I Was the Supporter of a Popular Dungeon Streamer, but the Power Harassment Was Too Much, so I Quit. I’m Useless Anyway, so It Shouldn’t Be a Problem, Right? Huh? The Views Are Dropping Like Crazy? - 5

Chapter 5: Labyrinth City

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Labyrinth City.

The city I lived in was called that. An artificial city built adjacent to Chiba Prefecture, spanning 2,150 square kilometers—comparable in size to Tokyo. At its center stood the massive tower-shaped labyrinth, Amatsugahara, and many other labyrinths of various shapes existed throughout the city.

The city had a device known as the “Dungeon Field” that gathered labyrinths into this city. About 80% of the world’s labyrinths were located here. It was, without a doubt, a labyrinth city. East of Amatsugahara, there were almost no artificial structures, as labyrinths formed in this eastern region. On the western side, there were numerous residences and facilities dedicated to labyrinth exploration, as well as educational institutions specializing solely in labyrinth-related training. (Not that I ever attended any of them.)

I came to this labyrinth city last year, drawn by the dream of becoming an S-Rank Seeker, a heroic figure among men. Adventuring together with my companions, encountering cute girls, discovering mystical artifacts, battling powerful foes… I was captivated by the fantasy of it all. But that dream shattered the moment I took part in the initiation ritual that all aspiring Seekers had to undergo.

Rite of Bestowal. That year, every aspiring Seeker was led into an underground cavern beneath the labyrinth city. What we saw there was a vast subterranean lake, and beneath its waters lay countless weapons, numbering in the tens of thousands.

“Now, we shall begin the Rite of Bestowal!”

A man, who introduced himself as a priest, announced this in a booming voice.

“Raise your hands to the heavens! If you do, an OOPArt shall be bestowed upon you from the Divine Tomb!”

We all knew what OOPArts were. They were essential weapons for conquering labyrinths. The monsters within labyrinths could only be harmed by OOPArts. Ordinary weapons were useless against them. Magic was another option, but it was merely supplemental, being less efficient and far weaker than OOPArts. Acquiring one was a necessity for any Seeker.

The aspiring Seekers all raised their hands. I did too. And then—

“Whoa! A sword just flew into my hands!”

“I got a spear! This is incredible!”

“Look, look! I got a staff!”

One by one, weapons soared from the lake and landed in the hands of the hopefuls. I waited, anticipation swelling in my chest, expecting my own weapon to come. But reality was cruel. I reached out, and all I grasped was empty air.

“Those who were not chosen by an OOPArt… Roughly 80% of you. You will assist the Seekers who have been chosen.”

In that moment, a stark divide was created between us.

“You may accompany Seekers in their explorations. You may work in shops or research labs dealing with labyrinth-related items. Decide for yourselves how you wish to live. However, you must engrave this into your mind. You will never, ever become Seekers. Those without OOPArts are strictly forbidden from entering labyrinths alone.”

The majority of us, myself included, raised our voices in protest.

“This is ridiculous!”

“There must be some mistake!”

“If I can’t become a Seeker, then I’m leaving!”

We hurled our frustrations at the priest. But our protests were immediately dismissed. There was no mistake. There were no exceptions. Leaving was an option, but those who did would receive no assistance from the city. The adults relayed this to us with cold, indifferent gazes. Even without becoming Seekers, labyrinth-related jobs typically paid well. Many left, but most clenched their fists and accepted their fate. At first, I went along with it too. I resigned myself to becoming a Supporter, but six months into my training, I rebelled against fate.

I entered a labyrinth alone. I had a knack for magic and academics, so I thought I could manage on my own. In the end, I made it to the 60th floor before being forced to retire. A monster tore off one of my arms. The priest was furious. My evaluation as a Supporter plummeted. Standing at the edge of despair, that was when she found me.

Mia.

“If you swear absolute obedience to me, I might consider hiring you.”

No Seeker would ever hire a supporter who had violated the rules and lost an arm. Left with no other choice, I accepted Mia’s offer.

“You can’t do anything on your own.”

Mia would say that to me at every opportunity. She was right… I really couldn’t do anything alone. At some point, my self-esteem had completely vanished, and I had grown used to being treated like a slave by my childhood friend.

I was merely existing, letting life slip away like an empty husk.

“…Damn it.”

Lost in old memories, I muttered to myself in my empty room.

How many times had I thought… If only I had an OOPArt… If only…!

Tears ran down my cheeks. Without even laying out my futon first, I collapsed onto a cushion. Using the cushion as a pillow, I fell into a deep, dreamless sleep.

-A Certain Email Excerpt From One Month Ago-

《Shibuki Hamura. Partner: A-Rank Seeker Naruse Mia. Affiliated Guild: Fenrir, ranked 109.》

《Lost his right arm six months ago, but his combat ability remains unaffected. His magic proficiency and situational judgment are both on par with an S-Rank Seeker. While he lacks the physical enhancements granted by OOPArts, he compensates the gap through self-enhancement techniques.》

《In fact, his support skills have elevated Mia Naruse, who possesses only B-Rank strength at most, to A-Rank status.》

《I recommend him as the first test subject for the prototype OOPArt, “Origin.”》

《Shape: Pattern 206. I will make contact as soon as authorization is granted.》

《From S-Rank Seeker, Abisu Yuiga.》

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