外伝：ダンジョンに憧れを持つのは間違っているだろうか？ (Part1)
Side Story: Is It Wrong to Long for a Dungeon?
A dungeon.
It is a mysterious place, said to be created by gods, by the Demon Lord, or perhaps even the castle of a calamity-level Dungeon Master who cares for none of those things.
It spews forth countless monsters and hoards treasures, yet its true purpose remains an enigma.
And yet, people flock to it.
Some for national defense, some for wealth and fame, and others to conduct business with those very people.
Ultimately, despite the grand descriptions, it has become a means for people to sustain their livelihoods.
And sometimes, it is the birthplace of adventure tales that will be passed down to the distant future.
Come now, today too, people harboring such common wishes gather at the dungeon.
Prologue: Is It Wrong to Long for a Dungeon?
Is it wrong to long for a dungeon?
An abyss of a labyrinth that remains unexplored. A habitat for vicious monsters that sometimes surpass even Demon Lords and gods.
Adventurers seeking wealth and fame approach the labyrinth, forming parties and guilds to challenge it.
What lies at the end? Glory? Death? Or perhaps failure?
Is it wrong to long for such a dungeon?
No, it cannot be wrong.
After all, my heart is racing so much.
"Now, this is the first step of the beginning."
And so, I take a step forward.
I, too, want to have a story like that...
"…Um, you are—no, wait. What is your purpose for coming to Weed?"
"I came looking for work. I heard there were still openings for laborers."
"Ah, I see. So you’re looking to immigrate to Weed... no, are you a prospective immigrant? Or just looking for temporary work?"
"I wish to immigrate."
I wouldn't actually walk into a dungeon.
I don't have the guts to put my life in danger for the sake of adventure.
But there is no doubt that my heart is racing.
Because this place, Weed, is a newly emerging nation that is currently the talk of the town.
It is often said to be too small to be called a country, but coming from a rural village, it looks like a magnificent capital to me.
And that’s not all.
Weed is a strange country that actually exists inside a dungeon.
It controls the dungeon—the source of disasters since ancient times—and contributes to various nations using magic technology called "Gates," earning the respect of the world. It is a remarkable country with a bright future.
I, too, used that "Gate" magic technology, which allows for instantaneous travel over long distances, to come all the way from a village near Ritel—or rather, almost near Rumel.
It took nearly a month to reach Ritel, but the time it took to get from Ritel to Weed in Roschur was only as long as it took to pay the Gate usage fee.
Honestly, I didn't think such technology could exist, but experiencing it firsthand makes me excited.
Yes, right now, the Weed dungeon is a dreamlike place not just for adventurers, but for people like me who need to earn their keep.
"However, I thought there were plenty of jobs in Ritel as well... no, there should have been, specifically in agriculture."
"It’s only agriculture and related work there. But I heard that in Weed, you can get into all sorts of different jobs."
"I see. Indeed, the range of career choices is wide. But it’s not as easy as it sounds, you know? You need basic knowledge, or if you don't have it, you'll need to spend some time at the training facility..."
"It’s okay. I will work hard!!"
I went through the trouble of leaving my village; I don't want to do the same kind of work.
I don't know what I want to be yet, but I'm sure I'll find it in Weed.
Perhaps sensing my determination, the receptionist looked a bit troubled before opening their mouth.
"…I see. Well, one should try everything. Good luck, then. Take this tag and go to the Green Gate. That is the reception for prospective immigrants."
"Yes. Thank you very much."
I take the tag and walk toward the Green Gate.
It’s not as if I didn't do any research.
I heard that when immigrating to Weed, you get preferential treatment if you can read and do arithmetic, so I studied hard before coming here.
"Yes, I’ll take the tag. You’re an immigration applicant, but do you have an introduction from anyone regarding work or housing?"
"No."
"Then, please participate in the orientation at the training facility. Afterward, there will be an exam to waive basic training. Will you take it? There is no fee."
"Yes. Please."
"Understood. Then, please write your name here."
Whoa, is this paper?
It’s pure white.
As expected of the trending emerging nation!!
Thinking that, I spell out my name with the characters I desperately memorized and return it to the receptionist.
"Yes. I’ll confirm. You are Cloche, correct?"
"Yes."
"Then, since there is time until the orientation begins, please take a seat over there and wait. Do you know how to use the toilets?"
"Yes. I studied up on toilets, so I’m fine!!"
"I see, that’s helpful. If you’d like a drink, you can use the water dispenser over there for free."
"Yes. Thank you very much!!"
"You’re welcome. Welcome to Weed."
This is my, Cloche’s, first step into Weed.
Though, only the sound of my footsteps remains.
The receptionist has already moved on to the next person, and this step is one that only I know about.
I’m going to do my best in Weed from now on!!
"Um, the person behind you can't get through, so could you please move to the seating area?"
"Ah, s-sorry!!"
I hurriedly grab my luggage and head toward the seats.
I got a little carried away. I have to be careful.
First Chapter: What Begins Here Is "The Story of an Ordinary Boy"
"Nice to meet you, prospective immigrants. I manage the immigration process..."
The talk began, but in short, it was just telling us to read the tourist pamphlet carefully and understand the rules.
Detailed information about immigration would come after arriving at the training facility, and having been exhausted by the long journey, it was hard for me to stay conscious.
Well, the others were much the same; only a handful were listening seriously.
They went into detail about introducing the important people of Weed, but there’s no way I’d ever meet such important people, and oh, I’m seriously about to fall asleep...
"Um... are you okay?"
"Ah, yes. I’m awake."
I answer reflexively.
Oh no. Did they catch me sleeping?
I worry about making a bad impression, but when I look at the face of the person who called out to me...
"I see. I’m glad you’re not feeling ill."
Standing there was a woman around my age wearing strange white clothes.
"Many people push themselves too hard to get to Weed, so people often collapse. That’s why I’ve been sent here from the hospital."
"Hospital?"
"Er, it’s a treatment clinic for healing injuries and illnesses. More importantly, falling asleep is proof that you’re exhausted, so I recommend you rest early once today’s schedule is over. I understand the feeling of wanting to work hard now that you’ve come to Weed, though."
"Ah, yes."
"Yes. I’m glad you understand. Now, er, Cloche-san, you’re up next for the basic training waiver exam. Please come this way."
That was a close call.
If I had kept sleeping, I might have been carried off to the hospital instead of taking the exam.
For now, as this person said, I’ll find an inn and rest as soon as the exam is over.
"It’s this room. Good luck."
"Yes. Thank you."
I thank the hospital worker who guided me and enter the room, where nearly 20 people are already seated.
Are these people also taking the basic training waiver exam?
But I don't think this many people were at the orientation earlier?
"Are you also hoping for the basic training completion exam?"
"Eh? Isn't this the basic training waiver exam?"
"Hm? Ah, that’s fine too. This also serves as the exam for those who have finished basic training."
"Is that so?"