In total, there were more than twenty people who signed up to explore Dungeon Spire, and that's not counting the five people in the top ten who signed up, specifically Plunder, Life and Death Angel, Technomarine, and Splatoon. Quite surprisingly, Satoshi's mom didn't sign up for the Dungeon for reasons unknown and she didn't wish to disclose them. Everyone was a bit concerned as to why she didn't join but no one dared ask her.
Apparently, Tatsuki (Plunder) specifically asked his wife to not join the party, telling her that it would be dangerous. 'If anything goes haywire, then at least Satoshi won't be left alone.' He said, to which Ayumu shook her head in rejection.
"At least I'd be there to protect you," Ayumu reasoned out.
"As if I need protecting." Tatsuki smiled. "We have to do this, remember the Boosting Incident? I don't want that to happen again. And if we can't help it, then at least we should do what we can, right?"
Of course, she remembered the Incident— the time when the two of them almost lost their lives. Back then, the thought of leaving Satoshi alone to fend for himself, all powerless and young, was unbearable. They promised themselves that it would never happen again.
"Come back, okay?" Ayumu grabbed her hand and clenched it.
"I always come back." He grinned.
As usual, Tatsuki was chosen to be the leader of the group. If he hadn't volunteered though, Fury would've had a hard time choosing a leader. He just saved him unnecessary work, which Fury was grateful for.
The exploration will be set for tomorrow. Unlike the Gates, the Dungeons don't block external signals. With this, SAO could send in a couple of drones for reconnaissance first before the exploration team dives in. And that's the reason why exploration was set for tomorrow. This will give everyone enough time to plan and scout at least a couple of floors before the actual run-through of the dungeon.
The bunch of nerves and insecurity everyone felt couldn't get any worse. Had Fury told them that they have a deadline to meet, they'd have felt even more worried. Fortunately, Fury kept the information to himself and instead, gave everyone a schedule.
"So, you'll be leading us again today, Plunder, I guess our lives are in your hands." Life Angel said, performing a graceful bow as he pressed his fist on his palm.
"And vice versa," Plunder greeted back. "I'll be in all of your care."
His comment brought about a nice atmosphere in the room, and for a few minutes, they were able to forget the uncertainty that was bound to happen tomorrow. At the very least, they are aware that their lives are in capable hands, and that notion alone reassured them a tad bit.
"Oh, by the way, the Superhero License Exam is today, right? Is your son going to apply?" Splatoon casually said as he got a sandwich from a nearby table. "He's pretty strong. I think he'll pass with flying colors." ]
"What, it's today?!" All the color drained from Plunder's face as he quickly got his coat. "I'm sorry, I have to go."
"But what about the pla— "
"Brief me tomorrow!" Plunder shouted on his way out. There was no way he'd miss his son's Superhero License Exam.
After all, ever since Satoshi was born, he vowed to always be there for him, especially on special occasions such as this one.
Throughout the years, he had always been powerless, but the reason why he survived despite being different was that his parents had always supported him. It gave him the strength to plow through life and drove him to cover his weaknesses with strength. If he didn't have a superpower, then he'd at least be physically strong. If he couldn't get into the school of his choice, then he'd choose the second one. If he gets bullied, then he'd think up of a way to deal with it. There was nothing one couldn't overcome if they had the reason to, and that's how Satoshi lived his life as someone without a superpower back then.
And right now, he still received that full support, even though he already got a superpower and a powerful one at that.
Actually, Tatsuki didn't really need to rush out of the conference room since the Superhero License Exam venue was in SAO Headquarters. And yes, the conference room is positioned to have a clear view of the exam venue.
Tatsuki knew that. He still needed to go meet up with his son and offer him a few words of encouragement and advice. There was no way he'd just watch his son from afar. At the very least, he should give him something, just to show that he'll be watching him and supporting him all the way.
Once he reached the entrance (it didn't even take him five seconds to get there since he used a superspeed superpower), he immediately recognized the five people who were walking toward it. It's as if fate played a major part in his timing since he came face to face with Satoshi and the group right before they entered.
"Great timing," He let out before putting a hand on his son's shoulder.
"Dad?" Satoshi asked, surprised, wondering how his father knew that he'd be here when he didn't tell him anything about it. In fact, it was only today that he became aware of the Superhero License Exam being open to first years.
"Do your best out there, I'll be watching," Tatsuki said, giving a thumbs up with his other hand. It was quite an image since he was wearing his super suit in all its glory.
As his gaze scanned the area, he realized that there are more participants going through the front entrance. A smile formed on Tatsuki's face as he first address Satoshi's group. "And all of you as well. I hope all of you do your best as well. I'll be cheering you o— Emma? Aira? What are you two doing here?"
"They're here to spectate."
"Oh, I thought they were going to apply as well. Haha." Tatsuki chuckled. "Well then, off you go. To think that I'll witness this day... I've always dreamed of seeing you off as you get your license sniffle~"
'What a doting father.' Midori slightly enviably said in his head.
"Everyone! Do your best in the Superhero License Exam! I look forward to seeing you in the field!" Tatsuki raised his voice, addressing everyone who was about to enter the venue.
The examinees actually stopped short the moment they noticed Plunder. They couldn't believe that the top superhero would be by the front gate to give them words of encouragement. Even though he initially planned to just give it to his son, his words still resonated with everyone.
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