Around 1999, strange places known as dungeons suddenly appeared all over the world.

They are bizarre locations where reality, common sense, and known laws simply do not apply.
They can be called alternate spaces inhabited by fantastical creatures such as dragons and pegasi.

Their entrances take many forms.
Inside, they are structured like labyrinths, and those labyrinths themselves vary widely.

Within them exist dangerous fantastical creatures that attack intruders, as well as traps, making the whole thing feel overwhelmingly like a video game.
Because of that, they came to be called “labyrinths” or “dungeons,” terms borrowed from the entertainment world, and those names eventually took root worldwide.

At first, humanity was confused by their appearance.
But once people realized that dungeons were also places where one could obtain things far removed from the common sense and laws of reality, attitudes began to change.

Striking it rich.
Internal surveys.
Labyrinth research.

From such motives, it was only natural that the profession known as dungeon explorer was born.

Nearly thirty years have passed since dungeons first appeared.
Now, both dungeons and explorers are simply accepted as part of everyday life.

Once something becomes commonplace, people adapt, and it is inevitable that nations establish rules for governance.

Inside dungeons exist unique metals, flora, and fauna, as well as treasure chests containing gemstones.
At the same time, dangerous monsters roam within, and traps are scattered throughout, meaning that entering a dungeon always places one next to death.

That is precisely why rules are important.
It would be a problem if individuals entered freely and caused havoc, and it would also be troublesome if people blinded by greed trespassed and got themselves killed.

An explorer is the name given to a profession or qualification granted permission to enter dungeons under such circumstances.

"Good thing I seriously kept up with those quota requests for the once-a-year renewal."

Those who possess an explorer license must complete jobs called quota requests once every six months.
Failing to do so prevents the license from being renewed.

There was no special reason Setsumura Seiji kept up with those quota requests.
He simply thought it would be a waste to let a hard-earned qualification expire.

In any case, because his license was properly renewed, he could decide on a whim and immediately enter a dungeon.

About ten train stops from the station nearest his apartment.
It was a bit far, but for Seiji right now, this place was just right—the Fudoyama Dungeon.

A mountain path belonging to the grounds of a large temple.
Halfway up it, an unnaturally gaping cave marked the dungeon entrance.

Beside the cave stood a simple hut.
A guard dispatched from the Explorers’ Association was stationed there, so Seiji called out to him.

"Excuse me.
I’ll be heading in now."

"Oh my, how polite of you.
Please be careful."

After Seiji showed his explorer license card, the chubby guard checked it and responded cheerfully.

From the man’s attitude, Seiji could tell that many people probably entered without even calling out, let alone showing their license.

‘Do those people have a death wish or something?’

If you lack a license, entering a dungeon constitutes plain trespassing.

More importantly, being unlicensed means there is a high chance that you have not been confirmed to possess the ability necessary for dungeon conquest, known as “dungeon aptitude” or “superhuman aptitude.”

Those who possess this aptitude can move in dungeons with anime- or game-like superhuman abilities, true to the name.
It is said that only with this aptitude can proper exploration even begin, and even then, dungeons remain dangerous.

For someone without dungeon aptitude to enter a dungeon is practically suicide.
Unless they are an extreme outlier far beyond normal humanity, it is an incredibly dangerous act.

Upon stepping into the cave, the first thing that appears is a slightly open space.
This is the entrance area called the entrance hall, found in most dungeons.

Most explorers prepare here before proceeding deeper.

Naturally, Seiji was no exception.

"Exploring…
It’s been almost half a year."

He touched the small red gemstone swaying at his left ear—a stone known as SAI.
In response, a single Japanese sword appeared from the red stone.
It was Seiji’s exploration weapon.

"Let’s go."

Murmuring that softly, Seiji descended the stairs at the back of the entrance with a languid yet unstrained gait.

Though they are all called dungeons, their interiors vary greatly.

This Fudoyama Dungeon has a strange layout best described as a roofless natural cave.

Tall, thick walls made of earth resemble cave walls, forming a complex maze.
Despite that, there is no ceiling, and above stretches a blue sky with no sun.

The ground is not soil but resembles a grassland, with ankle-high grass growing thick and swaying gently in the breeze.

"Dungeons never stop being confusing."

Researchers and frontline explorers apparently uncover details through papers and reports, but Seiji had little interest in that.

What mattered was whether he could obtain dungeon ingredients here and cook with them.

As he proceeded, a monster appeared—about half Seiji’s height, with dark skin and an oni-like appearance.

It was a goblin-type monster.
Their strength varies widely by species, and their appearances often differ from dungeon to dungeon.

The goblins in this dungeon wear tattered traditional clothing reminiscent of worn-out ronin and carry broken swords, earning them the nickname Goburonin among explorers.

"Even knowing they’re not that strong, it’s still tense."

Muttering softly, Seiji placed his right hand on the hilt of the Japanese sword held in his left.

Though the Goburonin’s sword was broken and dull, it was still real steel.
If it hit, it would cut.
More than anything, it was attacking with the intent to kill.
Not feeling tense would be impossible.

"Come to think of it…
I think this tension is what made me stop making explorer work my main thing."

As he muttered, he lowered his stance and slightly loosened the blade from the scabbard.

"Sha-gyaa!"

The Goburonin leapt at Seiji with its broken blade raised.

Watching calmly, Seiji gripped his sword, stepped forward, and drew in a swift motion.

"Cut."

As they passed each other, a single flash of white steel.

The next instant, the Goburonin’s head flew into the air.
The blade, having slipped past the neck without even being stained by blood or fat, returned to its scabbard with a clear chime.

"Haa."

The broken blade and clothing carried by the goblin could be sold to the Explorers’ Association for money, but—

"Too much trouble.
I’ll skip it today."

—Seiji merely glanced at them and left them behind.

When left alone, monster corpses eventually turn into black mist and are absorbed by the dungeon.
Weapons, clothing, claws, fangs, meat—everything disappears if not collected in time.

That is why anyone wanting monster-derived materials must dismantle and collect them before that happens.

"...Isn’t gathering dungeon ingredients kind of a pain?"

Realizing that now, Seiji gave a small shake of his head.
If he stopped because it was annoying or troublesome, he would truly end up doing nothing and being nothing.

"Whether I do it again or not, I at least need to properly accomplish today’s objective."

In a way, this was an important personal rule for Seiji.
If he decided to do something, he would see it through as long as it wasn’t unreasonably difficult.

Seiji is someone who does not cling to things, lacks passion, and struggles to feel motivation.
He knows that without imposing such rules on himself, he will never finish what he starts.

"Since the first floor only has goblins and other monsters unsuitable as ingredients, I should hurry to the second floor."

And so, with no tension, no pressure, and no motivation—yet never letting his guard down—Seiji searched for the stairs leading to the second floor.

Once preparations are complete, the next update will be posted.

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