“Good work yesterday, Kiraboshi-san. You seem to be looking much better these days.”
The day after the Mother Sphere Splinter’s Gate Crash incident at the Shirogasaki Estate, Kageichi summoned Kiraboshi-san and met her at the coffee shop under the station, where they had previously visited.
It was for the purpose of creating documents related to the Gate Crash incident.
Since this incident wasn’t an official Quest, there was no obligation to report it as a Cleaner.
However, the Labyrinth Agency contacted him, wanting to know the details of the incident, so Kageichi was to hear the story from her, create materials based on the usual Quest report format, and submit them.
“Sensei, is a report really necessary…? I’ve already explained it to the Labyrinth Agency people who came to the site multiple times.”
“Unfortunately, that’s how bureaucracy works. The Mother Sphere Splinter is a special Monster, and they probably want to compile case studies. …Even so, Kiraboshi-san, you’ve become able to clear Dungeons on your own. That’s quite something.”
“No, this time it was the same Boss I fought before, and it was weaker than before.”
“Even so, I think the way you feel about it is different with me being there or not.”
If she fought through a situation without a backer in case of emergency—without a lifeline—it would be fair to say she’s a full-fledged Hunter.
“Kiraboshi-san, you might as well take the Hunter Rank C Exam soon.”
“C? I haven’t even taken D yet.”
“D would be a breeze for you. C probably too. In another year, you might even have Rank B in sight.”
“Rank B…”
The difference between Hunter Rank D and Rank C is only a slight improvement over an amateur.
However, there is a world of difference between Rank C and Rank B, and with a Rank B license, you can accept official government Quests—you can have a profession.
However, she is still a second-year high school student.
There are endless possibilities for her future. No need to rush, she can think about it slowly—Kageichi thought, sipping the plum kelp tea he ordered while organizing the documents.
“…Sensei, do you think this job suits me?”
“Personally, I think so very much. Once you get used to it, you’ll be able to handle Monsters and other cleaning tasks like everyday life.”
“But I get angry easily…”
“Hmm. Is something bothering you?”
“Well,” Kiraboshi scratched her cheek.
“…I knew it in my head. That it would have been better to wait for the Labyrinth Agency’s support in this Dungeon trouble.”
Her argument is correct.
No matter how fast the Mother Sphere Splinter’s encroachment is, the impact of a Gate Crash caused by a Dungeon that was created yesterday or today is negligible.
In reality, the incident could have been resolved even if Kiraboshi hadn’t intervened.
“But at that time, I prioritized my own emotions. To settle things with Shirogasaki-san in the Dungeon. …For my own selfish desires. When I think about it that way, I’m not able to make calm judgments like Sensei…”
“Kiraboshi-san, I don’t make calm judgments as much as you think.”
“…But Sensei always seems so composed, and your instructions are accurate…”
“Think calmly. A person who can judge things calmly wouldn’t take such a high-risk action as murder.”
No matter how easy it is to conceal things in a Dungeon, murder is not cost-effective considering the legal risks.
Even more so if you’re doing it outside the Dungeon.
“The reason why I carry out cleaning operations without hesitation, even understanding that, is nothing but selfish desire. …I’ll tell you now, although I tout safety, security, and no Stress, I’m essentially prioritizing the no Stress part.”
In fact, Kageichi played a very active role this time.
He understood that it was clearly a foolish move from the perspective of safety and security.
He is aware that there were several unnecessary actions, such as taking Kazami along this time and provoking the president over the camera.
“In other words, I may seem calm, but I’m not calm at all. …And with that in mind, let me say this. –What’s wrong with satisfying your selfish desires?”
Kiraboshi’s eyes widened, and Kageichi returned with a faint smile.
“Using Dungeons is a high-risk activity. But even considering that risk, there are still things you want to do. To fulfill your dreams. For revenge, to make money, for love… The motive doesn’t matter, but if you have a dream you want to fulfill, righteousness is not a significant issue.”
“…Is that all it is?”
“Yes. In the first place, revenge is the most useless emotion when you consider cost-effectiveness. …Even knowing that — people can’t help but retaliate when they’ve been hurt. I think that emotion should be cherished.”
Humans don’t live by cost-effectiveness and productivity alone.
Such a life would be boring.
Even if it has no meaning, something that excites you — it could be a game, or a story like a manga or novel.
Even a dark desire to get back at someone who pisses you off, that emotion should be cherished.
A life full of Stress, running after efficiency — is not interesting.
You only live once.
I hope you don’t lose sight of what’s important to you and live your life to the fullest.
“Well, I used to be a corporate slave myself. I can understand the feeling of focusing on work and appearances, but you mustn’t lose yourself in that.”
“…Sensei, you sometimes say things that sound like a really good adult.”
“I only say good things. Although I’m a freelancer, I work seriously as a member of society, pay taxes, and take on garbage cleaning as a daily volunteer. Aren’t I a respectable adult?”
What are you talking about, he said jokingly, but Kiraboshi gave him a subtle look.
Hmm.
Kageichi considers himself to be a normal, ordinary adult… other than being good at cleaning up garbage, he believes he is a good, law-abiding citizen, but is that not the case?
Well, the way people perceive things may vary, he thought with a smile — and then shifted his gaze to her side.
A girl who had been slightly downcast and tense, listening intently to Kageichi and Kiraboshi’s conversation with a bewildered expression…
“That’s what I think. What do you feel, young lady — Shirogasaki-san?”
“…”
When Kageichi called her name again.
Piku, the friend of Kiraboshi who was sitting with them, trembled and gasped as if frightened.