CH 65

Chapter 65.

"Mallorca-Escuela ............?"

Mallorca-Escuela

It is a world-class state-run comprehensive university about dungeons in the Balearic Sea in the west of Spain and the island of Mallorca there.

Initially, the place's name was inscribed on the map as the Spanish island of Mallorca. Still, in this era, it is a rare country that has become independent from Spain and runs its own country quite independently. It is because of its valuable dungeon, which is said to be the only one in the world where a 'city' exists inside a dungeon.

There is a world-famous quote that expresses the uniqueness of Mallorca.

--This is not Earth. This is another world in itself.

This was what the then President of the United States said to the media when he visited.

Since then, Mallorca has set very strict entry restrictions. And among them, "luck", "contacts", or "talents recognized by someone important" are the only essential that allows one to live in the city inside the dungeon.

Kujo couldn't believe Tenji's desire. She was trying to contemplate what she had just heard.

The other people listening to the conversation were also unintentionally opening their mouths to say something about Tenji's demands that exceeded their imagination.

Tenji was surprised to see Leon's surprised and reluctant face, which he saw for the first time. That reaction made him feel funny from the inside.

"...... Tenji, do you even know what that means?"

"Yes. If you ask me what I want, I will tell you without hesitation that I want the opportunity to study at Mallorca Escuela. I think that is the best path for me right now."

Tenji replied unambiguously, stating that he had no intention of changing his mind in the future.

If it had not been for Kujo, Leon, and Chigo, to whom he expressed his wish, he might not have spoken out this request. The reason is that a mere explorer cannot fulfill the desire he just mentioned.

But there was a slight chance that one of these three or one of the top ten guilds in Japan could make this wish come true.

So Tenji unhesitatingly kept forward his demands.

[I'm probably free now. I've got a calling and can put my desires into words.]

Tenji had a relatively detailed grasp of the situation he was in.

Many guilds tried to recruit Tenji, including Chariot.

But then Leon, one of the world's highest Zero-grade explorers, came forward. Any guild that didn't want to worsen relations with him or any guild that owed a debt to Leon like Tenji did retract their offers.

That's how overwhelming Leon's presence was in the Japanese Explorers World.

Then Leon clicks his tongue and starts scratching his head in annoyance.

"Oh, I don't think I can do that."

Tenji was surprised to hear that from a zero-grade explorer.

Because there are only four in the world, any country will welcome them with open arms if they try to do something. They are treated as if they were kings of foreign lands.

Tenji did not expect that one of them, Leon, would be unable to make his desire happen. 

"Even Mr Leon can't do it?"

"I can't. The President of the university hates me so much. I don't know how often I've been denied entry into the country. Damn, I could rule there if only that old hag wasn't there."

"And the ruling is ...... a dangerous thing."

Apparently, Leon is not on good terms with Mallorca Escuela.

"...... Unfortunately, I don't have the guts or the 'frame of mind' to screw someone over there either. ...... Damn, I didn't expect you to make such demands."

"Sorry, sorry. ......"

For some reason, Tenji's sharp eyes widened, and he apologized with a shudder.

Chigo, standing next to Kujo, smiled smugly as if she was triumphant, saying, "Hmmm."

"Then, Tenji-Kun,...... would you like to go to Mallorca Escuela with me?"

Chigo stepped forward a few steps and held her right hand towards Tenji with an innocent, adorable smile.

Not expecting her to be able to give in to his demands, Tenji froze for a bit.

"With you...........Chigo-san ......?"

"Yes. In fact, I had been asked for some time if I would be interested in being a temporary teacher at Mallorca Escuela. The offer was that I would receive one additional 'slot' in exchange for teaching for at least one year, a house, and an annual income of nine hundred million."

"You want me to take that slot?"

"I'd rather have Tenji than no one else. I'm not a simple woman myself you know! So, what do you say? If you spend two years with me, you can go to Mallorca for at least one year, okay? You can make it happen if you wish, even if it takes you two years to graduate."

Chigo looked at Tenji's face as if saying, "How long are you going to keep the lady's hand empty?" She held her right hand out in front of him a little more.

[If you guarantee me the right to study in Mallorca Escuela as requested and have a genius as good as you, I can rest assured that I'll be in good hands.]

[And what's more, ...... is the cuteness.]

Tenji had no reason to refuse.

Without showing any pretence of hesitation, Tenji took Chigo's right hand.

"Yes! I'm counting on it!"

"Yeah, nice to meet you!"

Thus, Tenji had earned the right to study in Mallorca Escuela, his long-cherished dream.

The person going with him is Chigo Shiroushi, a 19-year-old explorer who belongs to the guild [Busy Man]. No, to be precise, she had already left the guild at this time, but Tenji did not know that.

The others couldn't help but be stunned by Tenji's action and negotiated right before their eyes.

'Who in the world is Tenji? Does he have the talent to make Kujo, Leon, and the other guilds grasp?' There were surprisingly many that had such questions.

But those were the ones who had not seen Tenji fight, and many of them were rival participants.

Naturally, the way they looked at Tenji turned suspicious.

"Hey, Tenji. ......"

"Tenji?"

When Tenji joined hands with Chigo, they acknowledged each other's strong will.

Aika and Rui approached from behind and looked to Tenji for an explanation.

[That's right ...... you two are especially confused. ......]

"You're going to explain it, aren't you? I ...... don't want you to stop being my friend."

"Me too. I honestly can't...... keep my head straight."

"Sorry, you two."

"No, I'm not looking for an apology; I just want to know what's happening to Tenji as a friend."

"Yes, you're right. I'm just a friend trying to understand this situation."

Tenji had never had a friend who thought so much of him.

The first meeting and events with Rui were the worst, but now they are really good friends. Having someone so talented nearby is an inspiration, and Rui is always looking out for Tenji.

Aika was also the only one who cared about Tenji for a long time. She was like comfort to Tenji.

For two people like that, any more lies would feel like a tight squeeze on the heart.

"Yeah, okay. I'd like to talk more about it another time, just the three of us. Somewhere more private."

Tenji said, then looked at Chariot and the other participants and said darkly,

"Another time."

He quickly nodded, knowing that the two of them couldn't talk about much of it either.

"Okay. We'll talk somewhere when you want."

"Yes, that's right. Since it looks like you've already decided to study abroad, you'll have to give us some time before then, right?"

"Of course, I will. I'll tell you exactly what happened".

Tenji laughed, and they both laughed in relief.

Still, Tenji probably won't tell you everything. His mind warns him that the distortion of his existence will not allow him to bring his friends into this world.

'How much can I tell you, or should I tell you?' Tenji decided to think about it some more.

Then, Rui unusually held out his right hand.

Both Aika and Tenji tilted their heads involuntarily at his uncharacteristic behaviour.

"It's good to work today."

Tenji shook Rui's hand as they worked together on today's examinations.

After that, for some reason, Aika also asked Tenji for a handshake while her cheeks turned vermilion red.