Sōzoku Shita Sofu no Ie no Urayama ni Danjon ga Dekimashita - Chapter 109

Takasugi Learns a Shocking Truth

Today marks the start of the new semester.

I woke up earlier than I did during summer break, got dressed, and headed out to hunt some slimes in the dungeon behind the mountain.

After that, I watered the plants in the home garden.

Finally, I opened the windows in my room and had the wind spirits blow the dust outside. Cleaning—complete.

Locking the front door behind me, I hopped on my bike and rode toward the Nakamori household.

Mrs. Nakamori had prepared breakfast for me. After eating, I walked to the station with Misuzu-san.

When we arrived at school, I went straight to my seat in the classroom.

While chatting with Misuzu, a boy from another class walked in.

He headed straight toward Takasugi and said,
“Hey, Takasugi! I’m busy this weekend, so let’s hit the dungeon for some goblin hunting next week instead!”

Takasugi suddenly shouted,
“Don’t talk about us being explorers at school!”

That got the attention of a few boys nearby.
“What? Takasugi and Kudō became explorers?” They started gathering around him.

Takasugi shot me a few glances and hissed,
“Stop saying that out loud!”

The boy called Kudō raised an eyebrow.
“Uh… Takasugi, you were the one who just said it.”

After a short silence, Takasugi stood up from his chair and proudly declared,
“Fine! The truth is, Kudō and I became explorers! We’ve been hunting goblins in the dungeon! We only registered at the start of summer break, and we’re already ranked up to E-rank!”

The boys erupted in surprise.
“Whoa, that’s amazing! Isn’t that dangerous, though?”

Takasugi puffed out his chest.
“Not for us. We’re too good for goblins now—they go down in one hit!”

Then he turned to Misuzu.
“Oh, that’s right! Nakamori-san, how about joining our party? Next year, when your brother graduates, you’ll be all alone, right? That’s dangerous. But if you join us, I’ll protect you. You can count on me.”

Misuzu’s reply was sharp and immediate.
“No, thank you.”

Takasugi frowned.
“Why not?! I’m only saying this for your own good! You should join my party!”

Misuzu stood her ground.
“I don’t need to. I’m already in a party—with Shiraishi-kun. So leave me alone.”

But Takasugi didn’t back down.
“You shouldn’t be hanging around with a pack mule like him! Why can’t you understand I’m doing this for you?” he yelled.

That was the last straw for Misuzu.
“Don’t you dare insult my boyfriend!”

The classroom went dead silent.
“…Did you just say boyfriend?” Takasugi asked in disbelief.

“Yeah. So what?”

“You can’t possibly mean him! Wake up, Nakamori-san!”

“Who I date has nothing to do with you, Takasugi. So butt out!” Misuzu snapped and turned away.

Takasugi clenched his fists and glared at me.
“Shiraishi! Tell me—what monsters have you defeated with your own strength?”

Hmm…

After moving to Grandpa’s house and that dungeon appearing in the back mountain, I used dry ice to take out some slimes.

But ever since contracting with the spirits, they’ve been doing all the fighting. So technically, the only monsters I personally defeated were those first eleven slimes.

So I answered honestly.
“Eleven slimes.”

Takasugi smirked and turned back to Misuzu.
“Did you hear that, Nakamori-san? He’s only taken down eleven slimes. His level’s pathetic. I’m telling you, you should join my party instead.”

Misuzu slowly turned her face back toward him, her eyes blazing.
“Takasugi-kun, I think you’re seriously misunderstanding something. Shiraishi-kun is an A-rank explorer.”

The room went dead quiet.

Takasugi’s jaw dropped.
“Wha… No way. Shiraishi, show me your explorer card.”

I pulled my card from the holder and handed it to him.

There it was: Rank A printed in bold letters.

Takasugi stared at it for a moment, said nothing, and then walked back to his seat in silence.

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