Every time we exit the dungeon loaded with loot, we gather it and hand it over to Mr. Takamura, our leader, who heads straight to the Balancers' Institution to exchange it for money. It usually takes an hour or two before he returns with the proceeds.
We all sat at the gathering point, waiting for his return.
Kenny, glancing at his watch with boredom: "Oh my God, why is Mr. Takamura taking so long?"
Raya, lighting a cigarette with her usual style: "Calm down, Kenny. He'll be back soon with the money. No need to stress."
Kenny, stretching his arms with a yawn: "I know, but I just want to go home. This waiting is so boring."
Hans, leaning against a nearby wall, let out a faint laugh and said: "And why do you want to go home? Is anyone waiting for you?"
Kenny, internally: What does this idiot mean? Is he mocking me because I have no family?
Kenny glared at Hans and said: "Care to explain your words, Mr. Hans?"
Hans, with a sly smile: "I mean, if you're late by an hour, two, or even three, nothing will change. No one is waiting for you."
Kenny hesitated for a moment, trying to suppress his anger. Inside, he was boiling, but he chose not to engage in a pointless argument.
Kenny, trying to stay calm: "Mr. Hans, why are you saying this now?"
Hans, with a smug grin: "Because what I said is true, isn't it?"
Yeah, he's definitely trying to provoke me.
Kenny, with a quiet but restrained tone of anger: "Indeed, you're right, Mr. Hans."
Before the discussion escalated further, Takamura arrived, carrying a large bag. He stood before everyone and spoke loudly: "Alright, everyone, the total I managed to secure is 700,000 yen."
Everyone, shocked: "What?! Only 700,000?!"
Kenny, with a puzzled expression: "Mr. Takamura, didn't you say that the crystal we got from the deer alone was worth 700,000 yen? That's not even counting the crystals we gathered from the regular soldiers."
Takamura, trying to calm the group: "Remember, Kenny, that the Balancers' Institution no longer needs loot from E-rank dungeons. These items have become far too common, and their value has dropped significantly."
One of the group members, raising his voice with concern: "But Mr. Takamura, my son has a surgery scheduled at the end of the month. I was relying on this money to cover the costs."
Takamura, regretfully: "This is all I could bring back. I'm sorry, everyone. It's out of my hands."
Kenny, internally: My share is only 50,000 yen. Maybe it'll last me a few days, but this is really tough, man.
After everyone received their shares, Kenny left the gathering point and headed to one of the main streets in the city.
The street was bustling with people. The lights of the shops reflected on the wet pavement after a light rain. Ahead, Kenny saw a small grocery store with a glass front filled with packs of instant food and canned goods.
Kenny, stepping inside: "I'll just buy something to eat. I don't have the luxury of planning a full meal."
A few minutes later, Kenny left with a small bag. He headed to his home, located in a narrow alleyway—an old single-story building with a wooden door that showed clear signs of age.
He opened the door with heavy steps, took off his shoes, and placed them by the entrance. Without a second thought, he tossed his bag onto the couch carelessly and headed straight to the bathroom for a shower.
After showering, he didn't bother drying his wet hair. He sat in front of the TV with a plate of hot sausages, eating slowly.
Kenny, glancing at the clock on the wall: "It's 8 PM now. Good, I'll get a decent night's sleep."
He turned off the TV and went to bed, falling asleep quickly, only to wake up the next morning at 7 AM.
Kenny, sitting on his bed and looking out the window: "I don't know, guys, but I just don't feel like going to school today."
Despite his reluctance, Kenny decided to head to school. Walking through the city's bustling streets, the air was slightly chilly, and the sky was covered with clouds. The neighborhoods were alive with the sounds of cars and motorcycles, while Kenny strolled along the sidewalk lined with small shops. The glow of advertising lights reflecting on the wet pavement gave the street a magical atmosphere.
Finally, he arrived at the school's large gate, where students were chatting and laughing with their friends. But as usual, he was alone.
Naomi, one of his classmates, approached him with a shy smile.
Naomi: "Hi, Kenny. How are you today?"
I wanted to tell her, "At my worst, my dear," but that wouldn't be the appropriate response.
Kenny: "I'm good, Naomi. And you, how are you?"
Naomi, smiling shyly: "I'm fine, Kenny."
Naomi couldn't hide her admiration for the way Kenny said her name. She felt overwhelmed with shyness and quickly left, laughing to herself.
What kind of weirdness is this? Why did she leave like that?
As Kenny watched her walk away, he spotted Kiro, the class bully, from a distance. A strong desire burned inside him to teach Kiro a lesson and make everyone laugh at him for a change.
Kenny entered his class and sat at the back, as always, avoiding any interaction with others.
The teacher entered and began the lesson with a serious tone. Kenny wasn't focused; his eyes were fixed on the window, gazing at the horizon as if his mind had already left the classroom.
When the lesson ended, Kenny left the class and walked down the long school hallway. The walls were covered with posters and school activity announcements. The ground floor buzzed with the sound of students moving between classes.
My work as a Balancer will begin soon. I don't know why I feel so excited today. Maybe I'll discover something new, or maybe it's just an illusion.
Kenny left the school and wandered the city streets, heading toward the Balancers' headquarters. The road was somewhat long, lined with trees on both sides, and the sidewalks were filled with street vendors selling various goods. The sound of birds mixed with the city's noise created a strange blend of calm and chaos.
Finally, Kenny reached the Balancers' headquarters, where he spent most of his days. The atmosphere was different this time; fewer people were present—only 12 individuals, including Raya and Hans.
Takamura, standing in front of everyone with a wide grin: "Alright, folks, I have a big surprise for you. The Balancers' Corporation has decided to reward us with a valuable gift!"
Before he could finish, a door behind him opened, emitting a heavy magical aura that made everyone feel an unusual pressure in the air.
Kenny, internally: What is this aura? I've never felt anything like this before.
Takamura continued with an enthusiastic smile: "The gift is a C-rank gate!"
Everyone, in utter shock: "What?!"
One of the men: "Oh my God, finally! A C-rank gate!"
Kenny, feeling his anxiety rising: A C-rank gate? I mean, I know the earnings will be huge, but I didn't sell my life, man!
Takamura: "Whoever wants to join us, come along. Those who don't, feel free to leave. It's your choice."
Everyone was tense. Most agreed to enter the gate, while only three chose to leave.
Takamura, looking at Kenny: "Kenny, will you join us?"
Kenny, feeling conflicted inside: Should I agree? You know what? I'll say yes. Mr. Takamura is strong; I'm sure we'll make it out alive.
Kenny, with fake confidence: "I'll come, Mr. Takamura."
Everyone approached the gate cautiously. It was massive, glowing with a deep blue hue, surrounded by intertwined magical circles like ancient seals. The ground around it was cracked from the energy's effect, and the air was so saturated with magic that everyone felt a weight on their chests.
Kenny, internally: This place looks entirely different from anything I've seen before. I wonder, will I leave here with 150,000 yen or so?
The group cautiously entered the gate, disappearing one by one inside.