Chapter 31: Ryo and the Department Head and Monster Extermination

Ryo and Shirona.

The slightly long lecture—also known as a scolding—by the two of them was, surprisingly, well received.

For viewers without much knowledge, it was interesting, and as fans of dungeon streams, they were also gaining the necessary understanding to avoid making streamers uncomfortable.

Most viewers listened seriously and left earnest comments.

“I’ve personally experienced strays and fighting outside the domain, so I could never say that someone else would just handle strays.”

[Ryo has fought outside the domain?]
[It’s a miracle you’re alive.]

“There happened to be a dungeon nearby, so I managed to lure it there and take it down, but I never want to do that again.

Thankfully, there was no damage to the town or any people.”

[Yeah, figures.]
[Seriously glad there were no casualties.]
[Depending on the stray, it could’ve been a disaster.]

“In past stray incidents, there was someone whose arm was bitten off by a crocodile-type stray.
There was also an incident where a bird-type stray abducted a small child.

Thinking about that, I don’t want strays to occur, and I don’t want them left unattended either.”

[That happened, yeah.]
[Strays don’t become news outside the affected area.]
[I think it should be made a bigger deal.]

As Ryo shared such firsthand experiences and episodes, Shirona began sharing her own as well.

“I once saw a veteran stronger than myself get killed right in front of me by an irregular monster.
After that, you can’t say things like ‘it would’ve been better if someone else died.’

Especially since the one who died was someone who came specifically to save me when I was still inexperienced, frozen in fear and sending out an SOS.
It’s still a trauma, and I still dream about it sometimes.”

[Ugh.]
[That’s rough.]
[Wait, does that mean Shirona-san is…]

Shirona continued telling her own experiences.

Those episodes were far removed from the casual exploration seen on streams, filled instead with brutality and the constant threat of death.

For listeners interested in explorers and dungeons, or for active explorers themselves, it was probably fascinating.

Combined with the kind of dungeon-and-explorer talk Ryo had done in previous casual streams, the atmosphere became a bit like a school lecture.

“Because of that experience, I try to avoid strays as much as possible, so when I dive for work as an explorer, I deliberately choose unpopular dungeons.”

“I’m similar.
When there’s information about irregularities, I actively go check things out during my private time.”

Hearing that much, many non-explorer listeners were beginning to understand.

The reason the two had been angry was because of comments that underestimated dungeons and strays, or even wished for people to die from irregular incidents.

Explorers risk their lives to prevent what could be considered disasters, and those comments had treated that danger far too lightly.

“Even among hardcore explorers, some focus mainly on preventing crises, while others focus on gathering and research.

But both groups—are protecting the ordinary, uneventful daily life of the world we live in.”

“Even if people say it’s a waste of tax money or that we’re a bunch of weirdos, I still believe it’s a job worth risking our lives for.”

The reason so many explorers are part-timers is because the work is unstable, much like being an author.

Some dungeon streamers may be explorers for that very reason, even if they don’t openly say so.

It costs money just to prepare the equipment and tools needed for exploration.

No matter how difficult the dungeon or how dangerous the request, it’s not uncommon for rewards from the Dungeon Agency or the Guild to be meager.

Even so, for those who find meaning and value in continuing, those earlier comments were truly unforgivable.

After all, they trampled on that very meaning and value.

“Oh, looks like the cue card says it’s about time to wrap up the serious talk.”

“Everyone, we’re sorry for suddenly getting angry and talking about all this.”

When Shirona and Ryo bowed their heads, many comments telling them not to apologize appeared.

The two felt a great sense of relief at that.

Then, Shirona immediately noticed the cue card Moka P had put up and shifted the topic.

“Ryo-san, Moka P has picked the second question.”

“…Oh right, that was a thing.”

[True.]
[Totally forgot, lol.]
[That was a good scolding.]
[Well, the people it was aimed at probably aren’t listening anyway.]

Seeing the cue card, Dia also turned to Ryo with interest.

“Ryo-chan, they’re asking about your gender.”

“Umm…”

[Oh.]
[I’m curious.]
[Is Dia-chan curious too?]
[Huh?
Is your gender private?]

“I don’t really want to say…”

[That’s a seriously troubled look.]
[He really doesn’t want to say it.]
[Even though he gets teased about it nonstop in class.]
[Just say it already!]
[Oh, are real classmates here?]

“Whoa, my classmates are here…”

[We’re here.]
[Ryo looks so uncomfortable, lol.]
[I love how genuinely uncomfortable Ryo looks.]
[Came to see how our viral classmate was doing and got a lecture stream.]
[Is the whole class watching?]
[Seriously? lol.]

“Sigh… fine—my gender is ‘Ryo.’”

[Huh?]
[What?]
[That, yeah, lol.]
[At school it’s treated as ‘gender: Ryo,’ after all.]
[Whether male or female, Ryo-kun is cute, that’s enough.]
[Seriously? lol.]
[Is that really okay? lol.]

“Personally, I wouldn’t mind saying my original gender—”

[Don’t.]
[Absolutely not.]
[Don’t destroy our class’s dream!]
[Be Schrödinger’s Ryo!!!!]
[I want to stay a dream girl for gender-unknown Ryo-kun!]

“…So yeah, that’s how it is in class.”

[Fair enough.]
[I kind of get it, lol.]
[I want to join that class and mess around too.]
[Come on in!
You’re welcome!]
[Even a guy in his forties?]
[Please leave.]
[That’s harsh.]

“Please explain ‘dream girl’ in more detail.”

[I’ll DM you later on my alt.]

“Alright.”

[Dia-chan is really biting into that, lol.]
[A private conversation is happening.]
[Private talk in full public comments? lol.]
[Ryo is tilting his head at ‘dream girl.’]
[Don’t think about it too hard, Ryo.]

“So yeah, apparently my gender is ‘Ryo.’
Seriously, what even is this?”

[Ryo’s genuine head tilt.]
[Don’t mess with us!]
[You think we’ll allow that!?
No way!!!!!]
[This is kind of terrifying.]

[Moka P] It’s also Ryo Channel’s policy, so please accept it.

[OK.]
[That’s fun in its own way.]
[What do you mean gender unknown, policy, screw you!!!]
[Looking forward to more.]
[Gender ‘Ryo,’ understood.]
[This is scary.]
[There’s no way I’m accepting this!!]
[Just say it already!
If you’re a guy I’ll seriously k*ll you!!!!!]

[Moka P] Do you think that’s something you personally get to decide?

[Anyone okay with this is a pushover!!]
[Whether it’s plants or classmates, d*e!!]
[I’m seriously going to the school.]
[That’s crossing the line—welp.]

Moka P was clearly angry at the people rampaging in the comments.

Not only the performers, but even the viewers could feel it.

“I’ll speak on Moka P’s behalf.

This isn’t something that should normally be said during a stream, but I’ll say it anyway.

This collaboration was hosted by Ozumi Dia of Rubellite Studio.”

“Even though the host—me—is barely standing out…”

[Shh.]
[Dia-chan, quiet.]
[Don’t derail things right now.]

“As the hosting agency, we have a duty to protect the safety of our guest Ryo-san, his manager Moka P, and all related parties.”

[Anyone who doesn’t get it after this won’t get it no matter what.]
[Rubellite seems like a solid company.]
[Why are you protecting someone like that, Shirona-san!?]

“Especially since Ryo Channel is an independent stream with no backing, it’s only natural for us as hosts to protect him from inconveniences arising from this collaboration—particularly slander and abuse.”

Just as Shirona finished saying that, a loud throat-clearing echoed out.

“B-Department Head!?”

With the sound of slippers slapping, the department head stepped in front of the camera.

[Shirona-san looks surprised.]
[Is that the real department head?]
[A big shot just showed up.]

“Our Dia, our Shirona, and our guest Ryo-kun are all cute, after all.
No matter how sternly they speak, people probably still take them lightly.”

[He has presence.]
[He’s an active explorer, after all.]

“For comments involving excessive slander or threats, our company will take responsibility and deal with them through appropriate measures.

So Ryo-kun, and those of his—his… classmates watching—
his…?
Her…?
Ahem—anyway, Ryo-kun’s classmates, please rest assured.”

[Yeah, whether to say he or she is tricky.]
[He’s a serious department head.]
[I laughed when he hesitated on the pronoun.]

“It seems the IDs making those comments have already been blocked.
How many were there?
Hmm, four.

We apologize for the disturbance, but please continue enjoying the stream.”

[Yes.]
[Thank you.]
[He’s very reassuring.]

As the department head bowed and tried to leave, Dia stopped him.

“Ah!
Please stay, Department Head!”

“Oh?
Why is that, Dia-san?”

“Since you’re here anyway, please eat with us.
My cooking.”

The department head hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

“If the viewers are fine with it, then.”

[Please do.]
[Thank you for always protecting Dia and the others.]

“Thank you, viewers.
Then I’ll gladly partake.”

“Yes, please.”

[Now it’s Dia’s cooking time.]
[I only wanted exploration info, so I’m heading out.]
[Sticking around as a non-fan would be rude.]
[Thanks for the stream.]
[The scolding was fun.]

Serious explorers left comments as they exited.

Ryo stopped them.

“Wait, explorer bros.”

[Oh?]
[What is it?]

“Personally, I recommend sticking around for Dia-san’s cooking stream.
After all, the ingredient Dia-san and I are about to prepare is duck meat.”

[Huh?]
[Duck meat?]
[So what?]
[Wait a second.]
[That actually is interesting.]
[Are you serious?]

“That’s right!
Ryo-chan and I are going to cook the ‘Great Leek Mage, Drake’!!”

At Dia’s declaration, both the viewers who expected it and those who didn’t erupted into even more chatter than before.