Volume 4 Chapter 10 Features of the Dungeon
Edited by: Kanaa-senpai
The layout of the Commercial District dungeon was finally starting to make sense.
Kōki-san had given me the basic information before we started. So I was just seeing and feeling what I already knew.
The dungeon was built like a shopping street. The paths opened into big plazas that were used as waiting areas. It was very big and complex. If you could clear one floor in one trip, you were very lucky. When making a plan, it was best to think it would take two full trips just to get through one floor.
The size, the number of monsters, and the overall scale were all bigger than the Simulated Dungeon. It was very clear why a return slip (a tool to leave the dungeon at any time) was so important. This place was only rated as E-rank. So the higher-rank dungeons must be much bigger than anyone could imagine.
As you went down from the shallow layers to the middle and deep zones, the tricks in the dungeon got much harder. There were even traps that moved you to a different place by force. The only good thing was that they did not put you inside a wall.
Right now, we could only go into the shallow layers.
Well, this was part of our school work for the second term. Just reaching the boss in the shallow layers would be enough for a good grade.
The boss here had a special quirk. If you only wanted to win a fight, it was very easy. The real purpose of this dungeon was to teach divers how to find their way through a maze.
To clear it well, we were going to use what people before us had learned.
During our third fight with the rats, nine of them appeared at once.
I decided this was a good time to test our wide-area magic. I gave the order. Chifumi used a spell that covered the whole passage in front of us.
The rats ran toward us from where they appeared. But they turned into frozen statues before they could reach Asari’s defense spell. Then they broke into a million pieces. Nothing dropped.
”Whew…” Chifumi let out a deep breath.
Wide-area spells were great because they were very hard to avoid. But the problem was that they used a lot of Mana. It took much more energy than shooting one water ball.
When there were many enemies, Chifumi usually used single-target spells one after another. She did not use wide-area magic very often. It was a smart choice. Someone with less Mana had to use low-cost spells to survive.
If the enemies were slow, she could handle many of them with single-target spells. But against fast enemies, it was too hard to aim at each one. So we had to use wide-area magic.
”Chifumi, you alright?” I asked.
”Yeah… I’m fine. But the cost is high. We need to be careful about when we use it. I have to save enough Mana so I am not empty when things get serious.” she said, looking a bit tired.
”How many more times can you use that spell?”
”Seven… no, eight more times, I think.”
”So nine is your max from a full tank.” I said.
To be safe, we should use the return slip before Chifumi ran out of Mana.
We moved deeper and found a plaza for the fourth time.
Nine delinquents (human-like monsters with bats) appeared. This was a good chance to test my newest servant.
I told the rest of the party to focus only on defense. Then I called the monster.
I brought out the Clam Wife (a clam monster in human form), Cram. I had caught her the other day.
From the shadows, the top half of a big centipede came out. It was Hinoki. Standing on Hinoki’s head was Cram… or she was wobbling a little. Hinoki was doing a good job of moving to keep her from falling off.
Cram took a sharp breath and let out a big cloud.
A thick white mist came from her mouth.
When the mist was about thirty centimeters away from her face, it turned clear. The invisible gas rolled toward the group of delinquents. I saw two of them slow down right away.
In the next moment, those two turned and hit the delinquents next to them with their metal bats. Those monsters hit back. Just like that, four of them were fighting each other.
The other five ran straight at us. They were not affected. I changed the party’s orders from defense to attack. Yurina and the others killed them easily.
When those five were gone, the fighting stopped. The illusion on the two confused monsters had worn off. The four hurt delinquents limped toward us. They were killed even more easily than the first group.
When they disappeared, they left two embroidered patches.
”Very useful.” I said.
’Aye, that’s right. Cram has the traits of a mirage clam (a clam that makes illusions) in her, see.’ Hinoki said to me.
Hinoki said she was still a beginner. Then Risa stepped forward with a question.
”Those monsters attacked each other, right? Was that Cram?” Risa asked.
”Yes. It is the effect of her illusion magic.” I said.
I patted Cram’s head gently.
She was standing proudly on Hinoki’s head with her chest out. Then she slowly sank back into the shadows.
She was a Clam Wife, but she had the blood of a mythical mirage clam. I did not know if this came from the sea serpent or Hinoki. But Cram was much more useful than I had first thought.
”Even turning one enemy into a problem is very helpful.” Chifumi said.
”It is the kind of power that is very strong against the right enemies.” I agreed.
The deeper you went in a dungeon, the more resistant the monsters were to status effects (like confusion or sleep). Some monsters were completely immune to certain effects. But having magic that could cause these effects made exploring lower floors much easier. That was common sense in this world.
If this were a video game, the first status effects would be sleep or poison.
Allies used sleep. Enemies used poison.
Luckily, in the upper shallow layers of the Commercial District, there were no monsters that used poison or other status effects.
Cram’s total amount of magic was very small. Her real body was a clam no bigger than a palm. So this limit was normal. But the illusion mist she made as a mirage clam was very efficient. Even a new monster like Cram could use it well. In fact, it was because of her special nature that the spell could be used with so little power.
From then on, every time we found a big group of enemies, we tested Chifumi’s wide-area magic and Cram’s illusion mist together.
We saw that Chifumi’s spell could kill both the rats and the delinquents in one hit.
As for the illusion magic, Cram ran out of power after three uses. So we did not have much data. The success rate was between zero and four targets. It averaged about thirty percent.
Against the delinquents, one use caught a maximum of two at a time. The rats had less resistance to status effects than the thugs. So about half of them became confused. In short, we could make the enemies fight each other. The only problem was the time it took to use the spell. But we could cover that with Asari’s support skills.
After walking through the shopping arcade paths for about an hour and a half, we finally found the ‘stairs’.
In the middle of the row of shops, there was one empty space. It looked like the back-alley path we had used when we first came into the Commercial District. A very big sign stood in the middle of the path. It was impossible to miss.
This was how you changed floors in the Commercial District. By stepping through this back alley, the party would go to the next floor.
”Shall we go?” Yurina asked me.
After all the fights, everyone had about forty percent of their power left. Chifumi could use her wide-area spell three more times. Going to the second floor, fighting once, and then stopping seemed like a good plan.
”We go.” I said.
”Are we done with the first floor already~?” Chifumi whined a little.
”It is enough. We will check how strong the monsters are on the second floor. Then we stop for today.” I explained.
”That sounds smart.” Chifumi said.
Everyone agreed with me. So we turned and walked into the back alley.
When the whole party crossed the line, the world twisted and then snapped back. We were standing in a new place. But it was still a back alley. The path behind us—where we had just come from—was now a solid wall with dark energy on it. It was the dungeon’s exit.
Floor changes in the Commercial District were one-way.
Unless you found a special hidden trick, you could not go back from the second floor to the first floor. If we wanted to go to the first floor again, we would have to leave the dungeon and go back in through the main entrance. When you re-entered, you could choose any floor you had already unlocked.
”Minoru, let’s go.” Mitsuki said. She was already moving out of the alley.
”Stay sharp.” I said.
”I know.” she replied flatly.
Mitsuki led the way. We came out of the passage. The buildings looked the same as the arcade we had just left.
The shallow layers all looked the same. This same view would go on without change all the way to the twentieth floor.
As we walked to check things out, a pack of rats appeared again.
There were nine of them. Chifumi killed them all with one wide-area blast. She had two casts left.
”One hit works on the second floor too. This plan should work for a good while.” I said.
”The first big change happens on the sixth floor, right~?” Chifumi asked.
”Probably. That matches what Kōki-san told us.” I replied.
”Man, that makes me a little nervous~.” Chifumi sighed.
”For now, we go as far as we can. If we hit a problem, we will fix it then.” I said.
”Understood~!” Chifumi cheered.
We fought a few more groups of rats and delinquents. Then, with time to spare before the two-hour mark, we used a return slip and came out of the dungeon.
When we came out, we were back in the big room with the thick walls.
The black wall’s wavy outline was right in front of us. This was the room just before the entrance to the Commercial District.
Other groups had already come back. Komoda’s party was there.
When he saw us, he left his group and came over.
”Ah, hello. You came back too. How was your trip?” Komoda said politely.
”Floors one and two are not a problem.” I said.
”So you already went to the second floor.”
”Well, I guess I met expectations.” I said.
I talked a little with Komoda.
He seemed calm. So his party had probably also reached the second floor with time to spare.
As we made small talk, two more groups appeared at the same time. The room got crowded fast.
Right then, Komoda looked at his party and nodded a little. His team moved smoothly. They made a wall between us and the other groups. Komoda’s moves were very careful.
”What do you want?” I asked.
”I have an offer.” Komoda whispered.
”An offer…?” I said.
”I want to work together to clear this dungeon. How much do you know about the Commercial District? I have a lot of information. I have a relative who knows this dungeon very well.”
Komoda’s voice was very low. He looked right at me.
”…We got a full briefing from someone who cleared it last year. If we just want to finish—just reach the target floor—we will be fine.” I said quietly.
”I see.” Komoda said.
His eyes narrowed a little.
”Then we need to share information. I want to set a time and place to talk about this.”
”…”
I looked at Chifumi. She did not react. She left the choice to me.
If that was how it was, there was no harm in working together.
”Okay. Let us aim for tomorrow.” I said.
”Thank you. I look forward to it.” Komoda said with a nod.
With that, Komoda walked away. He looked very natural.
Anyone watching would never know he was being watched in return.
More time passed.
We had easily passed the two-hour mark. But one group had still not come back. It was Shōji’s group. They had gone into the dungeon first.
The staff and the other students were starting to worry. Then the last party finally appeared. A few of the strong girls from Shōji’s group walked to the receptionist. They explained in loud, clear voices.
”We are very sorry. Our fight with the monsters took much longer than we thought.” one girl said.
”Please do not worry. A safe return is more important than being on time.” the staff member said.
Now that everyone was back, the staff member gave the final instructions.
”If you want to sell what you found, fill out the book over there and show your items at the window. We will check them and pay you right away. You might also unlock access to better items. Also, each sale gives you points. Some special high-end items… like the training uniforms for your year… cannot be bought until you have enough points. Please remember this rule.”
A points system. What a pain.
”From now on, when you want to enter, scan your student ID at the gate. By the Dungeon Management Act, you must rest for twenty-four hours between trips. Please plan your time. Good work today, everyone. You are dismissed.”
””””””Thank you very much!”””””” the students said together.
The session was over. The students left in their groups. Payments were done in order of return. So our group was second. When the money was ready, we went home.
As we left the dungeon building, the school bells rang from the schools nearby. The shopping street was full of students.
A high school for normal people.
Right in the middle of the crowd, I saw two familiar faces.
It was Yurina and Risa’s old friend. He was with his girlfriend. His name was Shibuya. The girl’s name… I forgot! They had seen us.
”Let us go, Minoru-sama.” Yurina said smoothly.
”Come on, hurry up.” Risa said. She pulled my sleeve.
Risa and Yurina grabbed both my hands and pulled hard.
They did not usually do this. They were showing off for the couple across the street.
Chifumi and the others said nothing about Risa’s sudden act. So they all knew what was happening. With a girl on each side, they pulled me home.
—
Summary:
Navigating through the Commercial District labyrinth, Minoru guides his group as they test out wide-area freezing magic and experiment with their newly acquired illusion-generating summon. After completing a quick scout of the second floor, the party utilizes a return item to extract safely back to the staging base. Their routine deployment wraps up smoothly, but an impending tactical proposition from a sneaky classmate and a sudden romantic tug-of-war on the crowded streets leave Minoru’s future group dynamics as an unresolved variable.
—
Trivia:
The Commercial District dungeon maps are structured exactly like real-world arcade streets and alleys.
Chifumi can only cast her wide-area freeze sorcery a maximum of nine times per excursion.
Forced teleportation traps exist in the mid to deep layers but are safe enough not to clip divers inside walls.
A full twenty-four-hour mandatory rest cycle is legally enforced by the Dungeon Management Act between entries.
Dungeon store points accumulate via loot liquidation to restrict access to specialized attributes gear.
—
Translation Notes:
Notes:
• T – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has recruited K and N from East Middle into his group.
• K – A student from East Middle who followed N to National High School out of care, successfully remaining pure through N’s protection until a misunderstanding involving Anonymous Student 0008 led to her capitulation.
• S – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has taken B from North Middle into his squad.
• A – A student from South Middle School described as an idol who has been recruited into R’s high school squad.
• R – A first-year student at District 13 High School who has successfully built a squad and added multiple girls, including M and A, into his group.
• Chifumi – A scrawny, long-haired first-year Lead Majo and intellectual strategist, this frost-water sorceress strikes dramatic idol poses and speaks with a playful, bubbly cadence that masks a sharp, calculated demeanor. Minoru’s childhood friend, protector, and top-ranked harem member, she acts as a grounded, eldest-sister figure who coordinates the team, handles training, and scouts for Koki’s group. Despite a limited mana pool, she wields a water staff to unleash highly destructive, anti-group area-of-effect magic.
• Asari – Tall, long-haired, and curvy (170cm+, E-cup), this Kasakura first-year is a barrier sorcerer and Onigahara Dojo trainee in Minoru’s squad. Sweeter-toned and the smallest of his group, she vanguards defensively, maps layouts, and analyzes dungeon data with Chifumi. Close to Mari and Nagase, she craves intimacy with Minoru via special training, respects seniors, and was tragically devoured by a Phantom.
• B – A student originally from North Middle School who was added to S’s group.
• N – A student from East Middle with an eccentric personality who entered National High School due to complex family circumstances and used herself as leverage to negotiate a protective agreement for K.
• M – A first-year student at District 13 High School and the childhood friend of Anonymous Student 0006, described as an atavistic strong-female who looks plain but possesses significant power.
• Clam – A newborn Phantom who evolved from a common clam after absorbing a stone. She appears as a toddler, displays limited communication skills, and is currently being educated by Tempura.
• Cram – A small bivalve Clam Wife aberration subdued by Minoru who can manifest a human torso, ride on Hinoki’s head, and breathe out illusionary mist.
• Hinoki – A three-meter, Oni-fied centipede Phantom born from the sea and subdued by Minoru. Speaking in a regional dialect, this aberration serves as Minoru’s mount, tactical advisor, and defensive shield, perfectly coordinating with him for joint strikes. Known to the protagonist for sorcery, venom, and dungeon manipulation, they split into smaller forms, use chains, and act as a reliable squad ally.
• Yurina – Black-haired, refined Plain-folk student and Kibe-born vanguard swordswoman in Minoru’s squad, serving as his devoted, intimate partner. This polite, stoic, and emotionally stable childhood friend/protector to Risa and Chifumi wields a katana with swift precision and Severing Sorcery. After securing a drop item, she is devoured by the Phantom and becomes a logical, duplicate facility guide.
• Yuri – A cheerful and energetic first-year student at Higashi High who is a classmate of Shibuya and an acquaintance of Kibe Yurina from their middle school days. A girl known for being aggressive toward Hayato and displaying overt favoritism.
• Risa – A tall, sharp-witted female Plain-folk student and daughter of the Naruse merchant guild’s head. Minoru’s dutiful childhood friend, servant, and group member who defers to Chifumi, she is also a childhood friend of Yurina. Lacking innate sorcery, this disciplined Onibara practitioner trains hard with upperclassmen to gain experience, sniping monster vitals with a rifle, magic pistols, or machine gun without hesitation. Notably well-endowed, she rivals Mitsuki in size and resents her mother.
• Mitsuki – A tall, dark-skinned transfer student with a muscular, explosive hourglass figure, she is Minoru’s competitive childhood friend, rival, and clingy Witch/Majo. Relaxed yet childishly demanding of his attention, this confident vanguard leader proactively guides their group, allied with Manaka and Koki. Unaffiliated with factions, the Three-Limit top assassin candidate leads Onigahara Dojo, using rare healing sorcery and a heavy Kanabo club with destructive, deceptive black Oni-fication.
• Minoru – The pragmatic, black-haired protagonist is a reincarnated, risk-averse sorcerer leading a dungeon exploration party in a reversed-beauty world. Clad in uniform, he uses Tatemiya magic, an iron whip, and stamina-boosting/space-modifying sorcery to control shadow anomalies and specters. He holds absolute mana-based mastery over his female squad—managing route coordination, drop analysis, and limit-break training. He maintains complex bonds with his possessive childhood friend, romantic partner Risa, recruit target Mitsuki, and hidden sister Mai while abstaining for an upcoming duel.
• Komoda – A polite male classmate from the well-connected Michinori family. An acquaintance of Minoru, he cordially approaches him at the dungeon entrance to propose a tactical alliance, leveraging his insider data on the dungeon.
• Shibuya – A plain-looking high school boy, former dojo member, and childhood acquaintance of Yurina and Risa. He is currently in a relationship with Maruyama, whom he was seen with in the commercial district. Yurina fears he might misunderstand her relationship with Minoru.
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Edited by Kanaa-senpai.
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