An Old Man Restaurant Owner Is Unparalleled by Relying on His Old Tricks. It Turns Out, He’s the Legendary Dungeon Conqueror. - 29

Chapter 29: That’s My Line

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Today, I found myself at Inokashira Park in Kichijoji. Once a lush park visited by many, was now completely off-limits. The reason? A dungeon entrance had appeared on a peninsula-like land in the middle of a pond at Inokashira Park. And not just any dungeon. This was a Class 6 dungeon, a high difficulty dungeon that stretched deep underground. The dungeon was easy to access. I just had to take a single ride on the Chuo Line from Tachikawa Station, but I wasn’t here for an excursion on my very precious day off. No. I came here to take the promotion test for becoming an S-rank explorer.

The day after I agreed to become a S-rank explorer at the request of my adorable niece, Mizusawa-san visited my restaurant again. He said that, under the authority of the Dungeon Management Bureau’s director, my rank had been swiftly raised from F to A. Mizusawa-san was giving me the updated explorer license as he explained even further.

“Nishida-sama. There’s no doubt that your abilities are on the same level, if not exceeding, of S-rank explorers. We’ve raised your rank to A, but, you still have to take the promotion exam as per the rules for us to raise your rank to S.”

And that promotion exam was scheduled to take place today, here in the Inokashira Dungeon.

Apparently, the promotion exams to become S-rank explorers were only held a few times a year. Mizusawa-san must be visiting me almost incessantly because the next promotion exam date was dawning near.

“It’s about time for the appointed meeting time. It seems almost everyone is here… Except for one person. Please wait a little longer.”

An employee of the Dungeon Management Agency announced in a clear voice while standing in front of the building that worked as the entrance to the dungeon. Looking around, I saw there were about 20 examinees, myself included. S-rank promotion exams were only held in 3 places. Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka. Hence why there were many examinees coming all the way here from distant regions specifically for taking this exam.

“Hey, that guy over there….”

“Yeah. Could it be… He’s the rumored…”

“Is he really taking this exam too…?”

“Huh? But I thought he was still F-rank…?”

“Yeah, but he’s the one who defeated THAT Nana Tendou. He managed to win in a match against S-rank explorer, so they probably allowed him to skip ranks.”

I could hear the whispers of the people around me. It seemed there were some people who recognized me. 

“Excuse me, you’re from Ken-Channel, right?”

Amidst the murmur, a woman in her mid-twenties approached me. She looked like a hostess from a nightclub. She was wearing a flashy, revealing dress, which was more suited for a night out rather than for a dungeon expedition. Her flashy getup was complete with heavy makeup and polished nails. To be honest, I didn’t feel comfortable with women of her type.

“Ye-Yes, that’s me.”

“Whoa!! This is amazing! I can’t believe I would be able to meet you here! Actually, Nishida-san, I’m a big fan of yours! I always enjoy watching your livestreams!”

She exclaimed. Her eyes were sparkling with excitement. It was a wholesome meeting with my fans… Or so it was. But she kept pressing her body against me and she was getting way too close to my personal space.

“…Thanks.”

“I’m Shimizu Shizuku. I’d be super happy if you could remember my name.”

She said with a sultry wink before finally stepping back.

“Fufufu~ Let’s do our best on the exam!”

“Yeah, let’s give it our all.”

“(Hmph, as expected. My charm didn’t work on him)”

She thought to herself, but her inner voice was palpable. I could almost hear it.

“Yo-You! Are you Nishida?! Don’t tell me… You’re not here to take the promotion exam, right?!”

“No, that’s exactly the reason why I’m here…”

Next, a young man in his late 20s came to me. He looked utterly shocked for some reason. 

“I-It’s not too late yet! You can still withdraw from the exam!”

“And why should I? Besides, who are you anyway?”

“My name is Ryuuga Takahashi! I run a livestream account called Dragon Channel. I have over 2 million subscribers! I’m the only A-rank explorer in Japan who actively livestreams my activities! If I pass this exam and become S-rank, I’ll be the one and only S-rank livestreamer! But if you also become S-rank…. My uniqueness will dissipate!! NOOOOOOOOOO!!!”

“I mean, even if you say that, I still….”

“PLEASEEEEE!! I’M BEGGING YOU!! DOWN ON MY KNEES EVEN!!!  PLEASEEEEEEEEEE!!!”

“No, I mean, even if you bow your head at me…”

“Tch… You still won’t budge even after I begged you with all of my heart?! HOW CRUEL! DO YOU STILL HAVE ANY SHRED OF HUMANITY LEFT IN YOURSELF?!”

“That’s my line.”

His request was so outrageous that I just decided to ignore him.

“HA! Are you Nishida? Hyahahahahhaa!! You really are an old man!”

“Another rude guy, huh…?”

This time, a young man with a tattoo on his cheek was mocking me. He seemed to be in his early 20s. He was a very flashy guy, with his hair dyed in silver and piercings dangling from his ears and lips.

“I saw it, I saw you beat Nana Tendou in your livestream! Hahahahahaha! How pathetic! An S-rank losing against a mere old man like you?! PATHETIC!!”

“…..”

“Anyway, Old Man Nishida, can you please give me your autograph? Please write ‘For MasanoriTanaka-kun’.”

“You’re a fan…? Not to mention, your name really doesn’t suit your style. Your name is so straightlaced.”

“Thankies, Old Man! I will be sure to keep this as my family’s treasure!!”

Sighing in exasperation, I gave him my autograph and he finally left me while grinning happily. 

“Gahahahahaha!! Ah, just as I thought. Everyone is so curious about Master Nishida!”

“Umm… And you are…?”

“My name is Genzou Yamaguchi! A true native of Gunma! I’ve come to Tokyo for the first time in 20 years just to take this exam!”

He was a big man, nearly 2 meters tall with a bushy beard. He looked to be around 30 years old. 

“And why did you call me ‘Master’?”

“Well, of course! I watched your livestreams and was captivated by your strength! Since then, I’ve been calling you ‘Master’ of my own accord!”

“…I see.”

Since he was well-aware that he was doing it on his own accord, I realized asking him to stop would be futile.

“How should I say it… There are a lot of unique people here.”

“Gahahahahaha!! But still! All of us don’t hold a candle against Master Nishida!”

“Huh?”

Now, now, I couldn’t possibly let that comment slide. After all, I was the most normal person here. I was just an ordinary old man. Being considered as abnormal by these people was downright insulting.

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