Published: January 22, 2026
As I was lost in thought about the future impact of this article, a knock sounded at the door, pulling me back to reality.
(Already that time?)
I checked the time; it was past 8:30.
When I opened the door, just as I expected, Ms. Selma was standing there.
“Good morning, Orun. Are you ready?”
“Good morning, Ms. Selma. Yeah, I’m fine. I can go anytime.”
“I see. Then let’s get going right away.”
“Got it. Just a moment.”
I put the newspaper I was holding into my storage magical tool, put on the clan’s long coat, and left the room.
◇
“Do you subscribe to a newspaper?”
On the way to the Exploration Management Department, Ms. Selma asked.
“Well, yeah. Information is important after all.”
“I agree. So, do you mainly read newspapers from Adriano?”
Adriano is the name of the newspaper publisher that practically monopolizes information about the hero party.
“No, I actually skim through all three companies. Besides, Adriano mainly covers the hero party. When I was in the hero party, I was interviewed by them, so even I, as an insider, didn’t gain much from reading their articles.”
Even when I was in the hero party, I glanced through the papers but didn’t pay much attention.
“That’s true. You were the one being interviewed. Hey, how accurate are Adriano’s articles?”
“I can’t really say.”
“I see. Just thought I’d ask on a whim. Don’t worry about it. By the way, do you buy newspapers outside? Our place can arrange for designated publishers’ newspapers to be delivered to the rooms of those who want them every morning.”
“Really? That would be great.”
“We have shared back issues, but some prefer to make their own scrapbooks. The fee will be deducted from your monthly salary. Should I arrange it?”
“Could you? I want newspapers from Adriano, Blanca, and Cartelli.”
“Understood. Then I’ll have them put newspapers into the mailbox installed next to your room door. It might take a few days to arrange, so please keep buying them yourself until then.”
“No problem at all. Thanks.”
◇
We arrived at the Exploration Management Department’s section.
It was filled with various documents, not exactly well-organized.
Well, considering the massive amount of information gathered daily, the mess was somewhat unavoidable.
I glanced at some documents lying around—they weren’t anything important.
Perhaps the crucial papers were properly stored.
I followed Ms. Selma as she briskly walked inside.
On the way, we greeted members we passed by.
Finally, we reached Ms. Estella.
“Estella, good morning.”
“Huh? Ah, Selma-cchi, good morning~. Newcomer-kun, good morning too~.”
“Good morning.”
“It’s messy as always. It’s because you’re so careless, you know?”
Ms. Selma scolded her.
‘Always’ implies that even after regular cleaning, the place still gets this cluttered.
“Ouch~”
Ms. Estella’s reaction was subtle—I wasn’t sure if it actually registered.
“Seriously…”
Ms. Selma sighed in exasperation.
It seemed like their usual exchange.
“Nya haha~. Anyway, newcomer-kun, thanks for coming right away♪. Abruptly, but can I ask you to start training from today?”
“That’s fine, but do you have any training policies?”
“Hm? No?”
“Eh...”
“Newcomer-kun—well, since you’re appointed as the trainer, ‘Orucchi’ it is.”
“Sure, I don’t mind. But you say there’s no training policy?”
“Leave everything to Orucchi! Train them to be fully fledged explorers. If they can clear the mid-layers with just party members in six months, no complaints! Just dye them all in your Orucchi color!”
(The bar’s too high... Well, if it’s the usual members, maybe I can manage?)
I calculated in my head, but then Ms. Estella’s mood turned serious.
“Ahem, joking aside... I know that during your hero party days, you handled not only exploring but also party management. Please teach them that too. I want these kids to become the next generation’s core. I realize I’m making an unreasonable request, but I’m counting on you, dawn’s multi-talented person!”