“By that, do you mean the ones Minister Arikawa is supposedly building…?”
“Yes. Five schools for Awakened Ones have been built in the country so far. Would you perhaps be interested in attending one?”
“Ahh, well…”
Certainly, it was the kind of environment where even if my identity as an Awakened One were exposed, I wouldn’t be asked to do peculiar tasks or be subjected to some persecution. And yet…
I looked down again at pamphlet Togo-san slid over and then gave him an ever so slightly doubting look, he responded with a wry smile along with a shrug of his shoulders.
“Don’t worry, I get why you’re on guard about these schools. Which is why let me start with their scary aspects.”
“…their scary aspects?”
“Yeah. I quite dislike deceptive moves like lying by omission, after all.”
…given that this was Togo-san, I decided to simply keep on listening for the moment.
It did feel like a suspicious offer, like there was a catch somewhere, but Togo-san had done me a lot of favors already and was therefore a person who had my trust. I would find it rude to not even listen to what he had to say.
…wait, is this what a person who would fall victim to cults sound like?
“I feel like this is the most important thing, so I’ll mention it first: all the school grounds contain dungeons. I suppose you can think of the school buildings as replacement for the traditional Dungeon Stores.”
“…huh?”
Without thinking, I grimaced. Like, have they gone mad?
Togo-san gave me a nod, as though to say ‘I know, right’
“I understand how you feel. Doing this is pretty much the same as using the students as walls against the monsters, right?”
“…ahm, by any chance, are students required to delve into the dungeons in the schools?”
“It isn’t required, but it’s recommended they do so. Although, a better way to put it would probably be that there would be systems in place that would encourage the students to do so.”
I figured as much.
“Incidentally, what rank are the dungeons?”
“I heard they would be D rank dungeons. But it also seems like they also chose dungeons that are generally unpopular”
“I see…”
It was probably only natural that they wouldn’t throw students against C rank dungeons and above. And if the dungeons were indeed only D ranks, then most Awakened Ones should be safe enough.
But then again, these were supposedly unpopular dungeons. Like, were there really no people interested or willing to cull the monsters in these dungeons that the government would resort to pressuring the students to take on the task?
I kept on listening to Togo-san as I leafed through the pages of the pamphlet.
“The schools would be in a one-kilometer-radius danger zone, so there would be no traffic of people and access to the school itself would be poor. Golems would be deployed to handle menial tasks like the cleaning of the school, but there would still be many inconveniences that wouldn’t be found in regular schools.”
“Huhh…?”
Was it just a slip of the tongue? Or did he really mean to say 1-kilometer instead of 2?
“Ahmm, how large is the danger zone again?”
“Ahh, about that. The schools, on top of being schools, will also serve as the subjects of different experiments. I’m guessing you’ve heard of the initiative of different nations—including America—on having Awakened Ones live around dungeons, right?”
“Yes. I’ve heard that it’s mostly about trying to reduce the forced evacuation zones brought about by dungeons.”
“Well, we’re going to try something like that here in Japan too. As you might know, land prices in Japan have been steadily rising ever since the Return of the Age of Myths. This is supposed to be one way to address that…more or less.”
“I guess I kinda understand.”
People were being evicted of the areas surrounding the dungeons because of the possible dangers brought about by dungeon overflows.
The overflow incident in the Skeleton Dungeon a while back could be used as an example. During that time, Awakened Ones who lived in the area and those who just happened to pass by were able to handle the situation right away, but the non-Awakened Ones could only run away. In fact, I could recall that in the early portions of the overflow incident, the non-Awakened Ones couldn’t even sense the danger they were suddenly in.
In an area populated only by Awakened Ones, monsters could be spotted as soon as they appeared outside of the dungeon—also called the 2nd phase of a dungeon overflow event. And depending on the dungeon’s rank, it was possible to quickly cull enough monsters so that the dungeon would be stopped from expanding further.
So, yeah, I would agree that a student body composed of Awakened Ones would triumph against any dungeon of about D rank. Despite that though, being used as some meat shield still didn’t quite sit right with me.
“I should note that this plan was also brought about after considering the wishes of those heartless people who want to segregate Awakened Ones from the rest of society.”
“’We have all these land that normal people have to evacuate from and can’t settle back in, so why not kill 2 birds with one stone by throwing the Awakened Ones there?’, something like that?”
“Indeed, something like that.”
That was…understandable. From a non-Awakened One’s point of view, Awakened Ones were a bunch of anomalies whose actions couldn’t be predicted. It made sense if people didn’t want such beings near them.
As for Awakened Ones, having people around who couldn’t do anything to oppose them, especially if those people couldn’t even rely on the courts, well, it was very tempting, to say the least. Awakened Ones who normally wouldn’t commit crimes could even be accused, be it the main perpetrator or just accessories, for the simple reason that ‘they can do the said crime’.
Physically distancing those Awakened Ones from regular folks as a means to reduce such false charges was, honestly, not such a bad idea. I wasn’t saying it was particularly good either. In fact, the idea displeased me quite a bit. Like, were Awakened Ones the only people who should adjust?
“Well, it’s not like we chose these lands specifically for that. We needed a large area of land that we could get ready quickly, and the land around dungeons simply happened to fit that criteria. We also had to consider our finances.”
“T-times sure are hard for everyone, aren’t they?”
“Indeed. Our country’s national treasury is far from infinite, after all.”
Togo-san shrugged his shoulder as though it was someone’s else’s problem. And then, as though to say he was going to start anew his explanation, he drank some of his coffee.
“The experimental nature of this endeavor isn’t only about the use of the danger zones. It pertains to the curriculum too.”
“Come to think of it, it says here in the pamphlet that it’s going to be called Adventurer Vocational Schools.”
“Yeah, but despite that name, there won’t be any real ‘expert in the field’ on the teaching staff.”
That was only natural, I thought. Dungeons have only been in the modern world for about 2 years and 3 months. And the Adventurer System was only enacted about a year ago. I just didn’t think there could be anyone who would ascend to the title of ‘expert’ in that short span of time. In the first place, what qualities would one need to have or not have in order to be a real expert adventurer?
“The tentative curriculum would consist obviously of regular lessons, but on top of that, these schools would also offer lessons on unarmed and armed combat, techniques for fighting in tight spaces, trap detection, how to make camp in times of disasters, and many more. We also plan on having students engage in spars with fellow Awakened Ones. And while we can’t quite get an expert adventurer just yet, we’re going to have JSDF members and already-established experts in varying fields give some lectures.”
“The JSDF and already-established experts…”
Now that, that was appealing.
I was recently made painfully aware that my own skill was sorely lacking. Layla had proposed a certain technique to overcome that issue, but having more options couldn’t hurt. Moreover, being directly taught by the JSDF on trap detection, maneuvering techniques in confined spaces, and whatever else wasn’t something one could experience normally. Unless one enlisted, at least.
“However, all these lessons are those that are already available before the Return of the Age of Myths. Which is to say, these aren’t necessarily applicable against monsters, dungeons, and other Awakened Ones.”
“So the schools are experimental even in that sense.”
“Exactly so. We would need to observe the impact it would bring to the enrolled students and then make adjustments. Put in another way though, there’s a good chance the schools might impart incorrect information and techniques to the first sets of students.”
That reminded me of what Kumai-kun said not long ago. That the already-existing martial arts in the world weren’t “suitable” for use by Awakened Ones.
No techniques were developed with the assumption that it would be used by someone who possessed enough strength to rival or maybe even exceed heavy machinery. Moreover, the more mainstream martial arts were basically developed with combat against other humans in mind.
Kumai-kun commented that, for martial arts in general, this was an era to develop new styles and forms.
“So basically, the Adventurer Vocational School is a place for segregated students—Awakened Ones, to be clear—to be gathered so that they can be taught stuff that may or may not serve them right, all while having them act as meatshields for adults”
“Err…you don’t sound enthusiastic on recommending the place, Togo-san.”
“I suppose so. Honestly, I’m only mentioning it to you because the higher-ups told me introduce the school to any Awakened students I know.”
He answered so without hesitation, and then took another sip of his coffee.
“To be clear, my head understands that a school like this is necessary, but the emotional parts of me can’t agree to this.”
While I reexamined the pamphlet I was holding, Togo-san continued.
“Alright, that fulfills the request the higher-ups have made to me. Let’s set that aside and talk about the other schools.”
“S-sure”
It was only for a very brief moment, but strong distaste leaked out from Togo-san as he said so. While I reeled from what I sensed, he proceeded, with his usual smile, to hand out several other pamphlets.
“Unfortunately, I do not know how well you perform academically. So, for the meantime, I’ve picked schools that are easy to commute to from your home or, alternatively, those that are still within the prefecture but have apartments for students near them.”
“O, ohh”
I had heard of some of the schools in the pamphlets being mentioned here and there. Or rather, I had briefly looked into some of these schools when I was in the 3rd year of my junior high school.
“I don’t mind going over these schools with you now, but I think it’s better for you to talk with your parents about the whole thing first. In fact, feel free to make a decision without listening to an outsider like me. This is your choice to make, after all.”
Despite saying so, I saw some melancholy in those eyes of his behind a thin-framed pair of eyeglasses.
“But please, no matter what, don’t make the decision without careful thought. It is my hope that the future ahead for you is a bright one.”
“Togo-san…”
“…just kidding. I’m sure hearing that from a middle-aged guy grossed you out. Please forget I said it.”
He said so with a wry smile, and then deftly grabbed the pamphlet for the Adventurer Vocational School along with the bill.
“Again, I’m so glad you’re safe. On the events last week…no matter what anyone says, just remember that your group saved many lives that day. And for that, thank you.”
“No, no, it’s, it’s nothing, and, well, I’m sure I’ve made some mistakes along the way…”
“Hey, come on now, haven’t you heard too much modesty will earn you others’ hate? Take it as advice from someone who has experienced a tad bit more of what life has to offer than you.”
“T-thank you”
After ever-so-lightly delivering a karate chop on my head, he walked toward the counter. I bowed to his retreating figure, and then turned my gaze toward the remaining pamphlets.
So, what should I do going forward?
After listening to Togo-san, I grew anxious as to which path to take for my own future.
I had stated before, back in Aihara-kun’s house, that I intended to take the “safe, standard path”. I didn’t want to decide anytime soon what my future would be. If possible, I was even thinking of going job hunting after I graduating from university.
Which was why, being asked all of a sudden what I wanted to do…well, it put me at a loss for words, honestly. After all, I thought the next time I had to make a choice a life-changing like this was when I reached my 3rd year of senior high school, at the earliest.
Before anything else, I thought I should consult with my parents and friends. I had found that for these kinds of things, I was unlikely to come up with a satisfactory solution all by myself.
“Here you go. Courtesy of Togo-san. He has already paid for everything, so please enjoy it at your leisure.”
“Ahh, well, thank you…”
I accepted the giant parfait that the manager was serving. On this too, I worried on what I should do. Unlike my worry about my future though, I was starting to get used to this. Maybe. I just hoped Togo-san didn’t think I was 5 years younger than I was.
…whatever, I’ll just dig in.
And so, to show appreciation to my seldom used brain that got suddenly overworked, I picked up the spoon and started digging in.
* * *
POV: Togo Miyokichi (Saionji Yasuo)
“Pheww…”
Inside my car, which was parked a short distance away from the usual cafe, I exhaled a puff of smoke.
Good grief, I really turned into an awful adult, didn’t I?
Adventurer Vocational Schools, that was the name to be given to the five “containers” that were recently built in Hokkaido, Tochigi, Shizuoka, Hyogo, and Kumamoto. Originally, these schools were planned to open in April of next year. However, taking into consideration the damages brought on by the Disaster of the 12 Labyrinths, the opening was pushed to a significantly earlier date: the end of this year’s summer break.
Placing Awakened children into these “containers” was considered a top priority for the nation. So much so that unless this was done, Japan would no longer have a future. As things stood now, there were shortages in land, jobs, funds, and workforce. And the Adventurer Vocational Schools were absolutely essential in solving those issues. I should also note that the thing called “public opinion” had something to do with this decision.
But as necessary as this was…this was still an act that only a despicable human would do. I mean, could encouraging, inducing Awakened Ones to act as meatshields be truly called the just thing to do? Should an adult really reduce a child’s future from having infinite possibilities to one that only had “adventurer” or other related careers?
…no, I should stop here. I don’t have the right or time to think, much less speak, about this.
This was the path I had chosen. This was the decision I made for myself. And so, I would not waver. I would take my fair share of blame and atone for it too. I had already earned my place in hell, but that didn’t mean I had to go there on this very day. I still had work to do.
Considering Kyotaro-kun’s personality, that of the people around him, and his grades, there was a high likelihood that he would choose to attend the Adventurer Vocational School. Moreover, the way I sold the idea on him was bound to get him plenty interested, while also keeping the loss of his trust in me to a minimum.
If I were right, then what I should be thinking of right now was how to make it up to these youths. I must review those suspicious aspects I pointed out.
Logically speaking, even if the will of the people was truly along the lines of ‘sacrificing the few for the happiness and safety of the many’, there should still be many questioning the ethics of the use of children to build perimeters around dungeons. It wouldn’t take a genius to guess that foreign powers would use this opportunity to cause disturbance and poach our Awakened Ones.
And yet, those things had rarely happened. If anything, the CIA of America was even demonstrating that they would be cooperating with us, especially when it came to mass media manipulation and preventing intervention from other foreign countries.
But why would America go so far? They should have been still harboring some resentment and also vigilance against Minister Arikawa after the chaos he had brought to their ranks not too long ago. Sure, it was common in this line of work and in politics to shake hands while simultaneously stabbing each other in the back, but that still didn’t quite explain what was happening.
After doing some digging around, I found out that there was indeed something else at play: the data gathered from our Adventurer Vocational Schools would be shared to them as their compensation in this endeavor.
Dungeons were still very new to us, and as such, even data from simple experiments were highly sought everywhere. Information was more lucrative than gold.
Gathering data on young Awakened Ones was especially challenging. Going the route of schools exclusively for Awakened Ones could net a lot of data, but if things didn’t go as planned, it could result not only in student protests but even to the point of nationwide rebellions. So, if that risk could be shouldered by another country, why, of course any nation would provide support in exchange for that data.
Still…something felt off. Agents were still humans. Could their agents truly operate with complete and flawless rationality? Could their agents truly help with a school proposed by Minister Arikawa whose information leak brought about the demise of many of their comrades? Obviously, there were surely personnel with great training or great ability to put on a poker face, but would the CIA really push that hard? The data was lucrative, but was it that lucrative?
But, well, this too was just another of my baseless misgivings toward that guy. In short, it was all just my hunch. One born from my experience serving in Public Safety, sure, but merely a hunch nonetheless.
…I guess I should look into those involved in the founding of that school once more.
“…I wonder what my medical checkup results will look like now.”
My public persona was still part of the prefectural government. And one of the benefits of being a prefectural government employee was the medical checkups. On my next checkup, I was likely to get lectures on things beside my smoking. But, well, juggling two jobs—two personas—while conducting a private investigation was simply impossible without sacrificing some sleep.
I pushed the cigarette stub into the portable ashtray I took out of my pocket, and then leaned back on my seat and looked up at the ashen ceiling.
“I guess I should stop smoking”
At least, until this mess was resolved. That was what I thought to convince myself. All the while lightly patting my lighter in my breast pocket.
Taroppe-sensei(author)’s Q&A corner
Thank you for reading!
Also, please consider leaving some of your thoughts, a review, and bookmark the title over at the narou site (https://ncode.syosetu.com/n7336ie/)
Your support is appreciated and I hope you continue doing so.
Q: In the case that Kyotaro decides to attend this Adventurer Vocational School, will the title be changed into something like ‘An ordinary vocational school student delves into the dungeon with a bucket helm on’?
A: I seriously wrestled with the idea, but ultimately, there won’t be any changes. The “meta” reason is that it just isn’t that catchy.
But another reason is one that is in line with the context of the story. Given that there was no clear definition of what an expert adventurer might be, much less an actual expert adventurer, the school couldn’t really function as an actual vocational school. As such, despite the name, it is treated more as a regular school in terms of academic credentials. Maybe in the future, such schools in the story could work as actual vocational schools. If there is even a Japan at that point.
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