“Huh? Kai-san, what happened?”

 

“Well, I was caught by Kagetora-san there…”

 

“Ha ha ha, being caught sounds bad. Aya! Sushi, sushi! I’m hungry.”

 

“Hehe, understood.”

 

Well, I said ‘caught’ but, it seems sushi is coming.

If I come to the chairman’s house, it seems like I can eat sushi every day. I’ll stop by when I’m hungry again.

I was then led to the same reception room as before, and Aya and Kagetora-san took their seats after finishing their orders.

 

“Firstly, thank you for today. You protected Aya from the God-Destruction Cult again.”

 

“I think the current Aya could defeat today’s enemies, but I didn’t know what they were going to do, so I defeated them.”

 

“I heard they were among the top three in the B-Rank. I am amazed at your growth speed, Kai-kun, especially considering it has only been a week. We are conducting an investigation, so we will share the information with you.”

 

“Thank you, and there’s also the effect of Aya’s artifact. It really is an incredible power.”

 

“Really? It was successful?”

 

I pulled out the sword that Aya made for me.

Upon seeing it, Kagetora-san looked at Aya.

 

“Did you kiss?”

 

“N-no! I… I just got some blood.”

 

“You licked it, huh? Hmm… you’re quite bold, just like your grandmother.”

 

“Gr- Grandpa!!”

 

“Haha…”

 

I let out a dry laugh. After that, while eating sushi, I listened to the chairman’s main topic.

 

“Yes, first of all… we have decided to conduct a joint operation with the United States.”

 

“The U.S.? America? What for?”

 

“Before that. Kai-kun, do you know that there are Cubes in this world that have not been cleared?”

 

“Yes, there are four, I believe. All are S-Rank Cubes and have caused dungeon collapses. In Russia, China, Europe, and… Japan.”

 

This is something that can be found out easily.

None of these have ever been cleared, they are virgin dungeons. T

hese are the four top-tier dungeons that have yet to be cleared and are classified as S-Rank.

 

“Yes, each of them has a strength that we humans cannot clear yet. In other words, it’s more realistic to defeat the monsters that have come out of the Cube in numbers. Or maybe fight just inside the entrance.”

 

Many high-class clearers are on standby around each of these Cubes.

These clearers, including S-Rank, use numbers and tactics to defeat the monsters that come out.

Then they collect the magic stones, which is more effective than fighting in away conditions inside the Cube.

 

It’s like fighting in a favorable environment like a castle wall, where humans have an overwhelmingly advantageous situation.

 

That was the current response to the S-Rank Cube.

 

“I’ve heard that they’re all S-Rank, with monsters with magical powers exceeding 100,000. We don’t know how strong the boss is.”

 

“Yes, but the S-Rank Cube in Japan. On what is now called Dragon Island in the East China Sea, which was once our territory, we can’t even do that.”

 

“Dragon Island… Three S-Rank were lost in two expeditions.”

 

I remember it was a tragic accident that made headlines in the news at the time.

Three clearers, comparable to gods in the S-Rank, died.

It was a cause that significantly reduced Japan’s national power and made it difficult to stand strong against other countries.

Nowadays, the number of S-Rank can even be said to be the military power of a country.

 

“And soon, the Dragon Island recapture operation with the help of the United States will begin. First, we will eliminate all the enemies on the island, establish a siege network, and create a situation where we can hunt regularly.”

 

“I see. That’s amazing.”

 

To me, it’s a distant world’s story. It’s not a story that anyone other than S-Rank can join.

 

“Do you know Ryunosuke Tendo and Reina Gino-kun? They’re currently overseas for Cube conquest requests.”

 

“Of course! I can’t not know Ryunosuke Tendo-san, the representative of Avalon, the strongest Japanese clearer in the upper ranks of the S-Rank! And…”

 

Reina Gino.

The youngest S-Rank clearer and the hold the strongest magic power in the world for a woman.

And she is also the benefactor of my life, a woman with silver hair.

That beautiful woman, comparable to an ice statue, who saved me from the demons that day.

 

“Yes, the two of them will participate in the operation as representatives of Japan. However, the United States is preparing twenty S-Rank. Despite that, we only have two.”

 

“20 people!? That’s… that’s a lot.”

 

“Yes, it’s like showing the difference in power. Although the Japan-US Security Treaty preaches equality, the actual rights will mostly be taken away. But we don’t have the force to keep thinning out the monsters of the S-Rank Cube, so it can’t be helped.”

 

“I see.”

 

“So, Kai-kun!”

 

Suddenly, Chairman Kagetora leaned forward and grabbed my shoulder.

 

“Yes!?”

 

“If you gain enough power to fight by the time of the operation… how about participating? Although there is a risk to your life, it’s not mandatory. But… won’t you protect this country?”

 

“Me!? I’m not strong enough.”

 

“I’m not getting any younger. I’m worried about this country. That’s why… I want a successor. A young man who can take on the great cause of protecting this country. Someone who is truly strong, with a gentle heart, skills, and body.”

 

“That’s… I…”

 

“Grandpa… you’re getting too excited. Kai-san is troubled.”

 

“Hmm, haha. Sorry, sorry. You don’t have to answer now. Just think about it. I’m planning to be chairman for another ten years. The date for Dragon Island hasn’t been decided yet.”

 

“You could go for another twenty years if it’s you! But… I’ll think about it.”

 

We laughed together and that was the end of the discussion for the time being.

 

And now, I’m in the bath.

 

Why am I in the bath? Because the chairman forcefully insisted that I stay over.

However, I’m delighted by this bath where I can stretch my legs, as I’m used to the cramped unit bath with just a shower at home.

 

In fact, I like baths.

I really enjoy relaxing while soaking in the tub.

But since I’ve been poor, I haven’t been able to do so.

 

But this bath is too big, about ten people could get in.

 

I get excited at the prospect of soaking in the tub.

Typically, in such a situation, someone like Aya would say she’ll wash my back as a thanks and would join me, but such a thing is…

 

Rattle Rattle Rattle

 

(It’s happening!!!)

 

That was when I turned around, filled with anticipation.

 

“Here I come— What, you seem disappointed… Gahaha, were you expecting Aya? Sorry to disappoint you, it’s just me.”

 

Instead of a beautiful woman, there was a buff old man standing completely naked.

 

“Ch…Chairman!?”

 

He didn’t bring a towel, he was stark naked.

And his body is amazing. He’s covered in scars, don’t those heal? And… He’s big, in various ways.

 

“What, can’t we be naked together? I still don’t know you well, Kai-kun.”

 

“Well, I guess I don’t know much about you either, Chairman. In that case, since it’s a special occasion, I’ll wash your back!”

 

“Oh, thank you.”

 

I washed the chairman’s back.

He’s big. I’ve gotten pretty built myself, but compared to the chairman, it’s like comparing a child to an adult.

I thought the scars on the back that had seen many battles were cool.

 

“Kai-kun, I heard about it. Your sister has entered Phase 3 of AMS.”

 

“…Yes.”

 

Patients who enter Phase 3 are trapped within their own bodies.

It’s a terrifying thing, and more than that, it’s dangerous.

Because their body’s immunity drops, there’s also the risk of complications.

 

“…Do you want to enter a B-Rank Cube solo?”

 

“Huh?”

 

“It’s dangerous. Do you still want to go?”

 

“…Yes. I think the key is definitely there.”

 

“…I see. In that case, I’ll grant permission. I’ll use my authority to request you personally, not the guild, to clear the B-Rank Cube.”

 

“I-Is that okay!? Clearing a B-Rank Cube brings in hundreds of millions of earnings.”

 

Converting all the magic stones obtained when clearing a B-Rank Cube into cash wouldn’t come out less than a hundred million yen.

That’s why guilds profit, and the right to clear is always fiercely fought over in auctions.

 

But if I go, I can only pick up the minimum number of magic stones.

 

As a solo player, I won’t be able to maximize the profits.

It would likely result in a loss of several hundred million yen for the association.

 

“It’s fine. I think Tanaka-kun and I can cover it up nicely. However, it’s frowned upon publicly, so I’m sorry but we can’t announce it widely.”

 

“But… it’s just my selfishness.”

 

“Kai-kun. Actually… my son and his wife, that is, Aya’s mother, died of AMS. More precisely, complications from AMS…”

 

“What?”

 

AMS doesn’t kill directly.

However, when all the muscles in the body stop working and physical strength declines, a person becomes so weakened that even a minor illness can be fatal.

Therefore, the probability of dying from disease becomes higher than dying from old age.

 

“That’s why Aya is so desperate to study magic. She has her pride, but more than that, she wants to understand magic to eradicate AMS. …I feel the same way. When I close my eyes, I can still remember the chill of my son’s hand as it gradually thinned. I remember the helplessness I felt when I couldn’t do anything but hold his hand, even though I was called the Fist God.”

 

Saying that, Chairman Kagetora gazes at his own hands.

 

“…Is that so? I thought something must have happened since you don’t have your parents.”

 

“That’s right. He was a straightforward and yet kind child. He looked very much like you, especially his eyes. …That’s why I think I understand how you feel right now. The sense of urgency as your loved ones are gradually heading towards death. The feeling of powerlessness as you can’t do anything about it. But… you have those eyes. Those eyes that can see the answer. Those eyes that might be able to save.”

 

“…Yes.”

 

“Alright, it’s my turn to wash your back.”

 

I turned my back to him as I was.

 

“You’ve got a good back. You don’t have many scars yet… but they are indeed the wounds of someone who has been protecting someone.”

 

There is a large wound on my back, a wound I received while protecting Aya.

I guess Kagetora is talking about that, and there’s also a shallow wound I got from an orc when rescuing Nagisa.

As he gently washes my back, I remember a nostalgic feeling.

 

The touch of my father’s hand from a long time ago, a memory so faded I barely remember it.

 

We then soaked in the bathtub.

The warm water soothes even my heart, and I recall the sensation of being cleansed, as if the bath is washing my soul.

 

“Kai-kun, as a continuation from earlier, AMS is now a disease that kills as many people as cancer worldwide, especially young people.”

 

Millions of people worldwide are afflicted with the disease, and the number of patients is increasing each year.

 

Once you have it, it stays with you until you die.

The symptoms never ease.

Its terror is even more hopeless than cancer, which at least has the possibility of cure.

 

“So, if you might find a cure with your abilities… I’ll cooperate with all my might. Even if it means breaking the rules.”

 

“Chairman…”

 

The chairman’s face was not his usual cheerful one; he had a slightly sad look about him.

I wonder if he was remembering his deceased son…and now, I understand his feelings so painfully well.

 

If I were to lose Nagi like this, how would I…?

 

So…

 

“I’ll definitely find it. Without fail!”

 

“…Heh, I want to entrust this country to you after all…”

 

“That’s…uh, I’ll consider it.”

 

“In that case, how about becoming Aya’s husband? She may be quite proud, but she’s actually kind and capable. What do you think? How about you, Kai-kun?”

 

“Haha, I think Aya would hate that. She’s very beautiful, I mean… I’m not…”

 

“Eh? Are you a dense protagonist, Kai-kun?”

 

“What are you talking about?”

 

“No, it’s nothing. Aya might have a tough time…”

 

After that, the chairman and I talked about all sorts of things until we were drunk.

I had opened my heart to the chairman; he had a large capacity for compassion.

The chairman, with whom I could talk about anything, made me feel comfortable, as if he were a grandfather I didn’t remember having.

 

“Huh? Kai-kun, it’s like you’re the grandpa’s grandson. The clothes are a bit big though.”

 

I got dressed in the clothes provided and went outside. They were loose-fitting, but they were exactly like the aloha-style T-shirt and shorts the chairman wore. After taking a bath, I drank milk from a bottle, looking completely in sync with the chairman.

 

“They suit you.”

 

I spent the night in the reception room where a futon had been laid out. There were no lucky lewd incidents, but it couldn’t be helped since this wasn’t a romantic comedy.

 

The next day, as the sun rose, I got up.

 

“Alright… let’s get going!”

 

I headed towards the B-rank Cube as designated by the chairman. Waving goodbye to Aya and the chairman who were seeing me off, I went straight ahead.

 

I’d never entered a B-rank Cube before. I didn’t even know what was ahead.

 

Expectations and anxiety filled my chest.

 

But the pounding in my heart told me that I must be a real adventurer at heart.

 

Monsters are scary, and so is adventuring.

 

But it’s exciting, which is curious.

 

“I never thought I’d come here in my life… You never know what life will bring…”

 

And then I touched the Cube, which shone like a green emerald. I stepped into the dungeon where monsters from above the clouds, which I had thought had nothing to do with me, were rampant.

 

With a heart that couldn’t contain its excitement.

 

With a definite purpose and resolve.