Chapter 2: S-Class Explorer Masaru Niiyama’s Scandalous Stream

――【We Asked S-Class Explorer Masaru Niiyama About the Controversial Website Stirring Up the Public】

The hugely popular streaming app, D Tube.

A stream was about to begin.

The host? Araki George.

A reasonably well-known streamer who primarily covers scandals involving celebrities and dungeon explorers.

Today’s highlight? A collaboration stream with S-Class explorer Masaru Niiyama.

The concurrent viewer count hovered just under 20,000. Considering how early in the morning it was, this was an impressive number—clear evidence of the high level of attention the stream was drawing.

Masaru Niiyama, the youngest ever to achieve S-Class explorer status, had become an idol-like figure, frequently gracing TV and magazine covers.

True to his status, Masaru was dressed in high-end brands, offering a charming smile to the viewers.

“Thank you for joining us today, Masaru-san.” 

“No, not at all. Thank you for having me.” 

The screen showed two men.

The first was George, wearing an overly conspicuous flat cap.

Seated next to him was the handsome S-Class explorer, Masaru Niiyama.

Initially, the stream consisted of casual chatter between the two.

The comments section, however, was anything but patient:

《Get to the point already!》

《Hurry up!》

《Stop dragging it out!》

“All right, let’s dive into the main topic.” 

He glanced at the comments, adjusted his posture, and turned to Masaru.

“Masaru-san, you recently made a statement on social media regarding this website, didn’t you?”

George held up his phone, displaying a blog titled Solo Dungeon Adventures Chronicle.

It was a typical personal blog. Its gaudy, animated banner was over-the-top and distracting.

Masaru nodded quietly in response to the question.

“You claimed this site spreads false information… correct?”

“Yes. This blog contains inaccuracies… particularly regarding the S-Class Dungeon, Garden of the Gods.”

Masaru’s response was theatrical, as though he were performing on stage.

The comments section erupted with activity, and before anyone realized it, the live audience count had surpassed 40,000.

“What proof do you have to back that claim?”

“Proof, you ask? Well, it’s simple. Solo-clearing that dungeon is outright impossible.”

Masaru stated this as if it were an undeniable fact.

George didn’t dispute the assertion.

“If I recall correctly, didn’t your clan, Everlight, have to withdraw after reaching the first floor?”

For the first time, a trace of unease crossed Masaru’s face.

He cleared his throat lightly before replying.

“…Yes, that is true. That dungeon is beyond human capabilities. We had no choice but to retreat. On the first floor alone, there were monsters that aren’t even listed in the Dungeon Database… and they were incredibly strong—”

Masaru paused, leaving his words hanging in the air.

《Even Masaru is saying this much?》

《Checked the Garden of the Gods Wiki—it’s insane.》

《Just imagining it gives me chills.》

“In any case, that dungeon is far beyond human reach.” 

“So, you’re saying this blog is spreading misinformation because of that?”

Masaru nodded silently in response to George’s question.

“Publishing false information about dungeons violates Article 16 of the Dungeon Regulation Act. Spreading intentional misinformation about dungeons is strictly prohibited, isn’t it?”

It had been just over twenty years since dungeons began appearing.

Now, laws regarding dungeons were meticulously established, and breaking these laws could lead to criminal penalties.

Particularly, information about dungeons was heavily regulated. Spreading inaccurate details could endanger lives.

“Yes, that’s why I made the post on social media as a warning. I didn’t want anyone who believed this information to recklessly attempt entering the Garden of the Gods,” Masaru said, crossing his arms and staring directly into the camera.

The comments section exploded with enthusiasm. Praises for Masaru flooded the feed, alongside scathing critiques of the blog in question.

“Masaru-san, you really thought this through. Impressive,” George said with admiration, nodding approvingly.

“Yes, I’ve already requested action from the authorities. That being said, I ask that people don’t go overboard attacking the blog. The person running it is probably a middle or high school student. It’s common at that age to act recklessly in a bid for attention. Everyone makes mistakes.”

《Masaru is too kind!》

《This is what maturity looks like. Such a class act!》

《I’ll support you forever, Masaru!》

《Well, at least the info is clearly fake. No one would believe it anyway.》

“To all viewers, I urge you not to be misled by false information. Developing proper digital literacy is essential in this day and age.”

With this final statement, Masaru wrapped up the stream, which ended on a high note.

◇◇◇

“Good work, Shion.”

“Same to you, Kanade. Hey… do you have time later today?”

After successfully finishing the stream, I was getting ready to leave when Shion called out to me.

She was in her undershirt with a towel draped around her neck, halfway through changing. It was a surprisingly rugged look for her.

“Yeah, I do. What’s up?”

“I wanted to talk about yesterday.”

Yesterday…? Oh, it must be about that blog.

If I remember correctly, we talked about verifying whether the information about the Garden of the Gods was true.

“Wait, Shion, are you serious about this?”

“Of course! I’m always serious, aren’t I?”

“Come on, isn’t it dangerous? We’re talking about the Garden of the Gods, after all.”

Even for us, that dungeon should be too much to handle. Sure, I’m curious about the blog too, but taking risks like that feels reckless.

“That’s why we’ll rely on the strategy info. Besides, I’m not planning to push it too far,” Shion said nonchalantly, showing the blog on her phone.

It seemed like she had complete faith in the information on the site.

“Hmm… I still don’t know…”

Shion might have a point—if we don’t overextend ourselves, the risk should be manageable. We could retreat quickly after just scouting the entrance or the first floor.

Still, I’ve never been good at making decisions in moments like this.

I’ve always hated my indecisiveness, which is why I admire Shion’s straightforward personality and her unshakable resolve once she’s made up her mind.

“…Fine. But if it gets dangerous, we head back immediately. Deal?”

“Yay! Thanks, Kanade! I love you~♡”

“Hey, stop it…!”

Shion clung to me, still in her light clothing, and I nearly lost my balance. Her shampoo left a soft, lingering scent.

Just then, my phone chimed with a notification.

Glancing over, I saw: 《“Masaru@S-Class Explorer” has sent you a direct message.》

Sigh… not again.

I sighed internally.

Noticing my expression, Shion tilted her head. “What’s up?”

“Well… actually…”

I explained the situation to Shion.

Recently, Masaru had been persistently sending me messages like, “Want to grab dinner sometime?”

Even though I kept declining, the messages only came more frequently.

…For the record, I’ve never met Masaru or even spoken to him.

Rumor has it he’s pretty careless when it comes to women, and honestly, I’d rather avoid any involvement.

“Hmm? Why don’t you just block him? Sounds like borderline stalking to me.”

“Y-Yeah…”

Shion said it so easily, but I couldn’t bring myself to do it.

To be honest, it’s scary.

It feels gross, almost stalker-like, but my indecisive nature makes it hard to take action. I really hate this about myself.

“Anyway! When do you want to go? To the Garden of the Gods!”

Trying to change the subject, I threw the question at Shion.

“Hmm… how about tomorrow?”

“T-Tomorrow!?”

“Well, Masaru brought up the blog on his stream today, right? We should check it out before too many people get curious.”

And just like that, we decided to head to the Garden of the Gods tomorrow.

…Will this really be okay?