The members of the Dungeon Verification Committee gathered in the conference room were locked in a heated, outspoken debate. On the large monitor, footage from the action records of the 1st Dungeon Investigation Team—a special unit primarily composed of the Self-Defense Forces—played on a continuous loop.
"That’s why I’m telling you! It’s impossible to bring anything heavier than a heavy machine gun into the dungeon!"
"We could take in anti-tank rockets, couldn't we?!"
"Do you have any idea how much those cost? Think about the cost-performance! How much money do you intend to pour into clearing a single floor? Our budget isn't bottomless!"
"He's right! Besides, if you use something like that in those narrow, semi-enclosed passages, the blast will take out our own personnel along with the monsters!"
Officials from the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, and the Ministry of Finance clashed, each fighting for their own interests. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry wanted to secure as many dungeon-produced items as possible; the Ministry of Defense represented the active-duty units tasked with the actual storming; and the Ministry of Finance was desperate to slash unnecessary expenditures.
"U-Um... may I say something?"
"““Aaah!?””"
"Hiee!"
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Official let out a small shriek as the others glared at him with bloodshot eyes. Cowering before the three intimidating representatives, the MEXT official shouted his update as if his life depended on it.
"W-We have a report! Upon examining the equipment used by the investigation team, we confirmed that its physical strength, chemical resistance, and other properties have improved, albeit slightly!"
"““???””"
While the ministry officials tilted their heads in confusion, the SF Writer and the Game Creator, attending as external civilian advisors, spoke up.
"I see. How interesting. Was this found only on the equipment of the personnel who defeated monsters? Or was it found on the equipment of the entire team?"
"Eh? U-Um... it was only found on those who actually defeated monsters."
"In that case, is it that?"
"It’s got to be that, right?"
The SF Writer and the Game Creator, sitting side-by-side, exchanged words as if confirming their shared conclusion with a single glance. Noticing this, the slightly irritated Ministry of Defense Official interjected.
"Excuse me, could you explain this in a way we can understand?"
"Of course. However, please keep in mind that this is merely our speculation. It may not align with the cold, hard facts."
After his preamble, the SF Writer began to lay out his theory.
"Most likely, they gained experience points by defeating monsters. In other words, the personnel who defeated them leveled up."
"““Haaah!?””"
"The equipment was likely enhanced as a secondary benefit of being used by a person who had leveled up," the Game Creator added, nodding in agreement.
The ministry officials sat there, stunned by the sheer absurdity of the theory the SF Writer had just dropped on them.
"W-Wait a minute! That sounds like something out of a fairy tale..."
"The very existence of the dungeons is already a fantasy, isn't it? Does it really matter if we add a leveling-up theory to the mix?"
"..."
"I suspect that if they continue to use the same equipment, those items will level up right alongside the owners," the writer continued.
Faced with the SF Writer’s logical rebuttal, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry official, who had been so quick to object, fell silent.
"If the equipment levels up, then why aren't guns effective against the monsters?"
"It’s likely a simple lack of raw power, combined with the fact that there's no enhancement benefit for bullets, which are disposable. Were there no changes to the firearms themselves or the spare ammunition?"
"E-Er, let me see... Ah, yes, there were. The firearm bodies themselves have indeed been slightly strengthened. As for the spare ammunition, there was no change from the time of distribution."
The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Official hurried to check his materials in response to the SF Writer’s question. There, in black and white, were the test results confirming the writer’s hunch.
"Even if it’s not a certainty yet, it’s likely not far from the mark. If the firearm bodies are being strengthened, we might be able to use more powerful propellant to increase their lethality, but..."
"You’d run into issues with recoil and various other problems. This kind of stopgap measure will eventually hit a ceiling," the SF Writer said. "Guns might work in the upper layers, but the deeper you go, the more they’ll be treated as little more than clubs."
The officials from the various ministries looked at one another, brows furrowed in distress. Because of the dungeon’s unique rules, the weapons that had reigned supreme on the battlefield for centuries were being rendered obsolete. Those who viewed firearms as the ultimate weapon were at a loss for a solution.
"Then what are we supposed to do..."
"It’s surprisingly simple, actually."
"Eh?"
To the officials who were now practically pleading for an answer, the SF Writer presented a solution with effortless ease.
"Essentially, it’s 'level up and hit it with physical force.' If the equipment strengthens alongside the user, then melee weapons like swords or spears—which aren't consumables—would be far more effective."
"This is sounding more like a game by the minute," the Game Creator remarked.
"The dungeons themselves are straight out of a game, aren't they?"
"Haha, fair point."
The SF Writer and the Game Creator shared a look and let out short, dry laughs.
While casting wary glances at the two advisors, the ministry officials began to discuss realistic measures, their voices tinged with a hint of escapism.
"What is the status of the 2nd Investigation Team's formation?"
"We are currently reorganizing, centered around the personnel from the first team. We can depart in two days."
"Then, following the advice we just heard, is it possible to incorporate personnel equipped with melee weapons into the team?"
"It is. We’ll start drafting a list of candidates immediately."
"Please do. As for the weapons they’ll be using..."
The officials exchanged ideas with newfound vigor, as if trying to outrun their own anxiety. The SF Writer and the Game Creator watched them with gazes that were almost pitying.
"Bureaucrats have it tough," the Game Creator whispered, so low that no one else could hear. "They have to face an abnormal reality without even being given time to process it."
At an Extraordinary Cabinet Meeting, which had recently become a frequent occurrence, the Prime Minister let out a weary sigh as he looked over the documents in front of him.
"I see. So the 2nd Investigation Team has verified the hypothesis."
"Yes. When they engaged in combat using personnel primarily armed with melee weapons, as suggested, we observed significant improvements in both the personnel's physical abilities and their equipment."
"Their physical abilities increased by ten percent compared to pre-investigation levels, and their equipment’s strength followed suit..."
The Chief Cabinet Secretary reported the findings to the Prime Minister with a grim expression.
A primary objective of the 2nd Investigation Team had been to test the leveling-up theory proposed by the SF Writer and the Game Creator, and the team had proven it correct in spectacular fashion.
For the sake of comparative verification, the 2nd Investigation Team had been divided into Team A, equipped with conventional firearms, and Team B, equipped with melee weaponry. While conducting a descent within a safe range, Team A’s firearms began to lose their effectiveness even in the upper layers, forcing a retreat. In contrast, Team B’s progress was smooth.
Furthermore, monsters that were completely immune to gunfire were successfully subjugated by Team B’s melee weapons. Subsequent analysis revealed that to defeat such a monster with bullets, a caliber of 20mm or larger would be required—artillery that simply wasn't practical for infantry to carry through a dungeon.
"From these results, it is clear that melee weapons like swords and spears are more effective in dungeon combat than projectile weapons. Furthermore, we must accept that 'leveling up'—the phenomenon of physical improvement through combat with monsters—is a reality."
"Leveling up... which means if we open the dungeons to the public and the number of people entering them increases..."
"In time, individuals will emerge with physical abilities that dwarf those of ordinary citizens. This poses a grave threat to the maintenance of public order."
Images flashed through the Prime Minister’s mind: individuals who had leveled up, drunk on their newfound power, running amok. He saw criminals tossing aside police officers like dolls, causing massive destruction until they were eventually, inevitably, shot dead.
"...If possible, I would like to avoid opening them to the public entirely."
"...But Prime Minister. Public opinion is shifting toward access, and domestic corporations are already lobbying for it. Given that other countries are showing signs of opening their dungeons..."
"I know. Opening them is likely unavoidable. However, if we can delay the date even slightly, we should be able to buy enough time to prepare security measures. For example, we could have elite squads from the special forces or the riot police descend into the dungeons before the public, creating a response unit with a significant level advantage."
"Understood. We will draft countermeasures immediately and strive to implement them as soon as possible."
Though the Prime Minister and the Chief Cabinet Secretary were plagued by the looming security crisis, they agreed to do everything in their power to prepare for it.
The Prime Minister shook his aching head and moved to the next item on the agenda.
"And... Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology. What are the results of the secondary analysis of the specimen?"
"Yes, the analysis is complete."
In response to the weary Prime Minister’s question, the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology began to read from a report with an apologetic air.
"Regarding the items brought back from the dungeons—which we are calling drop items—we have the results for the secondary analysis of the 'Core Crystal.' During the primary analysis, we discovered a unique trait: while extremely hard, it generates heat when immersed in water. Initially, we thought this was a chemical reaction similar to quicklime. However, detailed analysis revealed something far more extraordinary."
The Minister paused for a beat before continuing.
"...When we weighed it after it had released its heat in the water, it had become lighter without altering the water’s chemical composition."
The room split between those who tilted their heads in confusion and those who realized the implications and turned pale. One of the former asked a question.
"What does that mean, exactly? If the composition didn't change, it obviously didn't dissolve..."
"...The phenomenon of converting its own mass into heat... is identical in nature to the energy released during nuclear fusion or fission."
The questioning minister froze. The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology then disclosed information that was even more staggering.
"Further investigation showed that the Core Crystal was converting nearly 100% of its mass into heat. A conversion efficiency of nearly 100%... this is a property similar to antimatter."
This time, every face in the room went white. The air in the conference room turned glacial.
"W-Wait a minute! Similar to antimatter?! Why would such a dangerous substance even exist!?"
"If that exploded, it would be far worse than a nuke!"
"..."
"Hey! Do something about—"
"Silence."
The room descended into an uproar as the ministers regained their senses. The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology kept his head down, having anticipated this reaction. As the protests grew louder, the Prime Minister, who had been watching in silence, quelled the room with a voice that brooked no argument.
"Minister, continue..."
"Yes. It is true that an instantaneous conversion of a Core Crystal’s mass would be extremely dangerous. However, the rate at which the crystal converts mass to heat is incredibly slow. Even if a dropped crystal touches water, it only feels slightly warm to the touch. An instantaneous conversion is virtually impossible. It is, for lack of a better term, a fantasy substance."
The Minister asserted its safety while consulting his documents. The tension in the room eased as a collective sigh of relief went up.
But then...
"However, there is an exception."
The air grew heavy once more.
"While the conversion is slow in its dropped state, the story changes when it is reduced to nanoparticles. Core Crystals in nanoparticle form see their conversion rate skyrocket."
"Does that mean... it could explode?"
"No. It simply generates heat. There is no risk of an explosion."
Another sigh of relief.
Then, after a brief pause, the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry stood up, his voice trembling as the realization hit him.
"Minister, does this mean the Core Crystal..."
"Yes. As long as it remains in contact with water, it will release heat until its mass is entirely exhausted. It can be used as a viable energy resource. One that is safe, clean, and possesses power that makes nuclear energy look like a toy."
"!?!?"
The conference room shook with a sudden, ecstatic energy.
"Then this is nothing short of an energy revolution!"
"And the resource can be procured entirely within our borders!"
"If we can secure a stable supply, our dependence on foreign energy will vanish!"
The cabinet members, who had long lamented Japan’s reliance on imported energy, were practically dancing. With the energy demand rising and the reliance on fossil fuels surging to cover the gap left by idled nuclear plants, the appearance of a clean alternative was a miracle of the highest order.
"If we can provide a stable supply of cheap energy, the manufacturing sector will be revived! If we can lower energy costs, we can compete with cheap foreign products again! This will be the key to ending the recession!"
"Tax revenue will soar, and we can restart all the national projects that were frozen for lack of funds!"
"New highways, new rail lines... the infrastructure boom will revitalize the regional economies!"
The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry was grinning ear-to-ear at the prospect of an economic miracle, the Minister of Finance was already calculating the tax windfall, and the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism was dreaming of approved mega-projects.
There was no stopping them now. The headache of the dungeons was a distant memory; all they could see now were the spoils to be won.
As if dousing the excitement with cold water, the Prime Minister turned to the Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.
"And what is the quantity of Core Crystals currently available? If the supply is too small, it won't be viable as a major resource."
The room fell silent as the ministers turned their expectant, anxious gazes toward the report.
"Currently, the total amount secured by the 1st and 2nd Investigation Teams is ten crystals. They are marble-sized, weighing about 10 grams each, for a total of 100 grams. However, even this small amount is equivalent to 210,000 tons of oil—the capacity of roughly 2.5 large oil storage tanks."
"...And how long did the teams spend in the dungeon?"
"Combined, less than five hours."
The cabinet members’ faces lit up with joy. The Prime Minister nodded and turned to the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry.
"Minister."
"Yes."
"How long would it take to construct a new power plant utilizing Core Crystals?"
"Let me see..." The Minister considered the question before offering an estimate. "From the construction of an experimental reactor to the full operation of a commercial one... roughly ten years and about 200 billion yen."
"Ten years, is it?"
"Yes. While we can apply existing nuclear and thermal technology to shorten the development phase, land acquisition and construction for a plant of that scale will take at least a decade."
A collective sigh echoed through the room. They wanted this as a quick-acting shot in the arm for the economy and a tangible benefit to sell the public on the dungeons. Ten years was an eternity. By the time it was finished, the moment would have passed.
Furthermore, within ten years, the oil majors and oil-producing nations would realize that the Core Crystal was a threat to their hegemony. They would undoubtedly move to restrict its use. To protect their interests, Japan had to announce a successful power generation breakthrough within a year, before the world could react. History had shown that those clinging to vested interests would stop at nothing to prevent a shift like the one from coal to oil.
"Is there no other way?"
"Even if you ask me that..." The Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry awkwardly looked away. His honest opinion was that there simply wasn't a faster way.
The other cabinet members began to sink back into disappointment, feeling that this "revolution" was nothing more than a pie in the sky.
But then...
"Ah..."
"What is it?"
"Um, well... this is just a layman's thought, but what about geothermal power?"
"“...Geothermal?”"
The Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries timidly spoke up, prefacing his theory with a humble disclaimer.
"I don't mean using geothermal power itself, but rather its principles. If Core Crystals generate heat in water, then shouldn't adding Core Crystal powder to a reservoir create steam? Could we build something like the deep intake shafts we've been using for flood control, use filtered river water and Core Crystals to generate steam, and run a steam turbine that way...?"
"“...”"
Silence fell over the room. But this was not a silence of disappointment; it was the silence of people realizing they might have just found a shortcut.
The ministers, excluding the Prime Minister and the still-anxious Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, exchanged glances and began firing off ideas.
"Is it feasible?"
"It’s certainly worth investigating. Geothermal technology is already established. If we can generate the steam..."
"For the site, we can use state-owned land near a river with high flow. That bypasses the land acquisition issue entirely."
"Based on previous projects, a shaft and generator facility together shouldn't cost more than 50 billion yen."
"My ministry will handle the legal and regulatory hurdles."
"We’ll start forming the 3rd Investigation Team immediately, prioritizing those with dungeon experience to secure more crystals."
The ministers were energized, moving toward their respective roles with a sense of purpose. The Prime Minister watched them, a momentary flicker of hesitation crossing his face, before he issued his final orders.
"Then everyone, move quickly. This is a race against time."
After the meeting adjourned and the cabinet members filed out, the Prime Minister stood alone, whispering a thought that was swirling in the depths of his heart.
"...I might have just pulled the trigger on something terrible."
His ominous mutter dissolved into the silence of the empty room.
Two months later, an experimental Core Crystal power generation facility was constructed near the Tone River in a frantic rush. The boiler was a deep shaft dug through 24-hour shifts; the turbine and generator were units originally built for a nuclear plant that had been gathering dust in a warehouse due to frozen projects; the building itself was a makeshift shack with just enough roof and wall to keep the rain out. It was a project that screamed "barely presentable," but it was Japan’s first test.
Core Crystals ground into nanoparticles were encapsulated in one-gram water-soluble capsules and dropped into the boiler. Seconds later, the capsules dissolved, and the reaction began. The micronized crystals emitted a soft light as they converted their mass into heat, turning the surrounding water into a boiling torrent. Steam roared through the system, and the turbine began to spin. The power output climbed steadily, eventually hitting the generator’s rated capacity of one million kWh. Surplus steam was grandly vented into the sky as they adjusted the flow for stability. Watching the steam plume, the participants felt a surge of elation, sensing the dawn of a new era.