Episode 32: Formation of the New Dungeon Investigation Team

A week had passed since the appearance of what Behemoth called a Mythology Dungeon, and Japan was absolutely obsessed with the topic. It was a relief that the spotlight had shifted away from me, but the news reports were grim.

"New Dungeon: [Sea of Stars]... Minimum danger level: S-Rank. Four government-contracted A-Rank investigation squads were wiped out, leaving only two survivors. Entry is prohibited for Adventurers below A-Rank. Government permission is required for any attempt to clear it."

I knew any Dungeon Algol warned me about would be dangerous, but I hadn't expected this. Since it wasn't open to the public, Dungeon Streaming was banned, and information was scarce. The only thing the survivors could say was that by the time they realized something was wrong, their comrades' heads had already been severed.

If what I’m looking for is in there, I’ll have to clear it... but I can’t exactly walk in there wearing my Black Robe.

As I sat there grumbling and weighing my options, a notification popped up on my messaging app.

"...Kaiser?"

The message was from Kaiser Dragonia, a guy I’d met through a school project and kept in touch with. His message was blunt: "Let's clear the [Sea of Stars]."

Talk about a godsend. The timing was almost too convenient. I sent a quick reply asking if I could call him. He gave the okay, and he picked up on the second ring.

"Kaiser? What’s this about?"

"Exactly what I wrote. The government ordered me, Ayane, Shiki, and Kagura to investigate the [Sea of Stars]. We decided we were short on support, so I thought I’d invite my friend. I’d like you to come if possible. I’ll work around your schedule... will you join us?"

"I’ve been curious about that Dungeon myself, so I’m in. But are you sure? Is it really okay for me to tag along?"

"Hmph. A foolish question. If I have acknowledged you, there is no issue. Besides, Ayane and Shiki recommended you as well. Even the government was pleased to hear 'Reima-kun' might be involved."

"Got it. I’m in. I’m free whenever, so what’s the plan?"

"Can you make it by noon? That’s two hours from now. Kagura is already getting restless; I’m afraid she might go on a rampage if we wait any longer."

What is Kagura-san even doing?

I’d gotten a feel for her personality when we fought together, but still... What were they going to do if I said no?

"Fine. Meeting in Shibuya?"

"Yes, Shibuya will do. I’ve reserved a restaurant so we can discuss our strategy in private."

I hung up and began channeling mana into my magic guns, Noir and Blanc. After resting for an hour to recover, I headed for Shibuya.

Following the location sent to the app, I stepped into the restaurant Kaiser had rented out. Everyone was already there.

"Hm? Ah, Reima-dono has arrived de gozaru!"

"...Right on time. Morning, Reima."

"Yo, best friend. Look at you, wearing your gear properly. Good boy."

"My friend! The food is already served. We must build our strength!"

It was an Italian place. The table was covered in an impressive spread. I’d seen royalty rent out entire establishments in the other world, but I hadn't expected to experience it in modern-day Japan. It was a bit surreal.

"Now that my friend is here, let’s talk strategy. Though, it’ll likely just be a matter of managing our pace while we brute-force our way through. Oh, before that—take a look at this."

Kaiser handed me a folder containing data gathered by the government’s investigation teams. It was a detailed report on the explored areas, specifically mentioning three monsters that looked like old hags and a giant of impossible proportions.

Their names hadn't been finalized yet. The hags were estimated to be A+ Rank due to their highly advanced magic. The giant was a confirmed S-Rank. Based on their appearance and abilities, the government had assigned them names from myth. The hags were the Graeae Sisters, and the giant was Atlas.

"...The Graeae and Atlas? As in, the myth of Perseus?"

In my first life, I’d been a total game geek. I knew the lore. And considering Algol’s true nature, I couldn't just write this off as a coincidence. Behemoth had called it a Mythology Dungeon. We had myths, monsters from those myths, and then there was Algol. If I put the pieces together...

"What is it? Did you notice something, Reima?"

"No... probably just my imagination."

"No, my friend. Have you reached the same conclusion? The creatures appearing in this Dungeon are, as you said, related to the legend of the hero Perseus. Many Dungeons in this world mirror stories and myths. Furthermore, look at this."

Kaiser pointed to a section of the report. It contained testimonies from the survivors stating that several team members had been turned to stone.

"Petrification... plus Atlas and the Graeae. If we consider all that, the boss of this Dungeon is highly likely to be the monster of legend: Medusa."

"Wait... Goro, since when did you become so smart?"

"Shut up, Shiki! This is general education! My friend knew it, didn't he?"

"Are you a mythology buff, Reima?" Ayane asked.

"Well... I’ve been looking into it lately."

"Ah, for Dungeon research, right?"

"Yeah, something like that."

I kept my answer vague while my mind raced. Medusa... the very monster that served as the source for Algol. I’d fought her once before, so I knew how lethal her petrification was. However, thanks to my contract, I had a natural resistance to it. I’d be able to hold my own.

"I’ve heard about your fighting style," Kaiser said. "I bought some magic stones imbued with anti-ailment spells. If you load those into your guns, you should be fine."

"It’s your first time seeing them, but we all chipped in," Shiki added. "We figured you’d be okay if it was you."

"You guys have a lot of faith in me. Fine, I’ll do my part."

"Then it’s settled. We don't know the full scale yet, but the danger level is top-tier, and it’s been classified as an Otherworld-type. If we screw up, we’re dead. Let’s give it everything we’ve got."

"...Right. Yeah, I’ll do my best."

"By the way," Ayane said, "Kagura, you’ve been quiet. Is something wrong?"

"Mm... I was just thinking how delicious this food is de gozaru! This might be our last supper, so filling one's belly is of the utmost importance de gozaru!"

She either had nerves of steel or just didn't care. Either way, her resolve was clear. I looked at the spread of Italian food and started eating, silently vowing that I wouldn't let Ayane or the others die.