LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 17 - Special A-Class Treatment
“I want to form an exclusive contract! At Special A-Class!”
“Special A-Class!?”
Mr. Tanaka’s enthusiasm made my voice crack. What is Special A-Class? Does it mean something special?
“Yes, even among our many contracted guilds, we only offer it to a handful. For an individual, this would be the first. However…”
Mr. Tanaka lifted the King’s Gauntlet and equipped it.
“Yes, this is undoubtedly the King’s Gauntlet. I believe you are worth that much. What do you think?”
He flexed his hand in the gauntlet. He seemed to feel the increased abilities of the King’s Gauntlet.
“Though, you probably can’t decide this on your own, can you? Kenya, you’re a high school student. Should we consult with your parents?”
As a minor, I can’t discuss contracts without my parents. But Kenya’s mother…
“No, my mother is currently battling cancer, so I’m alone…”
“I see. That must be difficult. What about your father?”
“My father passed away in an accident when I was young.”
Kenya then shared a bit about his situation—how he was poor, had a sister, and lived in a run-down apartment.
…
“That’s commendable! Quite impressive for someone so young!”
The president exclaimed, his eyes slightly moist. Ai, who didn’t know about my private life, patted my head encouragingly. And Mr. Tanaka…
“I lost my parents when I was a student too… I understand your feelings deeply, and that determination has driven me to work hard.”
Mr. Tanaka grasped my hands firmly, looking straight at me with tear-filled eyes.
“Personally and professionally, I am fond of you. Please feel free to consult me about anything. I will make time for you.”
We decided to finalize the contract at a later date. Although many parts of the contract were confusing to me as a student, Mr. Tanaka passionately reassured me that I wouldn’t be at a loss, so I decided to trust him.
If he were a scammer, I would be completely deceived, but the president and Ai said it would be fine, so it’s probably okay. I found myself fully trusting someone I met for the first time that day. This person doesn’t seem bad. Though, that’s likely what all scammers want you to think…
“Then, I’ll head to the headquarters tomorrow around noon. Is this address on the card correct?”
“Yes, please bring the necessary documents listed in the materials, such as a parental authorization form and your bank book. I’ve informed the receptionist.”
Since I’m a minor, a parental authorization form is required. I’ll visit my mother today and get it.
I left the dungeon.
…
“A real find…”
“Yes, thank you for introducing such a valuable person.”
“People are treasures. Now, let’s get to the main topic.”
“Yes, about the equipment found on the 60th floor.”
…
“Mom, how are you?”
I asked softly as I opened the hospital door. Inside, my mother was lying on the bed. Her hair had fallen out, and her skin was rough due to the IV treatment.
But still…
“Oh yes! My son has become an explorer and is working hard to earn money!”
“But isn’t it a dangerous job?”
“It’s fine. Boys need to chase their dreams. If he dies, then that’s that. I need to take out life insurance.”
“Hahaha!”
I saw my mother chatting cheerfully with her hospital friends. Despite her poor health, she was as energetic as ever.
“Don’t say such ominous things about your son dying.”
“Oh, Kenya, you’re here! This is my son, still a high schooler!”
“Oh, what a cute boy. Here, have a candy.”
“Uh, thank you.”
Why do old ladies always have candies? Hmm, this mandarin flavor is tasty.
“Mom, I need to talk to you.”
“Oh, I’ll head back to my room then. Goodbye, Misaki.”
“Bye!”
The lively old lady left the room. Is she a patient too? She seemed extremely energetic. Well, my mom is the same; she doesn’t look like a cancer patient.
“So? What do you need to talk about?”
“Well, I’m going to sign a contract with a company as an explorer, and they need a parental authorization form.”
“Hmm, it’s your life, so do what you want, but being a minor is tough…”
My parents were always lenient. There was no curfew, no pressure to study. They even easily agreed to me becoming an explorer, something most parents would oppose.
Their mantra was, “It’s your life, live it as you please.” Even with such a laissez-faire attitude, I felt plenty of love. That’s probably why neither Nana nor I turned out bad, though children from such families usually do.
My mother quickly wrote the authorization form and handed it to me.
“Take care of Nana. If money gets tight, you can stop my treatment.”
“I’ll take care of Nana. And I won’t stop your treatment. I’ll make enough money, don’t worry.”
“You’re starting to resemble your father. Responsible.”
Then, as usual, she said,
“It’s your life, live it as you please.”
“Yeah, I’m living as I please! You get well too, okay? We’re going on that world trip.”
“You remembered that? Well, I’ll do my best.”
My mother’s dream was to travel around the world. Kenya remembered her mumbling about it, unable to travel because she was always working since he was little.
So I’ll live my life as I please. I’ll get high school, exploring, Nana, my mother, and money—all together. I’ll live such a greedy yet ordinary life as I please. That’s why I’ll make money.
In that towering dungeon filled with dreams, despair, death, and the smell of money.
I left the hospital and went shopping (bean sprouts) before heading home. It was getting dark, and about five hours had passed since I left the dungeon.
(Today has been eventful and exhausting. Finally home…!?)
What Kenya saw in front of his rundown apartment was “ruin” waiting for him.
“Welcome home, Senior Kenya ♥”