Episode 387: Request for Cooperation
Yuma was in a limousine provided by the government, heading towards Otemachi in Tokyo.
He was on his way to Elceed Corporation’s headquarters.
Aisha had told Yuma that he should challenge the White Dungeon, and to get permission for that, he contacted Serizawa, the Cabinet Deputy Secretary.
According to Serizawa, Elceed Corporation seemed to know the most about the White Dungeon, and if he were to enter, it would be necessary to ask for their cooperation.
Therefore, he was going to meet with Honda-san, the head of Elceed Corporation.
–I think they’ll probably cooperate… but in the worst case, I’ll go to Hokkaido alone.
Thinking about that, he vaguely gazed at the buildings visible from the window.
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“We’ve been expecting you.”
When he arrived at Elceed’s headquarters building, a woman was standing in the first-floor entrance.
She was dressed in a sharp suit, with her hair neatly tied up, like a career woman.
Yuma followed the woman, got into the elevator, and headed to the upper floors.
Waiting for him in the room he was led to were Honda-san and Ishikawa-san from Elceed Corporation. He had thought Rui might be there too, but only the two of them were in the room.
“Ah, thank you for coming. The other Seekers are quite busy. The two of us will listen to what you have to say today.”
Yuma looked dubious at Honda-san’s words.
“Did something happen? Like, did strong Monsters appear?”
“No, no, it’s not that. Actually, the conquest of the Red Dungeon has been decided. We’re starting preparations for that.”
“The Red Dungeon!? You’re going to conquer it?”
Yuma was bewildered by the sudden news.
“Ah, that’s right. The Monsters that come out of the Red Dungeon are the ones that cause the most damage in this country. If we can conquer it, the damage will be drastically reduced.”
As if taking over Honda-san’s story, Ishikawa-san spoke next.
“Until now, we thought it would be difficult, but the situation has changed with Rui and Tennoji’s younger brother returning. With those two, we’ve determined that Dungeon Conquest is entirely possible.”
“I see.”
Certainly, those two could conquer even a Deep Dungeon.
At the same time as he understood, he felt a little lonely. He had been wondering if they might accompany him on the White Dungeon Conquest.
Ishikawa-san called out to Yuma, who had an indescribable expression.
“Mitaka-kun. The reason we didn’t invite you was because we wanted you to rest. We heard the story from Rui. You’ve been in a series of fierce battles, right? Rui has been fighting too, but not as much as you. That’s why we decided to take on the conquest with just us this time.”
“Yes, of course…”
The words that followed didn’t come out. It’s not like I’m worried about that, Yuma thought, but he didn’t dare say it.
“By the way–“
Honda-san approached Yuma.
“We heard the story from Serizawa-san. You want to dive into the White Dungeon, right?”
“Yes, that’s right. And Serizawa-san told me to get cooperation from Elceed Corporation, who knows a lot about the White Dungeon…”
Yuma’s voice gradually became smaller. Elceed seemed to be preoccupied right now. He wondered if his wish would be granted, and he became anxious.
“Well, we would like to cooperate… but we want to prioritize the Red Dungeon Conquest. We want to minimize the damage to the citizens. Could you wait for that Conquest?”
“How many days will it take to conquer the Red Dungeon?”
Honda-san, asked by Yuma, put his hand on his chin and pondered.
“Well, we’re going to prepare thoroughly and proceed carefully, so it will take several weeks to a month if it’s long.”
“That long…”
Yuma was dejected. He wanted to go to the White Dungeon as soon as possible, so he couldn’t wait a month.
“I can’t wait that long after all. I’ll go even if I have to go alone, so can I at least get information about the White Dungeon?”
“Hmm, I see.”
Honda-san looked at Ishikawa-san next to him with a troubled face. Ishikawa-san also had an indescribable expression.
Honda-san, returning his gaze to Yuma, sighed softly and then opened his mouth.
“I understand. We can’t send the main force, but we’ll have a Seeker who knows the White Dungeon accompany you. You can leave the preparations to them.”
“Really!?”
“Of course. You owe us a lot. However, since Elceed’s main force will be entering the Red Dungeon, Japan’s defense will be carried out in cooperation with other major companies. That’s why we’re short on staff. I think we can only send a minimum number of people to the White Dungeon. Please understand that.”
“Of course! It’s enough just to get cooperation.”
Yuma thanked them, confirmed the detailed schedule, and then left.
The White Dungeon Conquest was four days later. He was also allowed to proceed with the Conquest as it is, if possible.
–With this, I might be able to master White Magic. If I do, then Kaede…
With a faint hope in his heart, Yuma got into the limousine that was waiting for him and started on his way home.