CHAPTER 75: THE DAWN OF A DISASTER

~3rd Person Perspective~

　The sound of the earth trembles. People heard a cry. Then they heard a growl.

　Somewhere, there is the sound of an explosion, the sound of things tearing. Then they heard the sound of something crashing.

　People were gradually beginning to realize that this place, the most mysterious place on earth, was safe. If you’re careful, you won’t die. If you get hurt, it’s most likely only a minor injury. Those who were seriously injured must have done something stupid. Somewhere in the back of my mind, they began thinking that.

　People were intoxicated by the sensation of successfully hunting monsters and the sensation of becoming stronger. They forgot about the pain they suffered, and the suffering they will soon endure.

　They were convinced. They thought that they, the humans, were invincible.

　They were convinced, that the monsters are weak. That they would never become the hunted.

　They didn’t even consider the reason why monsters existed in the slightest.

“Isn’t the backup coming yet?” (Explorer)

“No, they haven’t come yet. They’re taking a long time to seal off the dungeon, arrange people, and prepare.” (Explorer)

　The cave is narrow and long. The dungeon was packed with monsters until there were no gaps, and they were steadily advancing towards the surface.

　A number of skills and magic were used to kill the monsters, but the number of monsters had not decreased. No, they may be decreasing, but the monsters are appearing faster than that.

　This is the 14th level of the Hokkaido Dungeon. There are only a few of them, but they are the Strongest Party in Japan. They are the “Hero Party”, the ones exploring the dungeon.

“Yuki, the number has increased, so let’s go down immediately. [Inferno]!” (Arisu)

　Arisu’s magic sets a large number of monsters ablaze and instantly transforms them into item drops. However, there is no time for them to pick up the items, and the succeeding monsters rush in, and the items were trampled on.

“I will stop then. [Sanctuary]” (Risa)

　Risa’s [Sanctuary] creates a wall of light in front of the monsters that are rushing towards them, and the monsters that are crushed between the walls and the monsters behind them die one after another.

“I can’t hold for much longer! Gouta-kun, please.” (Risa)

“Okay, I’m next. I’ll take care of it. [Great Shield], [Shield Bash]!” (Gouta)

　A shield that covers Gouta’s whole body cladding him with light. Then it grew to about twice its initial size. Then he charges towards the monsters. The charge, which gained more momentum because of [Shield Bash], crushed and knocked away the monsters that were trying to break through the [Sanctuary].

　Monsters rush in, and the Hero Party pushes them back. The battle, which seemed to be at a deadlock, has become a defensive battle in which the heroes are losing their magical power and mental energy.

“What’s going on? I’ve never seen a stampede like this.” (Yuki)

“Maybe it has something to do with the sound of the earth.” (Gouta)

　As they entered the dungeon, they heard the earth below them shake, and at the same time, the monsters around them started running towards the dungeon exit.

　Seeing this, they hurriedly hunted down the surrounding monsters, asking for help from the explorers outside the dungeon, before heading deeper into the dungeon.

　The reason they didn’t use the Transition Magic Circle is that they would have missed the monsters on the floors they bypass.

　Stampedes can be artificial, accidental, or summed by unique monsters. If it is a unique monster, it will become quite a dangerous situation if they miss it by transferring.

　That’s why, while defeating all the monsters they encounter, they proceed through the dungeon where the number of monsters gradually increases in number and strength, and as a result. At present, the rate at which the monsters appear has exceeded their subjugation speed. They are now stuck on the 14th floor.

　However, this is the only way to reach the 13th floor. It’s also true that if they defend this place, the explorers on the top will not be in danger.

　There was no option for these brave men to evacuate.

　Changing the focus to Tokyo. The party of advanced explorers were gathering there, hoping to follow in the footsteps of the American mercenaries who had recently defeated Rimdobmur increased.

　It didn’t have to be in Tokyo, but maybe that’s because Tokyo is so popular. If up to 20 people can participate in the defeat of Rimdobmur, the more people there are, the easier it is to find companions.

　It was at such a time that the stampede occurred. It was fortunate that there were so many high-ranking explorers. The senior explorers, led by [893] and [Yamato Nadeshiko], launched a subjugation campaign, and in no time their hands had reached the Forest.

　Rimdobmur flew over the forest, blowing away the monsters below with its breath. Still, there are some that escaped. The monsters who were lucky to avoid the attack of Rimdobmur start running toward the entrance of the Forest.

“Itsuki-san, I’ll be counting on you.” (Kuminaga)

“Yes, Kuminaga-san you go over there.” (Itsuki)

In addition to Kuminaga, the leader of the [893]. The leader of [Yamato Nadeshiko], Itsuki has recently become quite famous. It seems that she was able to grow rapidly after acquiring a certain item.

“[Super Hard Hit]. Good one!” (Kuminaga)

　A shock wave appears from the metal club that Kuminaga swung, blowing away the surrounding monsters.

“Please! I [Summon] you, Pyon-chan!” (Itsuki)

　Along with her command, the necklace around Itsuki’s neck shines brightly.

“Kyuu~! Kyuu!” (Pyon-chan)

　A silver rabbit jumps out of it. If you’re an explorer, you might have never seen it, but people know about it. It’s an Experience Bonus Rabbit.

　The rabbit, Pyon-chan, runs through the monsters with her small body, jumps high, and then comes down like a lightning-fast ball.

　Pyon-chan, who came down, created a small crater from the impact causing the nearby monsters to explode.

“As expected of the one and only ‘Summoner’.” (Kuminaga)

　Kuminaga watches the sight and shouted in admiration.

“No, I’m just lucky. It was just a coincidence that I found this magic tool.” (Itsuki)

“Yeah, that’s true. Still, aren’t you little too lucky?” (Kuminaga)

　She usually gets expensive magic tools whenever and meets Experience Bonus Rabbits. She almost always encounters them. Each one is considered “pretty lucky”.

　Then again, this is because of her skill, an S-class passive called [Great Luck].

　Then to a small, tattered house in the countryside is the next location. Within the house, a boy and girl were chatting leisurely.

“Hmm? Is it over?” (Haru)

“No, I think the current monster is a 12th-floor monster, so they are still coming.” (Kei)

“Well, I’m bored.” (Haru)

“I’m bored too.” (Kei)

　The siblings had set up a small chair and desk at the entrance of the dungeon and were leisurely drinking tea.

　However, the path in front of them was filled with metal thorns and a pitch-black hole was opened just before it.

　In addition, a thin barrier had been deployed at the end of the hole, making it impossible to even jump over it.

“Oh, the next wave of monsters has arrived.” (Haru)

“Yeah, here they come.” (Kei)

　A large number of monsters moved towards the thorns, and other monsters shoved the monsters in front against the thorns. Leaving those in front either dying or getting severely wounded.

　Moreover, they can’t even try to jump over the hole and escape.

　The siblings just continued sipping their tea and watched the entire scene play.