"Dungeon 'Summer Time Rendering'…"
Amamiya Natsuki gently pressed his fingers to his forehead, the scene of triggering the dungeon appearing in his mind.
That was during Golden Week. As Golden Week was nearing its end, Marin, during a video call, saw that her father had heavy dark circles under his eyes, similar to Miko. She became worried that her father, who worked far away in Kagoshima, might also be chosen by the game and become an unlucky player. So, she decided to travel south to investigate.
Amamiya Natsuki accompanied Marin, and they took a car to Kagoshima.
It turned out that Marin's father was fine, but they triggered the dungeon "Summer Time Rendering" on the cruise ship instead.
However, "Summer Time Rendering" had not started, and Amamiya Natsuki had almost forgotten about it. Who knew that on the first day of summer vacation, he would receive a dungeon notification.
Buzz, buzz, buzz.
His phone quickly vibrated.
Amamiya Natsuki took out his phone and looked at the screen; messages popped up one after another.
Kitagawa Marin: "Natsuki, that dungeon in Kagoshima has started. Did you get the notification?"
Fujiwara Chika: "President, something bad happened. My summer vacation plans are ruined."
Juju: "Stupid Natsuki, why did that dungeon suddenly start?"
"…"
At that time, after Amamiya Natsuki and Marin triggered the dungeon, the Young Lady and the others specifically flew over, so it was a large team dungeon.
Amamiya Natsuki replied to the messages uniformly:
"See you in the Student Council office later."
Ten minutes later.
Student Council office.
The girls gathered together.
Miko and Yurikawa naturally didn't come, but among them was Accounting Clerk Kashiwagi, who they met halfway.
"Isn't it summer vacation? Why is everyone in the office?"
Accounting Clerk Kashiwagi, unaware of anything, asked curiously.
"Stare—"
Everyone turned their heads to look at Kashiwagi.
"W-why are you all looking at me?"
Suddenly becoming the focus of everyone's attention, Accounting Clerk Kashiwagi felt the pressure come rushing in, and couldn't help but take a half-step back.
"Kashiwagi…" Amamiya Natsuki looked at the Student Council Accounting Clerk and said faintly, "Have you ever heard a saying?"
Kashiwagi blinked: "What saying?"
Amamiya Natsuki's tone was faint as he said:
"Knowing too much isn't a good thing."
Accounting Clerk Kashiwagi: "…"
"The President is talking nonsense again." Accounting Clerk Kashiwagi rolled her eyes speechlessly. "Everyone is a student, what kind of unspeakable things could there be… Chika-chan, what do you say?"
"Cough cough." Fujiwara Chika lightly coughed twice. "Kashiwagi-chan, you should go out first. It's really not convenient for you to know what's going to happen next."
Not, not convenient to know?
What are you going to do in the office?
Accounting Clerk Kashiwagi widened her eyes and turned to look at the Young Lady.
Shinomiya Kaguya nodded lightly and said:
"Kashiwagi, you should go out first."
"…"
Accounting Clerk Kashiwagi walked out of the office in a daze.
Bang.
Turning to look at the tightly closed door, her body suddenly shivered. Not knowing what she thought of, her small face quickly flushed, and then she frantically raised her hand, covering her pink lips in disbelief.
(All the Student Council work is finished, so coming to the office now definitely isn't for work.)
(It's also not to play board games or a game, because if it were, there's no reason for me to leave.)
(The President is a boy, plus Chika-chan, Kaguya-chan, Marin-chan… C-could it be that they're going to have a super terrible silver party in the office on the last day of the semester?!)
(No, impossible, I must have misunderstood. Chika-chan and the others wouldn't play so wildly… But what if?)
(What if it really is as I guessed?)
Accounting Clerk Kashiwagi covered her rapidly beating heart with her right hand, couldn't help but prick up her ears, and pressed her small face close to the door.
(Just listen, just listen…)
"I almost forgot about the Summer Time Rendering instance." Kitagawa Marin put her hands on her hips and complained, "I didn't expect it to suddenly appear. It's so unfair."
"It really is so unfair." Fujiwara Chika nodded and said, "I had already planned to go on a vacation to Bali with Mom and Moeha. The instance appeared on the first day of summer vacation, and all my plans were messed up."
Shinomiya Kaguya's tone was calm as she said softly:
"When the soldiers come, generals will block them; when the water comes, earth will cover it."
Amamiya Natsuki nodded and said:
"The instance must be participated in no matter what. What we need to consider next is the preparation work."
Triggered instances must be participated in. No one in the mutual aid group had tried to defy the game's notification before, and the result was that their avatars darkened and never lit up again.
Clearly, it is foolish to defy the game's will without sufficient power.
"Momotaro rice ball… Witch Potion… Binding Demon Rope…" The Young Lady began to inventory the current items and equipment. "And coins. They need to be fully charged before entering the instance."
"What a pity." Fujiwara Chika said with regret in her tone, "What a pity. Even with luck, you can't always get abilities or recipes from the crystal ball."
Amamiya Natsuki, on the other hand, recalled the spoils dropped when he eliminated the last forgotten oddity: a white mask. Unlike the faceless people, this white mask had facial features outlined on it, and when worn, it would change according to each person's face shape.
This item was later identified by the game as a special item that players could use.
[Item: Mark of Engraving]
[Category: Special Drop]
[Quality: Unique]
[Attribute: Takes effect when worn. Some memories are etched in the heart. After wearing this mask, your memories will be engraved and will not be forgotten even as time passes.]
[Note: Sometimes, forgetting is not a painful thing]
Obviously, this item was another special equipment that was rarely useful, so Amamiya Natsuki had forgotten to take it out when he inventoried his spoils earlier.
"Found it." Fujiwara Chika held up her phone. "The island designated for the instance is 'Hitogashima,' which is only a few tens of kilometers from Kagoshima. We need to take a cruise ship to get there."
Amamiya Natsuki looked at the phone.
"Hitogashima" is a small island with a permanent population of less than a thousand. It is very small, a typical volcanic island formed by crustal movement, with a volcano in the middle. Residents mainly live in a ring around the edge of the island. Fishing and tourism are the main sources of income for the residents. This type of island is quite common in the southern country; they are everywhere.
"The game designating it as the instance location must mean it has some special significance." Shinomiya Kaguya crossed her arms over her chest and said softly, "It's necessary to collect specific information about Hitogashima, including recent cases, urban legends, and so on."
Amamiya Natsuki nodded and said:
"I'll place an order with the hacker brother."
Specialization is key. The information collected by oneself is inevitably incomplete. At such times, one should hire professional intelligence dealers.
"Um…" Kitagawa Marin raised her right hand and coughed lightly, "How do we get there?"
Amamiya Natsuki looked at Marin and said:
"Taking a plane is faster."
Kitagawa Marin's pretty face flushed, and she couldn't help but roll her eyes.
Last time they went to Hokkaido, they took a plane, and he kept bullying her on the way, so much so that she couldn't even wear her panties. This time, with so many people acting together, there was no way they could take a plane.
Fortunately, Fujiwara Chika was understanding and said:
"Marin-chan has aerophobia, so let's take the Shinkansen. Twenty-four hours is enough to get there."
Kitagawa Marin hugged secretary Chika tightly: "I love Chika-chan the most!"
"…"
The discussion concluded.
Everyone prepared to leave the office and go their separate ways.
As soon as the door was opened, Accounting Clerk Kashiwagi stumbled in.
Accounting Clerk Kashiwagi blurted out, "You guys finished so quickly?"
"Eh?" Fujiwara Chika was momentarily stunned. "What do you mean?"
Amamiya Natsuki, however, understood: "It seems Kashiwagi has a big misunderstanding about us… You all go first, I'll chat with Kashiwagi in the office."
"No." Accounting Clerk Kashiwagi quickly shook her head, turned, and ran, "I'm going home!"
With the instance imminent, there were many things to prepare.
For instance, Fujiwara Chika and Juju, they first had to deal with their parents.
Arriving downstairs, everyone separated.
Amamiya Natsuki was about to leave school when he happened to meet his senpai.
"Natsuki-kun, I just saw Chika-chan's message. Are you going to enter an instance?"
Koyasu Tsubame quickly walked over and asked worriedly.
Amamiya Natsuki nodded and said:
"It's the instance that triggered in Kagoshima during Golden Week."
Koyasu Tsubame pursed her pink lips and said seriously:
"I want to participate too. The mandatory instance is coming soon, so it's a good time to go together."
During Golden Week, the senpai was out of town and didn't go to Kagoshima, so she didn't get the instance qualification and naturally didn't receive the instance notification, which is why she only saw the message now.
A mandatory instance must be participated in once a month, but if other instances are participated in before that, the mandatory instance's time will be reset.
Amamiya Natsuki pondered for a moment, then said:
"Senpai can come with us. If you can trigger the instance, we'll participate together."
"Okay." Koyasu Tsubame agreed. "I'll go back and pack my things first. See you tonight."
"…"
Amamiya Natsuki continued walking out and met Sayu again.
"Master, I want to participate in the instance too!" Sayu had also seen the message and was waiting for him eagerly at the intersection. "Don't leave me alone. Even if I die, I want to be with Master!"
Amamiya Natsuki glared at her: "Don't speak ill omens."
"I-I'm sorry." Sayu quickly apologized, covering her head with both hands, and whispered pitifully, "I said the wrong thing. Please punish me, Master."
Amamiya Natsuki raised an eyebrow and said:
"Any punishment is fine?"
"Anything is fine, really." Sayu looked up at him with her pretty face and said softly, "If it's Master, even if you make me [censored] and [censored], it's no problem."
Hey, hey, what terrible thing did you say to become a censored word!
"In that case, be prepared." Amamiya Natsuki's voice deepened. "I'm going to punish you severely right now."
Sayu's eyes brightened, and she said expectantly, "Master, please punish me quickly."
"Here." Amamiya Natsuki handed over his backpack. "Help me finish my summer homework."
Sayu: "…(╯‵□′)╯︵┻━┻!"
The instance was about to begin, and there were still many things to prepare. He really didn't have time to punish Sayu, so he could only wait until later.
As for Sayu also wanting to participate in the instance, Amamiya Natsuki's answer was naturally the same: she could come along, and if she could trigger the instance, she would participate; if not, then so be it.
Leaving school.
Amamiya Natsuki arrived at the agreed-upon cold drink shop and met Mizuhara Chizuru, helping her paste the rogue physician's healing skills.
This Miss Chizuru had also heard about the instance and asked if she needed to help, but Amamiya Natsuki politely declined. Their relationship wasn't that close; they were more like business partners. However, renting the gloves for making rice balls was no problem.
After finishing the day's work, Amamiya Natsuki bid farewell and went home.
On the way back, he received a message from Yukinoshita Yukino.
"Natsuki-kun, are you going to Kagoshima to challenge an instance?"
Amamiya Natsuki: "…"
How did it feel like the whole world knew?
Needless to say, Chika must have leaked the news.
"Indeed, we are going to challenge an instance…"
Amamiya Natsuki briefly explained the situation.
Yukinoshita Yukino quickly said: "My sister and I will go together."
Amamiya Natsuki was not surprised to see the message.
The Second Miss could be said to be extremely worried about Haruno. She had sent a message during Forest Camp, saying that she wanted to borrow the Leg Attachment during the summer vacation. Now that she heard the news, she naturally wouldn't miss the opportunity.
To be fair, the difficulty of the novice instance must be much lower, but only Haruno alone could challenge it. Yukinoshita Yukino naturally couldn't feel at ease, and acting as a group with Amamiya Natsuki and his party was the best choice.
"You can come, but there's no guarantee you'll get a dungeon slot," Amamiya Natsuki explained.
Yukinoshita Yukino: "I know, see you in two hours."
"..."
The chat ended.
Amamiya Natsuki returned home.
Seeing that no one was back yet, Amamiya Natsuki changed direction, walked to the next door, and pressed the doorbell.
The door opened quickly, and the childhood friend, a girl, wearing an apron, asked in confusion:
"Natsuki, why are you knocking?"
Amamiya Natsuki said softly:
"Of course, I wanted to see Miko."
"Go away," Miko snapped, "We just went to school together this morning."
Amamiya Natsuki stepped into the entryway, glanced at the living room, and whispered:
"Kyosuke isn't home?"
"He should be playing at the park, he hasn't come back yet," Miko's eyes showed confusion, "Why are you being so secretive?"
"It's good that he's not here, I have something to tell you..."
Amamiya Natsuki explained that he was about to head to a southern country for a dungeon challenge.
As a special ability user among ordinary people, there was no need to hide these things from Miko.
After listening, Miko silently bit her lower lip: "Going to challenge a dungeon again?"
"Mm," Amamiya Natsuki said calmly, "I have to go, there's no way to refuse."
Miko took a deep breath and said softly:
"When are you leaving? The potion is being made and will be ready soon."
Amamiya Natsuki said:
"Leaving in about three hours, taking the Shinkansen."
"That's enough time," Miko turned and walked towards the kitchen.
Amamiya Natsuki followed her into the kitchen, held Miko's hand, and while copying her ability, said:
"I'm about to challenge a dungeon, and I don't know if I'll be able to return this time..."
Miko's pretty face tensed, and she bit her lips, saying:
"Don't say silly things."
Players challenging dungeons are like soldiers going to the front lines of a battlefield; a slight mistake and they might never return. No one can guarantee they will clear a dungeon.
Of course, Amamiya Natsuki came this time not to 'gaze at each other with teary eyes' with Miko, but for another purpose.
"We're leaving for Kagoshima tonight, shouldn't Miko fulfill a small wish of mine?"
Amamiya Natsuki whispered.
Miko glanced at him: "What wish do you have?"
Amamiya Natsuki said seriously:
"If Miko could say 'I like you,' I would have no regrets in life."
"Pah!"
Miko spat lightly, her previous worry instantly dispelled, and she couldn't help but look at him with disdain: "Don't even think about it."
A scumbag Natsuki who wants a harem would never proactively confess to you.
Amamiya Natsuki settled for the next best thing and said:
"I heard that soldiers receive a blessing kiss before going to the battlefield. Surely this wish can be fulfilled?"
"You're not a soldier," Miko snorted lightly, "If you want that, go find someone else. Others would definitely be willing to fulfill it for you."
Amamiya Natsuki said seriously:
"If it's not Miko, it's meaningless. This is the request of my life."
Miko bit her silver teeth lightly, and two words escaped her lips:
"...Shameless!"
"I'm sorry, I bothered you."
Amamiya Natsuki sighed, his figure looking dejected as he walked out.
Miko watched him, knowing full well that Amamiya Natsuki was putting on an act, but she still couldn't resist. When Amamiya Natsuki reached the entryway, she stepped forward and chased after him.
If something unexpected happened in the dungeon...
If it was the last time...
If...
Miko stretched out her arms, wrapped them around Amamiya Natsuki's neck, then stood on tiptoe and kissed him.
Even knowing that Amamiya Natsuki was deliberately playing pitiful, she didn't want any regrets to happen.
A minute later.
Miko stepped back half a step, her pretty face flushed, and she wiped the corner of her lips, turning to walk towards the kitchen: "I'm going to make the potion. You... come back safely."
Amamiya Natsuki said from behind:
"When I come back, can you fulfill a request that's not too much?"
Miko: "...Get lost!"
Amamiya Natsuki returned home, and his teammates arrived one after another.
The young lady, needless to say, was currently in a runaway state, not needing anyone's permission or notification for travel. Spy Maid Hayasaka's whereabouts were uncertain, and her identity was a mystery.
"I'm here!"
Next were Chika and Marin.
Marin lived alone and had no family to notify.
Secretary Chika's reason remained unchanged; she hugged Kaguya: "I just said I wanted to play with Kaguya-chan, and Mom agreed."
Next were Senpai and Sayu; both also had no family members to deceive.
Juju and Komi were a bit far, finally arriving in the evening.
"Let me guess," Amamiya Natsuki looked at the two girls, "Juju's reason for running away was to play at Shoko's house? And Shoko's reason was to play at Juju's house?"
"You guessed wrong," Juju put her hands on her hips and straightened her small face, "We can also go to the Sea together."
Finally, the two sisters from the Yukinoshita family arrived from Chiba Prefecture.
Seven o'clock in the evening.
Everyone had gathered, eaten dinner together, and then headed to Shibuya Station to take the Shinkansen and depart for Kagoshima.
Tokyo is over a thousand kilometers from Kagoshima, but fortunately, the Shinkansen is fast, so there's no need to worry about time.
The journey was uneventful.
The next day.
When Amamiya Natsuki and his group got off the Shinkansen and arrived in Kagoshima, the sky was already bright, and the refreshing Sea breeze blowing on them felt especially comfortable.
After a simple breakfast, the group took a cruise ship to the designated dungeon location.
Two hours later.
Amamiya Natsuki stood at the bow of the cruise ship, looking at a small Island between the blue sky and Sea ahead, and slightly narrowed his eyes:
"...Finally arrived."