At the Adventurers Guild, Supervisor Morimoto Masachika was reviewing a report sent by an investigator regarding a new case of adventurer killings.
(Of all the people who could be involved... to think it was him.)
The document in his hands contained information about Kishibe.
(Kishibe Kirei. A man who dabbles in adventuring as a hobby but works under yakuza boss Kunugi Renya.)
He clicked his tongue in frustration.
"Not only is he connected to the yakuza, but he's also that guy's sworn brother?"
The next document detailed the surviving victims.
"Sakurai Teruhiko, Rank D."
"An A-rank and A+-rank team. Undoubtedly powerful—no wonder Kishibe and his group couldn't win against them."
"The only one left is you."
The next document had a photo of Yuuya.
"Yukimiya Yuuya, Rank E."
Just as Morimoto was eyeing the documents skeptically, his phone rang.
◇◇◇
A Cold, Rainy Night – Hotel Room
The dim glow of a bedside lamp flickered across the walls as a sweaty middle-aged man unzipped a suitcase, stacks of cash spilling onto the bed.
"Three million yen... it's everything I have."
His voice trembled.
"Please..."
"I want you to kill someone."
A shadowed figure lounged in the armchair, lips curling into a thin, humorless smile.
"Understood."
◇
A Week After the Incident with Kishibe
Honestly, I'm getting sick of this.
It's not like I'm getting interrogated every day or anything.
No, that's not it.
What I'm tired of are these low-rank dungeons.
The money you can make here is absolute peanuts.
And the worst part? My level won't budge.
I thought maybe killing those guys would bump me up, but no dice.
In a way, that's a good thing—if I had to rank up through murder, I'd be no better than them.
But damn, I really want to get into better dungeons. I need more cash.
I was sprawled out on my bed like a lazy cat when my phone buzzed.
A message from the Adventurers' Guild.
"Weird... They never message me unless it's an audit. I'm just some E-rank nobody to them."
The message read:
[URGENT REQUEST] Adventurers' Guild seeks immediate assistance. Estimated reward: 100,000 yen upon completion.
"100,000 yen?!"
Now that's real money.
"And they didn't specify ranks... So they're spamming every available adventurer?"
"Wait, does this mean the app's actually tracking our locations? Is that even legal?"
"Huh, whatever. Free cash!"
The details said it was a D-rank dungeon run—magic stone retrieval.
"A direct request from the Guild? Did some big shot's kid get in trouble?"
"Hold up... Don't tell me Sakurai's involved again."
I pictured Sakurai surrounded by an entourage of bodyguards.
But screw it. I needed the money.
I hit Accept and headed out immediately.
◇
I arrived in a hurry to find a small group already assembled. Only two faces were familiar—people I'd met on my first day in this world, during that dungeon disaster.
"Leader Guuji, Tenka-san... long time no see."
They stared blankly at me.
"Sorry, do we know you?"
"My bad—I look different now." I flashed my adventurer license. "Yukimiya Yuuya."
Their reactions were priceless.
"Wha—!?"
"Yuuya-kun!?"
"Impossible!"
I chuckled. "Yeah, even I can't believe it."
Guuji nearly bit his tongue. "Wait... really? You're completely unrecognizable!"
Tenka's expression was more complicated—surprise mixed with something like... embarrassment?
"You look like a different person."
"Thanks for noticing. Been training hard."
"I see... I'd forgotten." Guuji bowed deeply. "About that day—my carelessness nearly got you killed. No matter how much I reflect, it was my fault for not checking our route—"
"Don't apologize. My own negligence caused it."
"Same goes for you, Tenka-san. I'm grateful you helped me. If you're blaming yourself, you're wrong—I dragged you into it."
"..."
She looked away again.
(Not what's bothering her?)
"Anyway... to change this much in six weeks."
"Yeah, everyone says that."
——Just then, a guild van arrived. Two officials stepped out.
"Seems we're all here. Your cooperation is appreciated."
"Details are as messaged. We'll brief you in person."
"I'm Chief Inspector Morimoto Masachika, Rank A 'Dark Knight.'"
"My partner, Getou Kifune, Rank B 'Thief' examiner."
"And our VIP..." Getou reached into the van like a talent scout unveiling a star.
Out tumbled a red-haired girl in a white lab coat—my age, with striking blue eyes and an analytical gaze.
She took one step—
"Kyaa!"
—and faceplanted.
"..."
"She's why we're here."
"You okay?"
"…Yeah."
(She's the clumsy type.)
"Nitta Mikumi, Rank C 'Hermit' adventurer."
"A Hermit!?"
"Now the summons make sense."
As everyone gasped, I whispered to Guuji: "What's a Hermit?"
(That term sounds familiar...)
"One of maybe fifty worldwide," he murmured. "Above even guild appraisers. Analyzes magic stones, monster drops, reports dungeon findings to governments."
"Seriously? Damn."
(Another unique class like me, but she gets VIP treatment?)
Morimoto continued: "Mission's simple. Kill monsters so she can collect samples."
Guuji raised a hand. "Why not use pre-collected stones?"
"Good question. Hermits must personally assess environments to determine extraction value."
"Her low rank legally prevents forcing her into high-level dungeons."
"Understood."
"We'll split into Team A (combat) and Team B (escort)."
"Submit your data."
As we queued, I thought: (Easy mission.)
When my turn came, Morimoto squinted at my ID.
"Yukimiya... Yuuya?"
"Yes. We met at the hospital two weeks ago."
His face darkened. "...Your records show 'All Stats Lv1, No Discovered Skills.' Rank E."
"Huh?"
(He just said I have no skills?)
(That's obviously wrong.)
My status window clearly displayed multiple skills.
"Must be a glitch."
"No. It distinctly says 'Undiscovered Skills: None.'"
Ice ran down my spine.
(My existing skills... don't register?)
(World bug? Or...?)
I suddenly noticed Getou staring—or was I imagining it?
◇
Our ten-member team split in two. Getou Kifune's strike team moved ahead to clear monsters and gather materials.
Team Two consisted of the remaining five—me, Leader Guuji, Tenka, Chief Inspector Morimoto Masachika... and her.
Nitta Mikumi was—
(Not moving at all)
—using Tenka as a human shield while advancing at a snail's pace.
"Apologies for her behavior," Morimoto explained.
"Androphobia. Likely stemming from domestic abuse."
"I understand, but—"
Every step Tenka took forward, Mikumi took two back.
(At this rate, we'll never finish)
Just as everyone shared that thought, I proposed:
"Should we go ahead first?"
"Agreed... but we need rearguard against monster ambushes."
"I'll handle it."
"At this speed, I'll die of old age before we complete the mission."
Morimoto's piercing gaze analyzed me as I joked.
"Approved. We'll advance."
After they left, I waited for the girls to catch up.
With no men present, their pace miraculously improved.
Then—
Thud.
Mikumi suddenly faceplanted onto the dungeon floor.
"Here... abnormal magical density detected."
Producing tools from her backpack, she began excavating.
"This is—!"
A cluster of subterranean magic stones emerged—ones we'd never have found without her.
Tenka peered curiously.
"Nitta-chan, are these special?"
Mikumi's previously-stammering speech transformed into a lecturer's cadence:
"Incorrect. These aren't standard magic stones but 'Lacrima'—specialized ore storing high-density impure mana."
"Undetectable by conventional appraisers. Only Hermits can trace them."
"This expedition serves my doctoral dissertation research on—"
"Whoa... that's crazy knowledge for someone who looks like a startled hamster!"
The unintended compliment sent Mikumi scrambling behind Tenka.
Tenka mediated with a wry smile.
"Mikumi-chan, why hide?"
"S-sorry! When men are near, I just...!"
"It's not personal!"
"But you rode here with two male guild officers?"
"Y-yes... but I was blanket-burritoed in the back seat..."
"..."
(This girl's hopeless)
Yet her mannerisms triggered nostalgia.
Memories surfaced—
My past life's "Grand Sage," whose cluttered laboratory reeked of unwashed robes and takeout containers.
(Just like her... the quintessential bookworm)
"Your dedication to research is impressive. I envy that passion."
Mikumi's tiny nod at my sincerity felt like progress.
(Is this... working?)
Then I noticed Morimoto observing us from the shadows.
(His surveillance is getting ridiculous...)
◇◇◇
"Hah!"
Getou's squad pushed forward, systematically eliminating every monster in their path—
—while Getou himself casually bisected goblins, his mind elsewhere as usual.
Until something prickled at his senses.
(...Something's off)
(This scenario's missing a piece)
◇◇◇
The man slid the suitcase across the table, its contents spilling slightly as it came to rest before the shadowed figure.
"Kill them."
A pause. The dim light caught the glint of something metallic being withdrawn from a coat pocket.
"Make it hurt first."
His voice cracked like dry kindling.
"That bastard... that fucking demon ruined me."
A fist slammed down, scattering bills across the floor.
"Everything I built--everything I loved--gone! Because of HIM!"
◇◇◇
Morimoto Masachika studied Yuuya with razor focus.
(This is Yukimiya Yuuya? Impossible.)
(Last time, he was short and stocky.)
(That was mere weeks ago.)
(There must be some mistake.)
(Could be a namesake... but)
(His guild ID doesn't lie. Magic signatures are unfakeable—as unique as fingerprints.)
(Unless... he actually grew taller and leaner this fast?)
(That defies all logic.)
Morimoto approached Mikumi, who was scribbling notes.
"Finished collecting samples?"
"Y-yes! Just compiling data now..."
"Take your time."
He addressed the group. "We're regrouping with the others. Where's—"
Guuji cut in, "Yuuya went to retrieve stones Mikumi missed."
Yuuya returned, arms full. "Sorry, there were too many to—"
Morimoto interrupted, "This was a protection detail. Payment awaits at the exit. Move out."
As they walked, Yuuya whispered to Guuji,
"Was this even a real mission? We barely did anything."
"Escort quests are like this. Hermits are national assets—more valuable than prime ministers."
"But they're just unlicensed researchers?"
"Who alone can analyze dungeon cores. That knowledge moves markets."
At the rendezvous point, Morimoto tensed.
"Where's Getou's team?"
"Stay sharp. We're searching for them."
The tunnel opened to carnage.
Bodies. So many bodies.
A bloodied Getou grabbed Morimoto's ankle.
"Kifune! What happened?!"
Getou coughed blood.
"Traitor... ambushed us..."
"Who? ANSWER ME!"
"It's..."
As the dying whisper reached him, Morimoto wheeled—dagger at Yuuya's throat.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!"
"EVERYONE BEHIND ME!"
Confusion rippled through the group.
Morimoto's blade didn't waver.
"I knew it. You're not Yukimiya Yuuya."
"That's insane!"
"You slaughtered them when we separated!"
Then—
The unthinkable occurred.
◇◇◇
In a hotel room, a man offered all his wealth to a mysterious figure.
"I refuse."
The man couldn't believe what he was hearing.
"Wait… this is everything I own!"
"I'll even agree to organ sales!"
"You misunderstand," said the figure with a shadowy voice, raising a hand to stop him. "I'm not refusing the job. I'm saying I don't need your money."
"I don't get it," the man was completely confused.
The assassin stood up and approached him.
"I'll take the job as a member of the Assassins' Guild. But not for money, and not for your sake."
"Then why…?"
To the man's question, the assassin responded with a wicked grin, pulling out a photo album filled with countless images of crime scenes.
"Because I love to kill."
Wearing a creepy smile, the figure continued:
"Before I became an adventurer, I was a serial killer. To escape being caught, I joined the Assassins' Guild. With their help, I infiltrated the Adventurers' Guild."
He adjusted his suit and pulled out his adventurer license.
"Adventurer is the perfect mask for a killer… especially when you're working under a supervisor."
With a sick smile, Getou Kifune stood and suddenly drove a blade through Morimoto Masachika's lungs.
"Ge…tou…"
"Chief Morimoto, I hadn't planned to kill you yet… but chances like this—killing someone of your level—don't come often."
With that same eerie grin, Getou slashed over and over until Morimoto's body had been completely drained of blood.
"That was too easy. Not the most enjoyable kill, but it was still damn satisfying."
Wiping his bloody hands on his tie, Getou introduced himself:
"Let me reintroduce myself. Getou Kifune—member of the Assassins' Guild, occupation… kukuku... assassin."
"The Assassins' Guild… I thought that was just a legend," Guuji whispered, horrified.
"Assassins' Guild?" Yuuya also looked suspicious. (They exist in this world too?)
"The Assassins' Guild is thought to be a myth," explained Tenka. "They specialize in murder inside dungeons. Their existence is unprovable, their members untraceable—"
"You're well-informed, old hag. But you're wrong about one thing."
In an instant, Getou moved and drove a dagger into Guuji's thigh.
"The Guild's just a mutual support organization. Sponsors contact us via anonymous letters. Not that it matters—you'll all be dead soon anyway."
Pointing at Nitta, Getou made his declaration:
"Your father's the client. He called you a 'failed experiment that ruined his career as a scientist.' I wasn't interested in the details—just accepted the job after I cut your head off."
"Well then… let's have some fun."
Getou vanished. A dagger lunged for Nitta's throat—Tenka tried to shield her.
In that moment, a spear of wind deflected the blade.
"Huh?"
Getou looked around in shock, trying to find the source.
"You?" He narrowed his eyes. "You've got to be kidding."
Yuuya stored the wind spear in his item box and drew his twin daggers.
"I don't care who hired you. I'm not letting you kill anyone else."
"Oh?" Getou's interest in Yuuya deepened. He charged toward the girls again, but Yuuya intercepted him with his blades.
"You're annoying… seriously annoying. Stop getting in the way."
Changing his target to Yuuya, Getou activated a skill.
"Skill: Quick Hand."
His blade hand began vibrating like a motor. A flurry of high-speed attacks rained down on Yuuya.
"This is…!"
"Quick Hands is a basic assassin skill. Zero MP cost. Unlimited use. All you need is a dagger."
Yuuya found himself cornered. (He's fast… but the assassins I faced in my past life were even faster.)
Analyzing the attack pattern, he adapted—getting grazed, but holding his own.
"Let's finish this. Step by Step."
(A movement technique that renders one's actions untraceable at 24fps.)
Getou split into multiple afterimages, approaching with confusing movements. "This is the end," he declared, aiming for Yuuya's throat. But Yuuya lightly sidestepped and landed a fierce kick.
"Impossible…!"
"Your pattern is too simple."
Infuriated, Getou unleashed a combo of Quick Hands and Step by Step, but the result was the same—he was slammed against a wall, eyes burning red with rage.
"You've made me seriously angry."
"Skill: Accel."
A skill exclusive to B-Rank adventurers. He lunged for Yuuya's throat again—but Yuuya dodged effortlessly.
"That's no different from before."
(He dodged Acceleration that easily? He's dangerous to the Guild…)
"I'll show you true speed. Double Accel!"
This time, he aimed for Yuuya's eye with a lethal strike. Yuuya blocked with his arm—serious bleeding followed.
"This ends now. Poison Body."
Getou's body turned a sickly shade of purple. Before Yuuya could retreat—
"Triple Accel."
Getou appeared behind him and touched his cheek lightly.
"Infection complete."
"Wha…?"
Purple spots spread across Yuuya's face. He collapsed. Getou deactivated his ability and walked closer.
"This is a secret technique usable only by those with A-Rank potential or higher. Consider this your funeral."
"I see. That was informative."
"…!?"
Yuuya rose. Getou's blood ran cold.
"Why can you move? Toxic Body should've—"
"Wondering if I'm an Limit Breaker too? Don't be ridiculous."
Yuuya opened his status screen.
It now read: Posion Body learned: Contact Poison Immunity.
"Looks like I'm blessed by the heavens. Your poison—and your attacks—don't work anymore."
"Impossible…"
Then, his status updated again:
Time Alter has evolved into passive skill: Chronos.
"I seem to have the ability to learn and evolve skills through battle with strong foes. As my first proper teacher—allow me to return the favor."
As the poison disappeared, Yuuya spoke:
"Activate. Great Berserker."
A red aura enveloped his body.
"Time to end this, Getou."
Driven mad, Getou lunged in a frenzy. "I'll kill you! A thousand times if I have to!" But Chronos activated automatically—Yuuya saw him as if in slow motion.
"Evolving through combat with powerful enemies… Just like a cheat manga."
The goblin fight. The Araki battle. And now—Yuuya was starting to understand the world's mechanics.
"That's enough."
He slashed Getou repeatedly, then blasted him with a wind spear. Getou hit the wall and was bound by shadow ropes.
"Ha… ha ha… what now? Gonna hand me over to the Adventurers' Guild?"
"Don't make me laugh, brat."
"Don't underestimate the Assassins' Guild. I'll be freed in no time. And then—I'll slaughter you all—!"
"You're mistaken."
Yuuya's cold voice cut off his monologue.
"You really thought you'd survive this?"
As Yuuya approached, a chill ran down Getou's spine. For the first time, he felt the same terror he once instilled in his victims.
"Wait… You're a civilian! You'll be jailed for murder—!"
Yuuya gently touched his cheek, pulling his face close, locking eyes.
"Do you see the law reflected in these eyes?"
"Unlike you, I've killed to survive. I've held dying people in my arms. I've seen the edge of death itself."
"That's the difference between someone who's been to hell… and a pathetic killer who cries like a child."
"When I get home, I'll take a shower, eat something good, watch anime, and go to sleep. You? You'll weep in the cold of the afterlife."
"I'm bored of you. Goodbye."
"Wait—"
A sickening crack echoed as Yuuya crushed his cervical spine.
"It's over," he declared coolly.
Nitta and Tenka were frozen in terror. Guuji's groan snapped them back to reality.
"It hurts…"
Everyone rushed to his side. Watching Yuuya now, Tenka whispered:
"…Yuuya-kun… is it really you?"
◇◇◇
Just as the group prepared to leave—Guuji now bandaged—a faint groan froze them mid-step.
Yuuya whirled, expecting to see Getou stirring... only for Morimoto's corpse to twitch.
Blood-crusted fingers dug into the earth as the supervisor rose, his fatal wounds mysteriously closed.
"Ghh... hurts like hell."
"Chief Morimoto?! You're alive?!"
"Single-Use Fatal Blow Resistance." He grimaced, massaging his sternum. "Tank-class exclusive. Lets us survive one insta-kill per dungeon... at the cost of feeling every nerve scream."
His gaze swept the slaughter. "My last memory is Getou's dagger..."
Guuji's explanation made Morimoto's face contort—part rage, part self-loathing. "The Guild Master personally recommended that monster. I failed to vet him."
A bloodied hand gestured to Getou's corpse.
"Now answer me—who put him down?"
◇◇◇
As Morimoto began stirring, Guuji gathered everyone with a grave expression.
"Listen carefully," he said, meeting Yuuya's questioning gaze. "You saved our lives. Now I'll save yours."
"We must report this incident—but not the truth."
Yuuya frowned. "What do you mean?"
Guuji took a measured breath.
"You're a Limit Breaker."
Silence.
"That term again... What does it mean?"
"Someone who shatters normal growth restrictions," Guuji explained. "You have the potential to reach S-rank effortlessly."
Gasps erupted. Tenka's hands flew to her mouth.
"It's not unheard of," Guuji continued. "Every S-rank adventurer broke the mold."
He held up two fingers. "Reaching high ranks requires two things: manifesting aura at B-rank, and breaking through the Level 99 ceiling that caps most at A-rank."
"But that's exactly why you're in danger."
The explanation turned grim:
Guild or faction membership mandatory
Unaffiliated elites get blacklisted
Historical exploitation of high-rankers
"My father died on a forced A-rank mission," Guuji admitted, jaw tight.
"And now? Rumor says Yamatokuni Wataru—leader of the Nationalist Party—strong-arms talents into his faction."
The solution?
"We'll say I defeated Getou." Guuji's voice brooked no argument. "A C-rank boosted by a B-rank healer—plausible enough."
Yuuya's throat tightened. "You'd go that far...?"
Guuji's laugh held no humor. "I failed to protect you before. Let me atone." His smile faded. "Next time... I may not be able to shield you."
Mikumi and Tenka nodded agreement—just as Morimoto groaned back to consciousness.
"Who... killed Getou?" he rasped.
"I did," Guuji lied smoothly. "With Nishino's healing support."
Morimoto's piercing gaze swept the group... and deliberately skipped over Yuuya.
"Good work," he said at last. "We'll notify the Guild."
As they exited, Yuuya felt Morimoto's stare burning into his back—the only warmth in the suddenly frigid tunnel.
◇◇◇
After finishing the guild's interrogation, they stepped outside to find that night had already fallen.
"Let me take you all home as a token of my gratitude. I'll drive you too, Nitta-san."
"Thanks… my whole body hurts," Isaki groaned as she climbed into the van. Yuuya, however, declined.
"Thanks, but I'll walk home."
Tenka did the same. "I appreciate it, but I have plans."
"Then both of you, take care. Let's meet again under more peaceful circumstances."
Mikumi got out of the car and approached Yuuya with trembling hands.
"U-Um…"
"What's wrong?"
"Thank you… for saving me. And also… if something happens again… I hope you'll help me."
The way she bashfully looked down reminded him of the "Great Sage" from his past life when she would lose her confidence.
"Of course. I'll help anytime you need it, Nitta-san."
"C-Call me Mikumi…"
"Huh?"
"My name… it's Mikumi. Can I call you Yuuya-kun then?"
"Sure. Want to exchange contacts? I finally figured out how to use this thing."
"Sorry… I don't have a phone. The government said it's too risky for sensitive info to leak… so I was told to relay messages through my supervisor."
"Oh, I see… sounds rough."
"Yeah… Yuuya-kun."
Blushing as she called his name, Mikumi made Yuuya smile.
"Get home safe, Mikumi."
"Y-Yes!"
Just before getting into the car, she turned back to call out.
"You're joining the Adventurer Academy too, right? I-I'm looking forward to it!"
"Adventurer Academy???"
Just before the engine started, Morimoto called out to Yuuya.
"Yukimiya-kun, may I have a word?"
"Yes?"
As Yuuya approached, Morimoto spoke in a hushed voice.
"I heard everything. You're the one who defeated Getou, right? I agree with Isaki-san—keep it quiet for now."
"If you need help, contact me. Let this be how I repay you."
"Understood."
After the car drove off, only Tenka and Yuuya remained.
"Yuuya-kun, mind keeping me company for a bit?"
"Sure."
They headed to a nearby park. The streetlights lit the path, casting a beautiful contrast between the night sky and the city lights.
When they reached the park's center, Tenka suddenly collapsed.
"Tenka-san!? Are you okay!?"
Rushing to her, Yuuya heard her voice trembling.
"Sorry… I can't hold it in anymore…"
"I was so scared… I really thought I was going to die…"
Yuuya replied gently.
"It's natural to be scared. Someone kind like you shouldn't have to go through something so dangerous."
"That's exactly why… I'm sad about you, Yuuya-kun!"
"Huh?"
Tenka's tearful words pierced Yuuya—or rather, Yamato's—heart.
"You used to hide behind me… and now you can break someone's neck without hesitation…"
"Tell me, who are you?"
Yuuya answered calmly.
"I'm Yuuya. The same one you've always known. But… that incident changed how I see the world."
"If you don't like what I've become… I'm sorry. But I can't go back. From here on, I'll walk a path drenched in blood."
"Why are you so sure? Anyone else would be terrified…"
"I killed that fear. It only gets in the way of moving forward."
Memories of his past life surfaced.
"No matter how painful it is, I have to keep going… if I stop, I'll just be eaten alive."
"This is the only path I have. Does that answer your question?"
Tenka wiped her tears and held out her hand.
"You've really changed… you seem oddly mature."
"You're still young yourself, Tenka-san. You'll understand eventually."
"You little brat! Show some respect to your elders!"
Puffing out her cheeks, she tugged at Yuuya's cheek.
"Don't tease me."
"Heh heh."
"Anyway… want to go eat something? Since we're out and all, let's have something tasty."
"Wait, is this… a date?"
"Maybe? If I walk around the city with a beauty like you at night, people might get jealous."
Tenka's eyes widened.
"Unbelievable… You look like this and you're a flirt!?"
"Haha, I'm a guy. Put a pretty girl in front of me, and yeah, I'll act like one."
Tenka blushed furiously.
"Hmph! You think I'll fall for such cheap lines?"
"But hey—"
As she walked ahead, she looked back and took his hand.
"I really am hungry. And if you behave… maybe I'll give you a kiss on the cheek."
"You sound like a kid."
"Geh! Don't tell me you were hoping for a kiss on the lips!?"
"Wouldn't mind."
"I take it back! You're not a flirt, you're a total wolf!"
After their meal, Yuuya walked Tenka home, and she gave him her contact information.