Chapter 6

A few days after diving into the dungeon "Spiraling Abyss."

"…It’s been a while."

Looking at the large building in front of me, I mutter.

—The Dungeon Training School.

A place to learn the techniques of dungeon exploration, and now, most active explorers have graduated from here. I am one of them.

Immersed in nostalgic feelings, I enter the training school. I open the door to the principal’s office, which is at the end of the top floor of the main building.

"Hey, I’ve been waiting for you, Rekt."

A woman with dark blue hair, leaning on her desk, confirms my presence and smiles.

"It’s been a while, Instructor Karina."

"I’m the principal now."

Then, I will call you Principal Karina from now on.

Principal Karina was my homeroom teacher when I was a student at the training school. She is a woman with a beauty that turns heads and a mysterious aura, and was popular among male students in the past. Her appearance has hardly changed since then, so she must still be a sight to behold for healthy male students.

However, her excellence is not limited to her appearance. Her skills are top-notch even as an explorer, and she was also very good at teaching.

It’s no wonder she became the principal.

"We’ve met a few times since graduation, but… it’s quite a moving experience to meet again here at the training school. I never thought that the former underachiever Rekt would become such a distinguished explorer."

"…It’s thanks to your teaching, Principal."

"Hmph, you say that. Despite hardly paying attention in class."

Slightly pouting, Principal Karina murmured.

"Anyway, Rekt. There are a few things I want to talk about."

Saying that, the principal pointed to the door of the room. Particles of light gathered on the doorknob, and the door closed by itself.

"Your use of elements is as delicate as ever."

"Well, I don’t have much else to offer. It’s the complete opposite of you."

Saying that, the principal slowly took a newspaper from a drawer in the desk.

"This room is soundproof, so our conversation won’t leak. …I was shocked to the point of my eyes popping out when I saw the front page of the recent newspaper. ‘Labyrinth Slayer, Retired’… it was a prominent headline."

The principal brought up a topic that should not be discussed.

That’s why she had me come to this room and closed the door.

"I’ve heard a brief summary from Misha, but you want to keep your identity hidden, right?"

I nod in response to her question.

The principal was my homeroom teacher when I was a student. Naturally, she knows my true identity.

"Yes. As the newspaper says, the Labyrinth Slayer has retired. In this changing era, a person who can only destroy dungeons should disappear from the public eye as soon as possible."

As I told Misha, I felt the limits of my activities.

Monster attacks are occurring one after another around the world. It’s impossible to solve this problem by just destroying dungeons.

The era no longer needs experts like me, who specialize in destroying dungeons.

"In the future, I intend to support the young people who will shape the future as a teacher."

"I still think you’re young."

I hear the same thing from the principal as I did from Misha.

"With the name value of the Labyrinth Slayer, the training school would likely be very popular… but it can’t be helped. As the principal, I’m disappointed, but as someone who knows you well, I respect your decision. I will cooperate."

"Thank you."

I bow, and the principal smiles.

"Rekt, take this."

Saying that, the principal hands me a document she had on the desk.

"What is this?"

"It’s a document listing the element levels of the students you will be in charge of. It’s confidential, so handle it with care."

After receiving the explanation, I casually check the contents.

"…There are a lot of students."

"Unlike the past, which was unstable, the profession of explorer is now relatively stable. As a result, the number of students has increased dramatically."

With the increase in students, additional teachers were recruited.

For me, this has become a source of income, which is fortunate.

"Is there anything else you notice?"

In response to the principal’s question, I read the document again and answered.

"Overall, the levels seem high."

"That’s right."

The principal nods.

"Thanks to the recent ease of dungeon exploration, the skills of children aspiring to be explorers have improved. …It might be the arrival of what is commonly called the golden generation."

The principal continues.

"But because of this, some students have become a bit arrogant. …I want you to take on the role of bringing these students down to earth."

I think for a moment before answering her request.

"Um… I’m not good at that kind of thing."

"I know. But that’s why you’re the right person for the job."

The principal smiles.

What does she mean by that?

"Can’t you openly bully the students? The key is subtlety. …You’re the kind of person who seems to lack energy most of the time, but when the time comes, you do something incredible. …Just act normally. It should be a bitter pill for the students."

"Ha."

It was a bit ambiguous whether I was being praised or criticized.

"Well, it’s about time for the homeroom period. Go to the classroom."

"…Excuse me."

With a somewhat complex feeling, I left the room.

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