Chapter 12, Isn’t This Basically a Dismissal

Translator: Lizz

 

On the eleventh floor of a certain skyscraper, four explorers file into an office that looks ordinary at first glance.

 

“Hey! You’re back, Ai! Good work out there.”

 

“…Yeah, I’m back.”

 

The company president greets them personally, but the woman called Ai responds listlessly.

 

Her hair is a two-tone mix of gold and pink. With her almond-shaped eyes and a height of 175 centimeters, she has the appearance of a model.

 

She’s dressed in a voluminous sleeved top and a mermaid skirt, an outfit that’s hard to imagine from someone coming straight from a dungeon.

 

The other three wear light armor, which makes her appearance stand out even more. No one in the office seems to care.

 

This is Team Dead End, a talent agency for streamers founded by Fukurokouji Michimune, its current President.

[T/N: Fukurokouji means dead end]

 

Live streamers are people who earn money through live broadcasts, and this group mainly stream their dungeon explorations.

 

Without asking for permission, Ai enters the President’s office and flops onto a black leather sofa.

 

“Ugh, I’m so drained. Dealing with viewers is seriously exhausting. Hey, bring me some tea.”

 

“Sure.”

 

The male explorer she asks quickly runs off to prepare the tea. As they pass each other, Michimune enters and flashes Ai a friendly smile.

 

“This dungeon run was a huge success again. At this rate, making it into the top rankings is just a matter of time. Thanks to you, our agency’s performance is skyrocketing.”

 

“Well… dungeon streaming is about what you’d expect. Hey, where’s that tea?”

 

“Sorry to keep you waiting!”

 

Ai glances at the green tea placed on the table, then sits up and glares at the man.

 

“I asked for black tea, didn’t I?”

 

“Oh, uh, you did? I’m sorry.”

 

“This is exactly what’s wrong with you. How many times do I have to correct you? Go get me some black tea.”

 

“Y-yes.”

 

The male explorer quickly scurries out of the room to prepare it. The other two explorers look uncomfortable, while the president keeps smiling.

 

“People like him who can’t pick up on things aren’t great. Should we switch him out?”

 

“He’s still usable, so whatever. Anyway, President? Why did you call us here? I’m tired after the dungeon run.”

 

“Sorry about that. Actually, I’ve got a great business opportunity for you.”

 

At the mention of a business opportunity, Ai’s eyes gleam sharply. Twenty-nine years into life, she’s always had a keen nose for money.

 

“Everyone, take a look. This is a big project.”

 

With that, the president places a sheet of paper on the table. The title reads ‘Team Dead End Special Live’.

 

The location is listed as the Dark Dragon’s Den, one of the most famous and difficult dungeons in Japan. The date hasn’t been set yet.

 

“The Dark Dragon’s Den is the hottest dungeon right now, isn’t it? But it’s so hard that no one’s been able to go deep into it.”

 

“Exactly. No team has ever gone beyond the lower levels of that dungeon. That’s why we want you, Ai… to set a new, unprecedented record. This time, the whole company’s going to back you up.”

 

At that moment, the man from earlier walks quickly into the room and offers tea while bowing his head. Ai picks up the teacup without showing much interest.

 

“So if the whole company is backing us up… that means you’ll lend us the agency’s elite team too, right?”

 

“Hm? Yeah, I don’t mind. I can say whatever’s needed to bring them over.”

 

“I see. Then I’ll do it.”

 

“It’s settled then.”

 

Michimune is beaming with joy.

 

“Alright. Then please remove the three people here starting today.”

 

“Huh?”

 

“What?”

 

“…Excuse me?”

 

The three explorers, who have been listening from the sidelines, can’t hide their confusion. But the president doesn’t seem concerned and nods.

 

“Alright. I’ll assemble the best members, so you three will be on standby until the new team is formed. But let’s see… once the members are ready, it’s best to do a test run. I’ll have you explore a few random dungeons first-”

 

“W-wait a moment!”

 

One of the female explorers, who has been silent until now, gathers her courage and steps forward.

 

“Isn’t this basically a dismissal? We’ve worked so hard with Ai until now, and suddenly we’re just-”

 

“No no, I’m the only one who actually did anything.”

 

Just as the female explorer tries to argue back, Ai responds with unexpected words.

 

“You were just support. So I wouldn’t say we worked hard together, right, President?”

 

“That’s right. Watch your mouth. You’re dismissed now. We’ll inform you about what’s next later.”

 

The other explorers bite their lips in frustration, but they can’t go against the two. Even as they quietly leave, the President and the popular streamer show no concern.

 

“Also, Ai. You’ve been playing around a bit lately, haven’t you? Keep it moderate. We need to avoid damaging your image.”

 

“I know, I know. It’s fine, it’s fine.”

 

“And… it’s hard to say, but I need you to put more effort into fan service. There’s a fan event coming up, so-”

 

“Huh? Why do I have to do fan service?”

 

Ai’s expression turns sour at the new work request.

 

“Well, lately… a lot of streamers are getting really popular. You know, um, who was it again… the one that shows up a lot recently… Aoi, I think?”

 

“Aoi?”

 

That was a landmine of a remark. Michimune doesn’t realize he just mentioned the name of someone who threatens Ai’s status of the top-streamer.

 

“That little girl’s going to surpass me… is that what you’re saying?”

 

“No, not at all! I didn’t mean it like that!”

 

“There’s no way I’d be outdone by some kid!”

 

“Uwah?!”

 

Ai kicks the table. It lifts into the air right in front of the President and crashes against the wall behind him.

 

(You idiot!)

 

She can’t say it out loud to the President, but the expression on her face makes her thoughts painfully clear. Without another word, she storms out of the room wearing the look of a demon.

 

“What’s with her? So jealous it’s ridiculous. Well, whatever – she can’t say no to me. Our company’s about to rise big time.”

 

Left alone in the room, the President continues to smile.

 

To him, people’s emotions are just things that can be manipulated with money. That belief has guided his life so far, and he has no intention of changing.

 

“Alright. I’ve got the deal locked in, so maybe I’ll take a break and watch some TV.”

 

Now feeling at ease, he turns on the television in the room, and a news program comes on.

 

“News shows are boring… huh?”

 

But something on the screen grabs his full attention.

 

It’s a report about a popular explorer who was attacked by an Irregular during a live dungeon stream.