Episode 39: Unease and Welcome
After securing one job offer, I poured every last ounce of strength into job hunting.
I worked hard enough to say I gave it my all. The result was…
Total annihilation. A complete and utter wipeout.
“Ah, guess it didn’t work out…”
I thought I could at least get into two or three companies, especially since many had pretty bad conditions.
Yuma lay on his bed, staring at the ceiling. The mental damage was significant.
“In the end, D-Minor is the only place that offered me a job…”
It was quite an unusual company, and I couldn’t shake the anxiety about whether it was okay to join.
Still, it was the only place that gave me an offer. I was left with only two choices: join D-Minor or beg my father to let me go to college.
While I wondered what to do, a part of me had already made up my mind.
Yuma abruptly sat up and slapped his face, psyching himself up with a “Alright!”
That night…
After dinner, Yuma broached the subject with his parents.
“Um, about the job situation…”
His mother, who was about to clear the dishes, stopped.
“What about the job, Yuma?”
He had only vaguely told his parents about his job hunting situation. Because of that, they both looked at him with anxious expressions.
“I got one. I got a job offer, and I wanted to let you know.”
They were surprised but quickly smiled.
“Really, you got one! Your mother and I were worried about what was happening… Really, you got one.”
“So, what kind of company is it?”
His mother asked, a little excited.
“Ah, it’s a company in Chiba. It’s called D-Minor.”
His father nodded, saying,
“Chiba, huh? It’s not an impossible distance to commute, so that’s good.”
His mother agreed, “That’s right.” Yuma breathed a sigh of relief, seeing his parents’ joy. Now, he had to do well at the company; quitting right away would be too embarrassing.
The next day… He called Maika to tell her he had decided to take the job and headed to the company in Chiba to complete the necessary procedures.
“Ooh, you came, Yuma! I knew you’d join us!! Hahaha!”
As soon as he entered the office, President Kanzaki slapped him hard on the back while laughing.
It hurt quite a bit, but Yuma managed to endure it with a wry smile. He still smelled strongly of alcohol; I hope he’s alright.
“Sorry, my father is so familiar. We haven’t had many young people applying, even with the job postings, so I’m happy you came, Yuma-kun.”
“No, I’m the one who’s grateful for the opportunity.”
“Ah! I called you Yuma-kun too, but is that okay? Mitaka-kun feels a bit stiff.”
“Ah, yes, that’s fine.”
Urged on by the president and Maika, he went further into the room and saw someone he hadn’t seen before sitting at a desk.
A chubby middle-aged man.
He wore glasses, and his hairline was receding, but he had a gentle expression and seemed very kind.
“Ah, let me introduce you. This is Tanaka-san. He’s a veteran accountant and works as a Seeker and accountant here.”
Tanaka-san, introduced, stood up and bowed, saying, “Nice to meet you, I’m Tanaka.”
“And, as I said before, I’m Kanzaki Maika. I handle general affairs and other miscellaneous tasks. Well, I sometimes go to the Dungeon as a Seeker too.”
“Eh!? Maika-san is a Seeker too?”
“I’m just support, though. Our main force is over there, over there!”
Maika shifted her gaze to the president.
“That’s right! I’m the president, Kanzaki Koutarou. I’m the president and a Seeker. I’ve been going into Dungeons since they were opened to the public. I’m a veteran, you see.”
Looking at the president’s physique, he certainly fit the image of a Seeker who conquers dangerous labyrinths. Conversely, it felt quite strange that Tanaka-san, with his completely middle-aged body type, was a Seeker.
“Yuma! Next is your turn. Introduce yourself to everyone!”
“Y-yes.”
Yuma straightened his back and took a deep breath.
“I’m Mitaka Yuma, a third-year high school student. After graduating, I’ll be working here. I look forward to working with you!”
He bowed deeply, and the three welcomed him with applause.
“Alright! Let’s leave the greetings at that and have a welcome party for Yuma now. Everyone, let’s head to our favorite Yakiniku Restaurant!!”
“Eh!? A welcome party already?”
Ignoring Yuma’s bewilderment, the president was fully ready to go, putting the car keys from his desk into his pocket.
“Hey, President! You just want to use the welcome party as an excuse to drink, don’t you!”
“What’s wrong with that? It’s a time like this.”
“What do you mean, ‘a time like this!’ You drink every day, even when nothing’s happening!”
“Shut up! You guys, let’s go. Yuma, you can eat as much Yakiniku as you want. I’ll put it all on the company expense, so don’t hold back!”
“Yes, thank you very much!”
And so, Yuma, who had decided to join the company, was going to a welcome party (the president’s drinking party?) with the three employees of D-Minor.