Ouma and I arrived in Shizuoka Prefecture via the Shinkansen.
Apparently, the dungeon was located somewhere within the Sea of Trees near Mount Fuji. It was hard to believe a dungeon could manifest in a place like this, though at this point, nothing should have really surprised me anymore.
At this rate, there’ll probably be dungeons popping up in the middle of the ocean, I thought. Given that the last Mythology Dungeon had materialized in the literal sky, the idea of a sea dungeon wasn't even a joke I could laugh at. It was a distinct, annoying possibility.
"The Fuji Sea of Trees itself has basically become a dungeon now," Ouma remarked. "Management is strict, but I can get us in on name recognition alone."
As he spoke, we reached the entrance to the forest. A white building stood there, guarded by men in what looked like security uniforms—or rather, Japan Self-Defense Forces gear. The moment they spotted Ouma, they snapped into a salute.
"Good work," Ouma said casually. "Anything to report?"
"No, sir. Since we were informed of your arrival, Ouma-dono, we’ve tightened security. And... might this be the one known as [Valhalla], Reima Kariya-dono?"
"Ah, yeah... nice to meet you," I managed, though it came out more like a question.
I’d had almost zero contact with the JSDF in my life, so the best I could offer was a stiff, awkward response. The soldier gave a lighthearted chuckle at my display, and I looked away, feeling a flash of embarrassment.
"Yes, it’s an honor. Reima-dono, please... look after Ouma-dono for us."
"Where is this coming from all of a sudden?" Ouma grumbled.
"Because you’re reckless, sir. You push too far onto the front lines. We know we aren’t much help to you, but with a fellow S-Rank like Reima-dono here, it’s a weight off our minds."
"You’ve certainly found your tongue, haven't you?"
"Well, we’ve been dealing with your antics for five years now."
Watching their back-and-forth, I could tell they were on good terms. My first impression of Ouma—from our first meeting and the competition—was defined by his rage, but this seemed to be his true nature.
We spent some time in the management building by the fence, eating a light meal before the expedition. Once our preparations were complete, they opened a section of the perimeter for us. We were finally set to challenge the [Sea of Trees of Trials], a unique A-rank dungeon classified as an "erosion type" that served as the vanguard for [Tenka].
"[Dual Summon]: [Luna Managarm], [Balor Shamrock]."
I called forth the reliable duo. I wasn't sure what kind of numbers we were facing, but I judged that Balor was the best choice for clearing an A-rank dungeon efficiently. Besides, considering Ouma’s movement speed, I figured I’d be better off riding Luna.
"I seem to be in high demand lately," Balor remarked in his refined tone. "And you... are you Shakra-san’s successor?"
"And you’re [Valhalla]'s Summoned Beast. Why the blindfold?" Ouma asked.
"You could likely withstand it, but my gaze tends to claim the lives of those who look upon me."
"Talk about a powerful ability..."
Summoning Luna in her beast form had been the right call, but Balor, who possessed only a humanoid form, immediately struck up a conversation with Ouma. Ouma was naturally curious about the blindfold, but Balor, accustomed to the question, brushed it off with a matter-of-fact explanation.
"In all likelihood, if we are facing the monsters of this forest, [Hatou] should suffice. I expect we can proceed with minimal effort," Balor added.
"That’s a help. Well then, let’s get moving."
Ouma released a surge of lightning and blurred into motion. I kept pace, riding Luna alongside Balor. On the way, zombie-like monstrosities and Treants—plants that had been twisted into a mockery of life—tried to block our path. Every single one of them was pulverized into nothingness by Balor before they could even get close.
"This is almost too easy," Ouma noted.
"Only against opponents susceptible to my eyes," Balor replied coolly.
"Even so, it's exceptional. Hey, [Valhalla], just how many other monsters do you have that are this strong? I heard some things from Shakra, but... I’m curious."
"Do me a favor and stop calling me by that alias," I said. "Hearing it from you feels weird."
"Then... is Reima okay?"
"Yeah. That’d be better."
Even setting aside the connection to Shakra, I just didn't like being addressed by a title by this man. It created a sense of distance that felt... wrong, for lack of a better word.
"Then I’ve got a request too. Drop the '-san.' I seriously hate it."
"...Fine. Ouma. That work?"
"Perfect. Now—heads up! A big one’s coming!"
The moment Ouma spoke, massive vines erupted from the earth, weaving together until they formed the shape of a dragon. The four-legged beast glared at us with hollow, lifeless eyes.
"What is that?" I asked.
"A [Trent Dragon]—the guardian of [Tenka]."
"Right. How do we kill it?"
"Usually, you just destroy the core, but I’ve never seen one this big. That core is going to be buried deep. But don't worry—leave it to me. [Impales Tonnerre]!"
The magic activated, and the world hummed with power. A bolt of jagged, piercing lightning tore through the air, obliterating the creature's massive frame. The spear of electricity struck with such precision that it must have shattered the core instantly; the [Trent Dragon] simply collapsed into a heap of rotting wood.
"Alright. Let's head in, Reima."
Past the fallen guardian, I saw the entrance to a cave. We stepped into the dark, cavernous maw, leaving the forest behind as we descended into the depths.