The Orcus Dungeon.

It was one of the world’s largest labyrinthine ruins, consisting of 100 levels, with stronger monsters the lower you go. It was considered a right of passage for mercenaries and adventurers to hunt in the first five floors before they could join a major guild. While it was easy to measure the strength of the monsters by the dungeon level, the difference of strength between monsters of each floor was surprising. Though this didn’t stop many would-be heroes from trying their luck, as the ambient magic in the dungeon meant monsters there dropped the highest quality magic stones in the entire continent. These magic stones would only grow in value and power as you went deeper into its depths.

A magic stone is the core of a monster and it is this that provides them with powers. The bigger and better quality the stone, the stronger the monster is, and these stones are what is used as raw materials to make magic formulas. The magic artifacts and formulas created with magic stones were light-weight, reusable, and could be vastly more powerful depending on the quality of the magic stone used.

Artifacts made with magic stones were in such high demand, that if a strong adventurer with a mild crafting skill were to stick to the first five floors of the dungeon and make artifacts from the stones there, he would be set for life in a manner of weeks.

The problem was, strong monsters with high quality magic stones can use a special kind of magic that doesn’t require magical chants or circles. This means that while a mage is preparing a spell or a warrior was trying to distract it in physical combat, a monster with a high enough affinity to fire could wipe the entire party out with fireballs before they even knew what hit them. And that was the kind of world the students were about to put themselves into.

The students and knights led by Meld arrived at the town, Horlad, that adventurers stayed at before they headed into the Dungeon. They were going to stay at an inn that was managed by the Kingdom, It had been specifically reserved for them so that they could train there for as long as they liked. Hajime, who had not seen a normal room in a long time, dived into the bed. All the rooms were designed for two people, but he'd requested a room to himself.

Tomorrow was the day they see their first real fight the dungeon and this time, they would "only" challenge the first 20 levels. Even with all their “Hero” level people, Hajime knew they weren’t ready. They needed time to study and train their skills, but the reality was they were only given two weeks and a deadline. It made Hajime wonder just how expendable “Heroes” were to the church.

For a while, Hajime read the monster reference book he got from the library. It was still early but he decided to turn in, he need his energy for tomorrow. However just as he was getting into bed, he heard someone knock on his door. Thinking on it, even if it was still early for Hajime who was used to all-nighters in Japan, it was about midnight for Tortus.

“Nagumo-kun, are you still awake? It’s me, Shirasaki. Can I bother you for a moment?”

Curious as to who it was, Hajime opened the door. Kaori was standing there with a snow-white negligee on.

“Yes?”

“Eh?”

Kaori raised her eyebrow when Hajime answered in a robotic monotone like he was greeting a stranger. She waved her hand in front of his face like she thought he was half asleep.

“Nagumo-kun, its me kaori. We’ve been friends for four years. Hello?

“I see that. What’s the matter? Did you have something to tell me?”

“No, I just wanted to talk to you. I wonder if I’m bothering you?”

“Come in.”

Most likely, it was about the trip tomorrow, but Kaori wasn’t one to get straight to the point.

“Okay.”

Without any caution, she entered the room happily. She sat at the table near the window. Hajime unconsciously prepared tea. He was surprised when he first learned they had tea bags here, and was surprised again when it was stocked with his favorite black tea. He prepared enough for two cups, handing her one, and took the seat across from her.

“Thank you.”

Kaori took the offered fake tea and tasted it with joy. The moonlight that shone through the window illuminated her from behind Like the halo around an angels head. He was briefly reminded, with more than a little nostalgia, why he once had a crush on this girl. He smiled as he pushed that thought to the back of his head, least he risk daydreaming again.

Kaori giggled at his state. Hajime decided to strike a conversation to keep his mind from wondering off on him.

“So, what did you want to talk about? Is it about tomorrow?”

To Hajime’s question, Kaori nodded her head. Unlike her smiling face from just a moment ago, she started to brood.

“It’s about the trip into the dungeon tomorrow. I want Nagumo-kun to stay here. I'll persuade the instructors and everyone. So, please!”

She leaned over as she pleaded with Hajime. Hajime was perplexed, her stats may have been higher than his, but she was a magic user like he was(albeit with a better class).

“Um, I know I’m a burden…but since I’m already here I don’t think I’ll be able to just stay put.”

“You’re wrong. I don’t mean you’re a burden.”

Hajime tried to say what he thought she wanted to hear, but ended up guessing wrong. Leaving Kaori trying to clear up a misunderstanding that didn't exist. “Maybe I was too hasty”, she thought even though of the two of them, she was probably the least confident. She put her hand on her chest and took a deep breath to herself down a little. She quickly and quietly apologized.

“I just had a very bad feeling. When I was sleeping earlier, I was dreaming and you were there. When I called out to you, you did not even notice. When I chased you, I never caught up. At the end…”

She seemed afraid to speak the rest. Wanting to hear the rest, Hajime urged her to continue.

“At the end?”

With a jerk, Kaori lifted her head. Hajime saw her teary expression, and her biting her lips.

“You disappeared.”

“I see.”

They sat in silence for a while as Hajime looked at Kaori, who was still hanging her head. It really was an ominous dream, but it was just a dream. With just that, they wouldn’t permit him to stay. If they allowed something like that there would be trouble from the classmates. It wasn’t like he would put himself into any stupidly dangerous situation if he could help it. To reassure Kaori, Hajime started to speak as gently as possible.

“A dream is just a dream, Shirasaki-san. This time we have Meld and his veteran knights to accompany us. A lot of strong people like Kouki are coming with us. Rather, our whole class is amazing. I actually feel sorry for our enemies. I may be weak, but neither of us are alone.”

Kaori just stared at Hajime with an anxious expression, while he spoke.

“Still…Still…I’m still worried.”

“Then.”

Hajime, finding no other alternative, stared straight into Kaori’s eyes ask he asked.

“Will you protect me?”

“Eh?”

He was aware of what he was saying, and as a man it would shame him if he honestly cared about that. So to act the part he made his face as red as he could as if he were fighting embarrassment. In a room that was only light by the moonlight, the spectacle played out perfectly. Kaori reading his expression misunderstood the situation just as he expected.

“You are a “White Priest”, right Shirasaki-san? A class that had an innate talent for all affinities and powerful healing magic. No matter what, no matter how I get injured, you can cure me. Will you protect me? If so, I believe I’ll be fine.”

Kaori just stared at him for a bit. Hajime just waited, gazing directly into Kaori’s eyes. Watching to see what she would do next.

The biggest cause of a person’s insecurity is the unknown. Kaori right now, was worrying about what could possibly attack Hajime. So, it would be soothing if she had the confidence to fight in his stead, even if that was just a dillusion.

For a while, they stared at each other. The silence was broken when Kaori started to smile.

“You never change, Nagumo-kun.”

“?”

Hajime made a doubtful expression as Kaori said that. Kaori laughed at his expression.

“Nagumo-kun, you probably think we first met in high school. I knew you since the second year of middle school.”

Although he was fully aware of this, he made sure to widen his eyes in shock. He quickly searched through his memories, trying to see where he’d slipped up and let her see him. Hajime briefly lost control of his facial expressions, and Kaori to giggled at him as he made a face somewhere between mister bean and that guy who can pop his eyes out of their sockets in real life.

“It was a one-sided meeting. The first time I saw you, you were Prostrated on the ground and didn’t see me.”

“Hmm?”

When did she see him? He lost control of his expression again and let his surprise show on his face. Where and when did she see him in such a position? He frantically searched his memories. Kaori giggled as she saw Hajime make so many comedic faces.

“Yeah, you were surrounded by shady people. No matter how much they spit at you, poured their drinks on you, or stepped on you, you did't stop. Before long, they just left.”

“I showed you such an unsightly thing…”

Hajime felt slightly relieved and confused at the same time. It wouldn’t have been the first time he’d been like that. He’d often had to act out the part of the weak and defenseless kid to get Daisuke out of trouble, it wasn’t fun, but as long as he kept his head down he’d come out unscathed. When he was reminded of his misadventures, a humorless smile showed on his face.

However, Kaori just gave him a gentle look. One that was free from contempt and ridicule.

“No, it wasn’t unsightly. Rather, when I saw you like that, I thought you were a very strong and kind person.”

“Hm?”

Hajime wasn’t sure he’d heard correctly. That’s not the kind of impression he would have if they saw someone else like that. Perhaps, Shirasaki-san had a special fetish for that? Hajime pushed the thought, like many others, to the back of his head.

“I mean, Nagumo-kun. You did it for the sake of a grandmother and her grandson.”

When she said that, Hajime finally remembered something. Something like that happened during his middle school years.It started when a little boy accidentally walked into some delinquents, and spilleded his Takoyaki onto them. The little boy started to cry, the delinquents started to niggle the grandmother as she tried to get her grandson to safety.

By chance Hajime was just passing through. When the grandmother started to take out her wallet, his body moved on its own. He had never fought in his life before. He had only practice his Chunibyo Special Moves at home so he didn't have a chance against them, so he did what he’d usually do when Daisuke managed to piss off too many people. He publicly humiliated himself, and as expected embarrassed for everyone there enough that the delinquents left.

“Strong people would have solved it easily with violence, someone like Kouki would've just beat them up. But I don’t think there are many people who would help others even when they weren't strong. Especially someone that would humiliate themselves for the sake of others.”

“Shirasaki-san…”

“So, I believe you are the strongest person I know. When I saw you in high school, I was so happy to see you. I wanted to become like you, and get to know you. But you just fell asleep…”

“Aha ha, Sorry.”

Hajime wasn’t really sure how to take her opinion, he’d known her for a long time, yet she still found ways to confuse him. He just laughed wryly as that was the default that seemed to work in these situations.

“Therefore, even if I am a little uneasy. I’ll make sure you don’t do anything crazy in the dungeon. Like when you faced the delinquents.”

Kaori looked at Hajime with determination.

“I’ll protect you, Nagumo-kun.”

Hajime looked straight at her, and nodded.

“Thank you.”

Immediately after he said that he couldn't help but laugh. Without doubt, Kaori was playing the hero while Hajime was playing the damsel in distress. Though honestly the role strangely fit her. He could at least say that the parts he played with her were always interesting, if a little strange like the girl that made them.

They chatted for a few moments, then Kaori returned to her room. When Hajime finally got ready for bed, he thought things over. He wanted to find something to do in this world, it was a fresh start after all. Though he wasn’t quite sure how he would get away from the churches political intrigue, or the hostile environments of the world itself. He knew one thing though, Hajime thought as he fell asleep with ever more questions. For the first time in a long time, things would be interesting.