Chapter 237: Chapter 237 News.
"I see, so it was like that".
Soma and the four guests gather around the room, with heavy tension between the girls. Hina, who still flushed red; Xiao Lian, who seemed short-circuited because of the happening earlier; Serafina, who felt in high spirits; and Hisakow, who couldn't keep her happy expression, watching Soma, who had just been informed about the situation ever since he had lost consciousness.
It seems the teacher reported the disappearance of the dungeon to the Awakeners Association branch on this island and canceled its construction. All because of Soma, who destroyed the dungeon core.
"So, what kind of penalty will I get?".
"That…".
Hisako was a bit hesitant to explain it. She was sent here by Mr. Ito as a representative who holds a significant influence on her S-rank title. She also comes with Hiroshi, who is currently dealing with the aftermath.
Soma internally cursed at the greedy people who protested the disappearance of the dungeon and the higher-ups who lived on this island. He knows that a dungeon is a land that will bring prosperity and danger, but at the same time, the world still doesn't know what that actual danger will bring.
"...Your punishment is, Mr. Ito will let you know later".
"Okay?".
"Mom, can you do something about that?".
"...I already discussed this with the bureaucrat here, but as you know, those hungry money people…".
"I see. Should I just burn them?".
"Hina, don't waste your time with them".
"Ah, Okay. I will…".
Everyone in the room except Soma had a dumbfounded expression on their face, seeing Hina with her meek attitude after being told by Soma once. Soma, who understands her thoughts, chuckled at how endearing her behavior is.
"Why are you acting so formal? This isn't yours at all."
"B-because…".
"Just act the way you used to; if you act like that, I will also become awkward when facing you."
"...Okay then".
"Good. Sera, how was the schedule for our trip to this place?".
Serafina, who kept holding back her grinning face from earlier, turned her attention to Soma as she began to explain their club activity.
"As you can see, our schedule got messed up because of the disappearing dungeon; I got a call from Ryuu saying we would discuss it tonight."
"I'm sorry about that".
"No, it wasn't your fault to begin with; if that incident didn't happen, none of this would have happened either."
She also understands the circumstances at that time, with many people stranded in the deepest dungeon, unconscious. It will be quite a hassle to bring all of them into the entrance dungeon as they must break through the other floor, which is filled with monsters.
Also, the fact that she thought she lost someone close to her again, making Serafina have no lingering regret about the dungeon, makes her rather happy about its demolition.
"Excuse me".
The door in the room slid to the side, revealing a calm and handsome dandy man with a formal suit approaching their side, garnering everyone's attention.
"Dear, you came. So how about it?".
"..Dad, what about the verdict?".
"Um, About that…".
Hiroshi gulped his saliva, heightening the tension in the room. They are all waiting for the verdict that would have been given to Soma. Suddenly, Hiroshi, who couldn't let this continue further, took his phone from his pocket and showed the article that had recently become a hot topic.
"...I apologize, Soma".
"What is it?".
Soma took the phone from Hiroshi's hand, and the first line that caught his eye was,
"Future of Japan Awakeners:
Mr. Ito, the President of the Awakeners Association in Japan, one of his close relatives, made a massive contribution in helping many trapped students inside the advanced area dungeon by destroying the core to force-transfer the students out to the entrance…".
"...I see".
Soma's face cramped as he continued to read the continuation; all of it contained an exaggerated story, which made his heart heavy in shame. However, deep down, he felt thankful for what Mr. Ito had done; he felt relieved because someone who held tremendous power in his hand was willing to help him. "I must thank him later".
"What is it?".
Hina, who got curious, approached from the right side of Soma, who was still empty and nearing her face close to his face. She scans the article together, then suddenly recalls the same thing that happened to her at that time; she blocks her lips, which almost spurts her laugh.
"...Good job, Future Japan Awakeners".
"Right back at you, Rising Star in Japan".
"Ugh, I can't believe you still remember that".
"Of course I am".
"Fufu, they never change, right".
"You are right".
Hisako and Hiroshi watch their growing family with tender gazes, while Xiao Lian and Serafina look toward Hina and Soma's interaction with an empty gaze filled with slight envy. However, they manage to hide it well so as not to destroy the mood.
"Oh, I almost forgot, here Soma!".
"Hm".
Hiroshi took something from his storage, a small globe he bought from the auction, to disrupt the demon plan. Soma saw the globe gleaming with energy, indicating it was fully charged.
"Did Mr. Malik recharge it again?".
"Yeah, we both actually recharged it with Multiple Rank-A mana core. I think it suffices in case you need it for something".
"...Well, thank you for that. I will make sure to repay it later".
"No, you don't have to; this also became a sign of apology for leaving you alone fighting that high-ranking demon."
"...I see, I will receive it, thanks".
Hiroshi parted his lips as he nodded, seeing Soma receive it willingly.
"Wait, you know how to operate it?".
Serafina, who had seemed quiet earlier, leaned her body forward in front of Soma, gripping the bedside. Her eyes were knit in a frown as she saw the relic that was glowing and lively with its rotating ring.
"...What is that?".
"Hm, Soma, what is that?".
Xiao Lian and Hina, who were also curious, opened their mouths, and Soma began to explain what kind of relic it was and how to operate it.
Everyone in the room was shocked after learning about the relic's amazing ability, and some of them looked toward the item with a gaze full of envy.
"Can I buy it from you, Soma?".
"Hell no".
"Kuh, I wish I knew how to operate it, hm?".
Serafina felt a slight tremor in her pocket, so she took out her phone with Lucy's name on display and informed the other to have some space.
"Pardon me, everyone".
She retreated to the corner and swiped her phone display before placing it near her right ear.
{Serafina, how are you doing?}
"Lucy, I'm fine, don't worry".
{Good, I'm glad then}
"Yeah, thanks for worrying".
{No problem. Sorry for this abrupt news, but the others have come back from their expedition}
"Is that true? All of them returned?".
Serafina, who heard the sudden news that entered her ears, opened her eyes wide in shock, for she understood what it meant with the others.
{Hm, not quite. The returned students were not all of them; only Mark and his gangs will be back to report their progress}
"I see; when will they arrive?".
{The day after Tomorrow, I guess, that is what the headmaster informed me. That's why I need you that day. Can you fulfill it?}
"Okay, I will. Thanks for the information, I'm hanging up. See you later".
{See you later}
Soma, who keeps conversing with the other while maintaining his sense from the earlier talk, manages to catch some leaked info from their talk. He saw Serafina approach their side while putting away the phone in her hand.
"Sera, what happened?".
"Oh, nothing. Lucy just informed me that the other students who went on an expedition will return to the academy."
"!". ("It's time!")
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