered something.

“Since you’re now ranked first in your grade, Fujiwara-kun, you’ve become the grade representative for the first years… so from today, you’ll be considered a member of the student council.”

“Wait, isn’t the student council supposed to be decided through elections?”

“The student council at the Explorer Academy is made up of the most capable students. Of course, there are some who decline because they want to focus on exploration and training. There’s no obligation, but it would be good to at least hold a position.”

The vice president, after saying all this, placed her hand on her chest and gave me a ‘How about that?’ look—as if to say I couldn’t argue against it.

The principal and chairman were listening attentively, but now that the main topic was over, I started feeling guilty about keeping them any longer.

“…Alright, as long as there are no obligations.”

“Oh, you’re joining the student council too? The academy is in even better hands now.”

“Indeed. Fujiwara-san, I have high expectations for your future accomplishments… and please take good care of Nanami-san as well.”

“Y-Yes, I’ll do my best.”

I wanted to ask about their relationship with Nanami-san, but the chairman left before I could. The principal and Igarashi-sensei followed soon after.

“Well then… now that we have a new student council member, shall we go have a celebratory meal…”

“Vice President, please don’t do anything unnecessary today and behave yourself.”

“Futaba… right, considering your feelings, it seems we’ll have to reschedule this.”

“Um, there’s something that’s been bothering me… If I’m ranked third overall, does that mean the president and vice president are first and second?”

“Haha… sharp of you to notice. Yes, I’m ranked second overall. In the world of explorers, results matter more than time.”

“So, the two of you also have the Tenyoku Medal…”

“Yes, I’m one of the recipients. But unlike you, I haven’t defeated any particularly strong enemies or single-handedly overwhelmed monsters. Without partnering with the president, I wouldn’t have succeeded.”

A party consisting of the president and vice president—so they form parties even if they’re in different grades. And those two are at the top of the academy.

“I acknowledge your skills, but there are some people who don’t understand the significance of ‘baggage carriers’ among those you surpassed in the rankings. That’s why I hope you’ll continue to produce results, if you can…”

“I’ve been thinking the same. Just because things went well this time doesn’t mean I won’t be seen as unreliable if I fail the next.”

“…Fujiwara-kun, you’ll be fine. You’re not unstable.”

“Nanami-san is also one of the top five among the first years. Your job is in high demand, strong, and versatile. And with you, Fujiwara-kun, who she relies on, first place is definitely fitting for you.”

“I guess that’s something I’ll have to prove from now on. I enjoy dungeon diving, and I’ve realized I’m not completely incapable of fighting.”

“…That’s very intriguing. I wonder what will happen if I watch you in a dungeon…”

The vice president’s face took on a blissful expression—but then.

Guuurrrrgleee—her stomach growled. Her younger sister’s face was also bright red, but it was clear that the vice president was the hungry one.

“…I’ll excuse myself for today.”

“Uh, um… wasn’t there a saying, ‘Hunger and lust are related’ or something? I wonder if that’s why…”

“I’m not really into Freudian theories like that…”

“Fujiwara-kun, please don’t misunderstand. My sister is usually calm, but it seems meeting you has her all flustered.”

“R-Really? Well, I guess that’s an honor…”

“Haha… maybe, just maybe.”

“Come on, don’t say such things! Fujiwara-kun, she’s like this, but please don’t treat her harshly.”

With that, the vice president and her younger sister left the student council room. I let out a long sigh—then.

“…Were you talking about something naughty with the vice president?”

“…N-No, I wasn’t! At least, I don’t think I was…”

“…Really? Then what did she mean by ‘maybe’?”

After I explained that the vice president was a bit eccentric, Nanami-san finally seemed convinced—though I have a feeling I’ll be at the mercy of the vice president’s suggestive behavior from now on.