279 273 過去の自分は、気づけば後ろにいる (1/2)

The morning class in the lecture hall ended successfully, and the hour-long lunch break flew by in the blink of an eye.

The lunch break often feels short, but when was the last time you were able to accept that it was inevitable?

”Kaido, are you ready?

”Ugh, anytime you're ready, senpai!

I've become so accustomed to the idea that every lunch break is an hour that I don't think about the length of time anymore.

As opposed to the suits of the morning, this time it's me and Kaido in our work clothes.

Dressed in black and red armor that looks like a warrior's armor, and Kaido, dressed like a soldier or battalion commander in a fantasy world, stand in this large space.

It's a training room where you can experience a simulated dungeon that you use all the time.

You've already done your warm-ups and other preparatory exercises, and your body is relaxed enough that you have no problem working at full capacity.

With the mineral tree on your back, Kaido has a sword hanging from each hip.

We're well-equipped and our consumables, such as recovery medicine, are ready.

We're ready for battle.

What we're going to do now is a mock battle, a serious battle to see what we'll actually do inside the dungeon, and it's not just for fun.

It's not just a matter of time before you'll be able to get your hands on some of the best products and services available.

That's funny, I didn't hear that either. So I can't take away your anxiety. Maybe it's the instructors and Miss Evia.

”Huh?　What the hell is that?

I'm not sure if it's the same thing as a dungeon, but I'm sure it's the same for you.

It's natural to not know what will happen in a dungeon. It's natural to not know what will happen inside the dungeon. You must be able to respond flexibly to the events that occur, and complete this mock battle with that kind of spirit. This is all that Evia could tell you.

Uhehe, you mean you're going to be moderately strict as usual?

That's what I mean, what we can do is not waste time and fight like we always do.

”Oops.

It's too late to talk about what you've been told.

The information in the dungeon is basically not given by the company.

The only time information in dungeons is disclosed is when monsters that can't be used for cash are placed from time to time, or when there is a possibility that the Demon Lord's Army or other organizations apart from the company might harm us.

Therefore, we will go to the dungeons to get a feel for the atmosphere of the place and investigate it on the spot.

Then we will go through the dungeon and repair it.

The further you go, the stronger the dungeon becomes.

It's a job that contains such contradictions.

Huh? How many seniors do you think you'll have left?

I'd like to have half of it left, I guess.

I understand and agree with that part, but not all of us would say that.

In fact, quite a few of our first-year students quit because the reality didn't mesh with what they imagined.

This job description requires perseverance and effort.

The fact that Kaido, who has low magical aptitude, is able to work like this means that, depending on your efforts, you may be able to do well, but it's hard to get to a certain level.

The gap between the reality and the ideal is huge.

The work here is not suitable for those who have a desire to be the hero or who tend to dream and do not work hard to achieve their magical aptitude.

In order not to waste your time and effort on such people.

This pre-briefing is to screen those who want to join the company.

Unlike the first batch of students, we will show you the job description and the reality of the job beforehand.

Fantasy is not kind.

It does not guarantee that you will be able to play your part in the dream.

But if you can get beyond that hardship, then glory to your hand.

Isn't that wishful thinking, senior?

It's in there.

For what it's worth, the job description is like a game, but it's a profession of life-guaranteed combat that can be found nowhere else in the world.

There is pain, there is fear.

We can't accomplish this with a half-hearted determination.

But now we're more concerned with the job at hand than with the future of these newcomers. Ready, Kaido, here she comes.

”Ugh, it's about time for work.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see a glass-walled bleachers overlooking this space.

There, the newcomers who will join the company this year are lined up side by side, watching us.

As was the case with Masaru and Minami, their expressions are full of anticipation and they are all imagining what is to come.

I'm sure you'll be pleased to know that I'm not the only one.

You'll be able to let out a wry smile at the contrast between the two of them and notice that the facility is beginning to be filled with magical power and a mock battle is about to begin.

You know, we've had this situation before. It's a good thing that you're not a fan of this kind of thing.

It happened. I was supporting Kaido when he was a rookie. Now you're a great asset to us.

”I didn't think the day would come when I would become a physical asset, but... At that time, I was just following my seniors as hard as I could, you know.

Slowly reaching for the mineral tree, Kaido also draws his sword from both hips.

”I used to get a kick out of holding a sword in my hand, it's become a lot better.

”Seniors are less human than before, aren't they?

I am aware. Don't worry, you'll be on our side sooner or later.

I can't deny it, because looking at you, I have a feeling you're going to be like that.

And slowly we walked out as if in a meeting.

Laughing and laughing, the scenery gradually changing without confusion.

The hard floor becomes a wilderness and the feel of sand on the soles of my feet.

The dust shakes your face, and the magic makes up the landscape like an American wilderness.

The shielding is rather large.

Yes, I suppose I could get away with it if the need arose.

”It depends on who you're dealing with.

Are these messengers flying around here and there to broadcast our battle scenes live, or are they the eyes of our future opponents?

I don't have to worry about accidentally shooting you down.

I won't have time to.

Then again, this company really is relentless. Sometimes I wonder if the word 'tame' isn't in the dictionary.

Wow, what was that number. I don't even get sick of counting them. The first thing we see is a legion of orc elites...?

As we were walking and checking our surroundings, we were met by an army of orcs in uniform armor.

Yes, an army.

It wasn't just one or two individuals, but more than a hundred at a glance!

Holding up the banner of the demon king's army, the legion, which marched in an orderly line from the front, right and left flanks, stopped after advancing a certain distance.

Their movements were smooth, clearly telling us that the chain of command was working.

”What's more, look at this Kaido. In the sky are dragon riders on wyverns...you can tell they came from Instructor Kio's and the dragon king's dungeon.

I'm sure that's all you need to know, that's a golem in the back. It's a pretty big one too. Amiri, you're too serious.