Episode 33

The structure inside the dungeon consists of multiple layers, like the first layer, second layer, third layer, and so on, with stairs leading downwards. As you progress deeper into the layers, the appearances of the shadows become increasingly powerful. It is a common feature in dungeons.

I check the surroundings of the dungeon. Behind me is the stone gate I saw when entering. I can touch that door to exit this dungeon, but I have no intention of leaving yet. I redirect my gaze to the Shizuho Dungeon once more. 

What unfolds before me is a vast grassland that far exceeds my imagination. A lush green field stretches endlessly. In the sky, there’s something akin to a real sun, illuminating the inside of the dungeon. The wind blows gently, and the sound of the grass rustling fills the air. Taking in these sensations that satisfy my five senses, I find my excitement is uncontainable.

Many dungeons share similar terrain. And this Shizuho Dungeon is not much different from the others I’ve seen in the game. However, experiencing it in real life is an entirely different matter. The “reality” that I couldn’t feel in the game is filling my entire senses with joy. The game was well-made, but there were always limits to what it could offer. In this real world, however, there are no such limitations. It’s simply moving. My knees are starting to tremble with emotion.

I crouch down and touch the weeds growing nearby. …Ah, it’s real. Every single blade of grass… it’s just too real. This feeling that I could never experience in the game! The sensation of stepping on grass, the sound of the gentle breeze. Even the faint cries of Kyoei heard in the distance seem to welcome me! 

I can’t believe I’m able to have such an experience in reality. I’m so happy that I can’t find the words…! My whole body is trembling with excitement. Though I am tense about entering the dungeon, right now, my joy outweighs that tension.

“Are you ready to fight the Kyoei?” 

Kirisaki says while doing some light stretching. She seems eager to start fighting right away… and I feel the same way. After checking the gear I’m wearing, I nod.  

“Yeah, I’m good.”  

“Then let’s go look for them.”  

Kirisaki starts walking energetically, and I follow her. Along the way, Kiriaki suddenly tosses me a box as if she just remembered something.  

…This is an item box, a convenient item often found in games. It allows you to store your belongings freely.  

“That’s from Michael-sama; she said you can use it.”  

“…Is it really okay?”  

“Yeah. When a new Union is formed, they usually give one out.”  

I remember it was the same in the main game. After storing the item box in my pocket, I walk further into the dungeon. 

After a while, I see something resembling black mist ahead.  

…An illusion?

The thing that approached us had the appearance of a black shadow… but it took on a humanoid form.

“A goblin-type Kyoei….” 

“…Looks a bit disappointing.”  

“That’s because it’s really weak.”  

“In that case, can I fight it?”  

“…I’ll take one out.”  

Even though it’s a weak Kyoei, it seems eager to move. In front of me, two black shadows are wriggling, wielding something resembling clubs.  

…All shadows appear as black shapes. However, they are modeled after monsters often seen in games. And these are based on goblins. In the game, they too are labeled as goblins when you fight them.  

“…!”  

Suddenly, one of the goblins leaps at us.  

…Its movements are quite slow.  

I quickly dodge the swinging club. …Let’s see how the Black Gloves perform first.  

In this game, each type of weapon has its own characteristics. For glove-type weapons, you can increase damage by charging magical power into the gloves. As I pour magic into the gloves, they emit a faint glow.

The goblin swung its club, but I easily dodged it and unleashed a punch. In the game, I could connect combos by rapidly pressing buttons. But now I have to do it myself.

I threw punches with my right and left fists, striking the goblin. The sensation of hitting the shadow felt similar to hitting a cushion. The shadow didn’t bleed; instead, black mist leaked out from the areas I hit, resembling bl00d.

To be honest, I didn’t really feel like I was fighting. It felt more like I was playing a virtual reality game.  

“…..Ji!”  

The goblin let out a scream-like voice as it swung its club at me.  

…With that reckless strike, I took evasive action. In the game, the only way to evade mid-attack was to roll and cancel the attack. But reality is different. 

I could dodge just by slightly shifting my upper body without having to cancel my attack. I don’t have much experience in martial arts, but it seemed that having signed the contract boosted my basic stats. It made evasion no problem at all.

…Let’s finish this quickly.  

Until now, I had been lightly attacking. But I decided to increase the magical power in my gloves ……and delivered a heavy punch.

Original Author’s Comment:

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