CH 5

Dungeon release.

On that day, the entire population of the world marveled, rejoiced, and feared.

The marvel centered on a sphere that had abruptly apparated in various parts of the world a year earlier, a sphere that could not be scarred by any means, not even by the bloodthirsty nuclear missiles unleashed by a certain country. These so-called “barriers” were greatly shaken out of their shape.

The joy that ensued after the astonishment was triggered by the fluctuation of the barriers, which amplified in size and gradually collapsed and extinguished its shape.

And fear was evoked by what arose from within the disintegrating barriers.

For what emanated from within the barriers were “strongholds infested with hideous demons,” “mountains that blazed with such ferocity that they threatened the heavens,” “towers whose tops were so high that they were obscured by a haze,” “dome made of ice roses,” and “a massive hole emitting smoke that could only be described as a miasma”.

And then, one of the dungeons that sprang out of the barriers was “a forest shrouded in an extraordinarily dense fog”.

“Well, the dungeon is finally released…. A year is indeed a long period of time…”

While stroking the Thin Mist Wolf in human form, I gaze at the overhead screen of the “Dungeon Creation” with profound emotions.

I mean, a year is truly way too long! If I had constructed the dungeon efficiently (for me), I would have run out of things to do in about 6 months, and for the following half-year, there would be nothing to do but train my abilities and cackle with the Thin Mist Wolves!

Therefore, after a year of work, here is what my current dungeon specifications look like.

Dungeon name: White Fog and Black Swamp Forest

Ruler: Kurokiri (King of the Devouring Black Fog)

Affiliated monsters: fogs, thin mist wolves, swamp flying fish, dragonflies, etc.

Summary: The entire dungeon is dominated by dense fog (visible only up to 3 meters ahead), swamp (average depth 50 cm, minimum 10 cm, maximum 2 m), and a mixture of buildings and plants called walled trees (indestructible objects, which can be used as scaffolding or walls, and which can also be used as a place of refuge. Incidentally, the outer walls of the White Fog and Black Swamp Forest are also built with this material).

Some of the swamps are also existing with upgraded areas other than the depth of water.

An airlock is erected at the dungeon entrance, restricting the number of people who can simultaneously enter the dungeon to six, and for any subsequent person to enter, one of the following conditions must be met.

・The first person to enter the airlock is exterminated.

・The person who made the entry must be at least 1 km away from the entrance and at least one hour must have elapsed since the previous arrival.

Furthermore, one of the following conditions must be met in order for the person who entered to exit.

・Vanquishing of the ruler.

・The distance from the entrance must be more than 1 km, and more than one hour has passed since the entry.

Total number of people who have entered: 0

Cumulative number of destroyed: 0

Evaluation: Unknown (because no invaders have been present yet)

Yes. That’s pretty impressive for the first time, right? Throughout the dungeon, the characteristics of the monsters and traps coincided, indicating that the traps would not be outdone so promptly. Even if they do, it is unlikely that the creatures would lose before the humans discovered their skills.

Oh yeah, and the entry restrictions have been noted on the airlock at the entrance. Otherwise, it would be a bit of a puzzle as to why people can’t easily access it.

By the way, there are also treasure chests placed in the dungeon. The contents include a thin misty wolf pelt (I was wondering if it is possible to summon just the pelt for a beddingー I tested it and it worked. It can be fluffed up like a luxurious feather futon).

Leaving all of that aside, I’ve set certain goals for my long life from now on… I mean, for my life as a Demon King. Since it seems that I possess everlasting youth due to the Demon King’s compensation, it would be crucial for me to set goals.

Regarding #1, it goes without saying. Since I have been granted eternal youth, I wanted to live as long as I could. By the way, due to the Demon King’s compensation, 100% of those who plead with humans for their death will be unsuccessful. Since the occupation of the Demon King encompassed a hidden skill that induced people to say to their opponents, “I’m going to kill you for sure!”

#2, well, you know. I mean, that was the one who ended my life in the first place, right? I want to retaliate correspondingly.

#3 is the most complicated of the Demon King’s compensations: the Demon King is not allowed to leave the dungeon they administer. ( Their subordinate demons can get out, but their status is substantially reduced.) Yeah. After all, not being allowed to leave the dungeon is a hardship. However, if I can fulfill the conditions, I will be able to venture outside, making my efforts worthwhile.

Well, that is my goal for the time being. One way or another, it would be inevitable that I have to raise my level by engaging with a large number of human beings and so on. As for my number of goals, I believe they may grow in the near future such as raising my own level until I reach the maximum level, or bringing the surrounding area under my domination.

For your information, I would not hesitate to slaughter people or anything like that. After a year of experiencing the life of a Demon King, anyone can be more or less resolved to act to that extent.

Off-topic.

“Now the people outside have awakened their skills with the release of the dungeon… Let’s see which one will be the first to enter…?”

With the opening of the dungeon, I employ the ≪Dungeon Creation≫ function, a feature introduced with the opening of the dungeon, to monitor the outside of the dungeon for ascertaining the situation outside the barrier for the first time in a year.

“Hmm. As I expected, the military will show up at the beginning… unless some kind of situation arises.”

A large number of fences and pillboxes (military) are seen on the screen, erected several hundred meters distant from the barrier. There are scarcely any dwellings that should have existed in the past.

And right now, a considerable number of military troops have assembled in the vicinity surrounding the dungeon to be on the lookout.

“Well, it’s a natural scenario and a natural response. But if it were possible, I would have been glad if they had stormed in without thinking about the consequences. Yeah. If they still have no intention of invading after a day’s wait, I’ll just send some monsters out and force some humans to eject themselves inside.”

Therefore, I opt to wait while stroking the Thin Mist Wolf with my whole body in the fog form.

“Ah, it’s so soothing…”