It’s said that I have a physique more conducive to climbing the Ladder than others. However, even if I manage to climb a few steps, the time it takes to reach the next steps increases considerably. Regres still claimed we could ascend further, but I couldn’t shake off the feeling that it might all be in vain.
Nevertheless, perhaps it was due to the recent transfer or the fact that I hadn’t yet solidified the common knowledge that the Ladder only went up to 10 steps, I decided to take Regres’s words positively and give it my best shot.
The entrance to the mine was quite vast, with several tracks for mine carts running through it. The carts themselves had been scattered and destroyed during the Monster Parade, their wreckage strewn about.
“Why use mine carts when you could carry a lot more with a bag?”
“Well, that’s how most mines operate. You see, a single chunk of Mithril ore fetches quite a price.”
“Is it really that valuable?”
“It is, but if everyone started packing their bags with these valuable ores and walking out, it would be a problem for the mine managers.”
“I see.”
“That’s why mines often prohibit bringing in bags. They mostly use carts or small magical beasts as pack animals to transport what they’ve dug up.”
In a world where magic is prevalent, it seems like such issues naturally arise. It’s intriguing, but I’ll need to learn about these things to avoid being deceived or falling victim to them.
“Shall we head this way today?”
For reasons unknown, we proceeded down one of the mine’s several tunnels, just as Regres suggested. Each main passage had its own set of cart tracks, so getting lost wasn’t a concern.
“This place feels like a dungeon, doesn’t it?”
“Huh? It is a dungeon. This area.”
“Oh, really?”
I felt like I had made a foolish remark, but apparently, this place had already transformed into a dungeon. It’s a phenomenon that inevitably occurs at the site of Monster Parades, gradually deactivating into dungeons over several decades to a hundred years.
The reason this mine is said to be the origin of Monster Parades is because of this phenomenon.
“So, are there treasures or bosses deep in the dungeon?”
“I doubt there are treasures. As for bosses, maybe?”
“Um… is that safe?”
“If it’s just the two of us? I think so. But I think it’s still too early for the deepest part.”
“R-right…”
“But defeating the dungeon boss should significantly advance the Ladder steps. It’d be good for everyone to challenge it once those kids get stronger.”
“I-I see.”
Those three will surely continue to grow stronger. The time might come when they are needed.
It’s another of Regres’s hypotheses that monsters aren’t original creatures of this world but were introduced from elsewhere. Just as humans are occasionally brought into this world, there might be other forms of entry.
Though hearing that dungeons vanish within a hundred years seemed odd if they are just holes, explaining the current state where monsters are incessantly appearing is also quite challenging.
Three days later.
Suddenly, my body started to feel hot and feverish. There was no mistaking it. It was proof that I had ascended the Ladder steps. I looked at Regres with a mixture of surprise and confirmation.
“Yeah, you’ve ascended.”
“But… why?”
Regres’s demeanor changed subtly. Despite his continued smile, there was an imposing air about him.
“My guardian spirit is called Signo… known as the Harmonizer.”
“Harmonizer?”
“Yeah, of the world. And it grants me the ability of foresight.”
“Foresight… like seeing the future?”
“Exactly. It’s a bit different from mere prediction. While predictions can’t see a definite future, mine can. It’s not all-encompassing, but it works.”
“So, it saw me surpassing Step 10?”
“Yep, and with my excellent carry-over skill, I was happy to assist a promising Transferee like you.”
Assist? I’m not just going to accept everything blindly. Why help me get stronger? What’s in it for him?
“In this world, there are both good and bad entities. Right now, I want to increase the load of the good ones. It’s for the future. Because your sensei is that kind of person, right?”
“But does that mean something difficult is going to happen?”
“Maybe yes, maybe no. It’s not something people should know. But well, it’s always good to be prepared.”
“But we won’t understand anything like that.”
“Not understanding is okay. Life’s more enjoyable that way, don’t you think?”
Regres’s response was somewhat evasive. I understood that he probably wouldn’t tell me everything.
…But.
“Reg-san, have you registered as a Divine Citizen?”
“Hehehe, as expected. Yes, I have.”
“…Could you tell me your ranking?”
“Well… I guess so. But promise not to tell anyone.”
“Y-yes.”
I asked straight out, not expecting a straightforward answer. Regres’s reaction momentarily caught me off guard.
Still smiling, Regres rolled up his pant leg, revealing the Celestial emblem on his calf.
“Huh? B-but… I understand.”
“Hehehe, it’s our little secret.”
“…So, you were using a fake name after all.”
“No, that wasn’t my intention. In the world I came from, you’re given a name by the god you believe in, attached to your first name. In my case, it’s Regres. But in this world, there is only GS. When I transferred, that name disappeared. That’s all. But I never intended to discard the name Regres, so I still go by it.”
“I see…”
“Well, it’s convenient for a fake name too.”
“Hahaha…”
With that, Regres seemed satisfied and stood up.
“Well, it’s about time to head back. If we’re late, your students will be in trouble.”
“Is that foresight too?”
“Yeah, and I promised the old sage too. Let’s hurry back.”
“Y-yes.”
Exiting the mine, it was still bright outside. I climbed onto Jenuin and began the return journey. Still feeling a slight warmth in my body, I absentmindedly watched Regres, who was humming while being gently rocked by Jenuin in front of me.
