Real applicability IV

With cautious steps, the four of us entered the dungeon, which opened up into a vast chamber. The clang of metal echoed through the air, accompanied by small explosions caused by magic and monster attacks. The bright flashes of magic reflected off the cave walls, casting ominous shadows around us.

We were stunned, watching our comrades fight desperately against monsters much stronger than the ones we had faced earlier. Their struggle filled the air with an aura of bravery, but also evoked a mix of admiration and worry in our hearts.

Feelings of awe mixed with anxiety as we witnessed the fierce battle unfolding in the arena. Although we had managed to overcome the obstacles along our journey, seeing our classmates struggle to face stronger monsters instilled a sense of inferiority and unease within us.

It was as if our previous struggles were mere light training compared to the intense battle taking place before us. However, only Touya's group seemed to handle the challenge with such ease, as if they were well-trained. Meanwhile, the rest of us still appeared awkward, faltering with each movement, and sometimes hesitating in our decisions.

We were somewhat shocked and intimidated by the capabilities of Touya's group, who faced the tougher enemies so effectively. Every attack, every move, they executed with admirable skill, as if this battle was just a daily routine for them.

Despite feeling inferior, I also felt motivated, knowing that I could still become stronger. Thus, the application of our abilities was successfully completed today.

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Mission Log

[New Mission Unlocked]

Mission: Application of Skills

Description: Apply your skills in real combat to measure the progress and improvement of each team member.

Status: Completed

Reward: +500 credit points

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[New Mission Unlocked]

Mission: Goblin Conquest

Description: Defeat and eliminate the goblin threat in the dungeon to clear the area and enhance security.

Status: Completed

Reward: +100 credit points

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[New Mission Unlocked]

Mission: Hobgoblin Conquest

Description: Face a higher challenge by defeating the hobgoblin, a tougher opponent, to prove the group's bravery and strength.

Status: Completed

Reward: +500 credit points

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As Touya triumphed in his battle with dazzling success, cheers erupted around the dungeon. The clamorous sounds filled the underground chamber with extraordinary excitement, as if every strike and every move Touya executed were epic and mesmerizing. The eyes of the onlookers were filled with awe and respect, as if they were witnessing the arrival of a legendary hero destined to conquer all forms of evil.

However, amidst the cheers, Takeshi, Yumi, Hiroshi, and I felt isolated from the jubilation. Like shadows darting from one corner of the dungeon to another, we felt detached from the warmth and praise showered upon Touya. Instead of lamenting our fate, we chose to respond with a strengthened resolve.

And unintentionally, I had just forged a close bond of friendship with these so-called outcasts, making them my first real friends after the misunderstandings back on Earth had left me isolated from others.

...

After returning to the camp, we felt exhausted yet filled with new experiences. This training lasted for a week, requiring the heroes to repeatedly venture into the dark and dangerous dungeon. Back at the camp, I remained part of the group deemed incompetent by the knights, labeled as the "outcast group."

However, my perspective differed. I saw the talent and potential within each of them. To me, every person possesses unique strengths that can be developed if given the opportunity.

When we returned to the camp, we had to set up our tent using simple wood and cloth. I felt a sense of pride in demonstrating my skills in this regard, while other groups received assistance from the soldiers in setting up their tents. We, on the other hand, had to be self-reliant and work together to create our own shelter.

"Great, we did it ourselves," Takeshi said as he hammered the final stake into the ground. Our tent might not have been perfect, but it was a result of our hard work.

Hiroshi, with a furious expression and clenched fists, wanted to protest the mistreatment we received from the soldiers. "This is not fair! They can't treat us like this," he grumbled, his anger evident on his flushed face.

I approached him and placed a hand on his shoulder. "Calm down, Hiroshi," I said gently but firmly. "Fighting them will only make things worse. Sometimes, yielding doesn't mean we are weak but wise. We'll show our strength in a different way."

Though frustration still lingered on his face, Hiroshi eventually nodded in agreement. We decided to hold back and focus on our training and missions. To me, yielding at this moment wasn't a sign of weakness but a strategy to demonstrate that we could be more than just the 'outcast group.'

With our tent finally set up, we sat around a small campfire we had built. The fire's light illuminated our faces, casting dancing shadows around the tent. In the stillness of the night, I felt the warmth of the friendship beginning to grow among us.

Then, under the shimmering light of the campfire illuminating the darkness of the night, the four of us sat in a circle and began sharing stories about our pasts. In a relaxed and friendly atmosphere, we allowed ourselves to open up, recounting the life experiences we had back on Earth.

Yumi, with her cheerful smile, started by sharing stories of her childhood in rural Japan. "I always loved helping out in the fields when I was little," she said, smiling. "My parents had a small farm, and every summer I would help them plant and harvest vegetables." Yumi also spoke about her dream of becoming an artist, painting and drawing beautiful landscapes from her village.

Takeshi, who always seemed calm and awkward, shared his love for technology. "I've always been fascinated by gadgets and machines," he said, gazing at the campfire. "I aspired to become an engineer and create something that could change the world." He also recounted some of his small experiments at home, making us laugh at some of his humorous failures.

Hiroshi, usually full of energy, enthusiastically shared his passion for sports. "I was always active in school sports clubs," he said proudly. "Soccer, basketball, you name it, I was always in." Hiroshi also talked about how sports helped him forget about problems at home and gave him an outlet to relieve stress.

When it was my turn to speak, I felt a little hesitant. However, with the warmth of the campfire and the support of my friends, I began to open up. "My story might be a bit different," I said in a quieter tone. "I was born in Japan, but my mother is from America. My father is Japanese, and that has always made me feel like a stranger in two different worlds."

I recounted how I often felt alienated at school because of my different appearance. "In Japan, I was often teased because my face wasn't entirely Japanese," I continued. "On the other hand, when visiting America, I felt like a stranger too because of my different habits and culture." Additionally, I talked about the conflicts that frequently arose at home due to the cultural differences between my parents.

"When my parents used to argue, I often felt trapped in the middle," I said, my voice trembling slightly, recalling the feelings of helplessness that often haunted my childhood.

Yumi, sitting beside me, looked at me with empathetic eyes. However, she also seemed hesitant before finally speaking. "Your story is sad, Johan-san. But, I feel like you've always lacked confidence, like there's a dark shadow always following you. Maybe that's why kids at school avoided you, along with the incident on the train... there were rumors that you harassed a junior high school girl."

I swallowed hard, feeling the pain resurface from the unfounded accusations. Hiroshi, who was usually enthusiastic, looked more serious this time. "That's right, you need to start being confident now, Johan. And I'm also curious about the incident on the train. It was just a misunderstanding, right?"

Takeshi, who had been listening attentively all along, nodded in agreement with both of them. His calm eyes seemed to encourage me to speak further.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself. "Yes, that's right. The incident on the train was indeed just a painful misunderstanding," I replied, my voice slightly quivering. "I was on my way home from school at the time. The train was very crowded, and I was squeezed near the door. Suddenly, a girl screamed, accusing me of touching her inappropriately. I was shocked and confused because I didn't touch her at all."

I paused for a moment, remembering how all the eyes on the train were fixed on me with accusatory stares. "Even though I tried to explain, no one listened. They all instantly believed the accusations. The news spread quickly, and from then on, everyone started avoiding me. It was one of the worst moments of my life."

Yumi looked at me with teary eyes, visibly regretting having brought up the topic. "I'm sorry, Johan-san. I didn't know how heavy a burden you were carrying."

Hiroshi, who was usually cheerful, now looked serious. "We're sorry, Johan. We didn't mean to make you feel bad. We just wanted to know the truth."

Takeshi, who had been silent, finally spoke in a calm but regretful voice. "We've all made mistakes in judging others. Johan-san, I apologize for misjudging you. From now on, let's get to know each other better," he said as he extended his hand sincerely.

"Yeah! I agree," Hiroshi said enthusiastically. "From now on, let's get to know each other from scratch!"

Yumi, who usually calculated, nodded in agreement. "Ahem... There's no other choice. Let's get acquainted again, Johan-san," she said, smiling gently although there was a hint of doubt in her eyes.

Seeing their enthusiasm, I felt a warmth I had never felt before. Unconsciously, tears began to flow down my cheeks. I didn't know if they were lying or just trying to appear kind to me, but their eyes were full of honesty and sincerity. Eyes, I thought, couldn't lie.

With a trembling voice, I replied, "Um... Nice to meet you all!"

We all laughed, dispelling the awkward atmosphere that had arisen. Under the star-studded night sky, we reached out to each other, solidifying the friendship that had just begun.