Solo Dungeon Streamer-I Am Overpowered

Her combat style was impressive, as I had seen during her fight with the Frost Wyvern. She uses a spear while simultaneously casting multiple layers of magic, similar to a magic knight in games, but with an unusual level of expertise.

'Here's a bit of my magic!'

"Her ability to cast multiple spells at once is astounding."

Watching the stream, I realized that Asakawa-san relies heavily on her ability to cast numerous spells simultaneously, which was beyond my expectations. I'm not bad at magic myself, but casting 20 or 30 spells at once would take me considerable time. Yet, she's doing it effortlessly, like it's second nature. This is undoubtedly a rare talent.

I tried casting multiple small light spells at once, but six was my limit. Attempting to cast more resulted in unstable forms or fluctuating output.

"Wow, with talent like that, no wonder she's a C-rank. Actually, that's pretty incredible."

It's clear that Asakawa-san is doing something remarkable, probably more than she realizes.

"…Amazing."

Moreover, her popularity as a streamer is off the charts. The real-time replay feature shows so many comments flowing in that they're impossible to keep up with, and there are several viewers donating tens of thousands of yen.

The amount of money isn't the issue. Frankly, amounts in the hundreds of thousands are easy to earn even on the lower floors, but from what I can see, she's one of the top streamers, no question.

"Sigh…"

Did I really say I'd help with someone like this? I hope I don't get attacked by her fans or anything. Not that getting stabbed with a kitchen knife would kill me, but still.

"I'm like Urashima Taro."

I became a dungeon explorer right after entering high school, and it seems that in the meantime, dungeon streaming has become a huge trend. It looks like people from overseas are also doing it, and seeing dungeons abroad that I've never visited does get me excited. Though, I stopped watching because I couldn't understand what they were saying.

"I really am like Urashima Taro—going into a dungeon, only to come out and find the world has completely changed."

Let me be clear. It looks like a lot of fun.

Most streamers, from what I can see, don't seem capable of handling even the mid-levels of a dungeon, but even so, watching them enjoy exploring dungeons reminds me of my earlier days, and I can't help but feel a bit envious.

"Huh?"

As I returned to watching Asakawa-san's stream archive, a message notification popped up on my phone. Usually, the only messages I get are promotional ones from shopping sites, but this time, the notification was from "Asakawa Nanami."

"…"

I hesitated a little before unlocking my phone and checking the message.

[Thank you again for saving me.]

[Looking forward to working with you!]

"…How do I respond to this?"

I'm not used to messaging apps. The only contacts in my phone are work-related, and I don't really have any proper friends. Sending a stiff, business-like reply feels wrong… I'm at a loss.

[You're welcome.]

"Am I socially awkward even in text?"

I ended up criticizing the message I sent myself. Streaming seems fun, but if I don't fix this social awkwardness, I don't think I'll be able to help properly. Maybe I should just rescue her when she's in danger and then stay off-camera the rest of the time?

[You seem nervous, don't you?]

"She noticed. How does she know?"

[Will you be at school tomorrow?]

[If you are, let's have a strategy meeting after class!]

[It's a promise!]

"Wait, these messages are coming too fast."

I couldn't even reply before the next message arrived. Do all girls type this fast?

[What are you doing now?]

"The topic just changed…"

But I can easily respond to this.

[I was watching your stream, Asakawa-san.]

"Okay, sent."

I don't know why, but that feels like an accomplishment. Even though it's not really an accomplishment.

[That's kind of embarrassing.]

[But aren't you a streamer?]

[That's not the point.]

"I don't get it. Other classmates said they watch her streams too, so why is she embarrassed that I'm watching? Am I being tested or something?"

[You'll understand if you try streaming yourself, Kisaragi-kun.]

"Why is she using my first name?"

I don't think I'm that close with Asakawa-san… Or is it just that the bar for friendship is way too high for a socially awkward introvert like me?

"Streaming, huh…"

After doing some research, I found out there are automatic cameras powered by magic stones. These cameras detect the subject's magic and automatically track them, which is quite an impressive feat of technology. Naturally, they're more expensive than regular recording equipment by at least an order of magnitude. I realized that dungeon streamers really do invest a lot in their craft.

[What kind of camera do you use, Asakawa-san?]

[I'm using the most expensive and durable one now.]

[I used a cheaper one before, though.]

"Well, of course. If she's going to the mid-levels, it makes sense."

I did some research and found out that her camera costs in the seven figures. I'm impressed that a high schooler would decide to buy something like that. I guess it just shows how much demand there is for dungeon streaming.

"Sigh… Maybe I should buy one too."

I'm starting to get interested in dungeon streaming. Even if I don't end up doing it myself, having a camera to record the dungeon would be useful. Especially when exploring uncharted floors, it would be handy to review the footage later.

The camera I'd need should be highly durable and have a long battery life. After all, reaching the lower levels takes time, and exploring them isn't a quick task. Some floors are so vast that I've even had to camp overnight. Of course, I could just turn the camera off until I reach the lower levels.