Chapter 23: The Plan Moving Forward

After reporting the dungeon anomalies to Minase Karen, we headed to a nearby café.

We needed to discuss our next steps.

Leaving the issue with the Garden of the Gods unaddressed was not an option. It was imperative to quickly identify the cause of the abnormalities—the danger was too great.

I had already come up with a specific idea about how to proceed.

“I intend to investigate the Garden of the Gods on my own,” I declared the moment we sat down, sharing my thoughts with the three of them.

“What… why? Are we… holding you back?” Shion asked, her expression clouded with worry.

“No, that’s not it. I’d like you all to investigate other dungeons.”

“Other dungeons…?”

Given the possibility that abnormalities might also be occurring in other dungeons, it made sense to split up and cover more ground.

This suggestion came from my trust in them and my belief in us as a team.

Moreover, the fallen-angel-type monster we encountered was extraordinarily dangerous. I could manage on my own, but fighting while protecting all three of them would introduce risks I couldn’t entirely mitigate.

“Understood. So, the three of us will investigate the other dungeons, correct?”

“Yes. Once we gather information, we’ll share it with each other again.”

“I’m always ready to regroup. Naturally, at Satou Makoto’s house, right?” Karen said with an unmistakable smirk.

“No, at the Okutama branch office, of course.”

“Wha—!”

Her shock was unnecessary. There’s no way I’d invite Shion and Kanade to my place.

“Wait… Karen-san, have you been to Satou-san’s house before!?” Shion asked, her interest piqued for some inexplicable reason.

Kanade, meanwhile, was casting hesitant glances at me. Her cheeks were slightly flushed, though it was probably just my imagination.

“Of course! I’m Makoto’s best partner. Even Fuu-chan acknowledges that!” Karen said, brimming with pride.

“F-Fuu-chan? Is that… one of Satou-san’s family members!?”

“No, just my pet parakeet.”

“Fuu-chan is an important part of the family!” Karen exclaimed, clearly unfazed.

Well, she wasn’t wrong, but I didn’t think that was what Shion had meant.

Upon hearing that, Shion muttered softly, “That’s a relief…” What exactly was she relieved about?

“Besides, we’ve cooked together, and we’ve even played games,” Karen added nonchalantly.

“Kanade, what do you think of all this?” Shion turned to Kanade for support.

“Hmm… I guess it’s fine? They’re both adults, after all.”

“Wait, Kanade! Are you siding with Karen-san now?”

“Not really, but…”

Watching the three of them bicker noisily, the waitress wiping down a nearby table gave us a puzzled look.

“Anyway! From here on, we’ll split into two teams for the investigation!” I announced, scanning their faces to break the awkward atmosphere.

“Though I find it unbearable to be away from Taichi’s side… I’ll endure this trial!” Karen declared.

“It means he trusts us, right?” Shion said, tilting her head with a hopeful smile.

“Exactly. The three of you are undeniably strong. I guarantee it,” I replied with conviction.

“Hehe… If Satou-san says that, I feel like I can try my best. Right, Kanade?”

“Y-Yeah.”

“I’ll do my best too!” Karen chimed in.

Good. With this, we can efficiently handle the investigation. There’s no telling what dangers the dungeons hold, so we have to stay on guard.

◇

After parting ways with the three, I returned home just before sunset.

“I’m back!”

“Welcome back! Welcome back!”

As I stepped inside, Fuu-chan greeted me as usual, chirping for his food. His unchanged behavior put me at ease.

A lot has happened lately…

I never thought I’d end up exploring dungeons with two members of the Luna Stars. And Karen still seems convinced I’m some kind of Japanese ninja.

“Phew…”

I settled down in front of my computer and took a breath.

Maybe I’ll update my blog for the first time in a while. It might be good to write about today’s events as a warning to others.

—Brrr-brrr.

Just as I got started on my blog post, my phone began to ring.

Checking the screen, I saw 【Maruyama Iwao】 displayed.

“Hello, this is Satou.”

“—Hooin here. Are you free right now?”

Even over the phone, Hooin-san’s deep voice was distinctive.

“Yes, I’m free.”

“Heh heh heh… Good. Actually, your new weapon is finished.”

“Oh, really? That’s great news!”

“Yes. Come pick it up anytime. “Zwei Rabe” will undoubtedly serve you well… That’s all.”

With those mysterious words, the line went dead. Still as eccentric as ever… and so “Zwei Rabe” is the confirmed name, huh?

Well, it’s cool, so I can’t complain.

“That said, what should I do with the Rengoku Kirimaru…?”

I was quite attached to it. Should I keep it as a backup like Karen’s sub-arms? But I’m not sure I’m nimble enough to pull that off.

Anyway, I’ll keep it maintained. You never know when it might come in handy.

With that settled in my mind, I went back to finishing my blog post. About ten minutes later, I was done.

“Alright, that should do it.”

Stretching, I noticed it was completely dark outside. I must’ve been really focused.

“Phew, I’m wiped out.”

Tomorrow, I’ll head to Hooin’s workshop to pick up my new weapon. After that, I’ll dive into the Garden of the Gods.