◇The next day

We had left Okinawa behind and were on our way back to Tokyo. The scars left by the God-Destruction Cult were evident, and the Japan Dungeon Association was attempting to rebuild.

However, thanks to Tanaka-san and Chairman Kagetora’s efforts, peace was gradually returning to Japan.

Still, many high-level conquerors had been lost, and Tendou and his team began to tirelessly work every day to prevent dungeon collapses.

As for me…

Kai: “Aya! Nagi!”

After returning to Tokyo, I reunited with Aya and Nagi.

They had stayed at the airport yesterday and seemed to have taken temporary refuge at Aya’s house. I had come to the Ryuenji residence to check on Aya’s safety while picking up Nagi.

Aya: “Kai-san!! Thank goodness, really.”

Nagi: “Brother!! I was so worried!!”

Nagi and Aya hugged me when they returned home.

I hugged the two of them and lightly lifted them up.

Kai: “I’m completely fine!!”

Aya and Nagi: “Kyaa!” “Hahaha!”

Kai: “I’m sorry for worrying you. I’m glad both of you are safe.”

I let go of the two, and then Aya hugged Reina, who was behind me.

Aya: “Reina… I’m sorry, I couldn’t be there for you.”

Reina’s situation had also been explained to Aya. That’s why Aya apologized for not being able to be there for her friend during this difficult time.

Reina: “It’s okay, because Kai was with me.”

Aya: “Is that so…”

Reina: “Yeah, Kai kept holding me tight. He kept holding me… and petting me.”

Aya: “O-Oh, really…”

Reina: “When I’m by Kai’s side, I feel safe, my heart warms up. I want to be held tighter, does this mean I like Kai, Aya?”

Aya: ” O-Oh, really!?”

Kai: “R-Reina!?”

Reina: “I’m sorry, Aya. I kind of knew that you liked Kai… but maybe… I… It might be hopeless for me.”

Reina looked at me and her face turned bright red. She’s so adorable covering her blushing face with both hands, really adorable, but the girl next to her is scary looking.

Aya: “Kai-san? What does this mean? What on earth does this mean?”

Kai: “Uh, well. There seems to be a misunderstanding… Reina-san? Could you explain?”

Reina: “It’s okay, Aya. We’ve only kissed so far.”

Aya: “What!? Kai-san!?”

Kai: “It’s a misunderstanding! It was just a little!!”

Aya: “Just a little!?”

Aya glared at me as if to kill me. It’s nostalgic, I remember those cold eyes like a blizzard when we first met. They seem more sophisticated now, it feels like beams could shoot out of them.

Reina: “Aya, I love you too. So, I don’t mind being the second one. Even if we’re not legally married… even if it’s just physical… that would make me happy.”

Aya: “Kai-san!! What on earth have you done to Reina!!”

Kai: “N-No, it’s not like that. It’s a misunderstanding. I didn’t… where did Reina learn to talk like that?!!”

Reina: “Kai promised my mom that he would protect me forever. Kai, I haven’t fully returned the favor yet. So, you can do whatever you want with my body… especially these breasts you like so much–”

Aya: “Kai-san!!”

Reina moved closer to me. Aya also clenched her fists and moved closer in response.

Aya and Reina: “Kai-san, please explain!””…You want to squeeze?”

Kai: “Uh… well… um”

Confronted by the approaching Reina and Aya, I backed off. Reina’s straightforward affection had reached a tipping point and my mind was in turmoil. I think her mind is still like that of an elementary school student. Or maybe she just has no sense of shame.

That decision might not have been a good one as a man.

But I was panicking, so it couldn’t be helped. I decided to look straight ahead, except in situations like this.

Nagi: “Brother… are you two-timing? A playboy? -Ah!…What!?”

So, I grabbed Nagi’s hand and pulled her close. Then, while being crushed by feelings of guilt, I shouted out to the two.

For now…

Kai: “Sorry!─Lightning!!”

Let’s run away.

…

Tanaka: “So? You’re here now?”

Kai: “Yes! Well, when it comes to times like this, I can’t help but think of Tanaka-san’s face. It’s reassuring!! I’m sorry for bringing Nagi along.”

Tanaka: “Hahaha… I’ll just say thank you for now. I’m envious of your popularity.”

Tanaka-san was looking out the window into the distant sky. Here was the office of Tanaka-san at the headquarters of Guild Avalon. I had used Lightning to teleport to Tanaka-san’s shadow.

He’s back to work so soon after such a serious injury. He’s incredible.

Nagi was munching on tea snacks in the background. As expected of my sister, she inherited the spirit of eating when she can. I’ll have one too, delicious!!

While nibbling on the snacks, I murmured.

Kai: “Tanaka-san… what is love… what does it mean to love someone?”

Tanaka: “You’re asking a rather philosophical question.”

Kai: “It seems I’m not an honest man, I thought I liked Aya, but then I was also attracted to Reina. So, I’m thinking about love. What is true love… which one do I love. What is love in the first place.”

I was thinking hard.

What is love? What are these feelings I have for these two?

Nagi: “Don’t worry, Tanaka-san. He’s just going through puberty a little late. It’s embarrassing just to listen.”

Kai: “That’s harsh!!”

When I was seriously troubled, I was ridiculed by Nagi. Sure, I’ve walked a shallow life without enjoying my youth!

Tanaka: “Hahaha, that’s great. Young and troubled. There may be no single answer to love or justice, but surely seeking an answer is the correct thing. I’m sure you will make the best choice, and there might be more than two options. It depends on your resilience.”

I nod at Tanaka-san. It’s a luxury to worry, but I decided to come up with my own answer.

Tanaka: “But that’s truly an amazing power. I’ve heard the explanation, but it’s a ridiculously powerful ability. Teleportation, the dream of mankind. And it’s one of the strongest abilities in any creative work. Lightning, huh…”

Kai: “It’s not like I can go anywhere, and there are quite a few restrictions, but honestly, this power is amazing. I still can’t master it, but with more practice, I’ll get stronger!”

Tanaka: “Right, that’s good. You haven’t even solo-cleared an A-Rank dungeon yet. One day, you’ll have to beat Arnold for us! Hahaha!”

Kai: “He was really a monster, a transcendent being indeed. The world is vast. There are five more like him. Oh, by the way, speaking of which, another transcendent being was born in this world. So, there are six now.”

Tanaka: “What!?”

I casually explain to Tanaka-san. The transcendent I’m talking about is Reina.

Kai: “Reina had her magic sealed by Sophia’s power. Now she has more than a million magic power so she’s become a transcendent. She also gained some amazing power along with it.”

Tanaka: “Is that so!? That’s a big deal for this country. But…I see…I wonder if we should hide it or announce it…”

Tanaka-san is troubled, but it’s better to leave such matters to him rather than me. I leave the rest to him, Tanaka-san, worry greatly.

Kai: “Ah, before that, what about my S-Rank? Honestly, the online news is crazy right now.”

The battle that day has spread all over Japan. I’m suddenly famous, with more bad reviews than good. I understand the reasons, so I have no intention to dispute it, but the criticism really gets to you.

Tanaka: “Ah, yes. I was planning to contact you about that later. The vice president is having a meeting with the president today about various things. They are planning a press conference tonight. They will explain there, hopefully there will be no problem.”

Kai: “Vice president? The vice president of the Dungeon Association, right? I’ve never met him…what kind of person is he?”

Tanaka: “Well…I guess you could call him a schemer. Honestly, I don’t like him, we don’t get along. He’s one of the reasons I quit the association…haha, I’m not trying to badmouth him. But he does have his own sense of justice.”

According to Tanaka-san, the vice president, Tanaka-san himself, and even Chairman Kagetora, all have very different orientations. But I’ve never met him personally, even though I’ve seen him on TV. His name is Akuzawa, I believe.

Kai: “Ah, I see. I hope there will be no problem…but honestly, I’ll accept any punishment.”

Tanaka: “…Your power has become known all over the world. The details may be unknown, but your teleportation power as well. There is no doubt that you will be at the center of the world’s attention from now on.”

Kai: “Haha…then I’ll get ready for the A-Rank Cube. I want to clear it before the operation to retake Dragon Island.”

Tanaka: “I understand. The Okinawa Cube is ready for you to go at any time, just let me know when you’re going to do it.”

Kai: “Yes! Alright, Nagi. Let’s go home now that we’re done talking.”

Nagi: “Okay. Thank you for everything, Tanaka-san!”

As we were about to leave, Tanaka-san held us back, seemingly having something to ask.

Tanaka: “Ah! Kai-kun! Speaking of which, how have you set up your scout reception settings at the association?”

Kai: “Scout reception settings? …What was that?”

Tanaka: “It’s about how to handle contact from scouts of each guild when you register your clearer’s license. You can choose from three: not allowed, free, or through the association. Most people choose free…”

Kai: “Ah, I left it free because it was the easiest to receive. I thought there was no way they would come to me because I’m E-Rank.”

Tanaka: “I see…then you should change it. Many guilds now know about you.”

Kai: “Got it, I’ll change it tomorrow.”

The system allows guilds registered with the Dungeon Association to view personal information. The only information they can see is the basic information registered with the association, including the address. However, the guild’s scouts reveal their identities when viewing, so there is a record. Therefore, it is not that they can use it maliciously, but the top conquerors only allow it through the association or not at all.

Otherwise, scouts frequently come to their homes.

Kai: “Then, excuse us!”

Nagi: “Goodbye, Tanaka-san!”

Then Nagi and I decided to go home. I’m scared because I’ve received about ten messages from Aya, but, without marking them as read, I decide to look at them once I’ve calmed down. I wonder if it’ll work if I say that the screen was broken, and I couldn’t get receive them.

~ A while later. At Kai’s house.

Kai: “The door is broken… but it doesn’t look like the inside was ransacked too much.”

When we got home, my door was broken. Probably because the God-Destruction Cult first targeted me. But since I wasn’t here, they attacked the association.

Nagi: “Wow. We’re lucky we were in Okinawa.”

Kai: “That’s right, we were really lucky. Let’s tell Nezu-san and get it repaired for now.”

Nagi: “Okay!”

The repairman came immediately and fixed the door that day. Meanwhile, I went to request the repair of my smartphone, which had been badly damaged in the lightning battle. I decided to also use this opportunity to get Nagi a smartphone. It’s better to be able to contact each other at any time, and she was delighted when I got her the most expensive model.

Kai: “So, it will be ready by tomorrow morning!”

It was a good time, so Nagi and I ate dinner and waited for the Chairman’s press conference at home.

Kai: “By the way, Nagi. When are you going to start junior high school?”

Nagi: “Do I have to go?”

Kai: “Yes, you have to.”

Nagi: “Eh, but I want to join Avalon!”

Kai: “You can do that after you graduate. You have to receive compulsory education! Big brother won’t allow it otherwise!”

Nagi: “Gosh, it’s tough having an overprotective brother. Alright, I will properly apply.”

Kai: “Good, I’m looking forward to seeing you in your uniform!”

Nagi: “I’m looking forward to it too. Oh, it seems to have started!”

As we were chatting while watching TV, the press conference began. Vice President Akuzawa, who looked like a chubby evil magistrate, stepped up to the podium to start the conference that was broadcasted all over Japan. If I remember correctly, he’s a C-Rank awakened individual, but he’s also a second-generation politician who graduated from the University of Tokyo.

He must be around 40 years old, with the appearance of an overweight middle-aged man that can be found anywhere.

And so, Vice President Akuzawa began to speak.

Vice President Teruaki: “I am Teruaki Akuzawa, the Vice President of the Japan Dungeon Association. Regarding the terrorist act that occurred the other day, we have confirmed the deaths of all four S-Rank awakened members of the Extinction Religion. In addition to the casualties…”

Vice President Akuzawa continued to announce the details, including the number of casualties, the damage, and future measures and restoration plans.

Vice President Teruaki: “And finally, about a boy named Kai Amachi, whom I’m sure you’re all interested in, he has been recognized as a Japanese and S-Rank awakened individual.”

The moment that statement was made, whispers spread among the reporters in the venue. It was because a sixth S-Rank person had appeared in Japan.

Watching that, I swallowed hard.

Vice President Teruaki: “And a majority of the members of the Japan Dungeon Association’s board meeting that just took place have decided to… ”

Kai: “Eh?”

Vice President Teruaki: ” …Revoke Kai Amachi’s qualification as a clearer that had previously been issued by the Japan Dungeon Association…”