Please to Kitsune-sama!

Chapter 203 : Kitsune-sama Learns the Current Situation

The system message about the Expansion Dungeon had not only spread across Japan but had been broadcast simultaneously throughout the entire world.

It shocked every nation’s Awakener Associations, yet it also stirred excitement. With dungeons now capable of expanding, the thirst for new items grew stronger than ever. Awakeners flocked toward dungeons that had previously been left neglected—spurred by the hope of stumbling upon an expansion.

Thus, Expansion Dungeons had begun to shake loose the stagnation of the awakener population, setting their movements back into flux.

Yes, while the rise in difficulty was certainly an issue, the general consensus was that it was a minor change compared to the opportunities it brought.

“In other words, the awakener world is now experiencing an unprecedented surge of activity.”

“Oh-ho.”

Inari nodded while offering pickled radish to Yasuno, who sat before her with a weary expression. Yasuno bit into the crunchy takuan, washed it down with green tea, and let out a small sigh. The saltiness soothed her tired body, while the tea’s warmth sank deeply into her.

“Well, that’s how it is. New items, new jobs—change is erupting everywhere across the country, and it’s kept us incredibly busy. Not that it’s a bad thing, of course.”

“T’was the ‘concentration of awakeners’ problem, was it not? I saw that on the television the other day.”

“Yes. So far, Tokyo’s dungeons haven’t shown any changes, but it seems many regional dungeons are expanding. Experts currently believe it’s linked to the number of times they’ve been cleared.”

Muttering that by that logic the Tokyo Dungeon No. 1 should have expanded long ago—but no one could clear it anyway—Yasuno sighed again.

But Inari’s thoughts drifted elsewhere.

“A natural phenomenon caused by the rise of the world’s total mana, was it…?”

All phenomena must follow cause and effect. If it were a natural phenomenon, then such a cause-and-effect relationship must be clearer still.

This time, the world’s stored mana had altered a dungeon. Which meant: the world’s mana and the dungeons were closely bound. But…

“What, pray tell, is this ‘world’s mana’?”

“Eh?”

“Gold, silver, iron, and the other metals—these may be said to be the world’s holdings. Yet for the world to hold mana… not ‘people,’ but the world itself. That is to say, the very earth itself doth bear mana, is it not?”

“Ah, well, the world naturally includes mankind, so perhaps—”

“Nay. Were that so, the message would have said world’s people. To call it world is deliberate. Which doth mean…”

Yet even this reasoning bore flaws. Aside from certain anomalies like Toshima, Inari had never sensed mana anywhere except in dungeons or items crafted by awakeners.

But if the system’s words were truth, then indeed—the world, the earth itself, possessed mana.

And if so, there was only one conclusion.

“’Tis the dungeons. Mana maketh dungeons. Expandeth them. Or perhaps…”

Perhaps the system itself managed the world’s mana in the form of dungeons.

Inari could not be sure. But Yasuno’s thoughtful frown deepened—clearly, she too saw it was not an impossible notion. After all, the true nature of dungeons had been debated since the world had become what it was today.

“Indeed… that would explain things. But if that is so, then would not the possibility for dungeon expansion be limitless?”

“Perchance so. Aye, that may indeed be the case.”

“Mm… may I report this theory to Professor?”

“Of course. I mind it not.”

If such speculation helped uncover the truth of dungeons, it would only benefit Inari as well. Perhaps it could even peel back the veil on the system itself.

“Oh—that reminds me. Miss Kogami, there’s been a joint request from several of the Ten Great Clans. They wish for a meeting with you.”

“’Tis of no interest to me. I believe I leave such trifles to Akai.”

“Yes, Miss Akai doesn’t care about political pressure, so that’s fine. But… it seems the Awakener Association itself has asked to meet with you at least once.”

Fox Phone was one thing.

But for the Japan headquarters of the Awakener Association, to be forced to balance Inari against several of the Ten Great Clans was… a nightmare.

For the truth was: Inari was extraordinary. The Association wished to support her however they could.

But the stable power and manpower of the Ten Great Clans could not be dismissed either. Inari could not solve every problem in the nation. The aid of powerful clans was indispensable.

Yes… it was truly a headache beyond measure.

“We’re holding things off for now, but if anything happens, we’ll contact you immediately.”

“Well, if such be the circumstances, then I shall attend.”

“Eh? But, um…”

“’Tis but a recruitment attempt, is it not? I shall decline them cleanly. Arrange a meeting, and be done with it.”

“…Understood. I’ll inform my superiors that that was your stance, Miss Kogami.”

Indeed, that was the quickest way.

But Yasuno thought grimly—if the Ten Great Clans were the sort to give up with a simple refusal, they would never have become Great Clans in the first place.

And so, she racked her brain for how best to prepare for what was coming.