Chapter 6

“Look at this. Playing in the fountain at the park—don’t you think that’s a privilege for kids, Onee-san?”

“Yeah… but, um… you are drinking an energy drink in the blazing sun. Why again?”

“Do you know? Usually, energy drinks can’t be consumed by kids under, like, twelve. It’s so tasty, but kids who like juice can’t drink it. Isn’t there a special feeling of superiority in drinking it while knowing they can’t?”

“Yeah… I don’t feel that. But honestly, I don’t dislike it when you make such ridiculous statements, onee-san.”

“Ah! Hah! That’s why guys are naughty! You’re seducing me just like that!”

Why does she randomly slip into a weird dialect sometimes…?

“But still, I’m happy to see that side of you again. Once we finish these, let’s head home and think about what comes next.”

“…Alright. We’ll go home after drinking.”

In the mid-afternoon park, drinking an energy drink while watching kids with her—leaving aside the sense of superiority—it tasted even better, like twenty percent better, thanks to the contrast with the high temperature.

“Thanks for the drink. Akira, you’ve grown up somehow. You’ve got this sense of composure… I’m kind of frustrated.”

“Maybe… I think I know why.”

“Hmm, me too. The [Experience Points ×10]… it applies to all experiences, you know.”

“Right. Even though it was only two months, the experience of living as an ‘explorer’… and the experience of dying. Leaving someone behind when you die. That means even ‘life experience’ is accumulated tenfold.”

Yes, before graduating I gained [Experience Points ×10], debuted as an explorer, started dungeon exploration with her, and by late April… I was poisoned to death.

Such a short period, yet it was dense and meaningful.

Moreover… the memory and experience of dying while poisoned, as if sleeping, were also accumulated. Since [Experience Points ×10] applied, it’s no wonder I’ve become somewhat adept at controlling my emotions.

“Do you think I’ve lost my charm?”

“Not at all. You’re still my cute apprentice, my employer, my partner.”

“Good… then let’s head home.”

After finishing our drinks, I lightly kicked the can in a juggling motion and sent it into the trash. Watching it arc perfectly into the bin, I made a small fist pump in my heart.

It seems the fine motor skills and body control were also carried over.

“Phew! Nice! Then I’ll try it too!”

“You’re wearing a long maid dress—it’s not the time for that.”

“No way! I won’t allow you to monopolize the kids’ attention. Hey kids! Watch me do the same thing!”

Competing with me, she performed the same juggling trick and neatly shot the can into the trash. Unlike me, hers didn’t arc; it flew straight and sharp, sinking cleanly in. The kids were impressed.

…She’s still top-notch. When it comes to body control, she’s far ahead of me.
To raise me, she had all sorts of knowledge about Earth, and even the practical knowledge to move her body accordingly.

I felt a little relieved. I had worried that I might have surpassed her after inheriting everything, but she will always remain ahead. That made me happy and reassured.

“Alright, Akira. Let’s head home. We need to decide the future together.”

“Yeah, let’s decide together.”

She didn’t say, “It’ll be fine if we follow my plan.”
Once, she used to teach and guide me in that style.
But now, she says “together.” That small change made me very happy.

As the sun began to set, we walked home discussing some future plans. She seemed curious about something and asked me on the way.

“Alright, question from onee-san. Akira, it’s midsummer now—July 23. Last time I appeared in February, but this time much earlier. Why? Why did you receive the ‘dungeon’s blessing’ during summer break?”

“Honestly, it was a total coincidence. This time I chose to continue school, not become an explorer. It just so happened this happened.”

I explained how a gust of wind the day before summer break blew my course preference sheet out the window. That was all. Such a tiny coincidence, yet it set me on a completely different path from last time.

“…Now that you remember everything, Akira, what do you want to do? Will you prioritize becoming an explorer again?”

“No… being a ‘student’ gives me a sort of backing—the school itself. Also… some students probably belong to famous explorer clans. It’s perfect for building connections. I’ll gain some recognition at school while taking on dungeons.”

“I see. Then I’ll have more alone time. I’ll challenge some dungeons solo to train myself. You seem to have your explorer license, after all.”

“Got it. Then I’ll focus on studying for the license. Luckily, I remember last time, so that’s easy. The real challenge is advancing my studies and practical assignments at school.”

“Probably, the [Experience Points ×10] applies to studying too. Maybe you should focus on ‘training to control your overly strong self’ instead.”

“No, I won’t hold back. It’s fine if people think it’s abnormal. ‘Meiou Exploration Academy’ isn’t just domestic; countries that take dungeon exploration seriously can’t ignore it. If I establish my status there, it’ll be more than enough backing.”

“…Are you sure? Being too strong sometimes keeps people away, even friends. You might end up walking a solitary path.”

“But you’re there, onee-san.”

“…! Hah! Again with trying to make me happy! You naughty, naughty boy!”

“Hey, I’m just honestly trusting you.”

I understand what Sis is saying, but it’s still necessary.

That academy… I believe it holds more power over dungeons than even the Japanese government.

So first, I need to make my position there unshakable.

For now, I’ll seriously focus on academics… maybe even aim for top of the class.

When I got home and decided to just boil some somen for dinner, Sis said, “You can’t just do that—you won’t be satisfied with it,” so I reluctantly prepared some toppings.

Fortunately, there were still plenty of ingredients in the fridge. I silently thanked my parents for having stocked the house until two days ago and used them up.

“Ah, so your parents were here until the day before yesterday… Sis, I actually know about them too.”

“Ah, I knew it. You were with them when you were a kid, right? In the first round?”

“Yes. And I was there, closer than anyone else, watching the two who lost their young child.”

Even as she spoke casually, her eyes seemed filled with a deep despair.

…I thought I’d like to introduce her to my parents someday. Even if it doesn’t change anything.

“Akira, what will you do from tomorrow? Can you manage the entrance exams just by studying at home?”

“Honestly, I think as long as I attend school classes, it’ll be fine. And since [Experience Points ×10] applies, I’m effectively studying ten times more than anyone else.”

“In that case, I have a little advice… no, think of it as just an idea. How about using it as self-training, too, by fighting at training facilities in Ginza or Shinjuku? You’ll make your presence known at this stage. You won’t actually be facing dungeons, so dangerous people shouldn’t target you. But your recognition will rise. By the time you enter the academy, it could give you a head start.”

“I see… that’s good. During summer break, the training facilities even hold PvP tournaments. Perfect for making a name.”

With that, my true second-round plan was set, and I would start acting from tomorrow.

The day I was supposed to be killed is April 18 next year.

I will do everything in my power to prevent that.

Since I’m taking a different path than last time, I don’t expect the same outcome—but it’s not guaranteed.

So… I decided to do everything I can.

First, I’ll raise my recognition and aim to top the entrance exams… that’s the first goal.