New chapter of Ordinary Person is out! (1/3 chapters)

 

 

Chapter 167

(Thank you for reading at bayabuscotranslation.com)

(POV switch – Jessica)

My name is Jessica. Jessica Edwards. I am an agent working for a certain nation.

I belong to a team assigned to gather information on the dungeons in Japan. I am still quite inexperienced, and the organizations and research facilities in Tokyo and Osaka, the ones established near the first dungeons, have yet to make use of me. Recently, I was finally stationed near the newly operational Nagoya Dungeon.

And it has been quite the ordeal. Truly, I have no idea where or how I should even begin gathering information. The organization I belong to provided me with a shabby apartment near the dungeon as my base of operations. From there, I visit shops that purchase dungeon-derived items, doing my best to collect information.

Aside from the guilds located directly before each dungeon, individual merchants and corporations handle the purchase of such items. These shops often double as covers for foreign agents, and exchanging information alongside trading goods has become part of my daily routine.

I even obtain the items I sell myself by venturing into the dungeon, an exhausting task. Still, it helps me learn the guild’s purchasing prices, and I sometimes form temporary parties with part-time explorers, gaining access to all sorts of useful information.

“Hi, Jessica. Heading to the dungeon again today? You are certainly diligent.” (Reina)

“Hi, Reina. Simply sending the item prices to headquarters will not pay the bills. Hi, Kayo.” (Jessica)

I am living under the guise of a low-level employee at a dungeon-related venture company. That is the false identity my superiors have provided me.

Shiraishi Reina and Gotou Kayo, these two were victims of the second incident that occurred at the Toyota Dungeon. Because of those two incidents, quite a few women quit working as explorers. Those who remained became wary of men. Everyone carries a certain tension in the air, making information gathering increasingly difficult.

And yet, my superiors have the audacity to order me to investigate a particular exploration party. Easy for them to say. Honestly.

“Only the two of you today? If you would not mind, could I join you?” (Jessica)

“The other two have plans today. But actually, we were supposed to team up with someone else. If he agrees, you are welcome to join.” (Reina)

“Will that be all right?” (Jessica)

Wait, did she say he? I can hardly believe these two would team up with a man. I thought it would take much longer for them to recover to that extent. Apparently, they have returned to university and resumed their work as explorers as well. Truly admirable.

Gotou seemed worried about whether that man would agree.

“Well, if not, we will look for someone else. It would be too dangerous for me to go solo.” (Reina)

Feeling somewhat guilty, I subtly encouraged them to persuade him, offering just a little guidance.

It is the truth, after all, so my words should not have sounded contrived.

“May I ask what made you decide to return?” (Jessica)

We still had time before departure. I knew it was a somewhat impolite question, but I could not help asking.

“Those bastards were all wiped out. Hiding away in the countryside, wallowing in despair, just began to feel ridiculous.” (Kayo)

“Kayo, yes, I suppose that was one reason.” (Reina)

The criminals were butchered by a certain group of explorers.

Only three survived, brought to the surface by the police. When the authorities arrived, the others had already been finished off by goblins. Of the three survivors, one died shortly after reaching the surface, most likely due to blood loss. Another survived, only to be stabbed to death in the hospital by his own mother, who saw him as a disgrace to the family. That case made national news. If I recall correctly, his name was Numata. The last one died while in police custody after interrogation. If this were America, it would surely have been a revenge killing carried out on someone’s behalf.

But this is Japan, so it was probably due to bullying by other prisoners or an assault by the guards.

“So that became a sort of turning point for you.” (Jessica)

“Something like that. And besides, I had to thank him and apologize too.” (Kayo)

“We said some awful things to them, even though they saved us.” (Reina)

That is understandable.

It was not their fault that the rescue did not come sooner. They had neither obligation nor duty to save others. Even so, wishing they had arrived in time, wishing to be saved, that is something one cannot help but feel.

Given their mental state at the time, uttering a few words of resentment was inevitable.

“And were you able to thank him?” (Jessica)

“Yes, I told him right away when we met.” (Reina)

“I was a little nervous.” (Kayo)

“And then he said, ‘I do not even remember, so please do not worry about it.’ Honestly, he was so calm, I could not tell who was the elder.” (Reina)

“That surprised me.” (Kayo)

It seems they have largely come to terms with the incident. Even so, with the public scrutiny, it must still be difficult for them. They are strong women. Perhaps I should use this time to ask about the man they will be teaming with today.

“So then–…” (Jessica)

“Ah, Kouta-kun, over here!” (Reina)

“Hey, over here!” (Kayo)

The boy leisurely walking toward us was the leader of Dungeon Fill Harmony, the very group that my superiors had instructed me to investigate.

 

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