The Earth-san Has Leveled Up!

2-25. A Tiny Hero Born at the Turning Point of an Era

“Oneee-chaaaaannnnn!”

“Imoutooo yooo! Hug!”

As they approached the temporary tent, her younger sister clung to Meiko, crying. Meiko, surprised by her usually reserved sister’s sudden affection, hugged her back tightly.

““Meikooooo!””

Then their parents joined in.

Similarly, it seemed Sasara and Lulu’s parents had arrived too, weeping as they embraced their daughters. Only Sasara’s mother, who clenched her eyes shut to hold back tears, left an impression on Meiko.

After their four-day, three-night dungeon ordeal, the warmth they’d fought for overwhelmed them, and Sasara and Lulu broke down crying too.

“Waaaaaahhhhhhh! Mommy! Daddy!”

“Papa! Maaaaama! I’m hooooooome!”

Sasara, momentarily forgetting her ladylike demeanor.

Lulu, her model-perfect face smeared with tears and snot.

The two girls, who had bravely faced a dragon dozens of times their size alongside Meiko, now cried like the 15-year-olds they were, safe in their parents’ arms.

Watching them, Meiko patted her sister and parents’ heads, nodding softly.

Tears of sympathy welled in her eyes.

This girl, who found dungeons downright fun, shed no more than a few empathetic tears. The child knew not the parents’ heart.

Next came the routine debriefing.

But Meiko had something she wanted to do before the media left.

About the Earth-san Premium Figure.

Before the golden gate’s vortex, Meiko and the others had decided what to do with this globe.

They planned to storm a TV station and broadcast their decision worldwide. If they kept the globe, people from all over would flock to them, leaving no time for training.

They hadn’t expected the chaos outside the Infinite Torii, so their plan was originally set for a few days later. But luckily, reporters were right outside the tent.

Plus, with Earth-san TV streaming, the globe’s existence would soon be public. They had to act fast.

So Meiko told Baba their decision about the globe and other items and asked to announce it to the press.

After a phone call, Baba approved.

Thus, the three girls held an emergency press conference.

On the mountainside.

Behind them, the lights of the now-infamous hotbed of activity, Kazami Town, were visible.

The cameras might not catch it from this angle, but that was the backdrop.

Lenses of all sizes focused on the girls.

Genuinely watched by countless eyes.

No—being watched. Many stations were airing this live as breaking news.

But the girl who’d stood her ground against a dragon’s pressure didn’t flinch under this meager spotlight.

Or rather, Meiko was oddly unfazed by cameras.

Thanks to her experience recording an Energy Check video in the hospital room after returning from Kazami Dungeon, she’d grown accustomed to them. Yes, Meiko had become a camera-savvy girl. When the Energy Check would air remained a mystery.

Behind her, amateur Sasara pretended not to care about the cameras, though her legs trembled.

Lulu smiled brightly, looking straight into the lenses.

Surrounding them were reporters, SDF officers, police, and their families.

Amid this audience, Meiko took a deep breath.

She flexed her fingers one by one, counting the points she needed to cover.

No one rushed her. Silence lingered for over 30 seconds.

Their cosplay-like outfits, lit against the night, made for a surreal scene—like girls from another world.

Then Meiko spoke.

“First, thank you all for worrying about us while we were missing. As you can see, we’ve returned safely.”

Her calm delivery, even in this nerve-wracking situation, impressed the adults.

Meanwhile, her father, watching from afar, felt an unbearable distance between himself and his daughter, who stood so confidently before the cameras.

Her mother and sister stared in awe.

“Now, we ask that you relay what we’re about to say to the world—without considering profit.”

Every reporter shivered at her words.

Their instincts screamed that this would be a historic broadcast.

What had these girls learned in the dungeon?

“As Earth-san mentioned earlier, we’re the world’s first dungeon clearers. The dungeon was called the Infinite Torii. As a reward, we received this gift.”

Meiko lifted the globe’s stand high.

“The Earth-san Premium Figure.”

She paused for dramatic effect.

Question marks flooded the minds of viewers across Japan.

The Earth-san Premium Figure? LMAO.

Their confusion was laced with laughter.

But Meiko’s next words silenced them.

“This globe can expand up to 9 meters in diameter. Once placed, it can’t be moved. Its effect? It reveals the locations of all dungeons worldwide. Oh, and mishandling it reduces karma.”

The reporters gulped.

Three girls had returned from the dungeon with something unbelievable.

This could pinpoint undiscovered dungeons instantly. Its value was immeasurable.

How much would it sell for?

100 million? 1 billion?

No—numbers couldn’t capture it.

At the very least, it would slash the endless costs of global dungeon searches.

Who would they sell it to? Maybe auction it?

The girl holding this treasure declared:

“The three of us are donating this globe to the entire world. The Japanese government will manage it. Please, use it cooperatively for the world’s sake—no fighting.”

Camera flashes twinkled under the starry sky.

Reporters scribbled, bewildered.

What is this girl?

She’d casually announced a world-shaking discovery and was now gifting an artifact of immense value to humanity?

Sure, once all dungeon locations were known, its value would drop.

But as a symbol of this new era—a potential World Heritage-level relic—its worth was undeniable.

And with no guarantee dungeons wouldn’t keep appearing, its core functionality would remain priceless.

Was she a clueless fool?

Or—

“Next, the recovery potions we found in the dungeon. These restore the body using magic. Many countries have likely discovered and researched them already. We’re donating these to Japan too. A third should go to Kismia. Please use them for research.”

“R-recovery potions?!”

Sharp-eared reporters had heard rumors of militaries finding them.

But this was confirmation.

“Lastly, these beginner gear and accessory recipes. Those with the [Recipe Deciphering] skill can read them. We’re donating these to a future Kazami Town facility for dungeon explorers. Until then, the Japanese government will hold them. Countries wanting to craft this gear should contact Japan.”

Japanese bureaucrats watching groaned.

They were already swamped with calls about the world’s first dungeon clearers. Now this. A one-way ticket to overwork.

But after the girls’ actions, failing to respond would disgrace their pride as adults. They had no choice.

Meiko exhaled.

She’d just announced to the world the fate of items they didn’t want to keep.

As she glanced at Baba to confirm the press conference could end, she spotted her father in the background.

The father who’d opposed her entering the dungeon.

Beyond the cameramen, SDF officers sealed the shrine’s dungeon.

Its opening to the public—when?

The two scenes crossed in Meiko’s heart.

When will I get to enter a dungeon again?

She recalled the lively inn she’d imagined at the cat spirit’s lodge.

Though just a fantasy, it would be a joyful reality.

She remembered the elementary schoolers training hard.

At Level 3, they’d grow stronger, transforming Kazami Town.

She thought of the tengu who’d thrust his staff and the night parade of demons.

She couldn’t match them yet—but someday.

She remembered slaying the dragon, the shared tears of joy.

That soul-shaking warmth—she wanted it again.

Ah, when will I get to enter a dungeon again…

———Before she knew it, Meiko was addressing the cameras.

“Everyone. The world has become a fantasy.”

As she spoke, she levitated her grimoire, readying a spell.

The magical display made the reporters gulp.

Baba and the SDF officers paled.

When Baba moved to stop her, the SDF captain yanked her back.

After a beat, Baba froze.

Stopping Meiko now would be disastrous.

Why donate such priceless items?

If authorities intervened after the donations were announced, suspicions would explode worldwide.

That Japan had coerced the girls.

Stolen their glory.

Silenced them with force.

Never mind that karma made that impossible—rumors would spread.

Trust would crumble.

Claiming she’d acted dangerously by readying magic would only sound like an excuse.

So Baba and the SDF stood paralyzed.

Meiko continued uninterrupted.

Resting her hands near the hovering fire and water spells, she said:

“Don’t be shocked by this. Anyone can do it—with enough plus karma.”

She dismissed the spells, spinning the grimoire around her.

(Deactivating them to avoid accidental casualties.)

“Earth-san said monsters will emerge from dungeons. I haven’t heard reports yet, but it’s inevitable. When that happens, local forces may be overwhelmed. No one knows how or when monsters will appear. If they come for you, you’ll need strength to fight, flee, or protect others.”

She drew her saber, holding it upright before her face—just for coolness.

Two grimoires floated dramatically at her sides—also just for coolness.

But the image, broadcast globally, screamed: The world is fantasy now.

Closing her eyes, Meiko proclaimed:

“Will you wait, entrusting your life—or loved ones’—to strangers who may never come?

Or will you train desperately to slay your enemies?!”

Her eyes snapped open, the blade splitting her gaze.

The same eyes that had defied a dragon now pierced viewers through screens.

The cameraman from Ooedo TV, who bore the brunt of her stare, gasped.

Those watching that channel shuddered.

“TRAIN!!”

Meiko roared from behind her upraised sword.

“Train before regret makes you weep! The age of adventure is here! Children, learn to flee! Adults, learn to protect! Hone yourselves, conquer dungeons, guard your loved ones! Behold Kazami Town—where young and old alike train as they can!”

Her cry echoed through Japanese living rooms.

The sensitive felt their souls tremble.

The cowardly looked away.

The jaded smirked, hands shaking.

But a stone had dropped into every heart.

Ripples spread.

“Yet without guidance, dungeon entrants will die. Even if you survive, others won’t. Leaders—guide everyone to grow stronger safely.”

She concluded:

“The era of human conflict is over.”

Meiko sheathed her sword, having said her piece.

“Lastly, thank you again for your concern. Sasara, Lulu, and I cleared the dungeon. Earth-san will upload footage—please watch.”

With a smile, she exited.

Sasara, Lulu, and her sister stared, eyes sparkling.

Having heard her speech, the two girls saw the little hero who’d charged at a dragon alone.

As she walked away, Meiko nodded to herself.

This would accelerate the dungeon’s opening.

———

[Born at the Turning Point of an Era] The Case of Meiko Youtani Being a Battle Junkie [Tiny Great Hero]

1, Anonymous Trainer

This thread is for discussing the ultimate lifeform, Meiko-tan.

Talk about the donations elsewhere.

Next thread, >>970 starts it.

TRAIN!

2, Anonymous Trainer

OP, you’re fast.

3, Anonymous Trainer

Damn, goosebumps.

TRAIN!

4, Anonymous Trainer

What did we just witness?

5, Anonymous Trainer

The birth of a hero.

6, Anonymous Trainer

She’s too heroic. Tone it down.

7, Anonymous Trainer

Full throttle, huh?

8, Anonymous Trainer

Meiko’s aura literally stopped my breath.

9, Anonymous Trainer

Saw this at an electronics store. Everyone froze.

10, Anonymous Trainer

Multiple TVs blasting her aura? Deadly.

11, Anonymous Trainer

LOL

12, Anonymous Trainer

At a ramen shop. Everyone ignored their food.

Chef stared at the TV while turning off the stove.

13, Anonymous Trainer

Make the damn ramen LOL

14, Anonymous Trainer

Not the time for ramen (;・`д・´)

15, Anonymous Trainer

Her aura overshadowed the donations.

16, Anonymous Trainer

Those are blowing up in another thread.

17, Anonymous Trainer

TRAIN!

18, Anonymous Trainer

No excuses—TRAIN!

19, Anonymous Trainer

Why’s she so obsessed with training?

Did the dungeon give her special insight?

20, Anonymous Trainer

Earth-san TV might explain.

21, Anonymous Trainer

Right.

22, Anonymous Trainer

Gonna go jogging.

23, Anonymous Trainer

Wait, the video’s dropping soon.

24, Anonymous Trainer

>20 Remember—Earth-san said:

“I hope this motivates other humans.”

25, Anonymous Trainer

It did.

Does it thinks we’re unmotivated?

26, Anonymous Trainer

Meiko has a point.

You ever considered monsters might not come from dungeon vortexes?

27, Anonymous Trainer

Thought they’d only spawn there.

28, Anonymous Trainer

Same. Figured the SDF would handle it.

29, Anonymous Trainer

But Meiko thinks otherwise.

30, Anonymous Trainer

No time to train—too busy.

31, Anonymous Trainer

You’re posting here—you’ve got time!

32, Anonymous Trainer

Pre-training me would’ve slept instead.

33, Anonymous Trainer

I’m on a train.

34, Anonymous Trainer

Busy folks sleep on trains.

Hell where even 10 minutes matter.

35, Anonymous Trainer

Meiko said: “Train as you can.”

36, Anonymous Trainer

Wear 5kg weights commuting.

37, Anonymous Trainer

I’d die.

38, Anonymous Trainer

Or just… don’t train?

39, Anonymous Trainer

This.

40, Anonymous Trainer

Wait, you heard that speech and didn’t get hyped?

41, Anonymous Trainer

I’ll train. Even 30-minute sessions.

42, Anonymous Trainer

Good. And don’t train means?

43, Anonymous Trainer

Betting monsters won’t attack you or loved ones.

Win? Save training time.

Lose? Pay with lives/injuries.

44, Anonymous Trainer

Terrible odds!

45, Anonymous Trainer

But not training means the saved time is worth the risk.

46, Anonymous Trainer

Black companies exist.

47, Anonymous Trainer

With karma’s value, report them—they’ll get fixed fast.

There’s a thread for that.

48, Anonymous Trainer

Seriously?

49, Anonymous Trainer

Single parents etc. need support systems—but that’s on politicians, not Meiko.

50, Anonymous Trainer

If you’ve got time for mobile games, rethink priorities.

51, Anonymous Trainer

Ever wonder how three girls stayed energetic after four dungeon days?

52, Anonymous Trainer

Huh?

53, Anonymous Trainer

Higher stats might reduce work fatigue.

54, Anonymous Trainer

Whoa!

55, Anonymous Trainer

Dungeons aren’t just about survival.

56, Anonymous Trainer

Training could become a dating pool.

57, Anonymous Trainer

What? Idiot.

I’d never train for that!

…Time to run like Meiko!

58, Anonymous Trainer

THE VIDEO’S STARTING!