Chapter 81
A Dungeon is[I wonder if all of you didn’t feel the uneasiness . Not only are the monsters on each level suddenly active, all of the Level Rulers are being resurrected all at once . All of that is my doing, a part of my experiments . ]
So the level abnormalities are connected to this time’s matter? This was also within Hyurumi and President Bear’s expectations, but it’s quite a shock when he declares it .
[Right now the Demon Lord’s Army is simultaneously attacking the Defensive City and the bordering country, but the Left Leg General’s subordinates, in charge of attacking the Defensive City, are meeting with unexpected resistance so it’s been delayed . As a colleague, I was thinking I’d like to help out somehow . ]
So this is a matter of comrades thinking about each other . I wonder how this story that doesn’t seem at all related connects .
[And thus, there is a place positioned in between the Empire and the Defensive City . I thought about trying to see if I could use this dungeon somehow . If I put the monsters in this dungeon under my control, couldn’t I do something fun like attack the cities and towns nearby, laying waste to the Empire?]
This guy, he said it was for his colleague, but if you observe his way of speaking, like he’s having fun from the bottom of his heart, it’s definitely a lie . I can’t believe he’s not personally enjoying himself .
[I interfered with the dungeon to some extent, but I’m still in the midst of experimentation and observation . However, I did find something quite amusing . When monsters or hunters die within the dungeon, if it’s one with a decent amount of power, a large amount of power flows into the dungeon . Then, that acc.u.mulated power is used to give birth to new monsters . That is one portion of how the dungeon works . ]
I feel like there was a game about dungeon management or something that has the same system .
The reason you never run out of monsters is because monsters that die result in points, so you can create as many of the same type as you want? Furthermore, hunters that are met with death also become point and are acc.u.mulated by the dungeon, and that can be used to produce monsters .
Is such a game-like story possible? But I also gain abilities with points . If I think about it like the same type of system on a larger scale, it’s not that weird anymore .
[And so, I thought that if I killed all of the people within the dungeon, couldn’t I produce a new horde of monsters? Now then, it’s that kind of method, but the people that mind that sort of thing should realize something’s up pretty soon, hm? If I gathered all of the capable people on this level, all of the defensive capabilities of each level will drop, and if monster hordes attacked, then … I wonder what will happen?]
… This is the worst-! You mean, right now Clear Stream Lake Level and the other levels are being attacked by monsters!?
It can’t be helped that the hunters are restless . Even my own heart is so disturbed that it feels like I could breakdown any moment .
[That said, the battle this time has also exhausted me myself . I suppose I shall act as a bystander for the time being . Now then, I suppose it would be better for you to hurry . Aah, that’s right . From now on, it’s possible to move between each level, but I’ve made it impossible to move outside the dungeon . And so, the second round begins . Struggle with all your might, in order to confer superior power to the dungeon . ]
Was he satisfied after monologuing? The staff disappeared from that spot and the Ruler of the Netherworld’s voice couldn’t be heard anymore .
The hunters all turned on their heels and hurried back to the community .
“Thanks . We have to do our best, Hakkon . I’m happy we’re going to be together, but we have to hurry and return!”
Ramis, who slid down the slope of the crater and lifted me up, praised me . That’s right, isn’t it; right now isn’t the time to be relieved . I’m worried about Clear Strem Lake Level .
With experienced hands, she quickly put me on her back, dashed out from the crater, and returned to our comrades’ sides .
At a little bit away, along with the boar-drawn wagon, Hyurumi and the others had already grouped up .
“This is the s.h.i.+ttiest development . I’m sorry, my thinking was too naive!”
Hyurumi apologized, but there wasn’t a single person who blamed her .
In the first place, we had way too little information . There was no way you could predict everything our opponent was thinking from that .
“This is a situation outside everyone’s expectations . Let’s first worry about returning to the community at full speed . Speed is now vital, but no matter how we struggle, it will take us at least three days from here . ”
Like President Bear said, here is quite far from the community . This was all according to the Ruler of the Netherworld’s plans, I suppose . Ramis might be able to make it in a day, running at full speed without me on her back, but … heading to Clear Stream Level by herself is much too dangerous .
If that’s the case, it can’t be helped that I’ll be hindering her . Even if I changed into a lighter body, I have a time limit of two hours a day . Dammit, in the end, I’m only an existence that will pull her down .
“If it’s not just the unasusu (bolike animal), but with Ramis and me cooperating to push the wagon we should be able to shorten the time . ”
“Un, that’s right!”
With the addition of President Bear and Ramis, the wagon’s speed probably doubled . But it looks like it will still take two days at best .
“In that case, then I shall clad us in wind and make it all at least a little lighter . I’m worried about my granddaughter, so this isn’t any time to be stingy . ”
“If you please, Grandfather…”
“If you please, Grandfather…”
“Leave it to me, Grandma . It’s fine, our foolish daughter and granddaughter are definitely alright . Be at ease . There’s no way I’d ever tell Grandma a lie . ”
Grandfather clasped Grandmother’s praying hands within is own and smiled widely, showing his white teeth .
Both men and women would think that Grandfather’s actions are manly from the bottom of their heart .
“What’s with all of you staring this way? This isn’t the time for that, right?”
To Grandfather’s words, in a slightly angry tone as if to hide his embarra.s.sment, everyone nodded in agreement .
President Bear got on all fours and lined up next to the unasusu . His body was wrapped in rope and connected to the wagon . Ramis circled around to the back of the wagon, taking on the pus.h.i.+ng duty .
All the other members boarded the wagon, Grandfather wrapped the wagon in wind, and the wagon that was sunk into the ground under the weight floated .
Now the wheels didn’t sink at all, just barely skimming the top of the ground .
“I can sustain this wind until I run out of magic power . Fly forwards with all your miiight!”
“Let’s go-!”
“Okay!”
At President Bear’s signal, the boar-drawn wagon set off – no, shot off . The force was so much that I felt the sensation that our bodies might have been pulled backwards, and the surroundings seemed to pa.s.s is if they were literally flying past .
We pa.s.sed the hunter teams that had already set off before with ease; the wagon dashed through the Lamentations of the Dead Level .
As we pulled away from the other hunters, Princ.i.p.al-sensei and Grandmother released healing power, instantly healing all the others while we sped away .
I wonder how many km/hour we’re doing . Isn’t this faster than the fastest speed I’ve done on the highway? Is it thanks to Grandfather’s wind magic? Despite the speed, the wagon is stable and barely shakes .
If it’s like this, then we’ll probably reach the community faster than expected .
—
Along the way we took just an hour break in order to give healing magic and stamina recovery potions to the two who had expended their strength, and after, representing the impossible, they took off running at full speed again .
We actually wanted to take more of a break, but the two of them shook there heads, saying even if they laid down they wouldn’t be able to sleep, and even now they’re running .
It’s already been ten hours since we set off . President Bear and Ramis were exhausted and the unasusu had already reached its limit, so we left it behind with food, and afterwards it seemed like we wouldn’t stop until we arrived at the community .
Leader Keryoil said that unasusu’s are smart, so it would be fine .
Because the people themselves refused, even while breathing feebly, right after their comrades had bitterly decided to let them sleep even if it’s because they pa.s.sed out, we saw the community ahead .
It’s already night, but somehow we had returned to the Lamentations of the Dead Level’s community before a day had pa.s.sed .
It’s already nighttime within the community so there are a number of monsters loitering around, but Princ.i.p.al-sensei purged them at once with a large-scale aoe purification magic, and the monsters’ forms disappeared .
“I’m sorry, but I’m going ahead and returning to the Starting Level . I’m worried about the children in the orphanage!”
Without waiting for an answer, Princ.i.p.al-sensei leapt from the wagon and ran towards the building with the transfer circle .
“I have to go to the clinic to check on my brigade members’ situation, but depending on how they are … Sorry, but I want to head towards the Starting Level . It’s Shui’s birthplace, and I want to protect my comrades’ important people . I’m sorry, President . ”
We knew that the Fools of Whimsy Brigade treasures their bonds . There’s no place for us to b.u.t.t into Leader’s decision .
“Leader Keryoil . I’ll leave Oxie to you . ”
President Bear touched his shoulder gently with a hand and nodded deeply, showing that he agreed with Leader’s actions .
“Sorry . Once everything’s in order there, I’ll head over! Everyone, don’t die!”
Leader Keryoil disappeared in the direction of the clinic without looking back .
“This isn’t the time to be emotional . We also have to hurry to Clear Stream Lake Hierarchy or else . ”
“This isn’t the time to be emotional . We also have to hurry to Clear Stream Lake Hierarchy or else . ”
At Grandfather’s words, everyone tightened their expressions and moved towards the transfer circle .
“President, what about the Big Eaters Brigade?”
“There’s nothing to worry about . I told them to return to Clear Stream Level if it feels like they can move . They should already have returned . ”
The Big Eaters have their problems, but that the Big Eaters with their abilities as hunters have returned ahead of us is good news . Right now it’s unknown as to what the situation has like, but I’m thankful that there’s some good news, no matter how small it is .
“Ramis, Hakkon . I want to believe everyone is safe, but … even if the worst is ahead of us, don’t lose your cool . Regrets or despair, leave it all for when it’s over . Got it?”
“Yeah… I understand . ”
“Welcome . ”
That’s right . Although I was trying not to think about it, if this goes south, the possibility of a full annihilation isn’t zero . In a normal situation, even if an army of monsters comes attacking, the gatekeepers that can be expected to hold them off and President Bear abilities in handling the situation can be relied on .
But right now the leader is absent . The pivotal protectors are also here . It’s unpleasant, but it makes you think of the worst possible situation .
“There are blessings within misfortune, do they say? Right now there are a lot of hunters gathered in Clear Stream Level . It’s alright, it’s definitely alright . If it’s those guys, they’ll be able to hold out . It’s alright . ”
It feels like President Bear’s words aren’t for us, but for himself .
“There’s no proof that the Ruler of the Netherworld was telling us the truth . All of you take into account that he might have just been bluffing . ”
Grandfather said those words lightly, but the seriousness in his eyes betrays the restlessness in his heart, contrary to the words of his mouth .
Mishael follows without saying a word . Does he not have enough emotional attachment to the dungeon, or is he restraining himself?
Karios’ eyes are bloodshot, and his arms are trembling . He’s probably thinking of the girlfriend he left behind . Watching his partner in such a state is Gols, whose mouth is drawn tightly in a thin line .
With each person holding their resolution, hope, and dear ones close inside their chests, we transferred to Clear Stream Level .
A Dungeon is I wonder if all of you didn t feel the uneasiness . Not only are the monsters on each level suddenly active, all of the Level Rulers are being resurrected all at once . All of that is my doing, a part of my experiments . So the level abnormalities are connected to this time s matter This was also within Hyurumi and President Bear s expectations, but it s quite a shock when he declares it . Right now the Demon Lord s Army is simultaneously attacking the Defensive City and the bordering country, but the Left Leg General s subordinates, in charge of attacking the Defensive City, are meeting with unexpected resistance so it s been delayed . As a colleague, I was thinking I d like to help out somehow . So this is a matter of comrades thinking about each other . I wonder how this story that doesn t seem at all related connects . And thus, there is a place positioned in between the Empire and the Defensive City . I thought about trying to see if I could use this dungeon somehow . If I put the monsters in this dungeon under my control, couldn t I do something fun like attack the cities and towns nearby, laying waste to the Empire This guy, he said it was for his colleague, but if you observe his way of speaking, like he s having fun from the bottom of his heart, it s definitely a lie . I can t believe he s not personally enjoying himself . I interfered with the dungeon to some extent, but I m still in the midst of experimentation and observation . However, I did find something quite amusing . When monsters or hunters die within the dungeon, if it s one with a decent amount of power, a large amount of power flows into the dungeon . Then, that acc.u.mulated power is used to give birth to new monsters . That is one portion of how the dungeon works . I feel like there was a game about dungeon management or something that has the same system . The reason you never run out of monsters is because monsters that die result in points, so you can create as many of the same type as you want Furthermore, hunters that are met with death also become point and are acc.u.mulated by the dungeon, and that can be used to produce monsters . Is such a game like story possible But I also gain abilities with points . If I think about it like the same type of system on a larger scale, it s not that weird anymore . And so, I thought that if I killed all of the people within the dungeon, couldn t I produce a new horde of monsters Now then, it s that kind of method, but the people that mind that sort of thing should realize something s up pretty soon, hm If I gathered all of the capable people on this level, all of the defensive capabilities of each level will drop, and if monster hordes attacked, then I wonder what will happen This is the worst You mean, right now Clear Stream Lake Level and the other levels are being attacked by monsters It can t be helped that the hunters are restless . Even my own heart is so disturbed that it feels like I could breakdown any moment . That said, the battle this time has also exhausted me myself . I suppose I shall act as a bystander for the time being . Now then, I suppose it would be better for you to hurry . Aah, that s right . From now on, it s possible to move between each level, but I ve made it impossible to move outside the dungeon . And so, the second round begins . Struggle with all your might, in order to confer superior power to the dungeon . Was he satisfied after monologuing The staff disappeared from that spot and the Ruler of the Netherworld s voice couldn t be heard anymore . The hunters all turned on their heels and hurried back to the community . Thanks . We have to do our best, Hakkon . I m happy we re going to be together, but we have to hurry and return Ramis, who slid down the slope of the crater and lifted me up, praised me . That s right, isn t it right now isn t the time to be relieved . I m worried about Clear Strem Lake Level . With experienced hands, she quickly put me on her back, dashed out from the crater, and returned to our comrades sides . At a little bit away, along with the boar drawn wagon, Hyurumi and the others had already grouped up . This is the s.h.i.+ttiest development . I m sorry, my thinking was too naive Hyurumi apologized, but there wasn t a single person who blamed her . In the first place, we had way too little information . There was no way you could predict everything our opponent was thinking from that . This is a situation outside everyone s expectations . Let s first worry about returning to the community at full speed . Speed is now vital, but no matter how we struggle, it will take us at least three days from here . Like President Bear said, here is quite far from the community . This was all according to the Ruler of the Netherworld s plans, I suppose . Ramis might be able to make it in a day, running at full speed without me on her back, but heading to Clear Stream Level by herself is much too dangerous . If that s the case, it can t be helped that I ll be hindering her . Even if I changed into a lighter body, I have a time limit of two hours a day . Dammit, in the end, I m only an existence that will pull her down . If it s not just the unasusu boa like animal , but with Ramis and me cooperating to push the wagon we should be able to shorten the time . Un, that s right With the addition of President Bear and Ramis, the wagon s speed probably doubled . But it looks like it will still take two days at best . In that case, then I shall clad us in wind and make it all at least a little lighter . I m worried about my granddaughter, so this isn t any time to be stingy . If you please, Grandfather Leave it to me, Grandma . It s fine, our foolish daughter and granddaughter are definitely alright . Be at ease . There s no way I d ever tell Grandma a lie . Grandfather clasped Grandmother s praying hands within is own and smiled widely, showing his white teeth . Both men and women would think that Grandfather s actions are manly from the bottom of their heart . What s with all of you staring this way This isn t the time for that, right To Grandfather s words, in a slightly angry tone as if to hide his embarra.s.sment, everyone nodded in agreement . President Bear got on all fours and lined up next to the unasusu . His body was wrapped in rope and connected to the wagon . Ramis circled around to the back of the wagon, taking on the pus.h.i.+ng duty . All the other members boarded the wagon, Grandfather wrapped the wagon in wind, and the wagon that was sunk into the ground under the weight floated . Now the wheels didn t sink at all, just barely skimming the top of the ground . I can sustain this wind until I run out of magic power . Fly forwards with all your miiight Let s go Okay At President Bear s signal, the boar drawn wagon set off no, shot off . The force was so much that I felt the sensation that our bodies might have been pulled backwards, and the surroundings seemed to pa.s.s is if they were literally flying past . We pa.s.sed the hunter teams that had already set off before with ease the wagon dashed through the Lamentations of the Dead Level . As we pulled away from the other hunters, Princ.i.p.al sensei and Grandmother released healing power, instantly healing all the others while we sped away . I wonder how many km hour we re doing . Isn t this faster than the fastest speed I ve done on the highway Is it thanks to Grandfather s wind magic Despite the speed, the wagon is stable and barely shakes . If it s like this, then we ll probably reach the community faster than expected . Along the way we took just an hour break in order to give healing magic and stamina recovery potions to the two who had expended their strength, and after, representing the impossible, they took off running at full speed again . We actually wanted to take more of a break, but the two of them shook there heads, saying even if they laid down they wouldn t be able to sleep, and even now they re running . It s already been ten hours since we set off . President Bear and Ramis were exhausted and the unasusu had already reached its limit, so we left it behind with food, and afterwards it seemed like we wouldn t stop until we arrived at the community . Leader Keryoil said that unasusu s are smart, so it would be fine . Because the people themselves refused, even while breathing feebly, right after their comrades had bitterly decided to let them sleep even if it s because they pa.s.sed out, we saw the community ahead . It s already night, but somehow we had returned to the Lamentations of the Dead Level s community before a day had pa.s.sed . It s already nighttime within the community so there are a number of monsters loitering around, but Princ.i.p.al sensei purged them at once with a large scale aoe purification magic, and the monsters forms disappeared . I m sorry, but I m going ahead and returning to the Starting Level . I m worried about the children in the orphanage Without waiting for an answer, Princ.i.p.al sensei leapt from the wagon and ran towards the building with the transfer circle . I have to go to the clinic to check on my brigade members situation, but depending on how they are Sorry, but I want to head towards the Starting Level . It s Shui s birthplace, and I want to protect my comrades important people . I m sorry, President . We knew that the Fools of Whimsy Brigade treasures their bonds . There s no place for us to b.u.t.t into Leader s decision . Leader Keryoil . I ll leave Oxie to you . President Bear touched his shoulder gently with a hand and nodded deeply, showing that he agreed with Leader s actions . Sorry . Once everything s in order there, I ll head over Everyone, don t die Leader Keryoil disappeared in the direction of the clinic without looking back . This isn t the time to be emotional . We also have to hurry to Clear Stream Lake Hierarchy or else . At Grandfather s words, everyone tightened their expressions and moved towards the transfer circle . President, what about the Big Eaters Brigade There s nothing to worry about . I told them to return to Clear Stream Level if it feels like they can move . They should already have returned . The Big Eaters have their problems, but that the Big Eaters with their abilities as hunters have returned ahead of us is good news . Right now it s unknown as to what the situation has like, but I m thankful that there s some good news, no matter how small it is . Ramis, Hakkon . I want to believe everyone is safe, but even if the worst is ahead of us, don t lose your cool . Regrets or despair, leave it all for when it s over . Got it Yeah I understand . Welcome . That s right . Although I was trying not to think about it, if this goes south, the possibility of a full annihilation isn t zero . In a normal situation, even if an army of monsters comes attacking, the gatekeepers that can be expected to hold them off and President Bear abilities in handling the situation can be relied on . But right now the leader is absent . The pivotal protectors are also here . It s unpleasant, but it makes you think of the worst possible situation . There are blessings within misfortune, do they say Right now there are a lot of hunters gathered in Clear Stream Level . It s alright, it s definitely alright . If it s those guys, they ll be able to hold out . It s alright . It feels like President Bear s words aren t for us, but for himself . There s no proof that the Ruler of the Netherworld was telling us the truth . All of you take into account that he might have just been bluffing . Grandfather said those words lightly, but the seriousness in his eyes betrays the restlessness in his heart, contrary to the words of his mouth . Mishael follows without saying a word . Does he not have enough emotional attachment to the dungeon, or is he restraining himself Karios eyes are bloodshot, and his arms are trembling . He s probably thinking of the girlfriend he left behind . Watching his partner in such a state is Gols, whose mouth is drawn tightly in a thin line . With each person holding their resolution, hope, and dear ones close inside their chests, we transferred to Clear Stream Level .