Chapter 383: Chapter 383

“…W-What…is this thing…?”

What awaited beyond the door was a cultivation tank.

Inside the cylindrical tank floated a human with flat, white skin.

Human…or so I thought. But it looked inorganic. No hair, no genitals, no physical features at all.

A disgusting thought crossed my mind: “Like a bloated white fetus that had simply grown into an adult.”

But wait, this isn’t even a dungeon, is it? This is clearly some kind of artificial facility.

“What the hell is this place… What the hell’s going on…” (Shizuma)

I immediately activated [Appraisal Eye] to investigate the details of this eerie existence.

No proper vessel to receive.

Weak to you, weak to you, weak to Saijoji Shizuma.

Weak to you who came from the outside, weak to you people.

Weak to ?? High Academy Year 2 Advanced Class student.

“!? What the hell is this!?!”

The information displayed struck terror into me.

My name. My real name. My full name was written there.

Even the name of the high school I went to, and my class. Everything.

It was terrifying… Disturbing… What the hell was this incomprehensible thing?

Humanoid…? Missing something…?

What the hell… What the hell is going on!?

“I’ll kill it… Something this incomprehensible… I’ll kill it.” (Shizuma)

I chose to erase that eerie existence using the exact same method as on the 45th floor.

Inside the tank, showing no sign of awakening, was that grotesque being.

Maybe it held secrets that could reach the core of this world…

But somehow, the fact that it existed at all…I couldn’t forgive it.

I strongly felt I had to erase it.

“[Gale…Break]!” (Shizuma)

A colossal wave of sword energy shattered the tank.

The humanoid inside was obliterated in an instant.

Cultivation fluid splattered everywhere, mixed with what must have been the humanoid’s bodily fluids. Shimmering particles scattered within the liquid, and the corpse faded away.

…So that was the final boss of this artificial dungeon, huh.

“…Ah… That is…” (Shizuma)

Something had fallen beyond the destroyed tank, in the spot where the corpse vanished.

A red object. The artificial Dungeon Core, the very purpose of this artificial dungeon.

It was lying on the floor.

“…So the fact this appeared means… Yeah, that thing really was the boss of this artificial dungeon.” (Shizuma)

It somewhat resembled the “red sparkles” Melt had once made with alchemy.

A red, transparent sphere, covered in countless small crystalline shards.

Looking at it, I thought, “There was a candy that looked .”

…Not that I’d ever want to put it in my mouth. It was way too big anyway.

And it was absurdly large for being called a “fragment”.

I used [Appraisal Eye] to examine it…

[Lindblum’s Dungeon Core]

The result of an excessive concentration of leylines’ mana surpassing core refinement capacity.

Its distorted form is due to having continued to grow as something that should not exist in this world.

Recommended to be used not for returning to the land, but for stabilizing the destabilized dungeon.

Hmm… Distorted in shape and size, but still usable as a core.

But how exactly does one “stabilize” a dungeon? Does that mean I should take control of this artificial dungeon?

“In any case… This thing was most likely what caused the dungeon’s anomaly. I’m not sure if I should even hand it to the guild…” (Shizuma) Updates are released by 𝕟𝕠𝕧𝕖𝕝⟡𝕗𝗂𝗋𝖾⟡𝕟𝕖𝕥

Honestly, there have been too many unsettling events in this conquest.

But for now, I decided to stop thinking too deeply. About this world, about this dungeon…

…I didn’t have the leeway yet.

I stepped onto the return sigil that appeared in the corner of the room, and escaped the dungeon.

“We’ve been waiting for your return, Shizuma.”

Waiting for me at my return point was the woman who seemed to be the head of this Explorer Guild.

I only exchanged words with her once, in a conference room, but it looked like…the guild has been monitoring my actions to some degree.

Right, I remember hearing that the General Guild could check what was being defeated inside the dungeon.

“I’ve returned. Uh… You’re the head of this guild…right?” (Shizuma)

“Ah, we haven’t introduced ourselves properly, have we? I am Fahren Flugel, head of the Lindblum’s Explorer Guild. I’d like to hear your report…could you come to the meeting room we used the other day?”

“Understood.” (Shizuma)

I will most likely be ordered to report and sell the core fragment.

…But this one…selling it carelessly might be dangerous.

“First of all, congratulations on clearing the dungeon, Shizuma-san.” (Fahren)

“Thank you.” (Shizuma)

“I know you’re connected to the queen, but even so, your achievement is extraordinary. To conquer it in just a few days, alone no less…and in the middle of an anomaly … I never expected it.” (Flugel)

We spoke face-to-face in the meeting room, just the two of us.

I can reveal a bit more information if there is no one else around.

“Flugel-san, about the dungeon anomaly…there’s a chance it may improve starting today. I can’t say for sure, but it may be worth monitoring.” (Shizuma)

“And what’s your basis for that?” (Flugel)

I took out the Dungeon Core I obtained.

A swollen, misshapen Dungeon Core.

Normally only fragments should have been produced, but what I had was larger and more twisted than a natural Dungeon Core.

“!? That’s a Dungeon Core!?” (Flugel)

“Yes. Its distorted growth and odd shape caught my attention. And the thing I encountered on the final floor… It wasn’t normal. More than a monster, it was something…in-between. A warped being.” (Shizuma)

“…We observed your progress in fragments, but we received no information from the 45th floor onward. We’ve already concluded the dungeon transformed into a completely different, alien space.” (Flugel)

“That would be accurate. Flugel-san, I don’t think it’s wise to hand this core over to you just yet. Not for money, nor for any other motive.” (Shizuma)

“…Understandable. Indeed, this isn’t something that should leave the country lightly.” (Flugel)

“Exactly. I was thinking perhaps it should be investigated by the royal research institute, or entrusted to someone qualified.” (Shizuma)

“…Very well. Then you keep it. I won’t question a man connected to the queen.” (Flugel)

“Is that alright? Honestly, I don’t think it’s wise to trust me that much just on my pass permit alone.” (Shizuma)

“It’s simple. I don’t want to antagonize ‘the man who defeated over a hundred of the same monsters that sent veteran explorer clans fleeing, and then cleared a dungeon in a state of abnormality.’ You likely possess the strength, and potential for growth, equal to the Thirteen Knights.” (Flugel)

“…That’s an honor.” (Shizuma)

“I’ve heard what I needed. The treatment of that core is up to you. Shizuma-san, I thank you sincerely for conquering the Lindblum Lair. We don’t know how the situation will develop yet, but I too believe this anomaly will subside.” (Flugel)

“I hope so. Thank you for listening, Flugel-san.” (Shizuma)

“Not at all. Perhaps we can talk about something else if we meet again outside the guild.” (Flugel)

Huh? What did she mean by that?

Curious about the true meaning of her words as she left ahead of me, I checked her with [Appraisal Eye].

Former explorer, now guildmaster at a young age.

Expelled from her clan, later scouted by the guild for her administrative skill.

Rose to guildmaster in just two years, dismantled her problematic former clan and revoked its licenses.

Successfully achieved her revenge, now runs the guild with strict control.

Her type is men over ten years younger.

…Why the hell was that last line in there?

Is this world really being managed by someone? Is some playful entity watching over us!?

Wait…am I being targeted!?

I found a commotion in the first floor hall when I left the conference room.

There was a tense atmosphere, so I went downstairs to join them.

“What’s going on?” (Shizuma)

“Ah? Bad luck, kid. Just now a notice came down that new dungeon attempts are suspended. You heard about that death accident recently, right? Turns out it was a noble’s kid, so they can’t just ignore it.”

“Ah, that case.” (Shizuma)

So it was the Crimson Bear incident the other day.

No wonder there were complaints from those making a living in this dungeon.

The gathered crowd suddenly fell silent as I thought this.

“Quiet. Loitering in the lower floors all the time, no different from earning outside.”

The one who said that sharply was none other than Livana-san in her usual hooded outfit.

The onlookers instantly shut up, none daring to retort.

“The dungeon anomaly is real. And closing it for investigation is only natural since casualties have occurred. It’s a good chance…you should try other dungeons.”

Following up was Gark-san, her subleader, likely stepping in to prevent conflict.

…No. This is still just the tutorial dungeon.

Her words were her way of prodding the low-floor loiterers to move forward.

And Gark-san…was probably using this as a push to get them to try elsewhere.

But the complainers had no will to argue back. They dispersed quietly.

“Hmm? Isn’t that Shizuma-kun? Did you do something to our leader?” (Gark)

Noticing me, Gark-san whispered with a somewhat flustered tone.

Eh? What do you mean?

“Um, what do you mean?” (Shizuma)

“…She’s in a bad mood. When I asked why, she only said one word: ‘Shizuma.’” (Gark)

“Ehh… Why…” (Shizuma)

I cautiously glanced at Livana-san. The instant our eyes met, she turned away with a huff.

What’s with that cute reaction?

“Um… Did I do something to offend you?” (SHizuma)

No response. Dammit. I really don’t want to get on the bad side of someone who’s probably a major power in this city.

“Sorry. I’ll be more careful from now on, so could you at least tell me why?” (Shizuma)

I asked again without much hope.

“…Not there…after buying the sausages.” (Livana)

“Going to treat you to one.” (Livana)

“Ah! I’m so sorry, was that it!?” (Shizuma)

Seriously!? I thought she went off to eat since I had wandered off instead!

“…Forget it.” (Livana)

“Ah, really sorry… My mind was just full of the dungeon conquest… I’m sorry.” (Shizuma)

“…Wait. Shizuma-kun, did you actually dive into the dungeon before the closure?” (Gark)

“Ah, yes. I can’t say details, but I did clear it.” (Shizuma)

“…! Tell me everything.” (Gark)

Livana-san, who had been averting her gaze, suddenly perked up.

…Guess I better make it up to her.

“Uh… Maybe somewhere more private… Want to come over?” (Shizuma)

“…Hmm… I take it you’ve already struck some deal with the guildmaster? Are you sure?” (Gark)

“As long as it’s just minimal info. You were tasked with dungeon security, weren’t you? The information will be shared eventually. I don’t think telling you a little early is a problem.” (Shizuma)

“Heh. Cunning for someone so young. Then…may I come hear it?” (Gark)

“Of course. Livana-san, you come too. I’ll prepare some light food as an apology.” (Shizuma)

“…Fine. I’ll come.” (Livana)

It wasn’t a bad idea to deepen ties with powerful factions as Shizuma.

And honestly…I did feel bad. Livana-san may be strong, but she’s also small, earnest, and kind of adorable…!

She really just wanted to eat Marumetano with me…! I’m so sorry!

(´・ω・｀) The only regret from the recent BBQ was not getting to grill Marumetano.

The nearest shop didn’t have any…