Akihabara. Though Inari had grown quite used to this place, today it was wrapped in an atmosphere of tension.
And for good reason—a new dungeon had appeared.
Whether it was a temporary dungeon or a permanent one, no one could judge the difficulty without going inside.
If it turned out to be a permanent dungeon and was cleared, the Awakener Association would forcibly buy up the surrounding land to ensure safety. Depending on the dungeon’s type, that could cause major fluctuations in property value.
Now that Akihabara had been revitalized as a city of Awakeners, everyone was naturally focused on what comes after.
That said, Inari herself didn’t quite understand all these worldly concerns.
“The air feels different… Is it that everyone harbors anxiety, I wonder?”
Well, there were surely people feeling anxious. What if the land value drops? What’ll happen to our shops if it’s permanent…?
With all kinds of worries tangled in the air, Inari walked toward the dungeon site.
She’d heard roughly where it was. Since it had apparently appeared right in the middle of the main street of the Awakener district, getting lost wasn’t a concern.
“Hey, is that…”
“No, it’s gotta be cosplay, right?”
“But that level of quality… huh? Wait, but…”
As Inari walked on, she drew whispered speculation from a group of regular civilians clearly just there to gawk.
Some were even recording videos—maybe the whole thing felt like an event to them.
Naturally, the TV stations were there too, broadcasting live from all over.
“This is Nirasaki reporting on-site. Here in Akihabara, where a dungeon gate has appeared, as you can see, numerous Awakeners have gathered to monitor the situation. According to reports, this time’s assignment falls to the clan FoxPhone, and many speculate that the currently trending Kogami Inari will be the one tackling it—wait, what? She’s here? Where? Ah!”
“Miss Kogami! Could we get a comment on your determination?”
“Just a word, please!”
“Do you have a message for those who are feeling anxious?”
“Will you end your sentences with ‘noja’ as always!?”
“You’re said to be FoxPhone’s secret weapon—can you share anything about that?”
The sudden stampede of news crews rushing her made Inari go “Wha—!?” but… well, one quick comment wouldn’t hurt. She turned to one of the reporters.
“A dungeon, such a thing appearing in a peaceful town—thy unease, I understand all too well. Yet I too shall give it mine utmost. So I ask thee—wait, and believe in me.”
“Miss Kogami! Just a little more—!”
“Mine apologies, but I am awaited elsewhere. That much is all I may say for now.”
Turning on her heel, Inari began to walk away. It wouldn’t be smart for them to chase her. She was a stunning beauty with fox ears and a tail—potentially the next breakout idol Awakener.
Even setting aside whether the ears and tail were real, her character was wildly memorable. And she was absurdly pretty.
Even with just that short comment, her amiable demeanor had come across clearly. She’d pull ratings. They wanted an exclusive interview if possible—but if they pushed here and now, it could backfire. It was live, after all.
With all those calculations flashing through their minds, the reporters watched her leave… her swaying tail making for a truly picturesque shot.
And so, they also wanted to leave a positive impression on FoxPhone.
“What a dependable comment that was! Though the strength of the mysterious Miss Kogami remains unclear, experts believe she’s going in with top-class support and a crack team…”
And with that, the commentary continued to favor FoxPhone heavily.
As Inari kept walking, she eventually arrived near the heavily guarded dungeon gate.
There were makeshift fences and people stationed everywhere. One Awakener standing at the front noticed her and called out.
“That outfit… you’re Miss Kogami, right? Sorry, but I’ll need to check your card.”
“Mm, here.”
“A White Card… ah, no problem. Please go on through.”
“Much obliged, lad.”
The White Card—meant for beginners—understandably caught attention. Inari got that.
She understood it, but still. As she continued walking, one of the Awakeners standing nearby stepped out.
“Hold it.”
He surrounded her with an accusatory tone.
“So it’s a rookie with a White Card, huh? I thought it’d be someone serious. What, the big names just wanna give a freshie some fake credentials now? Hell no—HEY! Don’t just walk away!”
“Eh? Art thou speaking to me?”
“Who the hell else would I be talking to?!”
“Even if thou sayest so… I came because I was asked, thou knowest.”
“Yeah, and that’s exactly what pisses me off! A brat like you struttin’ around with achievements that don’t match your skill!”
Hearing the man’s sharp voice echo, Inari tilted her head thoughtfully.
“So in short, thou art questioning mine strength, aye?”
“You’re damn right! To me, a runt like you is—”
The moment he grabbed her arm—before any of the guards could react—his body flew through the air.
“—Huh? Gah-uhk!”
He only realized he’d been thrown after his body slammed into the ground. Not even understanding when it had happened, the man was promptly restrained. Meanwhile, Inari casually shook her arm.
“‘Tis improper to lay hands so casually upon a maiden’s body. I simply could not help but toss thee, alas.”
“Sh-she’s incredibleeeee!”
“Inari-chan’s strong!”
“The ‘noja’ is sooo cute!”
“Mm. Fare thee well, then.”
Waving as she passed through the barricade, Inari mused to herself.
“Feels like there’s more and more people like Akai mixing into the crowd these days…”
...Probably just her imagination. Probably. Hopefully.