After successfully switching our plan from a purchase to a lease, we spent some time discussing the specifics of our data collection partnership with Kiritani-san. We established several key conditions—for instance, a clause stating that we wouldn’t be required to restore the land to its original state even after our multi-year lease expired. Without that agreement, we couldn't even consider developing the land. Even if we were told to return it to a "cleared" state, how on earth were we supposed to replace trees we'd already chopped down or regrow a forest in a site we’d leveled?
We ironed out several other details as well, such as how frequently we would cooperate with the data collection requested by Kiritani Real Estate.
"For now, that covers the basic conditions. We can discuss any further details as they arise," Kiritani-san said.
"Yes, I think this is a solid foundation. Since this is a new venture for both of us, it's better to maintain some flexibility rather than being too rigid. It's essentially just a standard lease, after all."
"Exactly. Though, I must admit, I was a bit surprised by your request to have us rotate through multiple locations on a yearly basis."
"Haha, well, from our perspective, we want as much diverse data as possible. Considering how you intend to use the land, it seems any site with decent accessibility and privacy where you can practice freely will suffice. If that's the case, we figured we could ask you to collect data across a variety of environments."
When we pivoted to a lease, Kiritani Real Estate had asked if we’d be willing to test our development methods on multiple plots of land. While a real estate company naturally values long-term usage data, information on how quickly a site can be made functional is equally vital. When marketing to other clients, having empirical evidence that "explorers of mid-level or higher can make a site usable in a short period" would be a powerful incentive. It could provide the necessary push for a buyer hesitant about purchasing a remote plot that seemed too difficult to develop.
The existence of a successful precedent makes all the difference when a customer is on the fence.
"Certainly. As long as we can secure a training ground, it’s not an issue for us. We aren't exactly looking for a permanent vacation home right now."
"I’m glad to hear that. Based on our conversations, it sounds like your actual development won't be that extensive and will be completed quickly. That's what gave me the idea."
"Untouched nature itself is a valuable training tool, so we only intend to develop the bare minimum necessary."
Kiritani Real Estate wanted data, so it would have been a problem if our development work ended too quickly at a single site. By shifting their mindset, they likely decided to gather data on how minimal development could be performed efficiently across various terrains. If a potential buyer can estimate exactly how long the prep work will take, it makes their project planning much easier.
The greatest hurdle in remote development is always securing a supply route. If a stable path for transporting materials is established, even a remote area becomes manageable. Evidence that such a critical route can be constructed rapidly by involving explorers in the process is something the civil engineering sector would be desperate for in this, the dawn of the dungeon era.
"In that case, this proposal should be quite beneficial for you as well," Kiritani-san added. "New locations mean new environments, and placing yourselves in unfamiliar surroundings periodically should make for excellent training."
"Training in a familiar place is important, but once you hit the deep floors of a dungeon, the environment can change completely just by moving from one level to the next. As Kiritani-san suggests, regularly changing our training environment might be a good idea."
"I appreciate you saying that. But is that really what it's like inside a dungeon?"
"The upper floors are your standard cave-tunnel type, but when you get to the lower ones, you honestly start to doubt if you're actually underground."
Viewing it from that perspective, Kiritani's proposal for rotating leased sites wasn't a bad deal for us. While redoing road construction for every new site would be a bit of a hassle, it wouldn't be much trouble once we got used to the process.
I had high hopes for the efficiency of civil engineering powered by Earth Magic.
"So that's how it is. You don't really hear much about that on the news or in magazines..."
"The current mainstream for dungeon exploration is the cave-tunnel type floors, so those kinds of stories just don't make it out to the public much," Yuji suggested.
"I suppose that makes sense..."
"It really is like that," Yuji added with a nod.
Kiritani-san looked a bit skeptical, while Yuji maintained an "it is what it is" expression.
Terrain effects don't really manifest until the 30th floor and below. Since only corporate explorer teams or top-tier private groups have reached those depths, it hasn't become a common topic of conversation yet.
"Well then, I'll put together a list of several properties while keeping these new conditions in mind."
"Thank you. We appreciate it."
"I have a much clearer picture of the kind of property you’re looking for after today’s site visit. I’m confident I can show you some excellent options."
"That's great. We look forward to it."
With our discussion successfully concluded, we left the Kiritani Real Estate office.
The day after our meeting, we headed to the dungeon for the first time in quite a while. Between discovering an undiscovered dungeon and the school festival, we’d had a string of busy events. It felt like it had been nearly a month since we’d come here specifically to explore.
It felt like the chaos had finally settled enough for us to return to our roots.
"It feels like ages since we were here."
"Well, it has been one thing after another lately."
"True enough."
We stood before the Dungeon Association facility attached to the entrance, feeling a mix of nostalgia and appreciation. Even just seeing the building bustling with explorers felt refreshing.
For today’s dive, we had companions other than the usual three.
"It really has been a while. Not since that overnight trip, right?"
"Yeah. We usually just stick to the dungeons near our houses."
Mika and Saori-chan were joining us today. When they heard we were heading to the dungeon, the two of them had asked to come along. Apparently, they wanted to show us the fruits of the training they’d done over summer vacation.
"It’s definitely been a long time since we dived with Mika and Saori-chan."
"I hear Daiki goes with them occasionally, but it’s been forever for me and Hiiragi-san."
"That's right. I'm looking forward to seeing exactly how much you two have grown today," Hiiragi-san said, her eyes full of expectation.
Yes, ma'am! Mika and Saori-chan replied energetically.
Since it had been so long since they’d explored with Yuji and Hiiragi-san, they were clearly fired up.
"Alright, let's get the paperwork and changing out of the way. If we dawdle too much, we won't have any time left for the actual exploration."
"True. And is it just me, or did the number of student explorers jump again after the summer break?"
"They’re the kids who made their debut over the vacation," Hiiragi-san noted. "The numbers have definitely surged."
The three of us felt a bit overwhelmed by the growing crowds, but Mika and Saori-chan had a different reaction.
"We were just like that not too long ago..."
"A mix of nerves and excitement... I remember feeling like I couldn't sit still."
They seemed to be reflecting on their own past selves as they watched the newcomers with nostalgic gazes. They were probably seeing their own early days in the fresh, wide-eyed faces of the rookies.
Well, those rookies will either wash out or become seasoned pros soon enough.
"Alright, that’s enough reminiscing. Let's head to the reception or we really will run out of time."
Roger!
Yes!
Cutting the conversation short, we headed into the Association facility to complete our entry procedures. With the influx of explorers, the wait times were likely to be longer than usual.
"Oof. This looks like a thirty-minute wait."
"People are getting more used to the process, so maybe it'll be faster?"
"But with all the newcomers, it might end up being the same as always," Hiiragi-san pointed out.
A long line had formed at the reception desk. During the summer break, they had increased the number of staff to handle the crowds, but now that the peak season was over, the number of active desks had been reduced. Even with fewer people than the absolute peak, it was still going to take time.
Still, there was nothing to do but wait, so we dutifully joined the queue. Eventually...
"Thank you for waiting. Are you checking in for dungeon exploration today?"
"Yes."
The line moved a bit faster than expected, and our turn came after about twenty minutes. We submitted our Explorer Cards and breezed through the process. Since the questions are always the same, the actual check-in doesn't even take three minutes once you're used to it.
Once the paperwork was done, we reclaimed our Explorer Cards along with our locker keys and left the desk.
"Alright, once everyone's changed, let's meet up at the waiting area over there."
Roger!
Yes!
We split into the men's and women's groups and headed for the changing rooms. Inside, there were explorers who changed and equipped their armor with practiced efficiency, and others—likely the rookies who debuted over the summer—who were struggling in groups of three or four just to get their gear on properly.
Watching the newcomers struggle, Yuji and I made sure to change quickly; we didn't want to keep Hiiragi-san and the girls waiting.
"Alright, all set. You ready, Yuji?"
"Yeah, done here too."
Having finished our preparations, we grabbed our gear and headed out. I felt a pang of worry seeing the rookie group still struggling even after we’d finished. If they took that much effort just to get dressed, they were going to have a hard time if they needed to adjust their equipment inside the dungeon. I just hoped they didn't get caught by a monster while they were fumbling with their straps.
"The girls aren't out yet, it seems."
"They'll be out soon enough. Let's grab a spot over there."
Since standing right in front of the changing room would just block the path for others, Yuji and I moved to the waiting area and took a seat on one of the sofas.
"The number of those fresh-faced student explorer groups really has skyrocketed."
"Yeah. Give it a month, and that 'newbie' look will start to fade. Even if they just started over the summer, two or three months is usually enough to get the hang of things."
"True. Even Mika and Saori-chan look like proper explorers now, even if we have been helping them out."
Mika and her friend had become quite proficient in the short time since their debut. Between our help and the training from Juzo-san, their actual combat capability was probably on par with a typical mid-level explorer.
Though I knew they were the exception rather than the rule.
"Sorry to keep you waiting!"
"We're ready."
"Sorry for the wait."
As we sat watching the various rookie groups, the three girls approached us. I noticed a few more scratches on Mika’s and Saori-chan’s armor than before, but they were all extremely shallow. It looked like they might have been grazed while narrowly dodging attacks.
I had previously taught them that it's better to dodge with minimal movement to maintain their balance for a counter-attack, so they might have been putting that into practice against actual monsters.
"You know, you two really are starting to look like veterans..."
"Daiki, what’s with the 'veteran' comment all of a sudden?"
"No, I just mean... a little while ago, you guys were being 'worn' by your gear, just like those kids over there. Now you actually look like you're wearing it. You have this air of experience about you."
When I gave them a look of genuine impression, Mika and Saori-chan responded with wry smiles and a hint of exasperation.
"If we look like veterans, it's probably thanks to the coaching we got from a certain strict senior, don't you think?"
"Exactly," Saori-chan added. "When I talk to other kids at school who do this, almost nobody has anyone who gives them such thorough guidance. Compared to the people who are just fumbling through it by trial and error, we've had the benefit of your experience. Even in the same amount of time, I think our proficiency is on a completely different level."
Yuji and Hiiragi-san looked impressed by their reasoning, then turned those same exasperated expressions toward me. I wished they wouldn't look at me like that.
I coughed to clear the air and stood up, prompting everyone to move.
"Well, now that we're all here, let's get to it. With these crowds, the entrance is going to be backed up if we don't hurry."
"...Right. Let's go," Yuji said with a chuckle.
The slightly awkward atmosphere lingered for a moment, but thanks to Yuji following my lead, I managed to get us moving toward the dungeon gate.