“Tch, he’s not answering the phone…” The man—Re:Trys board member, Gouyoku Hoshio—grimaced as he tapped his desk in his office.
With a buzz-cut hairstyle and eyes like a snake that never misses its prey.
His thick eyebrows and tightly fitted black suit, which he himself understood was stiflingly hot, gave off a certain pressure precisely because it was a suit.
But the idiot who should be feeling the pressure wasn’t here.
Seriously, everyone is so useless.
Human limbs should exist to execute the brain’s commands, he thought irritably, slapping the seat cushion.
Dungeon streaming agency and training center—Re:Trys.
[Become a hero in the dungeon! Retry your new second life!]
Gouyoku Hoshio, the board member of Re:Trys, an agency that recruits and supports dungeon streamers with such slogans—has no interest in the streaming business itself.
What he seeks is money, money, money, and power.
Spring 2020.
After the so-called “Dungeon Liberalization Declaration,” the number of dungeon streamers increased dramatically.
In dungeons, everyone starts from level 1.
Anyone, regardless of their circumstances, can rise to the top. They can become a hero.
Now is the time to redo your life and seize the future—collecting fools who are lured by such slogans and getting paid for it was too good to be true.
Gouyoku, who smelled the scent of money, jumped in without knowing anything about the industry and, in three years,
split the former agency into “Re:Trys” and “R:Answers,” seizing one of them to gain wealth.
But times change.
Dungeons became commonplace, and heroes became too numerous.
These days, cute girls squealing while exploring dungeons sell better than pure攻略者.
Furthermore, since the pandemic subsided, the demand for staying at home has decreased, and other industries have fully entered the market by holding “dungeon tours” where even ordinary people can enter dungeons, putting management in dangerous waters.
Gouyoku himself realizes that it’s time to quit…
But he wants it.
Once he wants something, he’ll use any means to get it.
That is Gouyoku Hoshio’s nature—and the next person he set his sights on was a plain man named Kageichi Futsuu.
At first glance, just a former Salaryman.
But the combination of a neat suit, sinister glasses, and a JK disciple is quite rare for a dungeon攻略者.
It’s enough to arouse a sense of transgression, and if he can manipulate the Numbers, his ability is sufficient.
That’s why he had Kazami investigate, but… no response.
Tch, he clicked his tongue and asked his subordinate what happened to the recruitment email.
“Did Kageichi reply to the recruitment message I sent? Shimoyama.”
“No… Ah, I’m sorry, it arrived!”
“Forward it.”
[Thank you for contacting me. This is Kageichi. I have reviewed your proposal.
However, our office only undertakes dungeon cleaning services and does not accept streaming commissions. We have no plans to engage in streaming in the future, so we regret to decline your offer.]
—Being rejected only fuels Gouyoku’s bad habit.
Cleaning up dungeons is something you can do as a side job while streaming.
We’ll add the演出, you’ll get paid if you follow orders, and if you don’t—he resent the message with pressure.
[Thank you for contacting me. This is Kageichi. I have reviewed your proposal.
However, our office only undertakes dungeon cleaning services and does not accept streaming commissions. We have no plans to engage in streaming in the future, so we regret to decline your offer.]
He copied and pasted it. …Is it a strategy?
Is he trying to see where we stand? It wouldn’t be interesting if he wasn’t, but he’ll get burned if he gets cocky, you know?
He’s actually interested, isn’t he? A hero that every man admires is better than a mundane job like a Cleaner—it’s too tempting for a tired, loser middle-aged man, right?
Come on. Show me your true colors, Kageichi Futsuu—
[Thank you for contacting me. This is Kageichi. I have reviewed your proposal.
However, our office only undertakes dungeon cleaning services and does not accept streaming commissions. We have no plans to engage in streaming in the future, so we regret to decline your offer.
P.S.
We had a minor issue with a streamer called “Numbers” who belongs to your agency.
We have already received a response from your agency stating that it was not involved in this matter, but if similar issues or irrelevant requests like this recruitment continue, there are concerns that it may develop into a serious problem (that could affect your life). We hope that you will continue to prioritize your own safety and make wise decisions.]
“W-What is this guy trying to say…!”
Damn, he’s underestimating me! What serious trouble? There’s a limit to bluffing!
…But it’s more interesting if he has the guts to bluff that much.
…But he doesn’t understand.
Re:Trys is not just a streaming agency. It’s a company, an organization.
We have a decent number of subordinates and connections with the “Gyokuryu Society.”
Anyone with work experience knows which is more advantageous, an individual or an organization, right?
Do you want us to spread bad rumors about your agency on social media?
We can have our subordinates storm your workplace and disrupt your business, you know?
The Numbers messed up, but there are plenty of other ways. If you don’t want to be victimized, quietly join our ranks—
He sent a reply filled with that kind of atmosphere.
Of course, he didn’t include any direct wording. It’s up to them to interpret it.
“That man, Kageichi, is a complete idiot. …There’s no way an individual can beat an organization.”
He snorted with laughter.
If he doesn’t even understand this much, he’s not much of a man, he thought in disappointment—
*
“Sensei? What kind of email have you been typing since a while ago?”
“Leave it to the experts. It’s fine to crush the top person right away, but if the other party is a board member, it’ll stand out a bit. Besides, it’s more stress-relieving to ruin their social credibility before eliminating them.”
Humming, Kageichi cheerfully composed the message, then held his Smartphone to his ear.
“Long time no see, Goto-san. Thank you for your help with the Quest the other day. …Actually, I have a matter regarding the previous “Numbers” incident where I would like to ask for the Labyrinth Agency’s assistance… Yes. Please consider it as repaying the debt from the other day.”
*
A few days later.
A document arrived at Gouyoku’s office, not a reply from Kageichi consisting of dozens of pages… but something else entirely.
[Corrective Guidance Notice Labyrinth Agency Safety Division
Document Number —, Issue Date ○/×, To: Representative Director Gouyoku Hoshio
Respectfully, we express our respect for your company’s efforts in the smooth operation of its business and its contribution to society.
As a result of the investigation conducted by our agency, the following facts have been confirmed at your company.
1. Illegal Dungeon Raid based on coercive and threatening behavior towards employees
2. Forcible solicitation of streaming activities
3. Dungeon攻略 that deviates significantly from the recommended Hunter rank
etc…
These actions violate the Labor Standards Act and Article 96 of the Labyrinth Act, and it is urgent that they be improved…]
Gouyoku slammed his fist on the table, his face red with rage at the message from the Labyrinth Agency… the largest organization in Japan.
Who is it, who made such a boring accusation—that’s too cowardly!