"—Now then, what is this matter you wish to discuss, Sage-kun?"
In a corner of the Sendai Castle Inner Ward Ruins on Mount Aoba, the trio of Shinra Zenichi, Saito Ryuomi, and Ounabara Kurage had gathered.
Until just moments ago, they had been making the rounds, greeting the other explorers who had answered the call for this mission. Afterward, at Ryuomi's suggestion, the three of them had stepped aside to talk.
Facing the Professor, Ryuomi began to speak. "Actually..." he started, but then seemed to recall something and pivoted his subject mid-sentence.
"Ah, no, before that, there is something I would like to confirm with the both of you, de-gozaru."
"Hmm, and what might that be?"
Ryuomi adjusted his glasses with a sharp flick, partially to psych himself up, before continuing.
"I believe the three of us gathered here will be the ones leading the capture of the Sendai Castle Ruins Dungeon. Is that correct, de-gozaru?"
"Well, that would be expected. Compared to the other explorers summoned this time, the three of us should be at overwhelmingly higher levels."
"It is not merely that... I suspect it is also because we have experience capturing Unmanaged Areas, is it not?"
Despite the term "Unmanaged Area" being largely unknown to the public, neither the Professor nor Kurage-chan seemed surprised. Seeing this, Ryuomi's conviction deepened.
"...Am I correct in assuming that both of you are also Collaborators?"
"Hmm... Ordinarily, we Collaborators do not reveal our identities to one another, but looking at our cleared Floors and overall strength, it is easy to deduce who is a Collaborator. In that case, there is little point in hiding it....Indeed, as you say, Sage-kun, I am a Collaborator for the Master."
"And what of Kurage-chan-dono?"
"I am also... a Collaborator. Master... is a good person. He gave me... a jellyfish..."
"I see, it is so, then."
He gave her a jellyfish?
Though a question mark popped up in his mind, Ryuomi nodded for the time being.
He continued his point.
"Of course, this humble one is also a Collaborator, de-gozaru. Though I can hardly call myself an active one. With my abilities, I was only able to assist up to Floor 30... Beyond that, I have been unable to help with the Dungeon's capture."
"Ho... You too, Sage-kun? I am much the same. However, are those participating in the capture of Floor 31 and beyond not a very limited few even among the Collaborators? In Japan, I believe it is only Headshot Yakuza-kun, Denshiro-sensei, and perhaps the Hero's party from Hero-kun's clan."
"For me too... past Floor 30... is impossible..."
"But Sage-kun, what of it? I heard from Ms. Hitokata that even though this Dungeon is an Unmanaged Area, the extent of its Ruined World structure is only equivalent to a single Dungeon. Furthermore, the monsters are mere trash. If that is the case, I believe we can capture it with ease on our own."
"Indeed, that is true, but..."
Ryuomi hesitated. If he voiced the "concern" currently on his mind, it could potentially drive a deep wedge between the three of them.
And yet—if it truly was "that" case, speaking up should serve as a mutual deterrent.
Reaching that conclusion, Ryuomi voiced his worry.
"Regarding the Sendai Castle Ruins Dungeon, have you heard that it was not intentionally created by Master-dono?"
"Ah... I assume those masterminding the Dungeon Terrorism have been meddling?"
"...Professor-dono, you have heard that much? I had only heard that it was unintentional."
"Hmm? Ah, no, no, it is merely a guess. If you read between the lines a bit, it is obvious that the group masterminding the Dungeon Terrorism and the emergence of Specific Individuals is in an adversarial relationship with the Master, yes? In that case, I simply assumed this Dungeon, which is an irregularity for the Master, was related to them as well. Were you not thinking the same, Sage-kun?"
"...It is as you say. Then, do you think those who are hostile toward the Master will let us capture the Dungeon so smoothly?"
"Hmm... Do you believe they will interfere with the capture?"
"I believe the possibility is high. Rather, it would be more unnatural for nothing to happen."
"Well, that certainly has merit. And?"
"...I hope you will not take offense, but if we assume interference will occur, the worst-case scenario would be if one of us three were a traitor."
"...Are you suggesting there is a traitor among us, Sage-kun?"
"...I believe the possibility must be considered."
"Hmm, that is also true. I shall be careful as well....No, I see, Sage-kun. You suspect me, do you not?"
The Professor asked with a wry smile.
Ryuomi braced his core and replied.
"...To be honest, just a little. Since the perpetrators of the Dungeon Terrorism have frequently mentioned a 'Sensei.'"
"'Sensei,' is it... Indeed, I am in a position where it would not be strange for me to be called Sensei."
"No, do not misunderstand. I do not truly suspect you. In my experience—in manga, anime, and light novels—it is rare for a mastermind who does such grandiose things to be a hardcore pervert, genre-wise. This is strictly a precaution."
"Hmm... It bothers me a little that you naturally treat me as a pervert... but very well. I am a pervert, after all."
"A-As expected of the Professor-dono...!!"
What a pervert!!
Ryuomi was slightly overwhelmed by this creature known as a pervert who felt absolutely no guilt.
"Hey, hey."
Just then, Kurage-chan, who had been silent until then, tilted her head and asked.
"Could 'Sensei' not just mean... Denshiro-sensei?"
In an instant, Ryuomi and the Professor both gave wry smiles.
"No, no, Kurage-chan-dono. That is surely impossible, de-gozaru."
"Indeed. If Denshiro-sensei were a traitor, Japan would likely be in the midst of a century's end or a post-apocalypse by now, would it not? Even if we could avoid that, the only one in Japan who could stop Sensei would be Headshot Yakuza-kun. If those two fought, it would result in catastrophic damage to the nation of Japan."
"Huuuh..."
(Wait, but could there be a possibility that Kurage-chan-dono is 'Sensei'?)
Ryuomi suddenly thought. While Kurage-chan did not look like a terrorist mastermind at all from her appearance, considering her strength, it was not impossible.
(...No, that is surely not it. There are no bad girls among lolis. This humble one, who has watched every PuiCure since the first generation, knows this!! Even if Kurage-chan-dono were a bad girl, it would surely be a setup for her 'falling into the light'! She would likely reform around June or July and fight evil as one of the PuiCures from then on!!)
Ryuomi asserted forcefully in his heart.
Meanwhile, the Professor brought the conversation back on track.
"However, I find it a bit hard to believe the mastermind of the Dungeon Terrorism would personally come here, do you not?"
"That is true, de-gozaru."
Ryuomi agreed with the Professor's logic. He also did not seriously think the mastermind themselves would show up. In other words, the ones they truly had to watch out for—
"I do not know what the mastermind is thinking, but there must be those who act as their hands and feet, or those who sympathize with their ideals. If anyone were to interfere with us this time, it would likely be such people."
"Exactly. I think so too....By the way, Sage-kun, do you have any leads on these attackers? You were using Appraisal, were you not?"
"Heh, I can hide nothing from the Professor-dono."
Ryuomi laughed. Just as the Professor said, he had used Appraisal on every single explorer summoned this time, peeking at their Status.
As a result, he had found several suspicious individuals.
He continued with a serious expression.
"Those I found suspicious were, first of all, the members of the 'Dungeon Pickup-Artist Association,' de-gozaru."
"Ho... And the reason?"
"Reason?"
At this, Ryuomi continued with a blank, almost puzzled face, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
"The reason is plain to see, is it not? Their 'two-block haircuts that look like they'd hit women,' their blonde hair and tanned skin, and their strangely well-built bodies."
"...Meaning?"
"There are no decent people with such an appearance, de-gozaru. It is clear at a glance that they are plotting something nefarious. It would be best to stay on guard against them, would it not?"
His eyes were perfectly clear. His words were completely earnest. It was an expression and gaze of pure innocence that could only be held by one who harbored not a single shred of doubt in their own beliefs.
"That is... a massive prejudice, isn't it..."
"What are you saying, Professor-dono!! Those men are pests who would devour someone's girlfriend, wife, or even a pure loli given the slightest opening!! For the sake of the world, we should quietly exterminate them inside the Dungeon if the opportunity arises!!"
"Hmm... Sage-kun, perhaps you should try to distinguish between reality and fiction."
"It is not fiction!! This humble one has had his brain broken numerous times by countless NTR stories wearing the mask of pure love, so I 'understand' how these things work!!"
"That... is fiction."
"In any case! I ask that you both never let your guard down around those men, forsooth!!"
"...I shall do my best."
"Roger."
"So, Sage-kun. Are they the only ones who are suspicious?"
"No, there is one more... person, de-gozaru. In fact, in terms of threat level, this one is overwhelmingly higher."
"Hmm, and who might that be?"
Ryuomi paused for a beat for dramatic effect, then declared.
"—It is Leveling Junkie Bro-dono."
"Ho, Leveling Junkie Bro...! Is it truly him?"
The Professor asked, leaning forward slightly as if the conversation had suddenly become much more interesting.
"No, I do not know if Leveling Junkie Bro-dono is an assassin who has slipped in....However, I want you to listen calmly: he possessed the Title of —Pleasure Killer."
—!?
Even the Professor and Kurage-chan could not hide their shock at those words.
—Pleasure Killer.
The atrocity of that Title was still fresh in the memories of the people living today.
It happened not in Japan, but in America. An explorer who Awakened as a Pleasure Killer committed what was likely the largest number of murders in human history—the highest body count ever for a single individual.
The person who Awakened as a Pleasure Killer was initially just a weakling at a single-digit Level. However, by the time he was suppressed, he had become a high-level explorer exceeding Level 70.
Yes, meaning he was at a level where he could exert the power of his Skills, magic, and Stats even on the Surface.
The tragedy that occurred on the Surface was covered up by the US government and the United States Explorer Association, but those in the know were well aware.
And—to kill him, an explorer exceeding Level 100 had been required.
When it comes to combat against humans, it can overturn even a substantial level gap. That is the Pleasure Killer.
Furthermore, if the Status Ryuomi saw was correct, Takeo Samejima was already—
"That is not all. Leveling Junkie Bro-dono possessed the Titles of Battle Junkie, Swordmaster, and even Hero."
"Sp—Splendid...!!"
The Professor said with a maniacal grin. His entire body trembled.
"Pleasure Killer and Battle Junkie!! Is that not the worst possible combination imaginable!? And to think Swordmaster and Hero are added to that!? Putting the latter two Titles aside, usually, the moment someone acquires the first two, their Spirit should collapse, leaving no sane personality behind!! Why is it that he still appears to maintain his sanity!? Is there something else!? Something holding back the collapse of his Spirit!? How about it, Sage-kun!?"
"Pl-Please calm down, Professor-dono!!"
"Interesting!! Truly interesting!! I thought he was fascinating from the start, but to think he was such an intriguing sample!! Is it because he is on the Surface that the Title's influence is minimal!? Then what will happen after he enters the Dungeon!? Will he lose his sanity the moment he steps inside!? And yet, I have been checking his—or rather, Hinata-kun's 'Hinata Channel' recently! He seemed to maintain his sanity even inside the Dungeon! Ah, no, there were some suspicious moments the instant he leveled up or while looping a Monster Room, but even then, he did not appear to be dominated by a murderous impulse!! When I spoke with him earlier, he seemed like a well-mannered young man, but could that possibly be mimicry!?"
"Ca-Calm, ple-ple—please calm down!!"
"Hah!? —Ah, my apologies. That was unlike me. I got a bit excited at the unexpected news. Now, let us return to the subject. There is still more, yes? Pray, continue."
(Ugh, please do not return to sanity so suddenly!?) —"O-Of course, de-gozaru."
He cleared his throat and continued.
"That being said, you likely suspect this as well, Professor-dono? Leveling Junkie Bro-dono has the Title Skills for Battle Junkie, Swordmaster, and Hero. Which means..."
"Hmm, I see. In other words, there is a high possibility that even we would be defeated by him?"
"Correct. Even now, there is a Level gap of over 50 between myself and Leveling Junkie Bro-dono. Furthermore, looking at his Status, it appeared he has not yet awakened to a Skill Seed. However... even so, if we were to fight, the possibility of this humble one being killed is not small."
"Ho... For you to go that far."
(I mean, what even is that monster!? If I fight from a distance, I can manage somehow, but if I take a surprise attack, even I might be killed without a chance to resist! There is no way I can block an attack with an estimated damage multiplier of hundreds to over a thousand times unleashed from Stats higher than my own!!)
First of all, the fact that he has an abundance of Skills that enhance his Stats, such as Blood Vengeance and Brave Heart, is terrifying. In addition to these, his Stats increase with Lust Murder, and if he receives support from Hinata, who secretly possessed the Title of Saint, his Stats will undoubtedly exceed Ryuomi's.
And then there are the attacks super-enhanced by Blue Sky Beyond the Clouds and Mighty Blade unleashed from there. Evasion aside, there is no way to block them even if one defends. In terms of single-target attack performance, he likely already exceeded Ryuomi.
He was no longer comparable to the Pleasure Killer who appeared in America. Takeo Samejima was a far more terrifying threat than that previous individual.
(His appearance and the way he spoke made him seem like nothing more than a normal, well-mannered young man... but that actually makes him even scarier. Is he not a complete psychopath...!?)
He surely must think nothing of human life!! In Ryuomi's experience—from manga, anime, light novels, and games—there is no existence more dangerous than a psychopath who can pretend to be a normal human.
(And what is with that Hero title anyway!! That has to be the number one Title a Pleasure Killer should never have!! Since Dungeon Master-dono is essentially the administrator, I wish he would hurry up and debug such a massive bug!! He must have noticed it, so why is he leaving it alone!?)
"Hmm, I understand that he is extremely dangerous to us given his Titles, but..."
The Professor, thinking calmly, voiced a doubt.
"Even with a 50-Level gap, would we lose? Speaking for myself, we are not your average Level 100-plus explorers."
"We got... lots of good things... from Master... like jellyfish."
"Indeed. That is true, de-gozaru."
Ryuomi didn't quite get the jellyfish thing, but he nodded at the Professor's words.
Ryuomi and the others were "Collaborators" of the Dungeon Master. And this "collaboration" was not done for free. Every time they cooperated with something, they received various "rewards" from the Dungeon Master.
For example, treasures with immense monetary value. For example, excellent equipment or Magic Tools that could not be obtained by normal means. For example, Skill Orbs to strengthen themselves or their allies. For example, the right to use special facilities owned by the Dungeon Master. For example, youth and beauty. For example, jellyfish—the rewards were truly diverse.
In other words, these "Collaborators" were beings who were strengthened in terms of equipment and abilities far beyond their actual Levels.
Even so—
"Professor-dono likely could not even withstand a serious strike from Leveling Junkie Bro-dono. If you ever have to fight him, I recommend focusing on evasion."
"I see... If even my armor cannot block it, that is quite something. Understood. If that time comes, I shall follow your advice, Sage-kun."
Just then—
"—Special Crisis Case Explorers! Thank you for waiting! Please gather over here!"
Accompanied by a middle-aged Self-Defense Force officer, Ms. Tona Hitokata arrived and called out loudly to the explorers waiting at the Inner Ward Ruins.
(Finally, de-gozaru. However, I must report Leveling Junkie Bro-dono to Tona-dono before we enter the Dungeon....Well, she likely already knows nine times out of ten... If she knows and is leaving him be, has she judged it to be fine? There was that one Skill I was curious about, so perhaps with that Skill... no, but as long as he has those Titles, the danger of running wild should always be present, and besides, the fact that he obtained those Titles in the first place is undeniable proof of the kind of person he is...)
While feeling anxious about the mission ahead, Ryuomi headed toward Tona.