Chapter 128: Getting Straight to Work

“...Hey, man. Why are we standing in front of a Dungeon on only the second day of summer vacation?”

“Well... it’s for the sake of the investigation, obviously.”

Shiki and I were standing before a Dungeon that had suddenly sprouted in the local woods. We were there to survey it.

Shiki, who had been fully geared up for a day of fun, had an insect cage dangling from his shoulder. He wore an expression that was, for lack of a better word, profoundly pathetic.

I shifted my gaze slightly to find Kaiser holding a butterfly net. He looked equally uncomfortable with the situation.

“Hey, Shiki. Why is this guy here?”

“What’s the matter, Strategist? Got a problem with me being here?”

“...You haven't forgotten what you did to Reima, have you?”

“Hah? I settled the score and I apologized for it back then. That’s enough. Besides, Reima doesn't even care anymore.”

“Oh? And you’re the one who gets to decide that?”

The Dungeon in the forest was a recent development. After we reported the cave that had appeared out of nowhere while we were out bug-catching, the government requested a formal investigation. Because the difficulty level of Dungeons had been spiking lately, they had decided to dispatch an extra hand. This was the result.

“Hey, say something, Carnage.”

This is bad. The tension is thick enough to choke on.

I hadn't been told that Ouma was coming either, but I never expected the atmosphere to get quite this heavy. Kaiser was staying silent, likely just observing the situation, which meant I was the one who had to mediate.

“I didn't know he was coming either, but Ouma is reliable. I think the crawl will be easier with him here.”

“That’s true. We can count on Carnage’s strength, I suppose, but have you really reconciled with my friend?”

“God, I said I did. Why do I have zero credibility?”

Ouma let out a sigh, scratching his head. Both Shiki and Kaiser were making overtly displeased faces. I wasn't going to force them to be best friends, but we couldn't just stand around here forever without clearing the place.

“Look, it’s probably a cave-type, so let’s split into two groups to explore. I’ll pair up with Ouma. Shiki, you take Kaiser.”

According to government intel, recent cave-type Dungeons tended to have a lot of branching paths. Considering our goal was to survey the area, it made more sense to form two parties and move separately. I figured pairing Ouma with either of the other two would just turn the air sour... or so I thought.

“No. I’m pairing up with him, Shiki.”

“That sounds like a pain. I’d have to hold back just to keep from killing you.”

“Huh? Is the great Carnage-sama saying that A-ranks aren't even worth his time?”

“That’s not it. I just don't think anyone here besides Reima can keep up with me.”

If Shiki is going out of his way to suggest this, he must have something in mind.

Pairing two people who actively despised each other wasn't just a bad move—it was an invitation for a disaster. Even so, I wanted to respect Shiki’s judgment.

“Fine. But you two better not start a fight.”

“I’m not a brat, unlike the Strategist over here.”

“I’m not so sure about that.”

These guys are hopeless.

I decided I needed a monitor. I immediately opted to call forth Shibaru, who usually acted as the voice of reason and seemed like he’d have the best compatibility with these two.

[Summon] Shibaru Camazotz.

I explained the situation to the suddenly summoned Shibaru, and he readily accepted the task.

“I understand. However, what should I do if they actually begin to fight?”

“Stop them. Please.”

“Very well... I shall stop them with all my might.”

And so it was decided. Once we dove into the cave, we found the path split in two as expected. Kaiser and I took the right, while Shiki and Ouma headed left.

“Right, I’m heading out.”

I didn't see any reason to match my pace with theirs. Considering how fast Reima and that Dragonoid would likely finish their side, it was better to move quickly.

I activated the [Authority of Levitation] to drift off the ground, then used a burst of lightning to dash through the cave at high speed. The cavernous section ended sooner than expected, opening up into a massive forest. It felt like a jungle from some foreign country, teeming with giant, insect-like monsters.

“Heh, insect-types? Let's just get this over with.”

A giant beetle emerged, having sensed my presence. It was massive—easily the size of four grown men. Just as I was about to unleash a spell to deal with it, a massive fireball roared from behind me, swallowing the monster and incinerating it instantly.

“You’re going too far ahead. We’re a party, so stay in formation.”

“Don't go throwing fire around in a forest, kid. You're calling yourself a Strategist? Don't make me laugh.”

“My flames are special; I can choose exactly what they incinerate. I’m not that careless.”

“Hmph. If you say so. Let’s move.”

“—Listen, I’ll tell you this upfront. I hate your guts.”

“I figured. I’m not exactly fond of you either, brat.”

When someone makes it that obvious, you notice whether you want to or not. For my part, I found the man known as Shiki Amagase difficult to deal with. I had a vague idea why, but it was a sentiment far too childish to ever voice.

“So, if you hate me that much, why did you pair up with me?”

“There was something I wanted to ask... and I wasn't going to let it go.”

“Heh. Is that right? Fine—out with it. I’ll give you an answer.”

“What exactly are you? There’s no way an idiotically softhearted guy like him would ever like someone like you. More importantly... how much do you actually know about him?”

“Hah, so that’s it? That’s confidential information, so I can't talk. Well... if you really want to know, give me some of your intel first. Why is the current version of him even in this world?”

This was a question Shakra, who resided within me, had been harboring for a long time.

Because of Shakra, I knew that Reima was originally from another world. He had supposedly defeated a Demon King and spent his whole time trying to return home. Shakra said he didn't understand the meaning of that guy being in this world now, and it had been bothering him.

“I looked into his past—back when he was just a Supporter with no magic power. There’s no logical reason for him to become what he is now just through an 'Awakening.' You know the truth, don't you, Strategist? You know why the man who saved another world is standing in this one.”

“That’s the one thing I can't answer.”

“Well, now I'm even more curious. Fine, let’s do this—whoever hunts more enemies in this Dungeon gets to ask their question. If I lose, I’ll tell you everything. How’s that?”

“...Tch. Fine. But you better keep your word.”

“I don't tell lies. Now then... Shibaru, I’ll have you act as the judge.”

The Head-hunting Bat had followed us this far without saying a single word. But when I asked him to be the observer, he did something entirely unexpected.

“Allow me to participate as well.”

“—Huh?”

“What are you talking about?”

“I shall participate in the hunt. If I am victorious, both of you shall answer me. My role this time is mediation, after all.”

That’s right.

If Shakra’s memories were correct, this guy was the type to do whatever it took to have his way, and he was pathologically faithful to his duties. If Reima had asked him to mediate, he would do it in the way he deemed most effective. In other words, I now had to out-hunt this unreasonable monster as well.

“I am beginning. Struggle as best you can, you fools.”

In an instant, Shibaru Camazotz reverted to his beastly form.

Transforming into a gargantuan bat over fifteen meters long, he flapped his wings and began the slaughter.