"A dungeon?" Amamiya's tone remained calm, though his eyes were sharp. "Senpai, have some tea and tell us more slowly."
Tsubame nodded, her face growing slightly pale, clearly anxious.
Kaguya spoke with quiet authority. "Go sit on the sofa and explain."
The three of them made their way to the sofa, and Kaguya poured Tsubame a cup of tea. She then sat beside Amamiya, and they all turned to face Tsubame.
Tsubame cupped the teacup in both hands, took a sip, and sighed in relief before speaking again, her voice still a little shaky. "I was training with everyone in the gymnastics club when I suddenly got a notification from the game. I've been forced into a mandatory dungeon."
Amamiya and Kaguya remained silent, their expressions serious.
There were two main types of game dungeons: triggered and forced. Triggered dungeons happened when players actively engaged with certain in-game elements. Forced dungeons, on the other hand, would randomly summon players to participate, no matter where they were or if they agreed. The only way to avoid being sucked into one was to have good luck, which many players didn't have.
Tsubame continued, clearly uncomfortable. "Forced dungeons are particularly unpleasant. They appear at intervals, typically once a month. Most players don't want to deal with them. While real-world monsters might be ugly, you can just ignore them. But in dungeons, you have to face vengeful spirits and dangerous creatures—there's no escaping it."
Amamiya nodded, his voice steady. "Senpai, show us the dungeon details."
Tsubame hesitated but nodded quickly, opening the game panel awkwardly and setting it to public.
[You have received a copy notification. Please click to view.]
[Mandatory Dungeon: Bedtime Fairy Tale]
[Type: Multiplayer]
[Difficulty: Unknown]
[You will enter this dungeon at midnight. Please prepare in advance.]
[Note: Children who stay up late will be punished.]
"Bedtime Fairy Tale?" Kaguya analyzed the name, lips pursed. "Judging by the name, it seems related to a fairy tale."
Amamiya nodded thoughtfully. "The mission requirements will only appear after we enter. However, since Tsubame-senpai is a relatively new player, based on the mutual aid group's statistics, the first couple of dungeons for new players tend to be less dangerous."
He paused, then pulled out his phone. "This is a multiplayer dungeon, so let's see if anyone else from the group wants to join us."
While Amamiya was busy asking questions, Chika stood from her seat, glanced at Tsubame, and moved to comfort her.
"We're here, don't worry, Tsubame-senpai," Chika said gently as she walked to her side and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "We're here for you."
Tsubame nodded slightly, a hint of relief washing over her features. Despite her usual strength and popularity at school, she now looked fragile and vulnerable. Known for her boldness and heroic image, moments like this reminded everyone she was still just a high school girl at heart.
"Amamiya," Chika turned to him and asked, "has anyone from Mutual Aid entered the same dungeon as Tsubame-senpai?"
Amamiya held up his phone. "I just sent a message. So far, no one has entered the same dungeon instance as Tsubame-senpai."
After hearing his explanation, Chika clenched her fists and declared confidently, "Don't worry, Tsubame-senpai! If an enemy comes, we'll face them head-on. If a flood comes, we'll block it with earth. Now that the dungeon has appeared, the next step is simple—we break through it!"
Her bold statement earned amused glances from Amamiya and Kaguya, who were seated across from her on the sofa. Chika then tilted her head toward them and asked, "Amamiya, Kaguya-chan, what do you think we should do next?"
You were so confident just now—why are you asking us for ideas now?!
Kaguya pursed her lips, her calm demeanor unshaken. "The mission primarily depends on your own efforts. You can't rely entirely on others. For now, there are two main points to focus on."
She raised a hand, ticking off the first point. "First, equipment and items. You can choose to rent or purchase them."
Without hesitation, Chika exclaimed, "I'll lend you all my equipment, Tsubame-senpai!"
Although most equipment—except for certain bound items—could be freely lent out, borrowing was uncommon in the mutual aid group. The reasoning was simple: lending equipment was akin to lending money, and few people were willing to risk it with strangers.
However, Chika was the exception—a mix of naive generosity and unwavering loyalty.
"There's also the matter of skills," Amamiya added. "Unfortunately, you can only equip one. 'Sweeping the Evil' is a combined skill, so it's not an option. I'd suggest using Kaguya's shadow ability."
Kaguya's cheeks puffed slightly, and she shot a sharp glance at Amamiya. Shadow ability?
"It's not a shadow ability!" she protested silently. "It's the Shadow Incarnation!"
Before the argument could escalate, Chika suddenly slapped her forehead. "Wait! I remember reading in the mutual aid group about dungeon invitations. It seems you can invite other players to join the dungeon, provided they agree!"
Tsubame's eyes lit up with hope. For forced dungeons, additional players couldn't normally join unless matched at the start. However, invitation letters allowed the dungeon's host to invite others directly.
Amamiya nodded. "I'll send a message and ask if anyone has an invitation letter available."
Tsubame clasped her hands nervously, waiting for an answer.
Moments later, Chika shouted excitedly, "Hey, hey! There's good news!"
The girls quickly gathered to check the mutual aid group messages. Sure enough, someone had a dungeon invitation letter available.
"Ask where the player is," Kaguya reminded. "Invitations must be traded in person. If they're too far away, we may not make it in time."
Tsubame tensed at the thought, but Chika responded immediately, "I'll ask now."
After a brief exchange, Chika let out a relieved sigh. "The player is in Kyoto—not far—and we can make it in time. She's someone we met during the Midnight Mall Monster Party, a girl."
"Also, since these letters are rarely in demand, she's willing to part with it for 50,000 yen."
Tsubame didn't hesitate. "I'll buy it."
Coming from a wealthy family, 50,000 yen was a trivial expense for her.
"Got it. I'll tell her," Chika said, nodding. "We'll pay a deposit first and confirm the delivery time."
After transferring the deposit, the player sent over the details of the invitation letter.
Amamiya reviewed the information carefully. As described, the invitation allowed additional players to enter the dungeon. However, only voluntary participants could be invited, and their names had to be written on the letter to complete the process.
Tsubame let out a small sigh of relief. With the invitation secured and a team forming, the looming dungeon didn't feel quite as daunting anymore.
"Eh? It seems it can only invite one player," Chika said, her tone tinged with disappointment.
Kaguya crossed her arms and replied calmly, "Be patient. There should be other players with invitations."
Amamiya added from the side, "If the first one appeared, it's only a matter of time before the second and third show up."
"..."
Ten minutes passed in silence.
"It's been so long, and there's still no second invitation, it seems there's only one."
Chika complained, puffing her cheeks. "Amamiya, you're such a pessimist."
Amamiya glanced at her. "Are you using this as an excuse to get back at me?"
"Without evidence, your claim doesn't count."
"Let's wait a little longer. There's still plenty of time before midnight," Amamiya said. "If no one shows up, you can just invite me."
"Thank you, Amamiya-kun," Tsubame said gratefully, her eyes soft with appreciation.
Kaguya frowned slightly, her pink lips parting as if she wanted to say something, but no words came out.
"If you're going alone, you can't use combination skills, right?" Chika asked, her voice laced with concern.
Amamiya smirked. Don't worry. Even without you, I can handle it just fine.
"It's getting late," Amamiya said, glancing out the window. He stood and stretched. "I'll go prepare."
Some skills, once copied, could only last for a limited time. Skills like Komi's notebook ability had to be refreshed periodically.
Amamiya turned to Tsubame and suggested, "Since we'll be in the dungeon together, we should find a way to stay connected. I recommend using the notebook skill to pass messages to me."
"I'll follow your advice, Amamiya-kun," Tsubame agreed without hesitation, nodding firmly. With such a capable ally, all she needed to do was trust and follow his lead.
"Then let's get going," Amamiya said, picking up his phone. "I'll message Komi-san first."
"I'll head to the station and make sure we get the invitation letter as quickly as possible," Chika said.
Kaguya stood and offered, "I'll have the driver take you there."
"..."
With everything settled, the group sprang into action.
After finishing his preparations, Amamiya stepped out of the student council room and was surprised to find Kashiwagi standing outside, looking rather pitiful.
"Kashiwagi-chan, you're still here?" Chika asked in surprise.
"You didn't tell me to leave," Kashiwagi replied with a wronged expression. Her gaze shifted to Tsubame, who seemed in higher spirits. Curiosity finally got the better of her. "What were you all doing in there?"
Amamiya's expression turned serious. "Kashiwagi-san, you know what happens to overly curious children?"
"I'm not a child!" Kashiwagi retorted, puffing her cheeks indignantly.
Even if curiosity cost her, she wasn't about to admit defeat!
"Let's go," Amamiya said, brushing past her. "We're done here. See you tomorrow."
"..."
——
After school, the weather outside was gloomy and stifling, though it hadn't started raining yet.
"I'll head straight to the station," Chika said, waving as she left.
Amamiya climbed into the car. "Komi-san should still be at school. Let's head straight there."
The car pulled up in front of another school shortly after, and Amamiya got out with Tsubame.
"Kaguya, you can head back now," Amamiya said.
Kaguya hesitated for a moment, biting her lower lip lightly before murmuring, "...See you tomorrow."
"See you tomorrow," Amamiya replied with a gentle smile.
After watching her car drive off, Amamiya and Tsubame entered the school grounds. Soon, they spotted two familiar figures waiting in the corridor.
"We're here!" Sajuna called, standing on tiptoes and waving.
Amamiya approached her with a teasing smile. "I missed you, Sajuna."
"Liar!" Sajuna's cheeks flushed red. She put her hands on her hips and glared at him. "We just saw each other the day before yesterday! How could you possibly miss me?"
"As the saying goes," Amamiya replied with exaggerated sincerity, "absence makes the heart grow fonder."
"Stop spouting nonsense!"
Ignoring his teasing, Sajuna turned her head away. "Hurry up and copy the skills. It's getting dark."
Amamiya nodded and glanced at the quiet girl with long black hair. "Komi-san, I'll be counting on you."
Komi gave a shy nod.
"Let's head to the classroom," Sajuna said, leading the way. "It's empty at this time."
Inside, the group settled into their seats, and Amamiya began copy-pasting skills from both Komi and Tsubame. Komi sat straight, her face reddening as Amamiya lightly held her hand for the process.
Meanwhile, Sajuna sat nearby, watching with puffed cheeks. "Focus on the dungeon details," she muttered to herself.
Five minutes later, Amamiya stood and stretched. "All done," he said. "Give me a moment—I need to use the restroom."
Before leaving, he cast a meaningful glance at Sajuna.
When he returned, Sajuna was standing in the hallway, pretending to admire the scenery. She quickly looked away when he approached.
"Were you waiting for me?" Amamiya asked with a knowing smile.
"Of course not!" Sajuna huffed. "I just came out for some fresh air."
After a moment of hesitation, her voice dropped. "Why did you look at me like that earlier?"
Amamiya's tone turned serious. "I've secured a dungeon invitation card. If all goes as planned, I'll be entering the dungeon with Tsubame-senpai tonight."
"And?" Sajuna's eyes flickered with concern.
"I'd like to replenish your energy first."
"No way!" Sajuna's cheeks puffed indignantly, but after a brief pause, she softened. Blushing, she muttered, "...Bend down."