The Commander's True Identity

At forty-two, mornings that can be called a first are few and far between. Today was one of those precious occasions.

'〈Abyss〉 Clearing Team Begins Joint Training Today—Entire Process Livestreamed'

'Venue: Dungeon Agency's Third Management Dungeon. Unprecedented "Showing the World Our Hand" Draws Support and Opposition'

'Viewing Lottery: 4,000-to-1 Odds'

I looked over the three headlines and turned my terminal facedown. I washed the rice. This morning, I only messed up once.

As for showing our hand, we'd decided to do that from the start. What I didn't want to bring into the place humanity would be entering for the first time wasn't just secrets. It was the habit of keeping secrets itself.

Still—I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous.

For eight years—or twenty, if I counted the notebooks—I had observed people's movements and put them into words. But today was the first time in my life I'd use those words to direct a live exercise.

Hina-chan had sent two messages.

'Teacher! The press cameras at the site are going crazy!'...