Chapter 81

After the intense battle with the dragon, we explored for a while longer before returning to the clan home.

"I'm back."

"Ah, everyone, welcome back. You're home earlier than expected."

As I entered the home, three small, youthful-looking boys who handle all the administrative tasks for the clan greeted me.

Hmm? I didn’t say anything wrong, did I?

One of them spoke to us as we returned.

This boy's name is Miles Rampling. He is fifteen years old.

Miles has the ability called "Cloning," which allows him to multiply his body.

Moreover, all of these clones share the same memories and thoughts.

To be honest, it seems like an ability that could drive you crazy if you use it.

The definition of "self" would become ambiguous, and I would be too scared to use it.

"Yeah, thanks to Fuka's idiocy."

"Don't be so rude. I didn't go overboard, you know?"

"Ha!? You scattered magic stones all over the place as soon as we reached the 90th floor! Who are you to say that!?"

"But Halt said we needed a lot of dragon scales."

"True, but he meant over time! That's why we started exploring the dungeon in the morning!"

"Is that so?"

Pointed out by Kati, Fuka finally seemed to grasp the full extent of today's plan.

Yeah, from now on, I'll only let Fuka carry the minimum amount of magic stones.

"Hehe... Fuka is as usual, I see."

"Today was the worst in recent times..."

"Ah, right. Father is waiting in the reception room. Could the leader and Fuka please go to the reception room?"

Miles' father is the head of the Rampling Viscount family.

A few years ago, we saved Miles from some bandits, and he felt grateful. Since then, he has been helping the clan, and his father has been providing financial support.

We didn't do anything major, but they are a conscientious family.

"It's rare for him to come here. Understood. Fuka, let's go."

◇

I led Fuka to the reception room.

Inside the reception room, an elderly man with a distinguished beard and a maid were waiting.

"Sorry to keep you waiting, Alph."

"You're back earlier than expected."

"We managed to gather what we needed sooner than planned. Still, it's rare for you to come here. Is there an urgent matter?"

"I just came to see my son. And I have a favor to ask of you."

"What is it?"

"It's about the thanksgiving festival being held in two weeks. You know there's a martial arts tournament, right?"

"Sure. I'm not interested, so I've never participated or watched."

"In the past, most participants were officers from the central army and the provincial army, and B-rank or lower explorers. A-rank and higher explorers rarely participated. Duke Fogas doesn't like this situation. This time, he plans to create an opportunity for high-level explorers to compete. He even contacted me directly."

"Troublesome. So you want me and Fuka to participate?"

"In short, yes. I'm sorry, but the Duke is the one asking. We can't refuse."

"Regardless of me, is the Duke crazy to let Fuka participate? If she joins, she will definitely win, right?"

"I know Fuka is strong, but is she that strong?"

"The martial arts tournament is fought without magic, using only martial arts and abilities. Fuka's physical abilities are extraordinary, and her ability is undoubtedly one of the strongest. Even with magic, no one can beat her, so without it, there's no way anyone can win. Right, Fuka?"

"......Probably?"

Since entering the room, Fuka had been eating sweets like a baby squirrel and gave an ambiguous answer when I asked her.

"It's rare for you to be modest. Is it going to snow tomorrow? Oh no... I already put away the winter clothes."

"I'm not being modest. I really don't know."

Well, this guy doesn't joke around.

"......Indeed, the hero is strong, but is she so strong that even you can't beat her? I didn't feel that strong."

"I can beat the hero. I'm talking about Orun."

Huh? Can't beat Orun?

Orun is an explorer we met during the joint hunt.

He was a pretty easy-going guy.

Originally, he was part of the hero's party and is now with the "Silver Hare of the Night Sky."

What a journey!

My impression of him is that he's a thoughtful guy.

He didn't have the aura of a strong person, and his physical abilities weren't outstanding.

But he was skilled and filled in the gaps in the party well.

When I heard that he had defeated a deep floor boss alone, I was skeptical.

But it seemed to be true, and I probably just couldn't gauge his true strength.

I didn't feel like he was hiding his abilities.

Maybe he has an incredible ability.

Also, he's called a dragon slayer now, but doesn't today's me deserve the title more?

What? Lower-level regular dragons and deep floor bosses are completely different? Ah, I see.

Let's get back on track.

"......Indeed, he is strong, but it shouldn't matter in front of you, right?"

"......The serious Orun is definitely a monster. But since he was holding back during the joint hunt, I said 'probably.'"

...He was holding back. I didn't notice at all.

Even my observation skills, which I was somewhat confident in, are inferior to Fuka's. My existence value... I'm about to cry.

Joking aside, if this guy says so.

Fuka's ability is "Future Vision."

She can see a little into the future.

That alone is a huge advantage, but Fuka also has physical abilities and combat sense far surpassing those of ordinary people.

Even before her ability manifested, the strongest swordsman in her homeland said she would definitely surpass him.

In fact, since becoming an explorer, Fuka has never even been scratched.

Her sword skills are far superior to Oliver Cardiff, who was called a Sword Saint before being called a hero.

Such an absurd existence can't be sure of beating Orun?

"Ha... Alright, I understand. We'll participate in the martial arts tournament. We owe a lot to Alph. We can lose with a decent ranking, right?"

"No, I want you to give it your all."

"......Why? A decent result should be fine."

"It's simple. I don't want to see you lose."

"Is it okay with the Duke?"

"I've already taken care of it. It's fine. Go ahead and win."

Sigh, unreasonable demands from sponsors are everywhere.

But Alph has always let us do as we please without giving us specific instructions.

We have a good sponsor.

Since it's his heartfelt wish, we'll give it our all this time.

"Can't be helped. Fuka, let's aim for the championship."

"Got it. I'll give it my all, even against Halt."

"No, hold back... I'll die."

Thank you for reading to the end.

This concludes Chapter 2.

◇ Announcement ◇

So far, I have been updating daily, but due to the lack of stock and the need to work on book publication, I plan to reduce the update frequency.

I aim to update at least once a week, and if possible, I will add more updates.

I apologize to the readers who have been looking forward to the updates, but I hope for your understanding.

The next update is scheduled for 7 PM on March 26th (Friday).

I plan to update every Friday at 7 PM (subject to change).

I hope you continue to enjoy my work.