Chapter 36: Surprises and Monsters

After that, Asakawa-san continued fighting for quite some time while I answered questions and engaged in trivial chit-chat, and eventually, the stream came to an end. In hindsight, considering the number of viewers that tuned in, I'd say it was a successful first stream.

"Thanks for today."

"…Why so suddenly?"

"Oh, it's nothing, just the usual."

By "the usual," she probably means me tagging along for her training. If that's the case, then it's no problem at all. After all, in exchange, Asakawa-san has been teaching me how to stream, including what to avoid doing during a stream. Personally, I think this specialized knowledge is as valuable as the information I have about the deeper layers of the dungeon.

"So, what are you planning to do after graduation, Tsukasa-kun?"

"I've already decided."

"What!? That's fast!"

After today's stream, I felt like I had a clear vision of my future. To be honest, before this, I thought I'd just spend my days diving into dungeons, but I've found something I truly want to do.

"Maybe something like continuing to explore dungeons as an EX-rank explorer?"

"I'm going to start my own streaming company and become the CEO!"

"…What?"

"If you're still freelancing by then, I'll definitely invite you to join!"

There don't seem to be many large companies that employ streamers, especially those specializing in dungeon streaming. Most dungeon streamers are independent, and it seems like virtual streamers playing games are more common. In other words, starting a company focused on dungeon streaming might be a great opportunity.

"Haha… You're such an interesting person, Tsukasa-kun!"

"Hey, that's a bit… hurtful…"

"No, I think it's great! If you've found a dream, you should definitely chase it!"

Laughing, Asakawa-san started running off. I was staring at her retreating back when she suddenly turned around.

"Make sure you come and get me when you do!"

"…Sure."

Don't say things like that… like a princess. But if starting a company to bring her on board is part of that, then maybe that's not so bad.

Kisaragi Tsukasa Ch:

: So yeah, I'm planning to start a company specializing in dungeon streaming in the future.

Kisaragi Tsukasa Ch:

: Wait, what?

: What do you mean by that?

: Does this guy even listen to himself?

: This is new…

The next day, while streaming solo in the lower floors, I mentioned my newly formed dream as more people tuned in than I expected, and I got a somewhat surprised reaction.

"I've got plenty of money, so starting the company itself isn't an issue, but I want to run it in the black, you know?"

Kisaragi Tsukasa Ch:

: Did he just casually drop that he's rich?

: Well, he is EX-rank…

: He must be making bank.

: I wonder how much those deep-layer magic stones go for.

: Even the strong ones in the lower layers are worth as much as a month's salary for a regular worker, I heard.

: Whoa.

The chat seems to be going off on a tangent about money, but I'd rather not discuss finances. Although, I guess I did bring it up first with the company talk…

Kisaragi Tsukasa Ch:

: CEO and streamer at the same time, huh?

: Sounds good.

: That actually sounds fun.

: Will Asagao-chan join?

: Based on what he said, probably.

: CEO dating one of the company's streamers… can I make a fanfic out of this?

: Please don't.

"Well, let's save that topic for January… We're about to hit the deeper layers."

We're currently on the 60th floor of Shibuya Dungeon. According to my viewers, the only other person who's streamed past this point is that troublemaker, Rion Kamishiro. Since it's the golden hour on a weekday evening, the viewer count is pretty high.

Kisaragi Tsukasa Ch:

: Finally…

: This is going to be legendary.

: Every stream he does is legendary.

: The lower floors are already legendary.

: What kind of hellhole is the deep layer?

: He called the one in Australia a "fun hell," right?

: What about Shibuya?

"It's just a plain old hell."

Kisaragi Tsukasa Ch:

: It's hell.

Of course, it is. What were they expecting in the deep layers of a dungeon? Even so, I think this place is still way better than the Nagoya Dungeon.

"Alright, here we go. The 61st floor is basically a giant lake."

Kisaragi Tsukasa Ch:

: Huh?

: What does that even mean?

: Why'd he say something so weird?

: That makes no sense.

It's exactly what it sounds like. The 61st floor is a vast, shallow lake that reflects the light from the crystals on the ceiling, making it sparkle like the famous Uyuni Salt Flat. There's no other way to describe it.

As I descend the stairs and step onto the 61st floor, I'm greeted by a lake that stretches out, reflecting the crystal's light in a dazzling display. Honestly, it's a breathtakingly beautiful place.

Kisaragi Tsukasa Ch:

: Seriously?

: This should be a World Heritage site.

: Except it's not.

: I'm going to become a dungeon explorer now.

: Remember, this is the deep layer.

: You need to be at least A-rank to enter, so good luck with that.

: Still, I'd love to see it.

: "Hell"? Nah, this is paradise.

: They must've been lying about it being hell.

"…There's something here."

Some viewers are calling this place paradise, but that's because they're not actually here. Honestly, I have the strength to handle the enemies on this floor without any real trouble, but that doesn't mean it's not a hassle.

From the moment I set foot in the water, I could feel the hostility emanating from somewhere below. The chat continues to marvel at the beauty, but I know something is getting closer.

"Oh, here we go!"

Kisaragi Tsukasa Ch:

: !?

: What is that?

: I've changed my mind; I'm not becoming an explorer.

: I'm going back to the upper floors.

: Yikes…

: My brain just shut down.

As the water ripples, a massive, worm-like creature with a mouth but no eyes bursts out from below. If it were just the size of a regular worm, it wouldn't be so bad, but this thing is enormous. Eyeballing it, I'd say it's around 20 meters long. And that's just one there are probably a few more lurking below.

Kisaragi Tsukasa Ch:

: Gross.

: Nope, nope, nope.

: I can't with this.

: That's disgusting.

: Too much.

: This is nasty.

: Gross!

The creature tries to chomp down on me, but I sidestep it just in time. It lets out a bizarre, unearthly screech as it turns and charges at me again, moving at an unnervingly fast pace for something with no limbs. S~eaʀᴄh the Nôvelƒire.net website on Google to access chapters of novels early and in the highest quality.

"'Kama-itachi.'"

Like I said before, I'm more than capable of handling this level of enemy. The worm speeds towards me, but a quick slash from Kama-itachi cuts it cleanly in half, and its bisected body sails past me.

Kisaragi Tsukasa Ch:

: Strong.

: He just one-shotted a deep-layer monster, seriously?

: I'm starting to grasp just how powerful EX-rank really is.

: We're getting this content for free?

: We should be paying for this.

: LOL

: Is it really okay to show this deep-layer content for free?

The chat's going off about something, but I haven't figured out the monetization and donation features yet, so that'll have to wait. I'll ask Asakawa-san to teach me after school sometime soon.

For now, I've got to deal with the other worms hiding below.

"Huh?"

Kisaragi Tsukasa Ch:

: Wait, what?

: Something's not right.

: There's a shark fin cutting through the water.

: This dungeon just has everything, doesn't it?

: How are worms and sharks swimming in ankle-deep water?

That's what I've been wondering. How are these massive creatures swimming around in water that barely covers my ankles? You'd think that with these giant beasts moving around, I'd be sinking into a bottomless pit, but here I am, still standing.

Lost in thought, I almost get hit by another worm launching itself at me, but I slice off its head with Kama-itachi. Just then, a shark-like creature bites the worm in half.

Kisaragi Tsukasa Ch:

: Did that monster just eat another monster?

: Can that even happen?

: It's the circle of life, I guess.

: They're monsters, though.

: I guess that's just how it works in the deep layers (LOL).

Actually, that's correct. For some reason, in the deep layers, monsters do sometimes eat each other. This phenomenon isn't unique to Shibuya Dungeon; it's observed worldwide. Some say that this predatory behavior might be why these monsters are so strong.

Anyway, the problem now is that the shark about as big as a megalodon but with frog-like legs jutting out from its body is glaring at me.

Kisaragi Tsukasa Ch:

: Kinda cute.

: It's got little legs.

: Like a giant tadpole, but not cute.

: That size isn't cute at all.

: How big is it?

: How long was that worm, anyway?

"The worm was about 20 meters long."

Kisaragi Tsukasa Ch:

: So this thing's like 30 meters, then.

: Whoa…

: That's massive.

Just walking around, this thing makes the ground shake.

"I really don't like this shark."

Kisaragi Tsukasa Ch:

: Is it strong?

: Is this the part where the EX finally struggles?

: The deep layers are no joke, huh?

: Yeah, this place is seriously dangerous.

I just really hate this shark. It's not about whether it's strong or weak, big or small none of that matters.

"I tried making shark fin soup out of one of these before, but it tasted awful."

Kisaragi Tsukasa Ch:

: Who cares?

: Be serious.

: What?

: You've got to be kidding.

: Why did you even think that was a good idea?

: This guy's nuts.

That's harsh. It seems like the viewers aren't exactly on my side.

Since it's inedible, there's no point in preserving its form. I'm going to take it down without holding back.