Please to Kitsune-sama!

Apparently, Inari’s abilities were quite something—at least, that’s what the staff were excitedly saying when they rushed over to explain.

According to their ranking system:

S = Beyond classification

A = Virtually top-tier

B = Elite-level

C = Advanced

D = Intermediate

E = Normal

F and below = Not viable for combat

Abilities were said to grow as one's level increased, and even within the same rank, there were variations. Still, having Magic Power at A and Magic Defense at B while only at Level 1 was apparently unheard of for a magic-type Awakener.

…

“Hmm, I see…”

“Even if her stats never improve from here, they’re already excellent. And that job title—we’ve never seen it before… It's incredible!”

“Hard to say anything when I’ve naught to compare it to, ye know.”

“Normally, most people get E or F across the board. Even one D is enough to get labeled a promising recruit. If someone has a C, it’s a huge deal.”

So by that logic, Inari’s stats were less a big deal and more of an incident waiting to happen.

“…The world of men seemeth far too bothersome, dost it not?”

“Were you living off the grid or something?”

“Whether I cast off the world or the world cast me off… hmm…”

“Ahh… yeah, we get stories like that these days. Neglect and all that…”

“I know not what that be, but methinks it’s not quite the same…”

In any case, the card was issued. Inari fiddled with it in her palm, turning it over thoughtfully while letting out a “hmm.”

It was called an Awakener Card. On it was her name: Kogami Inari. Yes, that’s a surname. Someone must have decided on that based on her calling herself a Kunitsukami and having fox ears and a tail. The same was reflected in her status too, which made her more and more curious as to just who or what was behind that strange ‘status’ in the first place.

That aside, the card itself was rather impressive. In the name of “personal information protection,” only her name, photo, level, and job were printed on it.

Detailed stats required authorized terminals and access rights—no one could just peek. The plain white card, she was told, signified rookie status.

“A fine thing this is, truly…”

“It uses the latest anti-forgery tech—basically impossible to counterfeit.”

“Indeed, indeed.”

The holographic shimmer that danced when light hit the surface had already become one of Inari’s favorite things.

“Now then, Miss Inari. About your arrangements moving forward…”

“Hm?”

“We’ve secured a place for you to live—for the next six months, it’s rent-free. Please feel free to use it.”

“Aye, that be most helpful.”

Inari took the paper with the address Aoyama handed her and nodded. The shrine she’d once lived at was far away now. Having a place set up for her like this was truly a help.

“Anything else I should know?”

“Your abilities are extraordinary. If possible, we’d appreciate it if you could actively participate in dungeon clearing.”

“Those ‘dungeons’, hmm… I’ve seen one before. Not fond of them, truth be told. Though, I suppose I may have said something similar earlier.”

“Even so, the power to oppose them can only be found within dungeons.”

“Hrm…”

Inari recalled the warning-like message that had popped up when she destroyed the dungeon gate. She still didn’t know what it was, but it had definitely held some kind of authority. The fact that it could impose its rules on a being like her—that said plenty.

“Not an Amatsukami… then could it be a foreign god? No… that too feels not quite right.”

“Well, no matter. I know not what sort of being controls this ‘status’ thing… but allowing myself to dance to its tune for a time might prove amusing, aye?”

“We refer to it as System.”

“Shisutemu, eh?”

“It's a power granted by something or someone, but its operation feels strangely automatic… So we use that term with a touch of irony.”

“Hoho, now that is quite the turn of phrase. I like it.”

…

While chatting with Aoyama, they arrived at the elevator hall—and upon seeing it, Inari’s expression soured.

“…I did ride this contraption earlier, but I confess it doth unsettle me.”

“Some people do have that reaction.”

Aoyama said this calmly as he pressed the elevator button—unbothered. But once they were inside and the elevator began descending at high speed—

“Aaaaaaaaaghhhhhh—!”

“…I doth despise the erebeetah…”

“That’s unfortunate. It’s quite fun once you get used to it.”

“Is that so…?”

Staggering out of the elevator, Inari leaned against the wall to steady herself. After taking a few breaths, she collected herself. Seeing that, Aoyama nodded and gave her a polite bow.

“Then, Miss Inari—I look forward to your continued success.”

“Aye. May we meet again in good health.”