Live Dungeon!

”Layer ninety-one is, to put it simply, a beefed-up version of the Grasslands layers. So don’t let your guard down just because it’s Goblins. Also, the Slimes have been DRASTICALLY enhanced. Like, they’re downright NASTY now. Garm and Xeno, you two especially need to make sure you don’t lose your acid-resistant gear.”

As they made their way to the Guild, Tsutomu reviewed the key features of the Ancient Castle and the layer they would be entering today. Garm, listening intently, glanced down at the acid-resistant gear expertly stitched by leatherworkers, then gave a solemn nod.

”Sir Dorren mentioned as much. Even with this gear, it won’t last long under continuous exposure, will it?”

”Nope. That’s why I’ve packed a few spares. The new workshop’s finally gotten to a point where they can produce the stuff in bulk, so we’ll swap them out as they degrade.”

”It feels like a waste, having to replace something made with so much care… but I understand.”

”I’ll put them to good use!” Xeno added with gusto.

The two Tanks, Garm and Xeno, had both observed the crafting process several times, especially since armor was their lifeline in battle. This set, in particular, had undergone extensive improvements. It used the hide from the Coltt Lizards, creatures known for their acidic spit, with the most durable leather taken from the head. That made it more difficult to work with, and stitching it to match the contours of armor took an entire day. Having seen the labor firsthand, the two men studied the finished gear with reverence.

”I heard the Slimes’ cores move around now, too.” Amy chimed in. ”Dini was complaining how hard it’s gotten to shoot them.”

”Yeah,” Tsutomu replied. ”And we don’t have anyone in this party who’s particularly strong with magic, so that’s going to be a problem. Not even sure if Amira’s [ fire breath can deal much damage to them.”

”Ugh… I can definitely put out more fire than the Ancient Dragon, I’ll have you know.” Amira groaned.

”Oh, yeah? Well the only breath I can smell off you right now is the one you left in the air. Stay away from me.”

”What!?”

”Then my breath must smell NICE, right?” Amy asked with a teasing grin.

”Actually, nope. Yours stinks too.”

”What!?”

”Just kidding.”

When Tsutomu offered the deadpan reply, Amy gave his shoulder a playful swat, her fluffy white-furred tail standing at full attention. Meanwhile, Amira cupped a hand to her mouth and exhaled… then immediately coughed, seemingly surprised by her own foul breath.

Watching the trio from behind, Xeno turned to Garm beside him.

”If it’s anything like the Grasslands layers, I feel like it’s going to bring back memories. Got any good ones from back then?”

”…I didn’t really have the luxury of looking around at the time. But yes, I remember it being… fun. Maybe because we all started at level one.”

”Ah, how enviable. I came to Dungeon City after God’s Dungeon had already been around for a while. Do you think if a complete one appears, our levels would reset again? I rather hope so, personally.”

”Hmm… maybe. Depends on whether we get new Jobs or something to play around with.”

Chatting in this easy manner, Tsutomu’s party finally reached the Guild. The reception area, always crowded, was packed as usual. Staff bustled to appraise materials and Magic Stones brought back from the God’s Dungeon, and the air buzzed with energy.

Even the bald receptionist, who looked so intimidating that he rarely had anyone in line, had a growing queue for once. Several parties were disappearing one after another through the magic circles installed for Dungeon transport, while others emerged from the Black Gate and made their way out, faces worn from battle.

Standing near one of the transfer circles were Korinna and her team, who had arrived earlier. Tsutomu caught her eye from a distance and gave a small wave. Korinna nodded slightly, and beside her, Hannah flapped her blue wings with excitement, and the Gnome next to her raised both hands as if cheering silently.

It was not a bad idea to enter the same Layer in sync with another party. With unified intent, Clan members could cooperate smoothly and take down monsters more efficiently. Even unrelated parties, if their interests aligned, sometimes formed temporary alliances, an image frequently seen on the Monitors. Ealdred Crow’s teams had recently done just that to streamline material gathering on layer ninety-one.

But such ten-person runs were not doable when it came to fighting layer bosses. Thus, relying too heavily on them for regular layers could create detrimental habits. And since the Black Gate randomly relocated once a party passed through, coordinating separate five-man teams was generally more efficient for layer progression.

”Is that… Absolute Helix?”

”They didn’t change their party lineup that much, huh?”

”Hey, there’s Amy!”

”I heard those two used to work as Guild staff, right?”

”Don’t stare too hard. They’re our colleagues, technically.”

As Tsutomu’s party queued up after watching the other group teleport, murmurs spread among the surrounding Explorers. Those who had already reached the seventieth layer or deeper barely reacted, but many who still remembered watching the Monitors were wide-eyed, clearly recognizing them as familiar faces from the top ranks.

”Aww, my boy Daryl already went ahead…”

”Oh wow, it’s Garm! He’s huge as ever!”

”Daryl’s pretty tall in person too, huh? He looks small next to Garm, but still…”

Only Explorers and related personnel were permitted inside the Guild, but even among them, there were fans. In Absolute Helix, Amy topped the popularity charts among male fans, while the women overwhelmingly favored Daryl and Garm.

”…Xeno’s kinda hot too, now that I look closer.”

”Isn’t he married, though?”

”Yeah, still. Garm’s the real deal.”

”Same here!”

”Aha!”

”…Huh?”

Caught in a swirl of whispers and longing gazes aimed at Garm, Tsutomu turned at the sudden sound of a voice that felt oddly familiar… only to flinch as he realized how close she was.

”Whoa!”

”Oh my, is my presence so shocking to behold?” Stephanie asked with exaggerated offense.

”…Anyone would jump if SOMEONE suddenly appeared in their face, you know.”

Stephanie twirled a pink spiral curl with one finger, giving Tsutomu a coy, upward glance. The heavy dark circles once etched beneath her eyes had faded, and the manic intensity in her gaze had softened considerably. Behind her stood the members of Aldred Crow, the very same team that had cleared layer ninety with her as their Healer.

”So, Mister Tsutomu,” she asked, ”you are descending to layer ninety-one with a new party lineup today?”

”Yeah, I am,” Tsutomu replied. ”What about you, Stephanie?”

”I am as well!” she said brightly. ”If we end up on the same instance of the layer, perhaps we could cooperate. We’ll let your group take the first Black Gate, of course! We’re only there to gather materials and level up this time.”

”That’s generous of you. Thanks.”

”By the way, Mister Tsutomu, how has your exploration been lately? Of course, I won’t pry about the Ninety-Sixth Layer, but I would love to hear your general thoughts…”

Stephanie’s eyes sparkled with interest. Though she carefully sidestepped any direct mention of the layer her own party was currently stuck on, her curiosity was palpable. And for once, there was none of the usual madness behind her gaze. With only a quick glance toward the party behind her, Tsutomu allowed himself to speak with her a little longer.

▽▽

”…And that’s it, really. Nothing special.”

”Well, it’s informative nonetheless! And how’s your gear been performing? I think you switched staves recently, how is it treating you?”

”Uh… yeah, about that–”

”Ah! Asking about your equipment must be a breach of etiquette. My apologies! Oh, but I heard that the café you used to frequent just launched a new menu. Something like a pancake with cream on top…?”

”You’re kind of forcing this conversation, aren’t you? Feels like you rehearsed it.”

Despite Tsutomu not being particularly thrilled with the direction of their chat, Stephanie kept the exchange flowing without a lull, perhaps having planned her topics ahead of time. If anything, the tempo was almost too fast, and it was obvious she was trying a little too hard to keep things going. When he pointed that out, she glanced around nervously, her pink eyes darting as she busied herself with the skill wisps floating around her.

”You don’t have to try so hard. Anyway, the receptionist is open now. I should go finalize our party contract.”

”R-right. Yes! In that case, Mister Tsutomu, if we happen to meet inside the Dungeon… I look forward to working with you!”

”Same to you. Go easy on us.”

As they said their goodbyes, they also subtly confirmed a few expectations in case they ended up cooperating during the expedition. Stephanie, flustered but still composed, bowed politely before heading off, leaving Tsutomu to complete the party registration at the front desk.

Behind him, he could feel the unimpressed stares of Amy and Amira boring into his back. Managing just barely to ignore them, he made his way toward the teleportation magic circles.

”That was the infamous Stephanie, huh?” Amy muttered. ”She totally timed her entrance to line up with your arrival, Tsutomu. And the stuff she was saying… way too rehearsed.”

”Hah, what a promising little student you’ve got!” Amira scoffed. ”Though honestly, I’m starting to wonder if she’s JUST a student. Knowing you, you might be using your relationship dynamics to get up to something shady.”

”Quit it with the wild speculation,” Tsutomu said curtly. ”Let’s move. I’ve got a bad feeling we’ll end up linking up with her party today, so I want to sync up with everyone early.”

He had a tendency to be right about these premonitions, and if they were going to explore as a ten-person unit, he wanted to establish some baseline coordination first. In particular, Amira and Xeno would need to see each other in action before they ended up in a real fight together. With that in mind, Tsutomu gave the two whispering behind him a push and motioned toward a magic circle.

”Amy, just because they look like Goblins doesn’t mean you can take them lightly like before. Stay focused. And Amira, don’t get carried away in [ and charge in alone. If you screw up, I WILL let you die.”

”Yeah, yeah…” Amy replied, dragging the words out.

”Tch…” Amira groaned, equally as grumpy.

”All right,” Tsutomu nodded. ”Let’s go. Teleport to the ninety-first layer!”

The group stepped into the magic circle. In the blink of an eye, all five were whisked away, transported deep into the heart of the Dungeon.