亚瑟影院

"Wait, Satoshi!" Tatsuki, who was also preparing to head out for the final day of conquering Dungeon Spire, called out to Satoshi as he was tightening the tie on his neck. He needed to appear formal in front of the people since there will be a couple of interviews before he dives back into the dungeon.

Most of the time, Tatsuki would just wish his son to take care or to do his best with whatever endeavor he had. But right now, he purposefully called out to him as if he needed to say something of importance. That's why Satoshi turned around.

"Yes, dad?" He asked as Emma continued heading outside.

"Be careful out there, son," Tatsuki warned, his forehead creasing as he wore a worried expression on his face. "There are a lot of unexpected things that could happen in the Beast Dimension. I didn't want to tell you this but... a lot of unwarranted killings have happened in there, and sometimes the criminals wouldn't even face the consequences."

"Killings? You mean murder? Why?" Satoshi asked, also speaking in a low tone so Aira wouldn't hear what they were talking about. She was busy watching a certain anime series (about a spy, an assassin, and an esper) that she didn't even bother listening to anything else.

"Because... beasts who are already tamed by someone cannot be tamed by another person. The only way one can get ahold of somebody else's tamed beast is by killing that person, completely severing the bond they had with their tamed beasts." Tatsuki explained. "And trust me when I say that there are a lot of people who would go through such lengths just for that."

"You probably already know this but some of your familiars are beasts from the Beast Dimension— just like your White Lion. That's why, as much as possible, don't use any of your familiars while you're over there. Do you understand?" Tatsuki spoke with great seriousness. Even though his voice was light, Satoshi could feel a certain heaviness to it, warning him of the dangers that lurk inside the Beast Dimension.

"Got it, dad." Satoshi nodded.

"All right then, take care, okay? And if anything happens, make sure that you stick close to your guide. And on the off chance that your guide can't handle the situation, just run the hell out of there with Emma, okay?" Tatsuki continued.

"Yes, dad,"

As Satoshi headed out for the second time, he was reminded of his father's words back when he just discovered his superpower— that he should try to hide it as much as he can since there will be people who would perceive it negatively. And also, he knew why his dad had told him to be careful.

In the Beast Dimension, it is common for people around the world to enter it. In other words, there's a possibility that Satoshi would meet other people from other countries as soon as he enters the Beast Dimension. If he were to use his familiars over there, there's a chance that they'll target him.

In Japan, it is easy for Satoshi to go all out and use his superpower since his father holds great influence as the number one superhero. Even if someone were to target Satoshi in Japan, his father could easily pull some strings to bring justice to that person or something along those lines.

However, it is drastically different in other countries. Just like other number-one superheroes have little to no influence in Japan, Tatsuki also doesn't have influence in other countries. If they were to target his son, there's nothing he could do about it. Of course, he could bring it up to the SAO but it is up to the Japanese Government to decide about the matter.

"I should be careful," Satoshi said to himself, catching up to Emma as they both stepped out of the front gate.

"Ah, Satoshi, what did you and your father talk about?" Emma asked out of curiosity.

"Nothing much, he told us to be careful— that the Beast Dimension is more dangerous than we think."

.....

"Big brother! Wake up! Wake up!"

Midori felt heaviness on his stomach, causing him to gasp for air as his eyes shot wide open. It was still early in the morning but Miya was already there to wake him up.

"Ah, Miya, good morning." Midori greeted, grabbing his younger sister by the armpits and setting her by the bedside so he could get up. Apparently, she was sitting right on top of his stomach, that's why he couldn't breathe.

"Big bro, shouldn't you be preparing right now? You're going to the Beast Dimension today, right?" Mayu, Midori's other younger sister, spoke up just as she was passing by his room.

"Midori, breakfast's ready! I also packed your bento." Midori's mom called out from the kitchen. "Get over here and eat before I drag you out of your bed."

Midori's mom may sound strict but he knew that his mom just says that. Deep inside, she would always express her love to her children by showering them with kisses and hugs. "Coming mom!" Midori answered back, heading out of his room as he made a beeline to the kitchen.

.....

"Hiroshi? Did you forget anything? Your toothbrush? Your toothpaste? Your deodorant? You need that so you won't smell like sweat while you're all having fun." Hiroshi's mom called out, giving him a nice pat on the head just as he was putting on his shoes by the front door.

"Come on mom, I'm not going on an excursion."

"Hiroshi's right, honey, they're going to the Beast Dimension. Whaa~ to think that I'd l'd to see you go to the Beast Dimension. I couldn't be any prouder." The teary-eyed Hiroshi's dad sniffled as he rubbed his nose.

"Dad, you say that every day," Hiroshi commented once again as a warm smile plastered on his face. "I'm heading out, mom, dad."

"Take care, okay?"

"Of course," Hiroshi said, slinging his bag on his shoulder as he headed out.

....

"Oh, where are you going this early in the morning?" Kuroe's dad asked as he got out of the bathroom and saw his daughter rushing out of her room.

"Dad, we're going to the Beast Dimension. Didn't I tell you yesterday?" Kuroe answered, rushing to tie her shoelaces since she was running late.

"Ah, you did mention that. Take care, okay?"

"Thanks, dad. I'm heading out!"

"Have fun!"

.....

(What? I'm getting screen time?)

(Yes)

(But it's been so long! I don't know how to appear normal on camera!)

(Don't worry, just do what you usually do.)

(But my last appearance was back at the Inter-High! And yes, I lost badly to that Midoriyama Satoshi~ sigh)

(Just get on with it before I change my mind!)

Taniguchi Kyou, a first-year high schooler at the Flowing Wave Academy (also known by his superhero name 'Saturn'), woke up on a normal morning, brushed his teeth, and headed outside, combing his bangs with his fingers. He kept on snickering at himself as if there was a camera pointed at him.

"It's a pretty good morning." He said to himself, smiling like an idiot.

(Why do you have to describe me like an idiot?)

(You look like one)

(Argh, fine!)

With a slow wave of his hand, Kyou addressed his parents in a stupid manner. "I'm heading out."

Even his parents think that he's stupid.

(Shut up! I'm nervous, okay?!)

(Fine fine)

Just like other students his age, this would be the first time they'll be going into the Beast Dimension. He couldn't wait to get there and tame some beasts which would greatly complement his superpower. Ever since he lost during the Inter-High Tournament, he never stopped training, hoping that one day he'd meet Satoshi once again and he'll defeat him in a straightforward match.

"Let's go!"

"Let's go!"

As Taniguchi Kyou pumped his fists in the air, he come across someone who also simultaneously pumped his fists in the air while yelling 'Let's go!' at the top of his lungs. It was none other than Aljier, a first-year high schooler from the Great Mountain Academy. For some odd reason, he also booked a reservation to go into the Beast Dimension as well.

"Oh, it's Saturn!" Aljier said, pointing at Taniguchi Kyou before extending his hands for a greeting.

"Aljier, long time no see. Don't tell me you're going to the Beast Dimension too?" Saturn greeted back.

"I will, the author said so." Aljier shrugged as he casually replied.

"What do you mean?" Saturn asked as if he didn't know what Aljier was saying. As he did so, he gestured at Aljier to stop what he was saying.

(Shut up before I accidentally kill you in the next arc!)