For a while after that, Kageichi dedicated himself to gathering information.
As a result, several things became clear.
It seemed the first “Dungeon,” as these otherworlds were called, was discovered in early 2010.
After that, Dungeons appeared all over the world… globally, including outside Japan, and the world was scrambling to deal with them.
There were several rules regarding Dungeons.
- Dungeons are spaces different from reality.
- Dungeons and the surface world are connected by gates, which appear suddenly one day.
- Monsters appear in Dungeons.
- By fighting within Dungeons, one can level up and acquire skills and items.
- If Dungeons are left unattended, Monsters will spill out.
There were more detailed rules, but the last one was the most impactful for ordinary citizens.
If a naturally occurring Dungeon is left unattended for an extended period, Monsters will overflow into the outside world—this is called a “Gate Crash,” and it causes significant damage to nearby residents.
In fact, several instances of damage from “Gate Crashes” have been reported worldwide, and Japan is no exception.
The profession newly established by the government to prevent such damage is that of the “Hunter,” who exterminates the Monsters in Dungeons.
There seem to be thriving Hunters, including freelance Hunters and government-certified professional Hunters.
Furthermore, to prepare for future Dungeon countermeasures, Dungeon training classes have been introduced for high school students.
There’s the operation of publicly run Dungeons with confirmed safety, the opening of Dungeon specialty stores…
Among them are Dungeon Streamers, also known as “ライバー,” specializing in Dungeon攻略, “攻略者” who study Dungeon Monsters, and even “Dungeon Food Channels” that eat Dungeon Monsters. It seems to be a chaotic situation, both large and small.
Understanding all of this, Kageichi thought carefully for several days…
And then, he submitted his resignation to his company.
He understood it was a high-risk path.
His former workplace was not white, to put it mildly; it was more of a black company. Still, considering pensions and tax benefits, salarymen were relatively well-protected.
Even so, he quit because he believed that the job of a specialized Hunter who exterminates Monsters in Dungeons—known as a “Cleaner”—was the right fit for him.
Entering Dungeons alone and exterminating Monsters.
Collecting materials, gathering Treasure Chests, training his Magical Power, and leveling up.
It was the same solo activity that Kageichi had been familiar with in his previous life, LAW.
He wouldn’t be bothered by workplace relationships, nor would he have to mentally torment unpleasant bosses to force them to resign.
For Kageichi, it was an easier job than being an average corporate slave.
Of course, it wouldn’t all be easy.
As a freelancer taking on requests, he would likely have trouble with clients, and his income would inevitably become unstable.
There would be面倒事 like tax returns, and, in the first place, fighting Monsters carried the risk of injury.
Even considering all that, the job of a Cleaner was appealing.
Safety, security, and no stress.
The Stress caused by interacting with others easily harms one’s health, leading to sleep deprivation, digestive problems, decreased performance, and even hindering happiness in life itself.
It’s not that there are no good encounters… but for Kageichi, most people are sources of Stress.
If so, it would be better to have a job that minimizes contact with others and makes better use of his current abilities.
And after conducting several experiments…
As expected, Kageichi’s abilities were exceptionally high.
He refrained from using the government-certified level measurement device to avoid causing a stir, but based on his self-diagnosis, he estimated his Magical Power to be at least Level 100 or higher.
By using that vast Magical Power, he could deploy an “Inventory” not only within Dungeons but also in the real world.
It seemed that Kageichi Futsuu was the only one in this world with the ability to easily commit murder—he went to a neighboring prefecture and “experimented” on some drug addicts loitering in a park to confirm it.
If so, he would do a job that suited him and enjoy life in this new Japan.
In other words, he would escape corporate slavery and live freely.
Keep human interaction to a minimum.
Return at least the minimum courtesy to those who are kind to him.
Swiftly and physically deal with those who cause trouble, and live an ordinary, stress-free life.
…However.
For a certain purpose, he had to conquer the Rank S Dungeons in Japan… the “Four Great Dungeons.”
“Alright,” Kageichi muttered, taking a breath and starting to input his future plans into his Smartphone.
Thus, Kageichi Futsuu began his life as a freelance “Hunter”攻略ing Dungeons in the new Japan—
And two years passed.