Please to Kitsune-sama!

The following morning. When Inari responded to the intercom and opened the door, she found Yasuno standing there in full gear.

Wearing a metal helmet and armor, with metal-plated boots, a short spear in hand, and even a large shield slung across her back, she looked entirely ready for battle.

"Hmm... I was told yesterday that thou art an Awakener, but seeing thee garbed so... aye, I am convinced now."

“Wait—were you doubting me?”

"Mm, mayhap. Thou didst not look particularly strong, after all..."

Compared to Takai, Maruyama, or even Aoyama from the day before, they all felt stronger. As for the matching service group, Yasuno looked stronger than them at least—but factoring that in, she still didn’t come off as all that formidable.

Judging by her appearance, she seemed to be the “tank” she’d mentioned before... Yasuno, puffing out her chest proudly, held up her Awakener card.

“Come now, don’t underestimate us! Everyone from top to bottom in the Awakener Association is an Awakener! After all, only Awakeners truly understand Awakeners!”

“Mmm... I sense darkness behind those words…”

Well, there must’ve been all sorts of reasons for it—so Inari decided not to comment further.

At the very least, Yasuno was indeed an Awakener. Her card was a pale blue, likely meaning she was not a beginner.

Name: Yasuno Kaho
Level: 31
Job: Soldier
Awakener Association – Japan Headquarters

"Hoh, there’s some kind of silver line upon it, is there not?"

Indeed, a thick silver line ran above Yasuno’s name on her card. Curious as to its meaning, Inari asked about it, and Yasuno proudly explained:

“This is here so that even from a distance, people know I’m with the Awakener Association!”

"Fumu... I see."

Why would such a thing be necessary? As Inari considered situations where such a visual cue might be required, she nodded in understanding.

"Ahh, so the public order be rather poor, then? Without such markers, one might be loosed upon with arrows and the like, aye?"

“Ugh! W-Well... I mean, yes—it's for crime prevention! Such visible authority carries weight, after all.”

"Hmph, this be why I care not for companions. Always having to watch one’s back—’tis far too wearisome."

“L-Let’s just head out already! Please, if you’d get ready?”

"Ready, thou sayest? This body alone sufficeth."

Her weapon—Kogetsu—was with her. Her shrine maiden garb served as armor. That was more than enough, Inari insisted. But Yasuno looked dubious.

“Er, but... at least bring a staff? Maybe some armor?”

"Nay, nay. If I have need of aught, I shall conjure it on my own."

“R-Right... well then, please, step inside.”

Perhaps she’d been thoroughly scolded the day before—Yasuno refrained from excessive meddling. But she clearly remained concerned.

In any case, since she’d been told to get in, Inari obliged. What awaited her was a hulking boxy vehicle with its door already open. Judging by its appearance, it was most likely an armored car.

Inside, the interior was arranged in such a way that fully armored individuals could board without issue.

“These interiors are reinforced using drop materials! Even with spiky armor, an Awakener wouldn’t leave a scratch!”

“Fumu... verily, it has power to it. So the world has grown full of such things, has it?”

“Yes!”

In truth, vehicles built for Awakeners had become luxury items that even non-Awakeners coveted.

Reinforced with sturdy armor and durable interiors, and capable of withstanding moderate environmental hazards, some models were even capable of stopping old-world landmines—depending on their grade. Price negotiations were expected.

Naturally, vehicles belonging to the Awakener Association were of the highest quality, and what Inari rode now was no exception.

"Hohh... making quite the profit, art thou?"

“Well, the Association itself does gather more money than any other institution in Japan. But that funding goes into support gear like this, and all kinds of logistical backing!”

"Hmph. I see, I see—well enough."

Inari herself had little interest in such affairs. To navigate the mortal world skillfully was also a kind of talent, and the Awakener Association—having done just that—clearly held some degree of concern for her. So long as that much was understood, they could do as they pleased.

"So? What sort of dungeon be we headed to today?"

“Ah, yes! We’re headed to what’s commonly called the ‘Wolf Dungeon.’ As the name implies, wolf-type monsters appear there. It’s a recommended spot for those who’ve just moved past the beginner stage.”

"Fumu... wolves, thou sayest..."

“If you’ve gotten used to goblins, they’ll quite literally trip you up. Most Awakeners learn the importance of parties in that dungeon.”

So that’s their angle, Inari mused. They wanted her to experience firsthand how "parties are great!"—perhaps even orchestrating a cool moment where Yasuno saves her with a, "See? This is why tanks are important."

But of course... it wouldn’t be so simple. For the one standing here—was none other than Inari.

“Well then... they say a hundred hearings are not worth one seeing, dost they not? Let her gaze upon it with her own eyes, say I.”