Vol. 1 Chapter 1 - Fateful Encounter

The Underground Dungeon.

It was a day unlike any other. A mysterious alternate world suddenly emerged into the realm. Within the dungeon’s depths, numerous secrets and treasures lay dormant.

However, it wasn’t as simple as obtaining everything for free.

Inside the dungeon, creatures unlike humans dwelled. People referred to these beings as monsters, as if they had sprung forth from anime and manga, and individuals seeking to defeat these monsters emerged, aiming to make a fortune.

But the monsters within the dungeon were formidable. Faced with creatures that modern weapons couldn’t even begin to contend with, humanity quivered with anxiety and fear.

—It was at this time that a savior emerged to save the world.

They would later be called the “Awakened.”

They possessed unique abilities and astounding physical prowess, systematically driving away the monsters. Gradually, these superhumans became a part of the population, and over time, numerous Awakened were born.

Before anyone realized it, a decade had passed since the dungeons first appeared.

In society, the occupation of those who conquered dungeons, known as “Seeker Explorers,” became commonplace.

These individuals, with abilities surpassing humans, were admired and respected by those who couldn’t become Awakened.

A trend known as “Dungeon Streaming” emerged on certain online platforms, and the world itself shifted significantly, revolving around dungeons.

…However, there were inevitably those who couldn’t adapt to this trend.

People like me.

It would be a lie to say I hadn’t admired the explorers I saw on TV a few years ago.

—I too, wanted to venture into dungeons with companions and have adventures, just like them!

Yes, I had dreamt of it multiple times.

However, only those who awakened talents known as “Skills” could enter dungeons. The blossoming of these Skills was shrouded in mystery—conditions and timing were uncertain. Some individuals awakened suddenly one day.

A nine-year-old girl was among the earliest to manifest a Skill.

Yet, at sixteen, I showed no signs of Skill manifestation. Without a Skill, I couldn’t benefit from the newfound energy source called “Mana,” an unknown energy that had appeared in the world.

According to one theory, only those compatible with this Mana could be blessed with Skills.

There were instances of men in their fifties awakening to powerful Skills, and I hadn’t completely given up yet… but after dreaming for years, it wasn’t strange to think, “I’m not special.”

In simple terms, I had given up.

Having lost all motivation and sociability, even if I wasn’t an explorer, I was just an ordinary person.

I couldn’t get along with my classmates, didn’t have close friends. My parents worked long hours, leaving the house empty, and I was forced into living alone once I entered high school.

Of course, I had no lover or pet. If asked about good relations with neighbors, I hadn’t even spoken to them.

…My life was endlessly dull, lacking excitement.

However, even I had a few acquaintances.

“…The rain’s really coming down.”

Inside classroom 2-3, I gazed out of the window while sitting at my desk.

School had already ended for the day. Ignoring the noisy classmates around me, I was lost in thought about how to spend my upcoming holiday.

Suddenly, a voice interrupted my reverie. It was a female voice.

“Quite the rain we’re having. Oh, and be sure to watch the morning news. Did Inukai-kun bring an umbrella?”

“…Kanzaki-san.”

Turning my gaze toward the source of the voice, I found a familiar black-haired beauty standing next to me.

Her name was Shiori Kanzaki.

She was a fellow second-year student in class 2-3. Her immaculate appearance and long, beautiful black hair radiated an aura of traditional elegance.

For me, though, she was just a classmate. Her sudden approach caught me off guard, though I had come to expect her friendly gestures.

“Just in case. I have a folding umbrella, so I’ll be fine on my way home.”

Though I responded curtly, Kanzaki-san didn’t seem to mind, returning my words with a smile.

“Got it. Well, be careful on your way home. Although they say Gates don’t open as often these days, you still might get attacked by scary monsters if you don’t head straight back. Just kidding!”

With that, she waved goodbye and left the classroom.

I thought about whether she really needed to go out of her way to talk to me, but I appreciated her kindness as I stood up from my desk.

Stuffing my textbooks and belongings into my bag, I walked past the bustling noise of the classroom and left.

Heading down the stairs to the landing for second-year students, I changed into my outdoor shoes. As I observed the colorful array of umbrellas held by the students, I pulled out a folding umbrella from my bag and opened it up.

The sound of raindrops pattering against the umbrella created a unique melody as I ventured through the gate and out into the world outside.

It would take about twenty minutes to reach my house.

Strolling leisurely on the rain-drenched asphalt, I let my thoughts wander.

After a while, I entered a residential area near my house.

Perhaps due to the presence of many elderly couples, there wasn’t much foot traffic around my home during this time. Even the nearby intersections saw little activity, with people seldom passing through except in the early morning or evening.

Gradually, the sound of rain enveloped the world around me.

An unremarkable paved road. Hedge fences and walls. Nothing but mundane scenery stretching far and wide.

Today was no different from any other day. The only exception might have been Kanzaki-san’s unexpected conversation.

Walking along this straight path, memories of just a while ago resurfaced in my mind. Suddenly, my gaze was drawn to something out of the ordinary.

It was a cardboard box placed near a utility pole. Peeking out from within it was… a creature with bluish-white fur.

“…A dog?”