The day after I had the strategy meeting with Asakawa-san, Kurihara-kun didn't bother me at school. Well, that's because Kurihara-kun didn't come to school at all. Since he's also an explorer, there might be various reasons for his absence... But considering his usual behavior, he seems like a pretty lousy person, so it's probably just him skipping school. Not that I'm in a position to talk, given how often I miss school for official reasons.
After casually chatting with Asakawa-san throughout the school day and then heading home, I changed into more comfortable clothes and made my way to Shibuya Station. I had received a text from Grandma saying she'd be waiting in a car to pick me up.
"Grandma, long time no see."
As expected, when I got into the fancy-looking car at Shibuya Station, Grandma was already waiting inside.
"I've told you before... I don't remember raising such an impudent grandchild."
"You're my grandma, after all. It's just how I talk to you."
"Good grief... Stop using titles that are both respectful and disrespectful at the same time."
Grandma, who was waiting in the car, is my benefactor and mentor. She turned 67 this year, I believe. Her hair has turned completely white, but she still stands tall with no signs of age-related stooping, exuding an impressive aura. To be honest, I've often thought I want to grow up to be as cool as she is.
"Driver, let's get going."
"Y-Yes, ma'am!"
"...Is this driver new?"
This car belongs to the Explorer Association, and the driver is one of their staff, but considering how nervous he seems in response to Grandma, he's probably new.
"Grandma's not that scary, so there's no need to be so tense."
"S-She's not... scary... right?"
"Stop chatting and get moving already."
"Yes, ma'am!"
Seriously... Grandma always speaks so harshly. She'll probably offer him some treats later out of concern, so she could just start off being nice. That said, since Grandma has been active since the dawn of the dungeons, I can somewhat understand why her words are so stern.
As we drove, I glanced over at Grandma and noticed she was already dozing off. She's a busy person who's always in high demand, so I can't blame her. Even though I admire her and want to become as cool as she is, I certainly don't want to be the kind of adult who can fall asleep in a car like this.
As I fiddled with my phone, the car soon came to a stop. The door was gently opened from the outside, and I stepped out to find that we had arrived at the headquarters of the Explorer Association.
"Get out quickly."
"Oh, you're awake."
For some reason, she let out a deep sigh.
As Grandma urged me, I got out of the car and followed the Association staff member.
The Association is run directly by the government. Its official name is the Japan Dungeon Exploration Association under the Ministry of Dungeon Affairs... In other words, it's an organization under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Dungeon Affairs. That's why they have such a grand and well-funded headquarters.
"This way, please."
I was led to a large conference room. Today, a meeting was to be held with several representatives of S-rank explorers and all the EX-rank explorers. By the way, the reason Grandma and I came together is that she was the one who wrote the recommendation for me to become an EX-rank explorer.
"...Finally here, huh? UNKNOWN."
The stern-looking man sitting at the very back of the conference room, right in front of the screen, raised his gaze and directed it at me. He's Ryunosuke Shishijima, the president of the Japan Dungeon Exploration Association. I've always thought his name was a bit much with all the "lion" and "dragon" imagery, but at least his first name isn't "dragon," so I guess it's fine... No, it's not really important.
"I got here as fast as I could after school."
"My apologies for the rush. Truly, I appreciate it... Especially since the Magic Princess won't be joining us today."
"Oh, haha..."
The Dungeon Calamity, as she's often called, is a free spirit who never keeps time or shows up to meetings.
"Now that the three EX-rank explorers have arrived, we can begin the meeting."
As Shishijima said this, he projected something onto the screen behind him and stepped aside.
"First, I'd like to thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules to be here. Especially the three EX-rank explorers... Ryosuke Aizawa, Kaede Jinguuji, and UNKNOWN."
I glanced over at Grandma Jinguuji-san who looked completely disinterested with her eyes half-closed. I then turned my gaze to Aizawa-san, who looked like a tired salaryman-like old man sitting across from me, and he gave me a wry smile.
It's been a while since I've seen multiple EX-rank explorers gathered like this. We don't hold these meetings regularly, and I've missed several due to other assignments.
"The topic of today's discussion is dungeon streaming."
When Shishijima-san said that and projected the materials onto the screen, my mind went blank for a moment. Why would the Association gather Japan's top explorers to talk about dungeon streaming? I couldn't understand it. To me, dungeon streaming was just entertainment.
"In recent years, dungeon streaming aimed at generating ad revenue on video platforms has become popular. The government sees this as a positive trend, as it doesn't violate any laws and has contributed to a rise in new explorers, which had been on the decline."
Well, I guess it makes sense... If dungeon streaming becomes popular, more people might be inspired to become explorers. And if they can make a living from it, even more people would be motivated.
"However, there are also streamers who, distracted by their broadcasts, lose focus or engage in dangerous activities to boost their viewer counts."
I think I saw something like that on TV.
"This time, I want to hear your opinions on the future of dungeon streaming."
Are you really asking us? The people here don't even stream dungeons. I think you're asking the wrong people.
"Shishijima."
"...What is it?"
"Aren't you asking the wrong people? I know absolutely nothing about dungeon streaming."
She said it... Grandma, you didn't have to be so blunt. Now Shishijima-san looks completely baffled!