Episode 4: Tutorial Dungeon 2/3

"I've learned a few things."

About an hour has passed since then.

Encountering numerous monsters, my level has increased.

Though I struggled with goblins initially, I can now defeat them easily.

With newfound confidence, I conducted some experiments and documented the results in my notebook. I gathered information for the potential appearance of a beautiful heroine who might show up later.

No electronic devices work inside the dungeon.

The smartphone loses signal, and apps other than Dungeon Survive won't even launch. Even offline apps remain inactive.

"So, no dungeon streaming at all. My chance to become a viral influencer is gone."

For someone who enjoys novels about dungeon streaming, this was quite a shock. I had hoped to do a couple of streams and gain significant popularity since I came to the dungeon.

Not being able to stream is one thing, but the inability to use the smartphone is quite inconvenient. Although I can use a flashlight and emergency alarm, most other apps are unusable. Without a clock app, if I weren't wearing a watch, I might have lost track of time and gone crazy.

"And it seems not just smartphones, but all electronic devices are unusable. Tablets, pedometers, and even my radio and digital watch are useless."

"This dungeon is quite inconvenient."

Sighing, I continue through the dungeon.

While not being able to stream is unfortunate, there's no point in dwelling on it. For now, I just need to focus on leveling up and moving forward.

During the dungeon exploration, a new entry appeared in the description box. It contained information about the dungeon, mentioning a powerful monster called the "Boss" lurking in the deepest part. The tutorial dungeon's boss, it stated, resides on the fifth floor.

"To return, I need to defeat the boss. Ugh, what a hassle."

To escape the dungeon, I either need to use an item called "Return Stone," occasionally dropped by monsters, or defeat the boss. Defeating the boss creates a return gate, and since I currently don't possess a Return Stone, the latter is my only option.

It's a bit of a hassle to reach the boss's floor, but defeating it offers two additional benefits. Firstly, the boss provides abundant experience points for leveling up. Secondly, defeating the boss grants a new skill. In other words, to become stronger in Dungeon Survive, defeating the boss is the best course of action.

"I'm on the third floor now, so two more to go. I want to finish within an hour."

By now, the teacher must be furious. Our school is academically demanding, so a student skipping classes is unheard of. If I return, I'll undoubtedly face a lengthy lecture. To minimize the scolding, I want to return as soon as possible.

No, even if it's just a lecture, it's better than being reported as missing. If it escalates to that level, it won't be resolved with just a lecture. I need to return quickly.

"Huh, what's that?"

Amidst my anxious thoughts, I spotted something peculiar ahead. There, in the middle of the path, was a solitary wooden box. It seemed ordinary, but given the dungeon's atmosphere, I couldn't help but feel a bit wary.

What is that?

It looks like a treasure chest, but I shouldn't let my guard down. If it's a straightforward item chest, that would be great, but there's also the possibility of it being a Mimic.

"I should stay cautious."

Approaching the chest cautiously, I observe its behavior.

10 meters, 5 meters, 2 meters.

Still no change in the chest.

I extend my leg and give it a gentle touch.

No response. It remains completely motionless.

Is there a regular item inside?

That would be great, but the possibility of it being a Mimic is not zero. Opening it could result in being devoured, and that would be the end. That's why I can't afford to be careless.

"Here goes!"

I kick the chest forcefully.

No change.

Is this... real?

I sigh and sit in front of the chest.

The chest remains unperturbed.

...Can I expect something good?

"Phew... alright."

Determined, I open the chest.

Inside was──

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Weapon: Holy Silver Sword

Description: A sword engraved with a protective holy seal.

10% additional damage to demonic-type creatures.

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"Hmm, a powerful weapon."

From the chest emerged a radiant silver sword. Its design was minimalistic, with a magnificent longsword measuring about 60 centimeters. Near the center of the blade was an odd engraving, a combination of a cross and the katakana character 'ヲ'.

I don't know much about demonic creatures, but the crucial fact is that I obtained a weapon. With this sword, dealing with the monsters along the way will be much easier. Additionally, it should prove useful in the boss battle.

"With a weapon in hand, leveling up should be faster."

Raising the sword, I set out to search for monsters.

Eagerly, I walk as fast as possible.

◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇ ◆ ◇

"This door gives off a boss room vibe."

In front of me stands an iron door.

The solemn door is adorned with characters that resemble patterns. Despite having a grade 5 in middle school for both Japanese and English, I've never seen such characters.

It vaguely reminds me of a combination of hieroglyphs and pictograms, but as a non-expert, I have no detailed understanding. I have no intention of comprehending it nose-first or analyzing it.

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Name: Tama Da Shion (Ryota)

Rank: F

Skills: Body Enhancement Level 4

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Before entering the boss room, I check my status. It's been three hours since I entered the dungeon. Despite initially intending to clear it quickly, it's already evening. All classes have long since ended. If I return, I'll have to bow and apologize profusely.

But the sacrifices made me significantly stronger.

Compared to before entering the dungeon, my power has surged dramatically. Although the rank hasn't changed, I confidently feel several times stronger.

"To return, I need to defeat the boss. Let's defeat it quickly and apologize like a celebrity."

Determined, I open the iron door.

In the room was──