When we returned to the conference room, Tatebayashi-san and the others wore solemn expressions. The earlier conversation must have hit home; perhaps their family discussion had changed their minds about a few things.
As we reclaimed our original seats, Kengo-san took a light breath and spoke as if he had reached a decision.
"Sorry about that. Thank you for giving us time to talk privately as a family."
"Not at all. With so much new information coming at you at once, it’s only natural to need time to process it all."
"Thanks to you, we were able to fill in the gaps where our knowledge was vague or missing entirely. It allowed us to have a real, grounded conversation about the future. It really is important to hear firsthand accounts from active explorers."
"I agree. It’s not that the information isn't out there, but certain things are hard to convey in writing. I think the reality of the situation is best understood through the words of someone who lives it. There's a certain weight to the atmosphere that leaks out through their speech, after all."
In fact, when Yuji had matter-of-factly mentioned that Mika and the others had sharpened their skills in actual combat after learning the basics, Kengo-san and the others had looked stunned for a moment.
The fact that we hadn't denied it and treated it as perfectly normal only seemed to make it more of a shock.
"I'm feeling that weight quite clearly right now," Kengo-san admitted. "We thought we’d researched dungeons and explorers to the best of our ability, but it seems we didn't truly grasp the sense of danger or urgency. Of course, since we haven't seen the real thing, I suspect that even now—while we think we understand—we're still falling short."
"That’s only natural. However, the reality is that many newcomers head into the dungeon with an understanding that doesn't even qualify as 'lacking.' It’s all well and good as long as they can still complain that it wasn't what they expected... but sometimes they lose the ability to say even that."
"I suppose we should consider ourselves lucky just to realize we’re underprepared," Kengo-san said.
"I believe so."
Yuji and Kengo-san looked at each other and shared a strained chuckle, both wearing complicated expressions.
More often than not, the only way to correct a lack of understanding is to experience the reality for yourself, but by the time you do, it's often too late. To prevent that, you have to stay cautious while acknowledging what you don't know, learning bit by bit so that you never reach a point of no return. Very few people can truly change their perspective just by hearing stories or reading records.
The conversation then moved to what they had discussed while we were out of the room.
"So, after talking it over based on what you told us... we’ve decided to let our daughters become explorers. Given that the number of student explorers will likely only increase from here on out, we think it’s better for them to experience it for themselves, even if they only scratch the surface."
"I see. Since we were so blunt about the darker side of things, I thought you might be more opposed to it..."
"Well, we were never strictly against our daughters becoming explorers. Based on our own research, we figured that as long as they didn't do anything reckless, they wouldn't suffer any major injuries. But after hearing your stories, I have to admit our perception was naive."
As Kengo-san spoke, the other guardians let out heavy sighs, their expressions tinged with self-deprecation.
It looked like Tatebayashi-san and Hino-san were getting the green light. However, I doubted it was unconditional.
"That’s exactly why, if our daughters are going to do this, we want them to be as prepared as possible. Or at least, as prepared as we can realistically make them."
"That's a sound judgment. At the very least, if they’re properly prepared, they shouldn't suffer any major injuries against the monsters on the first floor."
"Exactly. However, the problem is that we aren't qualified to judge what constitutes adequate preparation. Based on what you've said today, I can't help but feel there’s a massive gap between what we consider sufficient and what you active explorers consider necessary."
"That's true. If your preparations were excessive, it wouldn't be a problem, but if they're insufficient, it could lead to serious injury during a monster encounter."
Of course, there are those who charge into dungeons with light gear and no preparation and somehow come out unscathed, but they are the exception to the rule. If most people tried that, they’d be lucky to escape with minor injuries—or worse.
If you have the means to prepare properly, you should do it right to minimize the risks.
"We agree. That’s why we have a favor to ask... would that be alright?"
"...A favor?" Yuji asked, looking suspicious.
I assumed they wanted us to train Tatebayashi-san and the others. Kengo-san quickly laid out the details.
"I’d like to ask you to guide our daughters as explorers... but I realize that would likely interfere with your own activities. So instead, could we ask for your advice? Or rather, in this case, could we hire you for consulting?"
"Consulting... you say?"
"Yes, until our daughters are established as explorers. Specifically... let's see. Advice on preparing for their Armed Exploration Permit for Special Underground Structures, sourcing equipment, and training, as well as having you accompany them on a few actual combat runs in the dungeon. How does that sound? Since we would be taking up your time as explorers, we intend to pay a consulting fee. Our daughters mentioned that you all operate as explorers and sole proprietors."
"I see..."
If you don't understand something yourself, hiring someone who does is a logical step.
But asking for a consulting contract for their daughters, huh? Certainly, being asked for a paid job felt more professional than being told to 'take care of them because you're their club seniors.' Even so, though...
"Um, I’m sorry. This is a very sudden proposal, so I can't really give you an answer right now," Yuji said, looking conflicted.
"Of course, I don't expect an immediate answer. I’d be just as bewildered if someone suddenly sprung this on me," Kengo-san replied with an understanding chuckle.
"This proposal doesn't just affect you; it affects the others as well. I want you all to discuss it thoroughly and reach a conclusion. If you think it's too much, feel free to turn us down."
"Is that really okay?"
"Yes. Accepting this means taking on the risks associated with taking our daughters into a dungeon. Minor injuries are one thing, but we have to account for the worst-case scenario, however low the probability might be."
"I understand... Alright. We'll talk it over and get back to you as soon as we can."
Yuji nodded solemnly at Kengo-san's words.
He was right. Even if the risk would be incredibly low with us there, it wasn't a question with an easy answer, nor was it one to be taken lightly.
"That would be a great help. You can just pass your answer along through our daughters."
"Understood. We'll have an answer for you soon."
We’d need to gather somewhere later to discuss Kengo-san's offer.
Once the talk of consulting settled down, the conversation turned to the cold, hard realities that newcomers face.
Namely, the money.
"Our daughters worked part-time during summer vacation after hearing from Kokonoe-san and the others, but it seems they could barely afford the basics."
"Well, even if you buy second-hand gear, a full set of explorer equipment is quite an investment. And when it comes to armor, buying cheap junk is dangerous because of durability issues."
It was a huge hurdle for high schoolers, even if they worked hard over the summer.
"Armor is what stands between you and a trip to the hospital, so you really can't afford to skimp on it," Yuji added.
"Yes. And for the record, when we say second-hand, we mean items sold on the Dungeon Association's official website by retired explorers. Gear from newcomers who realized fighting monsters wasn't for them is usually the best bet. Just be careful—the cheap stuff on general retail sites is often just for show and doesn't offer real protection. People often try to save money and end up with suspicious equipment."
"I think I’ve seen those kinds of products in magazine ads," one of the parents noted.
"It's best to stay away from them. There might be some decent ones, but if you get a dud, it could cost you your life. Even if it's expensive, it's better to buy quality-assured gear from a shop affiliated with the Association."
Kengo-san and the others nodded seriously at Yuji's warning.
Some of the "duds" sold on general sites are just thin metal plates glued to cheap plastic to look the part. They have zero defensive value and would break if an explorer even tapped them—they’re basically cosplay props. If you went into a dungeon and fought monsters with something like that... well, you get the idea.
"In that case, I suppose we should be proud that our daughters earned enough for armor on their own."
"Yes. It shows that Tatebayashi-san and Hino-san were truly serious about becoming explorers."
"I agree. At the very least, it means they’ve been facing this goal with sincerity since before the summer."
Kengo-san spoke with a soft expression, looking at his daughter with a hint of pride.
Then, after exchanging quick glances with the other parents, he made a clear declaration.
"Then, as parents, we will support the dream our children have found."
!?
"Hm? What are you so surprised for? If you've found something you really want to do, the least we can do is give you a push."
Tatebayashi-san and Hino-san stared at Kengo-san in shock, then looked around at the other parents. The other guardians were all smiling and nodding in agreement.
With tears in their eyes and smiles on their faces, Tatebayashi-san and Hino-san bowed to their parents.
Thank you!
"But don't you dare overdo it. If you push yourselves and get seriously hurt, your mother and I will have to live with that regret for the rest of our lives. Understand?"
Yes!
While supporting his daughter's dream, Kengo-san made sure to set firm boundaries. As long as they kept that promise, Tatebayashi-san and Hino-san wouldn't take unnecessary risks. The thought of burdening their parents with lifelong regret would hopefully keep them from overreaching out of greed or a desire for glory.
Maybe their fighting styles would become more defensive, and they might never become legendary explorers, but coming home safely every time is far better than the alternative.
"Alright. If Hirose-kun and his party accept, we'll cover the consulting and lesson fees. However, we'll need to hold off on the weapons you were asking about. They're a bit too expensive to buy before we even know if you're cut out for this."
"Okay."
While they promised financial support for the preparation phase, the expensive weapons were being put on hold. It was a reasonable decision given the cost.
"I think that’s wise," Yuji agreed. "Explorers face several 'walls' as they progress. The first big one is: can you actually fight and kill a monster? The second is: can you fight and kill humanoid monsters, like a goblin? These are matters of aptitude, and you won't know the answer until you're in it."
"And if they can't handle those, they retire?"
"Usually, in the case of the first wall. For the second one, some people continue as explorers while avoiding humanoid monsters. You won't make much from regular drop items, but if you get a rare drop, it can still be quite profitable. If it's a hobby rather than a job, I'd say that’s a valid way to do it."
I’d heard that these hobbyist explorers are actually one of the main sources of the skill scrolls sold by the Association. Since they aren't aiming for floor progression, they don't need additional skills, so they often sell the scrolls they find rather than using them.
"I see... In that case, it’s best to wait on the weapons until we’ve confirmed they can clear that first wall. You two are okay with that?"
Yes.
It looked like everything was settled. Since the parents were already inclined to be supportive, things had gone much smoother than expected.
However, that left the question of whether we would accept the consulting offer... What should we do?
We'd been asked to guide them as a job, not just as club seniors.