After changing into my uniform in my room and relaxing for a while, I headed downstairs and ran into my imouto1 coming back home.
“Welcome back.” (Yotsuka)
“I’m back… Do you have a minute?” (Amane)
“Hmm?” (Yotsuka)
She called out to me, so I followed her into the living room. She places down her bag, took a sip of water, and took a breath.
“Onii-chan2, I just heard that four people from your class died” (Amane)
“Ahh, it’s about that.” (Yotsuka)
“The day before yesterday, I heard that the top explorer of the exploration club also died in the dungeon, right?” (Amane)
“Apparently so.” (Yotsuka)
Amane stood in front of the sink, looking down as she spoke.
“Hey, why don’t you quit being an explorer?” (Amane)
As expected, she brought up that topic.
While Amane had previously shown negative attitudes towards me working as an explorer, this was the first time she had directly suggested that I quit. Perhaps it was because people the same age as me had been dying one after another.
However, my answer was already decided.
“I’m not quitting” (Yotsuka)
“Why not? Mom and I are really worried, you know? What if you end up like Dad and die?” (Amane)
“If that happens, then that’s fine” (Yotsuka)
When I answered her in a carefree tone, my imouto glared at me with sharp eyes.
“Don’t joke around.” (Amane)
“I’m not joking. I’m serious,” (Yotsuka)
“Then think about the feelings of those you are going to leave behind.” (Amane)
“I think it’s better to be strong and live your own life.” (Yotsuka)
Amane’s gaze grew even more intense.
“Amane, this is something that someone has to do.” (Yotsuka)
I know that speaking to her in a preachy manner would be counterproductive, but I couldn’t find any other words, so I told her.
“Does it have to be you? We already lost Dad to the dungeon, that’s already enough.” (Amane)
“But I’m suited for dungeon exploration” (Yotsuka)
As a high school student who can easily descend into the lower levels solo, there aren’t many people like me. I’m not being conceit here; it’s a fact that I’m skilled at dungeon exploration.
“Please take better care of yourself. Don’t worry us any further. I’m begging you.” (Amane)
“Amane” (Yotsuka)
“This is not an era where we can keep saying such things. Even in the countryside, there are plenty of dungeons where people are barely scraping by hunting monsters. Someone, anyone, has to step up and do something to help as many people as possible.” (Yotsuka)
In rural areas, especially in remote locations, the Self-Defense Forces often take charge of the dungeons. However, even with this arrangement, rural areas suffer from a shortage of manpower. Some areas are even concerned that monsters may start to overflow from the dungeons.
If you join the Self-Defense Forces, there is a high probability that you will be engaged in exploring remote dungeons, and it is difficult to secure personnel because their income is lower than that of regular explorers. Taking on more dungeons is impossible under these circumstances.
After graduation, it may be a good idea to travel to different regions and explore various dungeons.
“It doesn’t make a difference whether you’re there or not, Onii-chan.” (Amane)
“That’s harsh. But the truth is, it does make a difference. Even if it’s just a little bit.” (Yotsuka)
“Are you going to prioritize that sense of social justice over your own family?” (Amane)
“Diving into the dungeon and contributing to peace means prioritizing both family and social justice.” (Yotsuka)
“Are you not afraid of dying?” (Amane)
“I am. But it’s not an era where we can afford to treat life seriously. That kind of thinking is from before dungeons appeared.” (Yotsuka)
“…You’re quite progressive3, Onii-chan.” (Amane)
“Amane might be a little conservative, though.” (Yotsuka)
“Ok, I got it. I won’t say anything more.” (Amane)
With a helpless expression, Amane left the living room.
I let out a deep, quiet sigh and leaned back on the sofa. I was no longer in the mood to go outside.
The exchange that Amane and I just had is something that is often seen on social media. Every day, articles are posted introducing individuals who died while exploring dungeons as heroes. In response, there will be comments from readers, urging explorers to value their own lives and think about the people they leave behind. Counterarguments like the one I just made would be thrown and it either becomes a debate or a block.
As far as I’m concerned, the idea that life is precious or valuable is outdated and archaic.
The truth is, society can no longer be maintained without continuously sending people into dungeons, even if it means losing lives. It’s necessary to prevent dungeons from overflowing, and for obtaining resources as well. The magic stones that can be obtained from monsters are now an important energy resource.
I feel bad for Amane, but she’ll have to get used to it. Life is fleeting and fragile, and there’s no point in clinging to it too tightly. That’s just the reality of the situation.
“That being said, I might oppose it if Amane were to become a dungeon explorer. (Yotsuka)
I also believe that cowardice in this regard is like a privilege given to all of humanity. Therefore, it’s also fine if there are people who consider their own or their relatives’ lives as something important and precious. I think my values are contradictory and hard to understand.
Anyways, I, for one, have accepted that my own life is light and fleeting.
So, with that in mind, since my plan to go outside for training has fallen through, I’ll try to make good use of this time. Life is fleeting, after all. Gotta enjoy it.
I walk to the fridge and take out the beer that my mother has stocked. It’s not like I’m stealing within the family. It’s allowed. It’s a remnant of my father’s leniency.
I sit on the sofa and drink beer while browsing video websites on my smartphone. Azami happened to be streaming live, so I decided to watch that.
Currently, she is chatting with her viewers and responding to comments.
“…She’s cute” (Yotsuka)
I muttered while looking at my childhood friend on the other side of the screen.
It would be great if I could have a girlfriend like her.
TL notes:
Thanks for reading!
This chapter was difficult to edit, so I’m sorry if some parts doesn’t make sense. I hope I didn’t butcher the meaning of progressive, I still have doubts if I got the meaning correct.
Honestly this kinda felt like the previous chapter but the MC talks to Amane instead of Azami. We are heading back to dungeon stuff next chapter.
Btw feel free to check out the new series I just picked up, Little Sister Party.
P.S. I am gonna keep using “imouto” and “onii-chan” from now on, and I’m not gonna add footnote for them in the future.