Volume 2 Chapter 22
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
”Now, we shall begin the guild meeting of the selected elite-the High-Level Dungeon Explorers.”
The one raising her voice at the very front of the spacious conference room was the beautiful Guild Master of this Explorer Guild.
A former S-Rank Explorer herself, she was an existence who boasted achievements so great that even the active S-Rank and A-Rank Adventurers gathered in this room were forced to acknowledge her.
Even the high-level explorers, who seemed like personified egos walking around in clothes, appeared to be listening intently to her words.
”The main agenda of this meeting is the problem of the ever-increasing dungeons. As you know, Phase Two Dungeons have been increasing for some time, and transitions into Phase Three Dungeons have begun to occur frequently.
Phase Four dungeons are also increasing bit by bit. To put it bluntly, we are in a situation where the resources of explorers are being constantly drained.
I would like to express my gratitude once again to the explorers who have cooperated in the frequent thinning-out¹ missions of Phase Two, and the regular complete captures of Phase Three and Phase Four.”
With that, the Guild Master bowed her head deeply.
Just as she said, lately the number of Phase Two Dungeons has been increasing as if they were running wild, and we, ‘Resonant Melody,’ are also spending a considerable amount of time on these Phase Two thinning-out requests.
Even so, it couldn’t be said that the proliferation of Phase Two Dungeons was being completely suppressed; the current situation was that Phase Three and Phase Four Dungeons were also gradually increasing, as if pushed along by the expansion of Phase Two.
If there is a reason for this, it would mean something is happening with that dungeon invasion from the other world… but unfortunately, we aren’t able to exchange words regarding that.
Many Dungeon Explorers should be going to meet the Dungeon Master located in the depths of that Phase One Dungeon to ask about the cause, but… it was the same when I visited; he only spoke vaguely and wouldn’t tell me anything about a clear cause.
The Guild Master, who had raised her head, spoke again with a serious expression still on her face.
”However, the situation has worsened further. This time, for the first time, a Dungeon Revolution² has occurred in a Phase Four Dungeon, and a new Phase Five Dungeon³ has been born.”
At those words from the Guild Master, a stir ran through the high-level explorers in the conference room.
That was only natural; a Phase Five Dungeon is a dungeon that has yet to be completely captured, and under current conditions, they are managed by periodically culling monsters to prevent a Stampede⁴ from occurring.
The reason such culling is possible is thanks to the overpowered S-Rank explorers of whom there are only a few in Japan, but they already have their hands full.
In such a situation, a newly created Phase Five Dungeon-that was information that could lead to the worst-case scenario: a Stampede from a Phase Five Dungeon.
”We are in such a critical situation… but I believe that going on the defensive in this state is a foolish move.”
In response to those heavy words from the Guild Master, voices of approval erupted from the explorers.
We, ‘Resonant Melody,’ might be the exception, but most explorers have personalities where they are all about going on the offensive.
”I wish to propose the organization of an exploration team for the purpose of capturing the Phase Five Dungeon, aiming for the maintenance of the status quo at the very least, and the stable management of the dungeons beyond that!
If we can completely capture and remove one, or preferably two, of the highest difficulty Phase Five Dungeons, the dungeon management system here in Japan will become perfect!
To that end, I want to borrow the strength of you high-level Dungeon Explorers!”
The response to the words the Guild Master threw out was loud applause echoing through the conference room. It might be obvious, but there was almost no one voicing opposition to the Guild Master’s words.
”Thank you… Now then, immediately, I’d like to consult with you regarding the Dungeon Explorer teams that will be tasked with the Phase Five Dungeon exploration.
Since we cannot slack off on the missions to suppress the current lower-level dungeons, we cannot assign that many personnel to the complete capture of the Phase Five Dungeon…”
Certainly, even now, we are continuing to put in a great deal of effort to prevent Stampedes from the Phase Two and Phase Three dungeons.
If we were to pour too many personnel into the Phase Five Dungeon capture here, flaws would surely be born in the dungeon management of the other low-level dungeons.
”The ones I will have take on this Phase Five Dungeon capture is the S-Rank explorer team, ‘Beyond the Peak’…”
The S-Rank explorer team ‘Beyond the Peak’-a team that could be called the strongest in Japan without exaggeration, boasting multiple explorers certified individually as S-Rank, as well as many A-Rank explorers. It was only natural for them to be selected for this mission.
However, the Guild Master’s next words were unexpected for me.
”And as their support team, I am thinking of attaching the A-Rank Adventurers team ‘Resonant Melody,’ whose recent activities have been remarkable… what do you think?”
Surprisingly, the ones selected as the support team were us, ‘Resonant Melody.’
Certainly, our recent dungeon capture records aren’t that bad. Even though they are centered on Phase Two, the number of those captures is eye-catching.
There didn’t seem to be many high-level explorers who would have an objection, but in the midst of that, one man stands up.
”Wait a damn minute!” Big Bro Kosaka shouted.
”Even if those guys are A-Rank, they’re people who haven’t even finished capturing a Phase Four yet! We, ‘Noble Soul,’ who have a longer track record as the same A-Rank and have already finished capturing Phase Four, should be more suitable for that role!”
The Guild Master showed a slightly troubled expression.
”‘Resonant Melody’ has the ability to capture Phase Four, but recently they have been active mainly in Phase Two complete captures in response to requests from the Dungeon Explorer Guild. On the other hand, ‘Noble Soul’ didn’t handle the requests from our side and only managed to capture Phase Four after concentrating entirely on it… If you compare them by ability-“
”Even so, a record is a record!” Big Bro Kosaka barked.
”What the Explorer Guild should emphasize is an accumulated record, isn’t it!?”
The Guild Master also seemed unable to let out strong words of refutation.
She glanced toward the leader of ‘Beyond the Peak.’
”We don’t care either way,” the leader said.
”A support team is nothing more than a support team.
The ones who are going to completely capture the Phase Five Dungeon is us, ‘Beyond the Peak.’ As long as it doesn’t take extra trouble, any other team is fine.”
(He’s right… there’s no arguing with that logic.)
Just as the situation seemed about to reach a deadlock…
”I’ve got an idea!”
A refreshing voice rang out inside the conference room.
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Summary:
Explorers convene as the Guild Master announces the birth of a terrifying Phase Five Dungeon via Dungeon Revolution. Tensions rise when the protagonist’s team, ‘Resonant Melody,’ is assigned as support for the elite ‘Beyond the Peak.’ Kosaka of ‘Noble Soul’ erupts in protest over the perceived snub of his team’s record. An unknown voice interrupts the stalemate with a sudden proposal
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Trivia:
- The protagonist has previously attempted to question a Dungeon Master in a Phase One Dungeon regarding the invasion, but was met with evasion.
- Phase Five Dungeons are currently managed through monster culling because no team has successfully cleared one yet.
- The Guild Master’s decision to go on the offensive is framed as a high-stakes gamble to secure Japan’s safety
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Character Insight:
Kosaka shows a desperate need for validation and prestige, prioritizing his team’s ‘accumulated record’ over the practical, high-volume efficiency shown by Resonant Melody.
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Glossary:
Notes:
• Guild Master – An artificially‑created, androgynous‑beautied woman, once an S‑Class Dungeon Explorer, now serves as the Guild Master of the Dungeon Explorer Guild and administers the hyper‑advanced dungeon, leading and guiding its members.
• Dungeon Master – An artificially‑created, androgynous‑beautied woman, once an S‑Class Dungeon Explorer, now serves as the Guild Master of the Dungeon Explorer Guild and administers the hyper‑advanced dungeon, leading and guiding its members.
• Kosaka – Kosaka, a member of the A-Rank team ‘Noble Soul’ and a highly competitive, entitled explorer with a vitriolic personality, harbors deep resentment toward the protagonist; though outwardly a seasoned guild attendee, his lewd gaze and hidden motives hint at darker intentions, including his secret role as a student ninja tasked with assisting Haruka‑san against a stalker using a Wraith Potion—his hostility masking a personal vendetta intertwined with his professional rivalry.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
Thanks for reading.
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