Solo Dungeon Streamer-I Am Overpowered

Chapter 88: Defining Strengths

It's September.

After clearing the Sapporo Dungeon on August 31st, it's obvious that time has moved on, and here we are in the second week of September. It's the season when students return to school after summer vacation. This period is notorious for the spike in student suicides, which I get, honestly.

I always hated the end of summer vacation when I was a kid… Now, with all my explorer activities, I barely even feel like a student anymore, so it doesn't bother me as much.

These days, though, even in September, it's still hot. It doesn't feel like autumn at all. Why is it 30 degrees in September? That's a midsummer temperature. When did September start feeling like midsummer?

"Good morning, Tsukasa-kun."

"…Good morning."

"Whoa, you seem down... Are you tired?"

"Not really, no."

Asakawa-san greeted me with her usual high energy. I guess for someone like her, even the first day back at school after summer vacation is fun. Personally, I feel like I could leave right now. I still don't get why I had to come to school just for the opening ceremony. Maybe she finds something enjoyable about it that I don't understand.

"Nanami... good morning..."

"O-oh, morning... Akari? What happened?"

"E-exam prep, you know..."

Ah… So that's why so many people here look like they're on the brink of death. We're in the third year of high school, so most of them have probably been cramming for exams all summer, attending prep schools and studying hard.

"What about you, Nanami?"

"Me? I'm planning to join Tsukasa-kun's company."

"I'm starting my own business. I've been consulting with people I trust, and I'm in the process of getting it off the ground."

Mainly with Aizawa-san and Shinano-san. As an explorer, I won't lose to the adults in this field, but as a working adult, I'm still just a kid. I need guidance before making big decisions. I'm learning as I go, bit by bit.

"A job straight out of high school, huh... That's not bad either... But I want to go to university. There's something I want to do."

"If you have a clear goal, like something you want to achieve, then going to university is definitely a good idea."

To me, university isn't a place to just continue being a student out of inertia. Sure, these days many companies won't even look at you unless you're a college graduate, especially if you're a fresh graduate. But when I see tuition fees skyrocketing, I wonder if it's really worth taking out student loans. Well, it's not like I can talk much, since I'm starting my own business.

"There's also the academic test right after summer vacation, right? If I don't score well, my allowance gets cut... So I'm really desperate."

"That sounds tough."

"...Wait, what?"

"Uh, Tsukasa-kun?"

"What's wrong? Don't tell me you're worried about the academic test?"

"..."

Oh no… I haven't even looked at the handouts we got from school lately. I've been completely out of the loop. This is my fault entirely, but… maybe I can get out of it… No, I can't. I need to accept my fate.

"Whoa, you look like you've reached enlightenment or something."

"...Tsukasa-kun, you forgot about the academic test, didn't you?"

Hmph... Why is it that Asakawa-san always figures me out so easily?

"Hmm… I feel like I've hit a bit of a wall lately."

"...Really?"

I was starting to feel more confident as an explorer, but it seems like Asakawa-san has been feeling a bit stuck.

"Ah, I'll just have iced tea."

"I'll have black coffee, like usual."

As usual, we're sitting in a café near the Shibuya Dungeon, ordering drinks while chatting. I thought we could have done this at home, but Asakawa-san seems to enjoy the atmosphere of these outdoor cafés. Well, even though this place is technically underground, it's probably best not to bring that up.

"Before, I could barely survive near the lower levels' entrance. But now, I can handle myself in the lower layers. I thought I'd keep getting stronger and stronger, but... the deep layers seem so far away, like they're out of reach."

"Your goal is...?"

"...Let's not talk about that. For now, I'm just feeling a bit stuck, I guess?"

Her goal... I don't know the details of what Asakawa-san is aiming for, but it seems like she's set her sights on diving into the deep layers. But the deep layers aren't the kind of place you can easily reach. That's the reality.

"...I was watching a stream the other day, and it made me lose some confidence."

"A stream?"

"The Sapporo Dungeon one."

"Ah, that..."

So, that's why she was feeling like the deep layers were so out of reach. Find exclusive content at m|v-l-NovelBin.net

"If you're comparing yourself to Kamishiro-san, you should stop."

"...Why?"

"She's a monster, born with her abilities. You and Kamishiro-san are completely different types."

"Is that so?"

Kamishiro-san is a natural-born genius, able to control her immense magical power with instinct alone, wielding devastating magic without much effort. I doubt she's ever had to practice her magic control.

"But you have your own strengths, Asakawa-san. Your unique ability to see mana is something Kamishiro-san doesn't have."

"Do you think so?"

"Absolutely. The precision with which you control mana because you can see it is unmatched. I've never seen anyone handle mana as meticulously as you do."

Being able to control mana precisely means you can minimize waste when casting spells. This translates directly into more sustained firepower. In the unpredictable environment of the deep layers, having high endurance and sustainability in battle is a major advantage.

"Are you trying to encourage me?"

"I'm just stating facts. That's just the premise... now, here's the main point."

That's right—what I've said is just the groundwork. Asakawa-san has talents I've never seen before, and I don't know how those talents will develop. But if she nurtures them, she'll surpass many other explorers.

"Your talent is one of a kind. You have your own unique strength."

"So, what are you saying?"

"I'm saying you need to define that strength more clearly. The deep layers aren't easy, but I believe you can adapt."

This is my honest belief. I have no doubt that she will eventually become someone who thrives in the deep layers. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if she becomes the next EX-rank explorer.