Episode 41: First Day at Work
March–
The graduation ceremony was being held at the high school Yuma attended.
Amidst many guests, the ceremony began with the principal’s address.
Yuma, Kaede, and Rui, all in their third year, were naturally in attendance, filled with emotion at this final event of their high school lives.
And so, the ceremony came to a peaceful end.
Yuma exited through the front entrance, never to enter as a student again.
A pleasant breeze caressed his cheeks. The cherry trees visible in the distance were only about half in bloom.
Yuma, holding the ostentatious A3-sized diploma case, gazed up at the school building where he had studied for three years, filled with emotion.
–So, I’ve finally graduated…
As he was lost in memories, a voice called out from behind.
“Yuma!”
Turning around, he saw Kaede and Rui walking towards him.
“Are you going home already? I was thinking of going around to take pictures with the teachers and everyone, won’t you come with us, Yuma?”
“Nah, I’m good. Too much hassle.”
He lightly brushed off Kaede, who was tugging at his sleeve, saying, “I’m not going.” He secretly wanted to go with them, but he was too embarrassed to say it.
From behind Kaede, who was puffing out her cheeks, Rui called out.
“You haven’t changed at all.”
“Rui! You should go with her. You seem like you’d enjoy that kind of thing.”
Rui smiled lightly, “I suppose you’re right.”
Only Kaede was indignant, saying, “Jeez!”
“I heard from Kaede that you’re not going to college and instead getting a job?”
“Huh? Ah, well, yeah.”
It had been a while since Yuma had spoken to Rui properly. They used to talk and hang out a lot.
They were still friends, but their conversation felt somewhat awkward.
“I heard you joined a Dungeon-related company, is that true?”
“W-Well, yeah…”
He couldn’t bring himself to admit that he was influenced by Rui. He didn’t want to.
“I’m surprised. I didn’t know you were interested in Dungeons, Yuma.”
“It’s, uh, not really interest, more like, you know, it pays well. And after thinking about it, I decided to get a job at a Dungeon-related company. Yeah, it was just a coincidence!”
It was a weak excuse, but Rui smiled as if he were convinced.
“I see. But I’m happy to hear that. I’m also joining a Dungeon-related company, so it would be great if we could exchange information in the future!”
“Y-Yeah, sure. But before that, I need to learn how to do my job properly. Becoming a full-fledged Seeker is my top priority.”
Rui was joining Elceed, the largest company in the industry, while Yuma was joining D-Minor, a micro-company among micro-companies.
Yuma thought that he didn’t want to see Rui until he became a full-fledged Seeker.
He knew it was petty, but he couldn’t shake off this sense of inferiority.
“Yeah, you’re right. I was getting a little carried away. Let’s meet again when we’ve both become full-fledged members of society, Yuma!”
“Yeah.”
The two shook hands, celebrating their respective departures.
Kaede pouted, saying, “I’m getting a job too!” Yuma watched the two of them return to the school building, took a breath, and then exited the school gates.
A new life begins with this step. I really need to become a full-fledged Seeker so I can meet those two with a smile.
Thinking about such things, Yuma turned his back on the familiar school building and headed home.
◇◇◇
“Alright! Today’s Yuma’s first day at work. Let’s get pumped up!”
The president’s loud voice echoed through the office.
Yuma had come to D-Minor in Chiba. As the president said, his work would begin in earnest today.
Everything was new to him, so Yuma was a little nervous.
“Well, even though it’s work, what you’ll be doing is simple.”
The president plopped down in his chair behind his desk in the back of the office, crossed his legs, and lit a cigarette.
“Tanaka-san! Explain it to him.”
“Yes, yes.”
Tanaka picked up the documents that were on his desk and walked over to Yuma. He still had a kind expression, but his dignified belly was shaking.
Yuma wondered if he was really a Seeker.
“Hello, Yuma-kun. Nice to meet you again, I’m Tanaka, and I’ll be your instructor.”
“Nice to meet you!”
“First of all, what we need to do is raise your ‘Mana Index’.”
“Mana Index…?”
“Yes, we want to raise your Mana Index so that you can fight to some extent. Ultimately, we have to challenge the ‘Red Dungeon’.”
“The Red… Dungeon.”
As Yuma was digesting Tanaka’s words, the president, who was puffing on his cigarette, interjected.
“Well, in short. We’re a subcontractor, so we have to deliver products to major companies. And that product is the output of the Red Dungeon. ‘Fire Magic Gems’.”
According to the president, Water Magic is the most efficient way to defeat Monsters in the Red Dungeon. Therefore, the first job is to defeat Monsters in the ‘Blue Dungeon’ in Musashino, raise Mana, and collect the Magic Gems that drop.
“The ‘Blue Dungeon’ in Musashino is close to my house!”
“Is that so? Then you’ve probably been there a few times, right?”
Asked by the president, Yuma answered with a smug look.
“Yes, about twice. I even defeated a Slime.”
Seeing Yuma say that with pride, the president, Maika, and Tanaka smiled and chuckled.