To start with the outco—mbers of the Rapid Response Team were selected within just two days. That was partly because it was a matter of reputation for the Awakener Association, and more so because there were plenty of clans and Awakeners eager to use this opportunity to promote themselves. As a result, there wasn’t much deliberation needed in making selections.
And so… Inari was very neatly left out.
“I an, I heard even Lion News tried pushing for to get in, but it didn’t work out. So hey, don’t look so down, alright?”
“I’m not down.”
Despite being comforted by Hikaru in the swaying bus, the truth was clear: there were just too many applicants. Among them were top aces from the Ten Great Clans, and famous Awakeners like the “Black Witch.” Compared to that, Inari—who’d only recently beco a hot topic—and Hikaru, a mber of a mid-tier clan, were eliminated during the docunt screening.
As such, Inari now had a lot of free ti on her hands. But thanks to the heavy focus on the big-na Awakeners, many spectators were flocking to watch them, which led to other dungeon reservations being easier to snag. Seeing the opportunity, Hikaru had invited Inari to join her on a trip to Tokyo Dungeon No. 8.
A classic “haunted castle” type dungeon populated with Living Mail, Tokyo No. 8 was usually fully booked. But thanks to event-related cancellations, Hikaru had managed to snatch a spot.
“Well, this works out! We get to run a dungeon that’s usually impossible to enter!”
“Indeed. I’d never have thought of it myself.”
“Ahaha, it was a total impulse, really. Just happened to be a good call.”
“Mm. I ought to learn from thee.”
Chatting with Hikaru, Inari’s mood lifted considerably. It was a pleasant change of pace—and just what she needed to stop moping around.
“So… the color of the card reflects trustworthiness, does it? I suppose I should look into that further…”
She’d have to ask Yasuno how one actually gets promoted through the card ranks. As those thoughts drifted through her mind, they arrived near the dungeon gate, which had developed into a fairly bustling area.
They were now in Fuchu City—forrly known for its station, nearby racetrack, and the Tama River. It had long been a logistics hub and now thrived again, partially due to the popularity of Tokyo Dungeon No. 8. As a result, many businesses targeting Awakeners had popped up, including restaurants and hotels. This trip, in fact, was a dungeon raid getaway with an overnight stay.
“Man, this is the life!”
“Truly, it is.”
After getting off the bus, Inari and Hikaru walked toward the hotel to check in. The rebuilt Fuchu, so different from its past after the monster disasters, now stood proud with many impressive buildings. Among them, Hikaru had picked the lavish Fuchu Knights Hotel.
Styled to match the "castle" the of Dungeon No. 8, the hotel featured grand décor inspired by dieval castles. Inari, stepping inside, couldn’t help but exclaim.
“Wowww… what a place this is.”
“This hotel’s a bit on the pricey side, y’know. But it’s so lovely~!”
“O-Oh? U-umu, indeed…”
Hikaru’s sudden change in tone and deanor caught Inari off guard—but she quickly realized Hikaru was "playing a role." Though in disguise, Hikaru still had to sign in with her real na, so maintaining her public persona as Seo Hikaru was necessary.
“I find it a bit strange, but… well, humans can’t live by honesty alone. This too must be a part of what’s normal for them.”
With that, Inari settled into acceptance. Once check-in was complete and they entered their room, Hikaru flopped face-first onto the big bed without a word.
“Aaaaagh… this character thing is exhausting…”
“That does sound rough.”
“You’ve got it easy, Inari. You just be yourself. And that is your charm, which is honestly pretty incredible.”
“Hm.”
Inari didn’t say sothing careless like “then just quit.” Hikaru’s job included this whole performance, and her complaints were more of a casual vent—just a way to lean on soone. And Inari was good at taking that kind of thing.
“Well, I might not understand all the complicated stuff, but if thou just need soone to hear thy grumblings, I’m thy girl. Shall I clean thy ears while I’m at it?”
She sat on the floor and patted her lap. Hikaru groaned, sat up, and then laid her head down on Inari’s lap, looking far more cheerful already.
“Ughh… yeah, ear cleaning. I always wanted soone to do that for .”
“Folk don’t do that anymore? Though I suppose it’s not a must…”
“Nowadays… it’s a business.”
“...I see not the logic, but alright.”
The ear pick was one Inari had bought at Aniki Mart. She’d learned by watching others and practicing. She rembered seeing scenes like this long ago—and had secretly wanted to do it for soone. So now, doing it for Hikaru felt kind of special.
As Inari got to work, Hikaru muttered sothing like “A…S…M…” but trailed off without finishing. Inari, for her part, had no idea what she ant—and blissfully continued on.
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