Chapter 5: Summer Uniform

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The next morning, after completing my usual routine, I came to the Kamui household as always.

I remember Hina yesterday, she was unusually eager to convince her mom to go see a kabuki performance.

Greeted by the maid, we head together to Hina’s room.

As usual, the room standing alone in the garden has quite a presence.

The door opens, and Hina steps out, looking a little shy.

Changed from her usual uniform, her slightly lighter clothing makes me worry that her skin might show through.

“Hinata-kun…… w-what do you think?”

“!? I-It looks really good on you……”

“Is that so…… Ehehe……”

Just switching from her usual uniform to summer clothes completely changes her impression.

I can feel the maid smiling behind us, so I quickly use my skill to remove the Absolute Ice from her room.

That said, there’s more Absolute Ice than usual today, probably because it’s overflowing in response to Hina’s emotions. Even now, of course.

It’s not a problem within the range of my skill, but I get a little worried when I’m not around.

When Hina and I go to the living room, Shino, who’s always waiting for us, greets us.

“Ah~! Hina-chan in summer clothes! So cute~!”

“Thank you!”

That said, Shino doesn’t seem to have changed much……?

Noticing my gaze, Shino grins and narrows her eyes.

“Hinata-ku~n? What are you imagining?”

“N-Nothing…… I-I mean, Shino, you’re not in summer clothes, huh?”

“I prefer a uniform that’s easy to move in, so I have it custom-made. It’s pretty much like summer clothes all the time~”

True, Shino’s uniform is designed for mobility, with more exposure compared to a regular uniform.

“Hinata-kun’s summer clothes suit you too~ A guy in just a shirt is nice, isn’t it~”

“Yeah, yeah. Hinata-kun, it really suits you.”

“Ahaha…… thanks, both of you.”

Since today is the switch to summer uniforms, everyone will be in them.

It’s strange how just changing from the usual uniform makes everything feel fresh, but it’s a bit disappointing to think the unchanging daily routine is starting again.

It seems the Kamui household is also switching clothes; the maid’s uniform has become lighter, and Hina’s mom’s usual kimono is now a summer version.

After morning classes end, I come to the rooftop with Hina.

“Weather’s nice again today, huh~”

“Yeah. It’s getting hot soon, so eating outside might get tough.”

It’s not fully hot yet, but even on the open rooftop, I can feel the heat coming.

If it were just me and Hina, this heat wouldn’t bother us, but thinking of our other two friends, we’ll need to do something soon.

“It’s a shame we can’t eat on the rooftop……”

“Do you like it here, Hina?”

“Yeah! I used to feel anxious without walls, but coming here with you, Hinata-kun, I can look at the sky and far away as much as I want! Don’t you like it here, Hinata-kun?”

“No, I like it here too. Even when it rains and we gather here to eat lunch together, it’s a precious time for me. I’ve never done anything like this before.”

“Really……? Hehe. It’s kind of like a secret base, isn’t it?”

“Even though it’s wide open in all directions and anyone can come in.”

“That’s true. Hehe.”

Thinking about the heat, I set up a tarp I’d bought in advance.

Soon, Shino and Fujii-kun arrive and help out right away.

Once the tarp is up, we spread a leisure sheet underneath, set up a low table, and lay out our bentos.

At that moment, the door opens.

“Teacher~!”

Shino, noticing first, waves energetically.

Following her lead, we all turn and greet them.

“Huh? The teacher from the dungeon before?”

“Yeah. Name’s Kurogane. Nice to meet ya.”

“Nice to meet you~ I’m Shino! This is Hina-chan, Hiroto-kun, and Hinata-kun~”

Thanks to Shino’s quick introductions, the teacher joins us without any awkward distance.

Speaking of which…… I only learned the teacher’s name today.

“Sorry our principal’s always getting in the way.”

“Stop talking to me like I’m a kid.”

True, when the principal and Kurogane-sensei stand together…… they look like parent and child.

“Teacher, join us! Hina-chan, that’s okay, right?”

“Yeah! We have plenty of food, so it’s fine!”

“I appreciate it. I’ll join you then.”

Normally lively with four of us, adding two more makes six around the table.

Kurogane-sensei’s big frame makes it a bit cramped, but it brings us closer together, which has its own charm.

“Ah~! Can I take a picture? With you two as well~”

“I don’t mind.”

“I’m fine with it too. What’s it for?”

“I have a cute little sister far away, and I send her these every day~”

“Hoo……? A sister in the Kagura family?”

“Everyone’s little sister! Right~ Hinata-kun?”

“Yeah. Everyone’s little sister.”

I picture our little sister smiling happily at this exchange.

“I see. So, Hinata, you have a sister, huh?”

“Yes. One year younger.”

At that moment, the principal stares at me with wide, curious eyes.

“Hinata-kun.”

“Yes?”

“You have…… a sister?”

“Uh? Yes. My real sister.”

“……? I see. Thank you.”

The principal, seemingly lost in thought, casually reaches for the food on the table as if nothing happened. As usual, it’s all red stuff.

“Principal, you won’t grow big if you’re picky.”

“Muu…… I’m not a kid.”

“Yes, yes. Let’s eat some green too, okay?”

“Muu……”

Somehow…… they really seem like a real parent and child.

Thanks to the two newcomers, lunchtime becomes even more enjoyable.

“Hinata and the others are heading to a dungeon after this, right?”

“Yes. We’re planning to try a C-rank dungeon starting today.”

“Already C-rank, huh? Around here, that’d be…… C3?”

“That’s the plan.”

“Hm. No need to say it, but if anything happens, get out immediately.”

“Yes.”

The teacher probably knows Fujii-kun was involved in that irregular incident. Maybe that’s why he didn’t say anything more specific.

“The food was great, thanks.”

“It was delicious again today.”

“Principal~ You’ve got ketchup on your mouth.”

Shino quickly wipes the principal’s mouth with a handkerchief.

“Thank you.”

“No problem~ Principal, come again, okay?”

“Umu. I’ll come again.”

“You can come every day, you know?”

“Umu. I’ll come every day.”

Shino and the principal’s exchange warms my heart.

The principal has an elusive air about her, but when she’s with Shino or Kurogane-sensei, she gives off the impression of a very cute woman.

With their help cleaning up, our rooftop lunch gathering comes to an end.

“How nostalgic……”

Fujii-kun mutters quietly as he looks at the entrance to the C-rank dungeon.

“Fujii-kun…… you okay?”

“Yeah. Besides, irregulars don’t happen that often…… That day became a memory for me.”

“A memory?”

“When we were in despair, someone came to save us. They wore a mask, so I couldn’t see their face, and they spoke brusquely, but they were so kind…… If they hadn’t rushed in, I might not be here.”

T-That’s……

“So, I want to get stronger so I can properly thank them if I ever meet them again. To do that…… I have to face this place. So let’s go. Into the dungeon.”

“……Yeah.”

Overcoming that day takes extraordinary mental strength.

The news said that not only the explorers harmed that day but also those diving into Japan’s C-rank dungeons quit the trade, making it a social issue.

Fujii-kun must have a goal strong enough to ignore that.

A bit nervous, the four of us pass through the gate into our first C-rank dungeon.

The moment we enter, a hot breeze brushes past us.

It’s getting warm outside with summer approaching, but this heat is on another level. Hotter than a midsummer gust.

“C3. I’d heard about it, but it’s hot, huh?”

Shino looks to Hina for agreement.

Hina, with a cool expression, tilts her head as if to say, “Is it?”

“Oh, right. Thanks to your blessing, you don’t feel the heat much, huh~! You and Hinata-kun said you weren’t cold before too. Wait, Hinata-kun too?”

“Uh, yeah. Maybe because of my skill, it doesn’t feel hot to me either.”

Thanks to the skill “Fire Resistance” I got from blocking Akari-san and Touma-san’s attacks before, the hot wind feels like a regular breeze. Though I can still tell it’s hot somehow.

“Ugh…… You two are so unfair~ Hiroto-kun and I are already sweating~”

“Shino-chan? Want some water?”

“Yeah~”

Hina pulls a small water bottle from her magic bag, opens it, and hands it to Shino, who gulps it down eagerly.

“Thanks~! Alright, let’s do this~!”

She pulls out her weapon, swinging it around with gleaming eyes.

“Hehe. Shino-san’s always so energetic, huh?”

“Yeah. Let’s keep up so we don’t get left behind.”

The three of us chase after Shino as she dashes off.

She runs straight to a spot where a large, earthy-colored lizard-like monster waits.

About two meters long, with six thick legs and huge fangs.

“Shino! No frontal attacks!”

“Got it!”

Even with Shino’s speed, getting hit by those giant fangs would be dangerous.

I decide it’s better to fight using our team’s strengths.

Hina and Fujii-kun circle to the right.

“I’ll go first!”

Even from a distance, I hear him instantly and clearly thanks to the skill “Super Telepathy.”

Fujii-kun shoots an arrow while running.

It hits the base of the monster’s hind leg, making it roar in pain.

A slight miss would’ve been blocked by scales, showing Fujii-kun’s high skill.

While Shino keeps its attention, Hina moves toward its tail.

In a flash, she draws a black blade from the sheath at her waist and slashes the monster.

The thick tail, about a meter wide, falls off like it’s tofu being sliced.

As the monster flinches hard, Shino swings her tonfa, extending its chain to smack it right in the face.

With just one hit each from the team, the giant lizard collapses on the spot.

While Shino and Hina high-five, I stay wary in case the monster’s still alive.

I haven’t seen a monster play dead yet, but the dungeon.Concurrent guidebook warns about it, and as leader, the team’s safety comes first.

Confirming it’s not moving, I use the skill “Dismantling” and store the materials with “Dimensional Storage.”

“Leader? What now?”

“The first floor seems fine if we stay cautious, but it’s our first day. Shino, take the lead. We’ll all follow.”

“““Got it!”””

Shino, not wearing earphones, runs toward the next monster without hesitation.

She takes down one after another.

Shino never overdoes it, always drawing the monster’s attention first. She only extends her weapon to attack if it doesn’t flinch.

Fujii-kun and Hina don’t rush in recklessly either, timing their moves carefully.

It’s thanks to training under our master and discussing battle strategies.

Seeing Saito-kun’s party taught me that if one person falters, the whole team collapses, and Kurogane-sensei drilled that into us in the “Special Education Program.”

Instead of running solo because we’re strong individually, we entrust our backs to each other.

I can only watch their efforts from behind, but I’m glad to be part of this party.

“Ah~! Hinata-kun! Over there too!”

“Yeah! I’ll hold this one off! Take care of that one first!”

I face a monster that appeared from behind.

Its size could make me shrink back, but I’ve fought stronger monsters before.

The tyrannosaurus and giant bear from the dark dungeon “Lucifer’s Fall,” and even Master, Akari-san, and Touma-san’s strikes—none were monsters, but they were incredible.

Compared to them, I’m not worried.

Its big yellow eyes glare at me.

The next moment, it swings its huge fangs to attack.

I recall training with Master. At first, it was all meditation, but I never doubted his teachings or found them tough.

Later, sparring with Master, Hina, and Shino taught me a lot.

Especially Master’s movements.

Gaining the skill “Martial Arts” didn’t mean I could use it fully. Even when it evolved to “Martial King,” Master said I was wasting its potential.

So, by closely watching and feeling Master and everyone’s movements, I think I’ve started to understand the power of “Martial King” a little.

The monster’s huge fangs…… look like they’re almost stopped.

Dodging the fangs by a hair leaves it wide open.

I can’t miss this chance—but some monsters attack again with another part of their body. I hold back to see.

Seeing it swing its fangs again with no follow-up attack, I’m sure.

I dodge the second strike by a hair, and in the big opening, I slam my right fist into it.

As I strike, a small white aura wraps around my fist, sinking into the monster as I hit.

This is called “Fighting Spirit,” something that can strengthen the body or be used as an attack like this.

Master said it gets stronger with levels, and I thought I couldn’t use it at level 0, but thanks to “Martial King,” I can.

What I just used damages the inside without harming the outside.

Seeing the monster stop moving completely, it seems to have worked—good.

I keep an eye on it in case it moves again.

“Hinata-ku~n? It’s already over, isn’t it?”

“I’ve managed to hold this one off!”

“Hmm? No, no. The monster you’re facing is already dead you know?”

Glancing back, everyone’s watching me intently.

Shino pokes the monster lightly with her finger, and its huge body collapses.

“Ahaha…… Master’s technique is really amazing, huh?”

Until yesterday, we were in D-rank dungeons, and since Hina and the others were doing most of the work, I didn’t get a chance to try it. Finally testing it, it’s pretty effective.

“Hehe. Let’s leave it at that. Now the leader can fight too, huh~”

“Y-Yeah. On the first floor, I think I can manage.”

“Yep yep, Let’s all work together~”

““Yeah~””

Hina and Fujii-kun raise their fists with Shino.

Pulled along, I run with Shino.

Spotting a monster, we draw its attention together, and the fight begins with support from behind.

Facing the same enemy with everyone feels reassuring compared to alone.

We keep hunting on C3’s first floor for a few hours.

Right after leaving the dungeon, I use the skill “Clean” on everyone.

If I don’t do this, Shino and Hina would distance themselves.

Hina isn’t even sweating, though……

“Waah~ That was fun~!”

“We hunted a lot more than usual, huh?”

“Yeah, yeah. All thanks to Hinata-kun fighting alongside us~”

“Me!?”

Shino glances at me, then continues as if nothing happened.

“By the way, there really were fewer explorers……”

“D-rank still had a lot, though……”

“Irregulars don’t happen often, but maybe people just don’t want to come near. It let us hunt freely, but it’s a bit lonely.”

Fighting for hours on the first floor, we only saw a handful of parties.

D-rank dungeons still had dozens of parties per floor, but C3 seems avoided as “that dungeon.”

“This means materials will get pricier, and leader’s wallet will fatten up again~”

“I’m glad, but I’m a bit hesitant…… Maybe we should split it after all……”

“““We won’t take it~!”””

Their unwavering refusal makes me sigh involuntarily.

Is it really okay like this……?

“Hinata-kun~ do you want to sell for the materials before you go home?”

“Yeah. Some people might need the materials, so let’s sell them and go.”

“Oka~y. We’ll be waiting here~”

“Got it. I’ll be quick.”

While Shino and the others wait, I hurry into the purchase center in front of C3.

It’s quiet inside, not a single explorer around.

At the auto-purchase machine, I sell every material we got today.

“Desert Lizard Fang: 2,500 yen (additional +2,500 yen due to shortage)”

“Desert Lizard Skin: 200 yen (additional +200 yen due to shortage)”

The big fangs are in demand and sell high. As Shino predicted, prices are up due to the shortage.

Since one monster yields two fangs, if they’re undamaged, that’s 10,000 yen per monster.

Hunting at a crazy pace with Shino and the others, we took down over a hundred—totaling over a million yen.

D-rank materials were dirt cheap and never reached this amount. To think fangs could fetch this much in one day…… Should I really be managing this much money alone?

Feeling uneasy, I finish the auto-purchase and step outside, where everyone’s glaring at the dungeon with sour faces.

“I’m back. What’s wrong, everyone?”

“N-No! It’s nothing! So, how’d it go?”

“Yeah. Like Shino said, the shortage doubled the purchase price. And, uh, I wanted to discuss something……”

“Rejected.”

“I haven’t even said anything……”

“You were gonna say the payout’s too high and suggest splitting it, right~?”

“Am I really that easy to read!?”

“Yup!”

Fujii-kun chuckles watching me and Shino banter.

“The money just keeps piling up…… The balance is getting way too big……”

“Isn’t that fine?”

“It’ll keep growing like this, and having so much feels kind of troublesome……”

“Hmm. Then how about buying something big?”

“Something big, huh……”

On the way back to the Kamui house from C3, I think about what I might want to buy. But nothing comes to mind.