I wrote down Tanaka-san’s status on paper and handed it to him.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

Name: Issei Tanaka

Status: Good

Job: Mage (Flame)【Advanced】

Skill(s): Fireball, Firewall

Magic Power: 23,450

Attack Power: Reflection rate▶25%=5,863

Defense Power: Reflection rate▶25%=5,863

Agility: Reflection rate▶25%=5,863

Intelligence: Reflection rate▶100%=23,450

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

“23,450… This is the magic power value I measured with a magic power measurement device. I didn’t publicize it, and I shouldn’t have told you, Kai-kun. And the skill names? That’s ridiculous…”

Tanaka-san mutters something while holding the paper with both hands, looking at it. I was feeling a bit awkward while observing Tanaka-san’s reaction.

“Kai-kun, you can see this? Everyone?”

“…Yes, and there are also statuses for these weapons, and for the Cubes too.”

I showed Tanaka-san the High Wolf’s Fang Sword. I explained that I could tell just by looking at it that it belonged to the High Wolf.

“W-Wait a moment. I can’t keep up. You mean there are statuses not only for people, but also for weapons and Cubes?”

“Y-Yeah, and for monsters too. Probably everything that’s affected by magic power.”

Tanaka-san leans back, looking up at the sky.

“Then, you can understand the strength of monsters, the performance of weapons, and the state of Cubes all as numerical values?”

“…Yes.”

“What a… beyond imagination. I thought I was prepared for anything you could say, but this power could change the world.”

And then I decided to talk about the most difficult thing.

“…So, this is probably the most surprising thing…”

“What? There’s more…?”

“There are two types of Cube clearances, clear and complete clear. You can also receive rewards. Once a Cube has been cleared, you can’t receive a reward for clearing it again… but complete clearances are rarely done.”

“Complete clear?”

“Yes, each Cube has specific conditions, like clearing it solo or defeating 100 goblins. By completing these clearances, you’ll be rewarded with… an increase in your maximum magic power.”

At my words, Tanaka-san stands up.

“…There were rumors that some people got stronger after clearing a Cube… is that it?”

“Probably…”

“Phew… is that all? I’m already full.”

“There’s still more if we go into the details, but…”

“Haha… Let’s hear everything then.”

I explained everything, including the dungeon collapse, class upgrades, access permissions, and my current understanding of the situation.

And my goal as well.

“AMS… the details of the disease that is eating at the world…”

“Yes, that’s why I want to increase my power and gain access to the details of AMS. I don’t know the method. But I feel like the dungeons, or those Cubes, hold the solution.”

“To achieve that, you’ll clear the dungeons solo and become stronger.”

“…Yes!”

I conveyed my feelings directly to Tanaka-san.

Clearing dungeons solo is unimaginably dangerous.

I know that better than anyone, having experienced near-death situations so many times in such a short period.

That’s why the Dungeon Association was created, why guilds were established, and why the dungeon point system was put in place for entering dungeons.

I’m saying that I will break through that; I have no right to complain even if my clearance qualifications are revoked.

“It’s extremely dangerous to go solo. You might die.”

“I’m prepared for that.”

“…”

“…”

Tanaka and I stared at each other with serious expressions.

After a few seconds, Tanaka couldn’t help but laugh.

“…Hehe, haha. If you say you’re prepared, I have no choice but to believe you. As far as I’m concerned anyways…”

Tanaka was probably referring to that time when I faced the Trial of the Heart.

Indeed, at that time, I was prepared to die to save everyone’s lives.

Of course, there was some calculation involved, knowing that Nagi would be helped.

“Well, it’s useless to try to stop you, right?”

“…I really should stop you. But…”

Tanaka grabbed my hand.

And looked at me again with the same expression.

“There must be a reason why you were given that power. So, I will at least support you.”

“Tanaka-san…”

“And, about that power. You shouldn’t tell others. Only you should use that power to become stronger. Let me be clear, if misused, that power could change the world, and malicious forces may come after you.”

“Does that mean…”

“In Japan, if the opponent is Japanese, my guild and this country can protect you. But… you probably know. Somebody who might be your potential adversary.”

“A superpower?”

Tanaka quietly nodded.

This power, which could upset the world’s power balance, might not be fully protected even with the power of Japan.

China, America, Russia, Asia, and Western powers.

In the grand scheme of things, Japan’s strength, a middle-ranking nation, is the strength of its clearers.

What would happen to my future in such a situation?

I could end up being silenced, turned into a mere appraisal machine.

My eyes could be gouged out, or I could be killed, considered a dangerous existence.

Just imagining it was terrifying.

The force called the world would not allow a small person like me to resist.

“That’s why you should become at least an S-Rank, a representative attacker of Japan. Then, there will be fewer people who can harm you.”

“Me, an S-Rank!?”

“That’s right, I will support you. Due to the dungeon points, entering dungeons alone is basically impossible. Due to that, you’ve been soloing countryside Cubes, right?”

“…Yes, I was breaking the rules.”

“Ah, so let’s break the rules together. We’ll have to make a false application to the association. I can do it without getting caught, and I won’t leave any evidence.”

“Is that… okay? It would be bad if we got caught.”

“Ah, it’s a criminal act. But sometimes, there are things that should be protected more than the rules. I believe in you, and I’m sure now that it’s my justice. I have a vague idea of why that power was given to you.”

I stood up and bowed my head.

I knew it wasn’t a small matter for someone in Tanaka’s position to break the rules.

Even so, I decided to rely on him.

Because there are things that I should protect more than the rules.

“…Understood. Thank you very much!”

“Ah, leave it to me. So, now you can say it properly.”

Tanaka stood up and grabbed my shoulder.

“Welcome to my guild, Avalon. We welcome you.”

“Huh? I’m a member of Avalon!?”

“That’s right, just be affiliated. It will be more convenient in various ways. I’ll arrange for you to be able to solo some D-Rank dungeons tomorrow. The lower ranks of C-Rank should be just right for you. You want to get to the dungeon as soon as possible, right?”

“Haha, you’ve figured it out? Actually, I’m putting on a cool front, saying it’s for my family, but I’m really enjoying it right now. I also want to try out my new power.

Having Tanaka-san see right through me made me a little embarrassed.

This being for Nagi is completely true, so I’m not lying.

But even still, clearing dungeons is fun and I can really grasp that feeling of achievement while I grow.

“I understand, the dungeon is a man’s romance. Alongside that, you can grow. There’s no way that wouldn’t be enjoyable. Well, my stomach’s full and we talked about all there is to talk about. Let’s end it here for today. I’ll contact you again.”

“I’m in your care!”

In that way, Tanaka-san and I both ended our meeting on that day.

Having been able to have that very profitable conversation, from here on out I’ll have support from Tanaka-san so I can complete what I need to without having to go to the countryside.

Well, I say that, but to not be found out, the amount of time I spend operating at night increased.

…

The next day, at night.

I headed to the location Tanaka told me about.

A little further from Tokyo, closer to Chiba, there was a Cube.

I was on my way to a D-Rank dungeon, which was originally supposed to be cleared by another team from Avalon.

“Good evening!”

“Oh, you’re here. Let’s get started. I thought I’d watch your first time. By the way, what’s the status of this Cube?”

Tanaka was waiting there by himself.

It was late at night, and there were no people around – it was actually sealed off because the dungeon was close to collapsing.

It seems that sealing off the area until the dungeon is cleared is also part of the Dungeon Association’s job.

Clearers are always in short supply. With so many Cubes in Japan alone, it’s inevitable that they must be cleared regularly.

“Let’s see…”

I checked the status of the white Cube and informed Tanaka.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

Remaining magic power：80/100（+1/24hr）

Clear Difficulty：D-Rank

◆Reward

First Clear Reward（Complete）：Magic Power +50

・Condition(s) 1　While not having been cleared before, defeat the boss.

Complete Clear Reward：Current access level is unable to display this.

・Condition 1　Clear while solo.

・Condition 2　Clear without taking any damage.

・Condition 3　Defeat every monster inside the dungeon. (Currently 97)

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

“I see, those conditions. And it’s completely different for each Cube. You wouldn’t notice that, would you?”

“Yes, and in today’s world, clearing a dungeon solo is strictly forbidden…”

“That’s right. Well, go ahead.”

“Yes!”

With that, Tanaka patted my shoulder and saw me off.

I touched the Cube and dived into it with a clear sound. As my vision went dark and I opened my eyes, I found myself in…

“…a forest?”

Lush trees, the sound of a babbling brook, and the chirping of insects.

It seemed like an unusual type for a dungeon.

It was almost like the Amazon, not that I’ve ever been there.

Everything was huge – the trees were big, and so was the grass.

The sunlight was bright, and it was hot and humid.

I was glad I was dressed casually, and since I had food and water in my bag, I should be fine for a while.

The temperature felt like it could cause dehydration.

And then, right in front of me…

“Wow… a huge spider.”

I stared at the status of something that looked like a white spider clinging to a tree.

Honestly, it was disgusting. I’m more resistant to insects due to my poverty, and as for cockroaches, they’re like roommates, but big bugs are still creepy.

By the way, small spiders are called beneficial insects, so when I see them at home, I say, “Thank you for your hard work today.”

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

Name: White Spider

Magic Power: 50

Attack Power: Reflection rate▶20%=10

Defense Power: Reflection rate▶10%=5

Agility: Reflection rate▶40%=20

Intelligence: Reflection rate▶30%=15

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

“…So, it’s white. It’s nice that the strength can be determined by color, just like the Cubes.”

An E-Rank dungeon’s Blue Bear.

A D-Rank dungeon’s White Spider.

And as they get stronger, Red and Yellow monsters appear, just like the Cubes’ colors.

Of course, there are also monsters that don’t follow this concept at all.

“Well, since I’m here, let’s give it a try.”

I picked up a rock that had fallen to the ground and threw it at the White Spider.

Whether it was angry about being hit by the rock or not, its numerous eyes stared at me intently.

It suddenly rushed towards me with a disgustingly fast speed.

“──Mirage.”

What activated was my new skill.

The spider, which had run full speed towards me, stopped in its tracks and looked around, seemingly losing sight of me.

I quietly moved around to its back without making a sound, raised my sword, and then.

Zushaa!

“GIIIII!”

The insect, now split in half by my sword, let out a dying scream and perished.

A disgusting green liquid stuck to my pristine white sword.

“It really couldn’t see me, huh? This is… too convenient.”

The skill I used was Mirage.

It was the extraordinary power given to me after clearing the novice knight exam.

With that in mind, I checked my own status.

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

Name: Kai Amachi

Status: Good

Job: Novice Knight (Light)【Beginner】

Skill(s): The Eye of God, Access Permission Lv1

Magic Power: 385

Attack Power: Reflection rate▶50%=192

Defense Power: Reflection rate▶25%=96

Agility: Reflection rate▶25%=96

Intelligence: Reflection rate▶50%=192

Equipment:

・High Wolf’s Fang Sword = Attack Power +120

−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−−

As a result of obtaining this profession, my reflection rate for magic power increased.

My attack power and intelligence, which were at 25%, rose to 50%, an increase of 25%.

In total, that’s a 50% increase.

It seems that a profession allows one to reflect magic power into one’s status more efficiently. Tanaka-san’s overall increase rate was 75% with 100% intelligence since he had the advanced profession of a mage.

I wonder if advanced professions get a 75% increase?

I’ll try to pay more attention to the people around me next time.

“Looking at it this way, I’ve gotten considerably stronger…”

Now, my attack power is higher than that of the High Wolf’s Fang Sword.

I’ll need to consider getting new equipment sometime.

It would be nice if there was a good weaponsmith… maybe I should look for someone whose profession is a weaponsmith?

My 24-million-yen equipment is starting to feel slightly insufficient.

It’s a luxurious problem compared to my past self, but as a C-Rank, I’d like to have B-Rank equipment or, if possible, custom-made ones…

“Anyway, they really don’t notice me at all… These bugs have low intelligence, so they probably can’t see me. I can use this as much as I want. I really got a great skill.”

Saying that, I continued to hunt the bugs relentlessly.

It’s one-sided; they’re not even putting up a fight.

I repeatedly strike them down as if I were an invisible man from behind.

『Condition 2 has been achieved.』

“Oh? I’ve defeated them all, huh. Now only the boss is left.”

I activated Mirage and headed for the boss room.

In the center was a gigantic spider, the boss of the White Spiders, the Big White Spider.

It was at least twice as large as me.

However.

“The boss doesn’t notice me either…”

I slowly walked up beside it and cut off its head with a single strike.

A disgusting cross-section and blood sprayed out, and an emotionless voice announced my complete clear.