[Miyakonojo Dungeon — Sumida Masayoshi]
When Ezoe-san had first told me to become a team leader, I’d wanted to refuse. I then heard Takao Sakari, a former sumo wrestler who had gone all the way to the Komusubi rank—the fourth highest rank—was to join my team and got even more restless.
“Masayoshi-san, the chanko nabe’s served!”
“Oh... Thanks...”
Although I had stopped competing without ever reaching the first division, the former Komusubi, Takao Sakari Seiji, still handed me a bowl with a smile. To be honest, I had wanted to exchange positions with him and make him the leader of the team, but he had refused, stating that he was “still inexperienced as an adventurer.” The other members also treated me as their leader, so I couldn’t allow myself to show them my weaknesses.
I sighed, putting down my bowl.
“All right, let’s go. Come on, come on! We’re going strong!”
I slapped my face with both hands and stood up. We were headed to Floor 4. This dungeon was supposed to be Rank B, but most of the monsters relied only on brute strength, which made them easy targets for us.
“Next up are boars, huh? If I remember right, they’re supposed to be Rank C...”
A large, two-meter-tall monster charged at us, sharp tusks at the ready. However, this kind of attack was nothing. I stepped firmly on the ground and moved my body forward in one swift motion.
“Dosukoi!”
I sent the monster flying with my Shield Bash, and Seiji struck it down again using his Green Dragon Crescent Blade. The body of the boar lay on the floor, neatly separated in two, before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
✦ ✦ ✦
Name: Frost Fair Blade
Rarity: Super Rare
Description: According to Romance of the Three Kingdoms, this blade was the favorite of the Lord of the Beautiful Beard. The divine protection of Emperor Guan will be bestowed upon the user.
✦ ✦ ✦
Ezoe-san had told us that the real Green Dragon Crescent Blade —or Frost Fair Blade—had apparently been forged during the Song Dynasty, and as such, could not have been around during the Three Kingdoms period. “They could never have made that back then, considering their metalworking techniques,” he had explained. To be honest, I didn’t really care about the details. Either way, Seiji had taken a liking to the sword, joking about letting his beard grow to match it.
“We’re almost done mapping Floor 4. Should we head back soon?”
“Most of the monsters here rely on sheer power. We might as well stay here to fight a little more. Are you all good with that?” I asked.
We had plenty of food as well as potions. We shouldn’t run into any issues. I wanted my team members to reach Rank C, so I decided to stay on Floor 4 for one more day.
✦ ✦ ✦
[Miyakonojo Dungeon — Ezoe Kazuhiko]
While I was above ground, waiting for Masayoshi’s team to finish surveying the first floors, I received a call from Vice-Minister Ishihara. The Catholic Church of Colombian had given information that the Colombian army was on the move. Colombian had fallen into Joker’s hands, so the army moving could only mean one of two things. Either they were revolting against Joker, or they were supporting the Legion in a new fight.
<I’m sorry to burst your bubble, but a revolt is very unlikely. Venisuela’s only demands were about resuming diplomatic relationships and gaining control of the dungeons. Besides that, they’ve promised not to interfere in Colombian matters. That’s what they say, at least, but you can pretty much consider Colombian to be a vassal state of Venisuela at this point. The army’s also under Joker’s command. I’m guessing this maneuver is a way to keep Gamerica in check.>
“So they moved the forces that were on the Venisuelan border to the shores of the Caribbean Sea because they’re wary of Gamerica? Then Joker’s next target should be...”
<That would be Brezil. The Brezilian forces have been moving toward the Venisuelan border, but I don’t believe it will be very effective. According to some military specialists, Joker’s army is already strong enough to match Gamerica’s.>
“That assessment seems a bit exaggerated, but they aren’t that far off the mark either. The monsters Joker uses in his Legion are gacha cards. That means that he’ll have an endless supply of soldiers as long as the dungeons exist. A regular army won’t be able to face that.”
<Some members of NATO are starting to push for the incorporation of monsters in their armies as well. The Vatican won’t ever approve of that, though. The Crusaders act as the guardians of the Catholic faith. It’d be unthinkable to have them summoning monsters.>
“You’re right, although that might change if they’re forced into a desperate situation...”
<We’re also trying to secure a decent number of Rank B monster cards at the Ministry of Dungeons to prepare for the worst, but only a Dungeon Buster can materialize these cards above ground. In the end, other superhumans are the only ones who can take down Joker.>
“Once he’s done with South Gamerica, Joker will surely set his sights on Africa. Rolf and the other Crusaders are likely to cross paths with him before we do.”
Taking Catholic dogma as well as the geopolitical and historical ties between Europe and Africa into consideration, it would be impossible for the Crusaders to ignore Joker. They were bound to clash in the near future.
<The Gamericans are currently engrossed in their elections, and President Howard’s approval rating is falling lower and lower. I hate to rush you, but please try to clear as many dungeons as fast as you possibly can.>
The situation was rapidly deteriorating. After I cut my internet voice call with Ishihara, I anxiously waited for Masayoshi to return.