Author Note: This is a Bonus Chapter for those 100 Power Stones.
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Dungeon Roulette.
A feature Yami Tsukishiro had modified and integrated into the dungeon's existing system designed as a tool for adventurers to grow stronger.
By spending magic stones to spin the wheel, an adventurer could obtain a growth-type ability, a special passive, or unique items tailored to their combat style.
For the sake of accessibility, the first spin for any adventurer cost only 10 magic stones.
After that, additional spins could only be earned through rank promotions or as special dungeon rewards.
Of course, the deeper the adventurer went and the higher their rank, the more expensive each spin became magic stone costs skyrocketing at higher tiers.
But there was an upside: higher-ranked spins meant better rewards.
"Everyone, rest up for now," Shinobu Kocho said softly, her eyes landing on Saeko Busujima.
"Saeko… I'm sorry for Rei's death."
Saeko's grip on her katana tightened, but she gave a small nod.
"I hope everyone can adjust your emotions. The dungeon will always have dangers… Let's continue working together from here on."
With a meaningful glance, Shinobu motioned for Kanroji Mitsuri to follow her.
Viper, the small serpent companion, slithered off after them taking Jade with her.
That left only Saeko in the square.
She exhaled slowly and was about to leave when
Flash!
A sudden burst of white light appeared before her.
"Haah—!"
Miyamoto Rei collapsed to her knees, chest heaving. She'd managed to kill another zombie… only to be bitten to death yet again.
Even after experiencing it once, dying still sent an icy shiver through her body.
"Rei!"
Saeko's eyes widened. She strode forward quickly, reaching out to touch Rei's arm, as if to confirm she was real.
"Saeko-senpai!"
Rei got to her feet, still unsteady.
"Rei… you were killed by a zombie." Saeko's tone was a mix of disbelief and suspicion.
They had all seen her die.
"Saeko-senpai… there's no such thing as true death in the dungeon. Adventurers who die can be resurrected using magic stones," Rei explained.
"Resurrected…?" Saeko's eyes narrowed.
The logic clicked into place...
But something still didn't add up.
"But Rei… you didn't have any magic stones."
"…"
Rei froze. Her lips pressed into a tight line. She had no answer.
It wasn't that she didn't want to tell Saeko the truth, she simply couldn't.
The topic of slaves was locked behind some invisible restriction, as if the words would never leave her lips.
Her expression tensed with frustration before she forced out,
"Sorry, Saeko-senpai… I can't explain it. But please promise me you won't try to die!"
Before Saeko could reply, Miyamoto Rei turned away and stepped into the dungeon portal again, vanishing into the shimmering light.
Saeko remained in the square, quietly mulling over her words.
Meanwhile…
Yami Tsukishiro's gaze lingered on Rei's retreating figure, but his attention soon shifted to something even more intriguing.
[Ding!] Adventurer Miyamoto Rei has died. World Analysis progress for her home dimension: 2%!
Yami's eyes narrowed.
[Ding!] Adventurer death detected. World Analysis progress for their home dimension: +1%!
A new mechanic?
If the system bothered to display these prompts, it meant the "World Analysis" function was important though its exact purpose was still a mystery.
What caught his attention even more, however, was what happened next.
The two zombies that had killed Rei twice were now stronger.
One was the heavily armored zombie from before, the other just a plain shambling corpse… and yet, both had been upgraded.
[Monster]: Heavy Armored Zombie
[Rank]: Second Level
[Title]: Ordinary
[Race]: Undead
[Skills]:
F-rank – Infection (Lv. 2)
D-rank – Armor (Lv. 1)
Both had their "Infection" skill boosted to Level 2.
"Adventurers grow stronger by killing monsters… but monsters can also grow faster by killing adventurers?" Yami muttered.
A slow grin spread across his face.
"So basically… adventurers are the perfect wage earners. Not only can they mine resources for me they can also be used as EXP fodder."
The pieces fit together now.
The dungeon's ultimate goal wasn't subtle, it wanted him to become the greatest slave owner in the multiverse.
Elsewhere…
In a wide, brightly lit conference room, the top brass of the Allied Powers had gathered. The atmosphere was tense, the air heavy with unspoken pressure.
"Did this information come directly from him?" one of the officials asked, flipping through Simon's report.
"Yes," Simon replied firmly. "Every word was exactly what Yami Tsukishiro told me."
The official scanned the report, then looked up.
"What's everyone's take?"
"He claims he's not afraid of nuclear weapons. We can't verify that yet… but regarding the 'world going berserk' take a look at this."
The man tapped the table, and the room's central projector flickered to life.
Images appeared on the screen...grainy satellite captures from multiple oceans.
"Monsters…?"
Several officials leaned forward, eyes narrowing.
The photos showed massive, unidentified shapes in the Pacific, Atlantic, and other waters.
Each silhouette bore an uncanny resemblance to the 'Leatherback Turtle' monster that had appeared not long ago.
"Multiple confirmed sightings. Same biological structure as the one in Tokyo Bay," Someone confirmed grimly.
"…So he might be right. The world could actually be on the brink of collapse."
The silence that followed was suffocating.
Finally, one voice broke through.
"Yami Tsukishiro's existence is a necessity. He clearly knows more about these sudden monster incursions than we do… and we need his power."
"I agree."
"Seconded."
"Count me in."
Within minutes, consensus was reached.
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