My Refrigerator Turned Into A Dungeon
Summer ApproachesSitting on a long bench in the lobby, I waited until my name was called and was handed my Special Labyrinth Entry License.The system is directly repurpos

Summer Approaches

Sitting on a long bench in the lobby, I waited until my name was called and was handed my Special Labyrinth Entry License.

The system is directly repurposed from the driver's license center, so the design looks exactly the same as a driver’s license. What’s more, when I looked at the back, the remarks section listed my skills as [Salt], [Craft], and [Meditation]. Yeah, the thrown-together vibe was strong.

Anyway, with this, my Special Labyrinth Entry License was officially obtained. Honestly, I didn’t feel much about it at all.

During the two-hour lecture, the instructor droned on endlessly about the law, which boiled down to: "Don’t you dare use dungeon power to do bad things!" There wasn’t a single mention of dungeon preparedness, necessary tools, or anything like that. Well, except for the mention of weapon cases.

Apparently, since we’re already ability users, they figured we didn’t need that kind of explanation.

By the way, regular civilians who obtain the Special Labyrinth Entry License are later forced to participate in a combat curriculum hosted by the Ministry of Unique Labyrinth Countermeasures. However, since these sessions are held at local gymnasiums, the dates and locations seem to vary widely.

So for me, this whole thing just felt like the hassle of renewing a driver’s license.

"If it had been back when dungeons first appeared, I bet this would’ve been a big deal..."

Even among the regular civilians getting their Special Labyrinth Entry Licenses, there was a palpable sense of desperation and gloom.

Yeah... I mean, I get it. Thinking about diving into a dungeon after barely surviving a dungeon stampede where monsters attacked—of course it’s terrifying.

And there they were, the self-defense force PR reps, kindly smiling and approaching those civilians. They were probably saying something like, "Join the Self-Defense Force, and we’ll kindly and thoroughly train you into a magnificent tough guy!"

I smoothly ignored the PR rep’s hopeful—or perhaps eager—gaze and made my exit. Sorry, I’ll be taking my leave now.

Yeah, I know it’s tough for the Self-Defense Force; I’ve heard plenty about it from Ruu.

And I’ve had my share of near-death experiences. Looking back, I just can’t bring myself to follow someone else’s orders and throw myself into unwanted battles. I truly respect the Self-Defense Force members who risk their lives, but it’s just not for me.

I used to admire war movies and thought the military was cool.

But now, I want to decide for myself where I risk my life and whom I protect. Fighting and dying for some unknown cause? No thanks. If no one even remembers who I was, no one mourns me, what’s the point?

Even in past wars, those who perished probably didn’t fight for their country—they likely fought to protect the future of their families and loved ones.

So I’ll fight to protect the people I love, without being dragged into something meaningless. Maybe this isn’t right, or maybe it’s a flawed way of thinking.

...

"Sorry to keep you waiting!"

While sipping coffee at an open terrace café, I finally spotted Unkai-san, who had arrived for our meeting.

"Don’t worry, I was browsing the net while waiting. No big deal."

Thanks to that, I stumbled upon something interesting—probably something posted by a student from the Hinagata Aikido Dojo.

"You took quite a while, though. You were way ahead of me. Did you get caught up in some Self-Defense Force recruitment, Unkai-san?"

Since the second round involved individual interviews, the venue was split into multiple rooms.

"Actually, the interviewer turned out to be a former Self-Defense Force member who recently visited our temple. Despite claiming not to have any last time, they got into an argument today over why I suddenly had skills now."

"Ah, I see. That’s some unfortunate timing..."

From the officer’s perspective, they probably thought I lied after they went out of their way to visit. The Self-Defense Force personnel seem to be on edge these days, likely due to the second wave of the dungeon stampede.

Anyway, since Unkai-san had arrived, we placed our orders again and relaxed. Taking a sip of the coffee that had just arrived, Unkai-san exhaled and smiled.

"Phew... Thanks for reaching out, Egetsu. It gave me a moment to compose myself before heading back to the temple."

"Glad to hear that. When your superiors are noisy, things can get tough."

Having faced stress from both the interview and possibly the head monk back at the temple, Unkai-san must’ve had enough. I could sympathize—I know all too well the struggles of being a subordinate.

"When you’re feeling frazzled, sweets are the best remedy. This place is known for its pies. Care to try one?"

"Umm, umm... Oh, sorry. I usually aim for simplicity and self-discipline..."

Haha... Seeing Unkai-san agonize so much over a single sweet pie was kind of adorable.

The monks I’d seen at tourist spots would roll up to convenience stores in foreign cars, wearing luxurious work clothes with gold necklaces, so this was quite the contrast.

"Then let’s call this a special occasion. My treat. Consider it like almsgiving—no problem, right?"

"Oh... uh... That’s very kind of you. I feel bad, though..."

Yep, this modesty of his, despite being such a good-looking guy, is precisely why I find Unkai-san so likable. I’m generally not fond of people, so my preferences are pretty extreme.

"So, how’s the practice with the [Space] skill going?"

"I’ve gotten used to sensing mana, so now I’m experimenting with activating [Space] in various ways..."

As he spoke, Unkai-san activated the [Space] skill between his hands, conjuring a swirling misty vortex.

"Hmm. So, it hasn’t taken a definitive shape yet?"

"Yes. I’m quite embarrassed that it’s still incomplete..."

"Oh no, no! That’s normal at first. Plus, interfering with space is incredibly dangerous, so being extra cautious is just right. Take your time and study it carefully."

"Ah, hearing you say that really eases my mind. People keep telling me to do this or that, but I’ve never experienced mana before, so I don’t even know where to start..."

"Ah... Did they pressure you during the interview? It’s exhausting dealing with people who act superior the moment they gain authority."

"Well... it wasn’t that bad..."

No matter the position or environment, everyone faces things they can’t stand. That doesn’t mean they’re weak.

Take Ruu, for instance—she fought until her body was utterly wrecked.

"Here’s your special apple pie!"

"Look, Unkai-san! Doesn’t this look amazing? Let’s dig in and cheer up!"

"Ahaha... Thank you very much."

Yeah, my heart is ugly.

If my heart were to be classified as either beautiful or ugly, it would undoubtedly fall under ugly. I’m well aware of that fact.

But precisely because of this, I don’t want someone like Unkai-san, with a pure heart, to turn out like me.

I can’t be a hero who saves everyone, but deep down, I wish for such a hero to exist. That’s why I don’t want Unkai-san to end up like me.

(Is this just another selfish wish of mine...?)

"This is delicious! It’s really good, Egetsu!"

As Unkai-san smiled brightly, the asphalt shimmered in the heat of the sun. Before I knew it, summer was almost upon us.