After completing the exploration registration, you simply hold your Explorer License over the security door leading to the dungeon, and the dungeon exploration finally begins.
You there! Can I have a moment?
As I was heading toward the security door, a man who seemed to work for the Association called out to me. He was a young guy, probably in his late twenties.
What is it?
Is the purpose of your exploration today to receive the dungeon's blessing?
When you enter a dungeon, you become able to see your own stats and such. This is called the dungeon's blessing, and all third-year junior high students who have turned fifteen enter a dungeon once to receive this blessing. Suzuka's birthday is June 6, 1994, a day of terror, and Suzuka had also visited with his father to receive the dungeon's blessing.
Receiving the dungeon's blessing is an event generally done with a parent or guardian, an important occasion for parents too, where they defeat monsters and show off a good side to their children. However, a guardian is not strictly required, and some kids come with friends or even alone to receive the blessing.
No, I already received the blessing. I came here today to explore Zone 1 of the First Stratum.
Exploration... you say. In that case, I might be able to provide some useful information for your exploration, so could you spare a moment?
Saying this, the man assured me it would take less than five minutes and gestured for me to sit next to him on a nearby bench.
He's probably just being a busybody, right? A kid who just turned fifteen is about to enter a dungeon alone. He won't stop me, but maybe he'll give me some advice so I don't get killed.
Thinking that, I decided to honestly sit down beside him and hear him out. Aside from the memories of this world, I had only researched dungeons for a single day yesterday. I might get some valuable information, Suzuka thought as he took a seat on the bench.
First of all, regarding your exploration, will you be exploring with a party of family or friends?
No, I'll be alone.
Pardon me for asking, but may I inquire about your age and level?
Asking an explorer their level is generally discouraged. Explorers are constantly on edge about conflicts with each other. If one's level and stats become known, there is a risk of becoming prey for higher-level explorers. However, for a child who has just become an adventurer like Suzuka, their level is likely quite low, so there is less need to be overly cautious.
I'm fifteen, a third-year in junior high. My level is still 1.
Thank you. So, are you aware of the appropriate monsters for that level?
A Drunken Sheep that hasn't formed a herd?
Correct. And if no Teakettle Tanuki have appeared there, then you've researched quite well.
Both Drunken Sheep and Teakettle Tanuki are monsters that can be defeated from Level 1. However, Teakettle Tanuki can occasionally use a transformation ability. The creature they transform into is the Earthenware Pot Tortoise, another monster found in the same Zone 1 of the First Stratum, but its level is high, around 5 or above, and it uses water magic, making it an unsuitable opponent for a Level 1 explorer. Considering the risk, facing Drunken Sheep is the sole choice for Level 1.
If you aim to be an explorer, there are Explorer High Schools. If your goal is to raise your level, there are also Training Centers. Have you considered those options?
Yes. And after considering those options, here I am now.
Those who enter dungeons are not limited to those aspiring to be explorers. Raising your level grants you the benefits of increased stats. Training Centers are like classrooms that support leveling up to Level 10 in a relatively safe environment, intended for those seeking the benefits of stats. They are somewhat akin to a driving school.
Explorer High Schools, on the other hand, are vocational high schools specifically for becoming an explorer, as the name suggests. Most students who aim to be explorers attend Explorer High Schools. It's said that the majority of currently active explorers are graduates of these schools.
The benefits of attending an Explorer High School are significant. Not only can you carefully learn the fundamentals of being an explorer, but they also offer rentals of weapons and armor, and even teacher supervision during explorations. Of course, even for high school students, dungeons carry the risk of life-threatening accidents, but the major advantage is that by graduation, students grow to a level where they are no longer considered novice explorers.
Another attractive feature is that since Explorer High Schools are affiliated with the Explorer Association, the tuition fees are comparable to those of public high schools.
But that's a matter for high school. If Suzuka were to attend, it wouldn't be for another six months or more. Suzuka wants to enter the dungeon now. He'll decide whether or not to take the entrance exam when the time comes.
Understood. Finally, do you intend to use that as your weapon?
The staff member pointed at the object slung over Suzuka's shoulder: a metal baseball bat used in baseball. It was from his time playing Little League baseball. He had chosen a different club in junior high, so it had been gathering dust in the closet until he pulled it out.
There is a cost, but the Guild does offer rental equipment for beginners. Weapons are available, of course, as is armor. If you have a companion, we also offer firearm rentals. Would you like to use any of these services?
Even in this world, Japan has laws against swords and firearms, and there aren't handguns in every household. However, within dungeons, their use is permitted as a safe means to defeat monsters. Leveling up at Training Centers also predominantly involves using firearms.
Naturally, children cannot simply rent them alone and require a qualified person to accompany them, but compared to the Japan of the original world, the accessibility of firearms is vastly different.
Suzuka's attire was his school's designated jersey. His weapon was a metal baseball bat. He did not look at all ready to enter a dungeon. However, this gear was the result of Suzuka's own careful consideration for light equipment. He would have liked to borrow a shield at least, but he intended to challenge the dungeon as originally planned.
It's fine. I'll explore just like this.
Seemingly not expecting him to actually attempt exploration with that equipment, the staff member showed a momentarily surprised expression at Suzuka's reply.
With a metal bat...? Figures, it's Hachioji...
What about Hachioji?
Ah, pardon me. It was nothing.
The staff member muttered something involuntarily, but Suzuka couldn't quite catch it. Maybe something like, Well, I guess it's okay for the Hachioji Dungeon, or similar?
Initially, the staff member wore an expression that seemed to ask, Are you serious? However, in dungeon exploration, the explorer's will is respected above all else. Deeming any further comment would be indelicate, the staff member refrained from bringing up the matter of equipment again.
Thank you for your time. May the hero's blessing be upon you. Good luck.
With that, he gave a small bow and returned to his duties.