The Chronicles of a Man Who Aspired to Be an Unparalleled Character with Hidden Weapons - The Explorer Who Conceals His Power Becomes the Strongest When He Wields a Sword - Chapter 04: Chat with My Sister and Interactions with the General Department Students

Chapter 04: Chat with My Sister and Interactions with the General Department Students

The students of the Exploration Department typically head to the dungeon after school, always striving to reach even higher levels, a sentiment I share as well. 

However, that doesn’t mean I go to the dungeon every single day.

“…?”

As I was idly spending my time in the dormitory, not heading to the dungeon, my smartphone vibrated. 

Picking it up, I saw the name “Yuki” on the caller ID and chuckled, answering the call.

“Hello?”

“Hello, Nii-san?”

She was Yuki Tokioka, my younger sister. 

Attending this famous high school for the Exploration Department, and having moved away from our hometown myself, I rarely had the opportunity to meet Yuki, and perhaps feeling lonely about this, she often called me like this.

“Aren’t you pushing yourself too hard? Ah, but I can tell you’re fine just by your voice.”

“I’m not overdoing anything. I wouldn’t do anything to make you or mom sad.”

“You say that, but… sorry, Nii-san. I almost brought up that matter again.”

“It’s okay. I did push myself too hard, indeed.”

“…Fufu.”

“Haha.”

Right, it’s good to hear her laugh like this.

Then, as if losing track of time, we continued our conversation, reclaiming the moments we couldn’t share as siblings who rarely meet.

Although it’s only during the long holidays… like the summer vacation, we can meet for a few days.

“Is mom doing well?”

“Yes. She hasn’t returned from work yet today, but thanks to the money you send, both mom and I have been really comfortable… to be honest, it feels almost too generous.”

I understand that feeling…

Exchanging materials from the dungeon translates into quite a good sum of money, providing a significant source of income, especially in the absence of our father.

In fact, I send enough money so that mom doesn’t need to work, but she insists on working on the farm, claiming that not working would be like the end of her life.

“Don’t feel sorry about it. Enjoy your life to the fullest now that you’ve regained your health. Seeing you healthy and well is the best reward for me as your older brother.”

“Nii-san… Yeah, thank you.”

After briefly sharing our recent happenings, the call ended.

“Really, she’s become so much healthier.”

I mutter, staring at the family photo on my desk. 

Originally, Yuki had a weak constitution and wasn’t expected to live long, but now she’s completely recovered from her illness and has become strong. 

This is all thanks to my skills becoming so strong, allowing me to reach the deeper parts of an S-rank dungeon.

“The Panacea… really, the dungeon is amazing for having just about anything.”

The Panacea, an item found in the lower layers that only an S-rank Explorer can delve into. 

True to its name, this ultimate medicine can heal any wound or disease. Though one can apply to use it through the country, its all-encompassing effectiveness makes it incredibly expensive. 

Even with all the money I’ve earned so far, it’s still out of reach, so I had no choice but to get it myself.

“As for swordsmanship, I’m really grateful for the ‘Sword Saint’ and ‘Unparalleled Blade’ skills. I’m truly thankful they manifested in me.”

Well, a lot happened, but thanks to all that, my sister’s illness was cured, and it all ended happily. That’s the story about my family.

“Well then, I guess I’ll just make something simple for dinner and go to sleep.”

But living in this dorm, I often find myself thinking about something. 

I should have brought some of the video game consoles I left at home.

▼▽

Lately, I’ve been intentionally hiding my true abilities, and to my own surprise, I’ve become quite skilled with the bow… and it happened all of a sudden.

“Tomorrow, we’ll be entering the dungeon together with students from the General Department for an exchange program. Remember, it’s your duty to protect those without power. Be sure to keep that in mind.”

It’s an interaction event with students from the General Department that happens only once every few months.

Despite knowing that there’s some discord between the Exploration Department and General Department students, and that something is bound to happen, such a ludicrous event is still planned, and there’s a reason for it.

“Hey, this must be that teacher’s idea, right?”

Today, Shinichi, who happened to be sitting next to me, said that, and I nodded in agreement.

That teacher… his name is Busujima, and he became an A-rank Explorer during his student days, maintaining that status ever since. 

Though this school has three S-rank Explorers, including Sumeragi, and he doesn’t have as much influence, he seems to have quite a bit of leeway due to various connections.

“That teacher has a strong elitist mindset.”

“Yeah… Seriously, we might not mind, but it must be tough for the students in the General Department.”

Earlier, although it seemed like he was making a valid point, the underlying motive of Busujima-sensei was nothing but a show of dominance over the powerless students of the General Department. 

Knowing that most students of the Exploration Department are arrogant, he probably thinks of himself as some sort of leader.

“Well, things will happen as they will.”

Being students, we have no choice but to follow the decisions of our teachers… even more so when it’s that A-rank teacher looking down on us C-rankers. 

However, I hadn’t given it much thought since problems don’t arise too often. But I never expected that among our group, there would be someone from the Exploration Department who particularly looks down on others – that was truly unforeseen.