Yabuki’s Perspective
While I was attentively attending class at the academy, an alarm went off, and an urgent announcement followed.
It’s really hard to stay calm.
You left the Dungeon Controller behind, right? It’s probably not working for some reason, so all I need to do is restart it.
After all, it’s a magical tool created by my dad. By channeling magical energy into it, you can forcefully enhance its effects.
But of course, Shiraishi and Minazuki probably don’t know that.
Just as I thought that, I was called to a meeting. I headed to the student council room with my party members.
All of my party members are my subordinates. After all, my dad arranged them for my academy life.
Naturally, we became strong, and we had even reached the point where we could participate in the academy’s selection trials.
When I arrived at the student council room, there were many people there.
It’s no surprise that the student council members are here. In fact, it would be strange if they weren’t.
But first-year students too? Wait, those are the ones who defeated the King of Nightmares, right?
If that’s the case, their combat abilities are undoubtedly high. They might even be allies of sorts—though I won’t say that out loud here.
I just wanted them to hurry up with the discussion, but I was getting tired of Mizoguchi being so noisy.
That guy’s got a useless sense of justice, and he’s probably just worried about whether any of the members are going to get affected by “Magic Release.” But since the conversation isn’t moving forward, I’d rather he save it for later.
So, we entered the dungeon.
We were all in full defensive mode.
Naturally, since irregularities are occurring, it was expected that the magic density would increase.
There’s even a chance that we could be exposed to “Magic Release” ourselves.
There were quite a few monsters, so I decided to send the student council president’s party and Mizoguchi’s party ahead to clear the way.
We kept to our pace and made steady progress.
However, things changed when we entered the fourth floor.
The magic density had become even thicker, and it seemed like both Shiraishi’s group and Mizoguchi’s group had slowed down considerably.
But we were almost at the fifth floor.
We decided to use our equipment to slip past them and hurry ahead.
Along the way, we encountered a huge monster, but thanks to the unique skills of our members, we managed to avoid its territory and easily reached the fifth floor.
I had intentionally cast a concealment spell, hoping that the monster would hold Shiraishi and Mizoguchi back. Heh.
The collapsed stairs and the destroyed walls around us were probably caused by that giant monster.
You guys shouldn’t wander around on your own.
Well, this could mean the boss room is empty, so I guess it’s not a big deal.
Maybe we’ll just channel some magic into the Dungeon Controller and strengthen it, and that’ll be the end of it.
Then we’d be the academy selection’s top contenders.
Sorry, Shiraishi.
This year, we’re taking it.
And so, we reached the fifth floor’s boss room. As expected, it was empty. It seemed like the monster had passed through, as the entrance, surrounding walls, and ceiling were completely shattered.
But the Dungeon Controller was nowhere to be found. What’s going on?
“What should we do?”
One of my party members asked. Could the monster have taken it?
No, that’s impossible. The Dungeon Controller has a scent that monsters hate, specifically designed so they wouldn’t take it.
“Let’s search first. It might have fallen somewhere.”
I instructed three of my members to search.
Could that massive monster have stepped on it or dragged it somewhere when it moved?
Damn it…
I also searched the ground while casting magic.
“Is this it?”
One of my members found a black metallic box. This is it.
It’s a bit crushed, but will it work?
Not knowing for sure, I poured magic into it.
Move!
As I wished, red magical energy started flowing from the Dungeon Controller.
Yes, it’s working now. That’s one problem solved.
I did it!
Then, the red magical energy formed a circle, and letters began to appear.
It spread out, enveloping us.
It’s so bright…
“What’s going on?!”
“Yabuki-san, are we alright?”
“Yeah. Just as I heard, channeling magic into the Dungeon Controller amplifies its effect. The magic released to stabilize the dungeon increases.”
“Is this it? But…”
I was watching the scene with anticipation, but my members looked uneasy.
True, I had never heard of red magical energy being released before.
And this… what is it…
“Run! This is wrong! This… this is the awakening of a monster!”
That’s it. Why didn’t I notice sooner?
These letters aren’t for humans.
This circle… it’s a magic circle.
This is…
『Ggyaoouuuuooooooo!!!!!!!』
“Ahh!!”
“Uwahhh!!!”
A dragon appeared.
It wasn’t all that large, but it had a vicious expression.
As soon as it appeared, it stomped one of my members and bit another.
That member’s arm was easily torn off.
“Run! That thing is dangerous!”
“Wait, Yabuki-san!”
“Yabuki-san, Kuroi is—!”
It’s no use. Staying here would be suicide.
But the dragon pursued us.
It never even reached the exit of the boss room. It was slashed at, and its limbs were bitten.
Now, it’s lying in the boss room.
The dragon that appeared was slowly chewing on something.
Was it someone’s arm… or leg…?
It was an instant kill.
We were scattered in an instant.
There wasn’t even a fight.
What the hell is this monster?
Why… Why did a monster like this appear after I channeled magic into the Dungeon Controller?
Dad?
And just like that, our consciousness faded away.
