“Imoutoya-san, are you alright…”
“I’m worried, but there’s nothing we can do. Let’s just pray for her safety.”
“…I thought the lower levels of Dungeons were supposed to be safer places to explore. I can’t believe something like this could happen.”
On the way back from Rank S Dungeon “Nagi Plains,” Kiraboshi was supporting a seemingly shocked Jougasaki as they visited a café in the underground of the station.
While ordering apple tea for her, who seemed mentally exhausted, Kiraboshi sighed to herself.
“The culprit got away, didn’t he?”
“…Yes. Dungeons are truly… troublesome places, aren’t they?”
When they rushed to the scene with the staff Jougasaki had brought, Kazami had already disappeared.
Deeper inside the Butterfly Room, there was another staircase leading to the second basement floor. Once he escaped there, it would be difficult to pursue him.
She told the staff accompanying Jougasaki that Kazami was the culprit.
However, it might be difficult to arrest him without evidence.
In a Dungeon, where all damage and matter are converted into Magical Power, no blood would come out even if an arm was cut off. This meant that one could still function with a certain degree of injury, but it also meant that evidence was hard to come by.
A recorder is necessary, she reaffirmed the fear of Dungeons, while—
“…………”
That’s why it was such a satisfying body to punch… she chuckled to herself, stroking the back of her hand.
The reason she guided Jougasaki to the café was also because she wanted to slowly recall the sensation from earlier.
She also wanted to revel in Jougasaki’s depression, so Kiraboshi was very pleased with herself.
…Ah, that really felt good.
I want to do it again.
But just like how eating delicious ice cream two days in a row can get boring, maybe it’s better to wait a little while…?
“I’m sorry, Kiraboshi-san. You must have been more shocked than I was, but I’m the one who’s feeling down…”
“No, I’m the one who’s sorry, I panicked because it was so sudden.”
It’s okay, she acted, encouraging her, …With this, she should understand the horror of Dungeons.
Then, her understanding of Kiraboshi’s work will also…
No. Or will she try to persuade me not to enter Dungeons?
Frowning at the thought that it would be troublesome, Kiraboshi’s Smartphone vibrated in her pocket. …Sensei?
“Sorry to bother you in the evening on a weekday, Kiraboshi-san.”
“That’s rare, a direct call like this.”
“Yes. I apologize for the sudden matter, but we’ve received a Quest with a high degree of urgency.”
Eh. A sudden job at the Cleaner’s… a Gate Crash case?
But Gate Crash-level incidents were under the jurisdiction of the Labyrinth Agency, not the Cleaner’s.
“Actually, we’ve been urgently requested by the Labyrinth Agency to cooperate in a large-scale sweeping Quest to be held the day after tomorrow. The meeting for that will be held in an hour and a half from now, would you be available to attend?”
Although she was told that overtime work was against her principles, Kiraboshi agreed without hesitation.
An emergency Quest from the Labyrinth Agency, and Sensei calling her out of hours, it must be something significant.
I want to do it. I definitely want to do it.
Kiraboshi’s blood is boiling and she’s excited.
Friendship games are enough.
She’s in the mood to fight Monsters no matter what—
Calm down, she took a breath, admonishing her surging heart.
Impatience is strictly prohibited. Cleaners must always be calm…
“I’ll attend. Should I head over there?”
“No. There’s still time, so it should be fine if you stay near the station.”
Understood, she ended the call. All that’s left is to wait for Sensei.
Today is truly a fun day, Kiraboshi nodded to Jougasaki, who she had been neglecting.
“I’m sorry, Jougasaki-san. I have an urgent Quest from Sensei.”
“Eh… After what happened, you’re going to work now?”
“Dungeons are living things, so things like this happen.”
It’s for the sake of human life, Kiraboshi said something plausible as she stood up.
…But for some reason, her sleeve was grabbed tightly.
“Kiraboshi-san. You’re going to meet that Sensei now, right?”
“Yes, but… is something the matter?”
Jougasaki thought for a moment, then raised her face with a determined look—
“Can I come with you, Kiraboshi-san?”
Eh, Kiraboshi was puzzled.
Jougasaki pursed her beautiful lips tightly, furrowed her eyebrows, and glared at her powerfully.
As if saying she would never let her escape.
*
…In the end, she couldn’t shake her off.
Rather, she wouldn’t let go of her hand, so she reluctantly contacted Sensei, who readily agreed, saying there was time.
If he had refused, it would have saved her face.
And unfortunately, the venue used for the meeting hosted by the Labyrinth Agency was a tower building near the station.
The café where Kiraboshi was was said to be a good place to kill time, and Sensei would come all the way here.
…Kiraboshi didn’t want to meet him if possible.
As if her thoughts could be conveyed, Kageichi appeared easily and faced Jougasaki.
Still wearing a crisp suit and intellectual glasses.
His appearance with a tie, unchanged from peacetime, was like a Salaryman you could find anywhere, despite being a freelancer.
That’s also cool, but… she wouldn’t say it out loud.
“I apologize for contacting you so suddenly, Kiraboshi-san. And Jougasaki-san, was it? Nice to meet you. I’m Kageichi Futsuu.”
“I’m the one who’s sorry for intruding so suddenly. I’m Jougasaki Kawai. …I’ll pay for the drinks.”
“It’s my first time being treated by a high school student as an adult, but would refusing be impolite?”
Then, excuse me, Kageichi sat down opposite Jougasaki and ordered plum kelp tea.
Kiraboshi moved to the seat next to Jougasaki and ordered an additional apple tea.
When everyone’s cups were ready, she glanced next to her.
She saw Jougasaki clenching her fist under her skirt, …a bad feeling.
What is her purpose?
That concern… hit Kiraboshi in the form she disliked the most.
“I’m sorry for the sudden request. …I have a favor to ask, Kageichi-san. Could you please stop Kiraboshi-san from participating in the Cleaner’s work?”
“…Huh? Eh, what are you talking about!?”
This girl, doing whatever she wants again—I haven’t said anything, really…!