Chapter 26: The Price of Power

"Yeah, I guess I'm lacking in firepower."

"That's... true, isn't it?"

Asakawa-san had recently been promoted to C-rank, meaning the association deemed her strong enough to face off against the mid-layer's strongest creature, the Wyvern, one-on-one. I had her fight one to test her abilities, and while she did manage to defeat it on her own, there were a few close calls. She's definitely strong enough to be a C-rank, but she could use more firepower.

"I could tell from watching your streams that while you can cast a lot of spells, each one doesn't pack much of a punch."

"I've been hearing that ever since I became an explorer."

I figured as much. Asakawa-san has an incredible talent for casting multiple spells simultaneously, something I could never do. But the power of each spell is lacking. When your spells are weak, you have to rely on quantity over quality, which drains your magic energy quickly and makes it hard to sustain a long battle. And in dungeon exploration, being unable to endure a long fight can be fatal.

"First, we need to increase your overall magic capacity."

"Can you really increase that?"

"You can."

It's commonly believed that you can't increase your magic capacity much, but the truth is, it's possible to grow it through training. Even people who are deemed unsuitable for dungeon diving could probably become capable with enough effort.

"That kind of training sounds pretty tough, right?"

"It is, but maybe you could stream it while you do it?"

"Streaming magic training would be so boring, though."

"Huh?"

Magic training is boring?

"Wait a minute. Are you talking about that magic training where you constantly release magic while exercising?"

"Yeah, that's what I meant."

"That doesn't help much."

"What!?"

I've seen that method recommended online, but it barely increases your magic capacity. I doubt anyone's felt a noticeable difference from it. Magic isn't like muscles—you can't just build it up with a few workouts.

"So... you know a better way?"

"Yes, and I used to do it quite regularly."

"Teach me!"

"Of course."

That's why we're here in the dungeon together, after all.

"The method is simple. You have to survive life-or-death battles."

"...What?"

"Keep fighting opponents stronger than you, over and over."

"Are you a battle maniac?"

That's a bit harsh. But it's true that the top explorers all became strong this way. The lower and deeper floors of dungeons are like hell, where surviving means constantly brushing with death, and it's through these experiences that they grow stronger.

I believe the massive gap between the top-tier explorers and everyone else isn't just about talent but also the number of times they've faced death. The strong push deeper into the dungeons, seeking greater challenges, while the weaker ones stay at safer levels, afraid of dying.

"If you want to break through the limits of being human and make it to the lower floors, you'll need to push yourself."

"...I'm starting to get a better sense of just what kind of place I'm aiming for." Sёarᴄh the ηovёlFire .net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"Don't worry. I'll be there with you!"

Leveling up faster by fighting stronger opponents—just like in games. Game logic wins again.

"So, I'll be streaming while you're training!"

Given Asakawa-san's current level of skill, the monsters from the lower floors should be a good fit for her training. I'll keep a Thunder Beast on standby, ready to intervene if things get too dangerous. Asakawa-san's smile looks a bit strained, but I'll just ignore that for now.

As I reviewed the archive of yesterday's private stream at school, a few girls approached my desk. Naturally, I didn't recognize them at all. I wondered what they wanted.

"Are you okay after what happened the other day?"

"The other day... Oh, you mean with Kurihara-kun?"

"Yeah, that's right. That stream's been spreading like crazy online."

"Really?"

This is the first I've heard of it. I figured it had been streamed, but I assumed it was just shared within the class group or something. I didn't expect it to go viral online. Though, now that I think about it, someone from the group probably would've uploaded it anyway.

"But still, you're really strong, aren't you?"

"Kisaragi-kun, you were so cool!"

"Uh... thanks?"

Why the sudden change? People who probably didn't even know my name until now are suddenly striking up a conversation with me. It's a bit overwhelming.

"Good morning, Tsukasa-kun!"

"Good morning, Asakawa-san."

"Oh, good morning, Nanami!"

Asakawa-san greeted me cheerfully as she walked in, followed closely by Nonohara-san, who seemed to have rushed over. Asakawa-san noticed the group of girls around me and tilted her head in confusion. Honestly, I feel just as confused.

"You were almost in serious trouble with Kurihara-kun, weren't you?"

"I never really liked him anyway."

Oh, come on. These same people were probably gushing over how handsome Kurihara-kun was not too long ago.

Speaking of Kurihara-kun, it seems he hasn't shown up to school since yesterday. I was in Kofu yesterday, so I had no idea he was absent, but it's probably because of what happened the other day.

"Are you in the class group chat?"

"No, I'm not."

"Let me add you! We should exchange contacts."

"Oh, okay."

They're coming on strong. Is this what Grandma meant when she said being an explorer would make you popular? I've always thought she was just teasing me, but maybe she was right all along... Sorry for doubting you, Grandma.

After exchanging contacts with one girl, others quickly followed, and soon I had a bunch of new contacts, both guys and girls. I never imagined I'd suddenly have so many classmates in my contacts, especially since until now, I only had people related to dungeon work.

"Oh, is that yesterday's footage?"

"Yeah. Looking at it now, I'm glad I bought a good camera."

Asakawa-san leaned in close to peek at my phone, and I felt my heart skip a beat. The way she tucked her shiny black hair behind her ear made her look so mature.

"Haha... I look good in this footage, don't I?"

"Y-Yeah, you do."

Well, since half the reason we went into the dungeon yesterday was for her training, it's good that the footage turned out well.

"Now that you've got this set up, we can collaborate on streams anytime, both with my stream and your own."

"P-Please go easy on me."

For some reason, it felt like her smile didn't reach her eyes... I wonder why.