The Unremarkable Man Who Fell Into The Dungeon's Pit Survives By Acquiring A Plain But Useful Skill, and Through Persistent Effort While Enduring The Absurdity, He Gradually Rises to Success - Episode 16

※This continues from Episode 11: Shogo’s Whereabouts.

___________________________________________________________

After checking the video, Kyouko immediately called the number listed in the email.

The ringtone stopped after two rings, and the voice I heard earlier came again.

“Did you get a chance to see it?”

“What is this… what is going on? Why is Nakamura-kun involved? Could it be some kind of anti-dungeon faction terrorism…?”

Kyouko muttered words that came to mind, her voice trailing off at the end of the worst situation.

“It might be related to the anti-dungeon faction. There hasn’t been any claim of responsibility either. Well, if we’re talking about incidents and accidents related to dungeons, there have been more of those lately, so I can see why you might think that.”

Anti-Dungeon Faction—A group that expresses concern about the impact of dungeons on humanity and advocates for their closure or rejection instead of their use.

The people affected refer to those who suffer direct harm from mana poisoning like Shogo’s mother, or those who incur economic disadvantages due to its emergence.

However, the reality is that their voices are being drowned out by the much greater overall benefits, and the ones claiming to represent them are the anti-dungeon faction.

The extremist organization of this group is notorious not only for kidnapping and killing hunters and politicians but also for repeatedly sabotaging inside dungeons and frequently spreading fabricated videos online.

Kyouko thought so because of the unbelievable number of 533 underground floors, but if it were the work of that organization, a claim of responsibility would always be issued.

The absence of that means it can be said to have nothing to do with the anti-dungeon faction. Kyouko understood Hayakawa’s explanation, but then what is the answer?

“Then what are you saying…?”

“Unfortunately, I don’t know about that. However, I hope you can believe that I want to help him. Now, Mr. Sayama, do you think your company can provide any assistance or rescue for Mr. Nakamura?”

“No. I can’t expect anything. Probably, no one will believe me.”

“Is that so? Do you have time today? No, to be clear, would it be possible to leave early now? Are you interested in the current live stream?”

“Live stream!? Show it to me right now!”

Kyouko replied immediately.

“Nakamura-san is fortunate to have a good boss. As expected of Eito-san’s sister.”

“Do you know my brother?”

A memory suddenly dug up. Kyouko’s voice is tinged with discomfort.

“Excuse me. I just did a bit of research and found out, so I carelessly mentioned my affiliation to make you believe it. I apologize. My bad habit came out.”

Indeed, by mentioning information that only someone affiliated with Endo Heavy Industries or certain members of the Hunter Association would know, it became clear that the person on the phone was not a prankster.

Even so, the topic of her brother is something Kyoko doesn’t want to touch on easily.

However, from the words of the person on the phone, one could sense a respect for her brother. Kyoko calmed her turbulent heart.

“I will accept your apology.”

Kyouko Sayama had an older brother named Eito, who was much older than her.

Lively, bright, and overflowing with talent, yet not arrogant about it—this was the goal Kyouko admired as a hunter.

If it weren’t for that incident, my brother would still be alive today.

A kind and strong older brother. However, what remains vividly in my memory is the occasional sorrowful look on his face.

Come to think of it, Shogo sometimes shows the same profile…

“I apologize once again. I am truly sorry.”

Eito Sayama participated as a guard for the dungeon investigation team by Endo Heavy Industries (no magic aptitude, full-body protective gear).

During the investigation, when they were attacked by a horde of monsters, they sent the investigation team to the exit portal first, and then they went missing.

It was concluded that he was dead after DNA from Eito was found on the bloodstained clothes discovered in a later investigation.

It was the event four years ago that caused Kyoko to quit being a hunter.

“…the URL for the stream”

Understood. I will send the summary materials and video archives right away.

“I’m going outside now——”

Kyouko ended the call and left the women’s changing room.

Hurrying in the opposite direction of the Procurement Section 3 area.

“Oh, Sayama-kun. What’s up?”

“Manager, I would like to leave early today.”

While exerting undeniable pressure on the passing boss, the department head, I inform them of my early departure.

“Hey, Sayama-kun, what’s with the rush…? Well, whatever. I’ll just take it as paid leave.”

The boss’s vacant voice neither made Kyoko turn around nor stop in her tracks.

◆

While being jostled by the regular bus service to the Shibuya Dungeon, Kyouko is simultaneously operating both the company-provided tablet and her personal tablet—both of which are treated to resist magical elements.

While checking the updated boarding and alighting records and distress signal records, I’m busy watching the stream.

“Just as I thought… but Nakamura-kun…”

There is no record of Shogo taking the bus home. There is also no record of the Dungeon Management Bureau contacting the company regarding the distress signal.

The first to respond to distress signals is the Dungeon Management Bureau. This is a measure to ensure that hunters and workers are not left to die when accidents or incidents that are inconvenient for the company or clients occur in the dungeon.

However, the Dungeon Management Bureau only manages up to the current lowest level, the 108th floor.

The 533rd floor underground is outside of management. Even if you check the report form on the management bureau’s website, you can only input up to the 108th floor.

There’s no way the company would get in touch under these circumstances.

Shogo’s existence is currently known only to a select few.

And on the personal device, there is footage from the perspective of the WD watch device worn by Shogo, who appears to be advancing through the cave.

The face that occasionally appears is much sharper than the one I’m used to.

I just joined the stream, but what should I write in the text chat…

While I was lost in thought, the bus carrying Kyouko arrived at the Shibuya Dungeon.

For the time being, Kyouko quickly got off the bus and headed to the reception.

If you check the entry records from yesterday written on the reception sheet, the personnel from 【Dungeon Resource Development Co., Ltd.】 entered and exited 9 people each.

One level below, one person from [Dungeon Resource Development Co., Ltd.] has entered. No record of exit at this time.

“That guy Kanzaki…”

They probably did it on purpose to leave early while leaving Shogo to work overtime. By writing it this way, Shogo will be treated as part a different work team.

If there is an accident or something, and later you are asked about the situation, it is a cunning way to escape responsibility by saying, “Nakamura requested it that way.”

I glance at the receptionist. Even if I point out the entry and exit record discrepancies, this is Shibuya Dungeon.

In the past few years, not even a minor accident has occurred. Even if they say there’s no record of ejections, they’ll probably just dismiss it as a common oversight and not take me seriously.

In the first place, it’s a waste of time to have that discussion now.

While harboring frustration, Kyoko completed the entry procedures and proceeded to the basement floor.

I’m still hesitating whether to send a message to Shogo.

I was strongly shocked by the archive video of the stream that Hayakawa showed me.

What should I say to Shogo, who is risking his life?

No matter what words I use, they all feel cheap and insincere. Rather, I can’t shake the feeling that they might confuse or hinder you.

The follow-up email sent by Hayakawa contained detailed circumstances, and when viewed along with the attached summary video, Kyoko had no room to question Hayakawa and the others’ response.

What I can do is persuade the company and create an opportunity to form a rescue team for Shogo. Even if the chances of success are extremely slim, there is no option to remain inactive.

Continuing to walk briskly, hoping to find some trace or evidence that could serve as persuasive material, they have already reached the second basement level of the Shibuya Dungeon.

The information about Shogo’s sighting that we heard from Kanzaki and the others is in the B area on the 3rd basement floor.

From here on, the footing is somewhat unstable. Kyoko paused for a moment, stowed her devices in her backpack, and resumed walking.

If she activates her skill “Body Enhancement 9” (a classification and strength level considered effective even in the depths of dungeons, rated on a scale of 1 to 10, with higher numbers indicating greater strength), she will reach her destination in less than two minutes.

However, because I rushed over, I didn’t wear the work uniform specifically designed for Kyoko that can withstand the use of skills, so I proceed at a brisk pace.

With a burning sense of impatience in her chest, Kyouko’s vision falls upon the sight of her destination.

Shibuya Dungeon, B Area, Level 3 Underground. An area where only low-quality dungeon grass grows, usually ignored.

“Nakamura-kun…”

I have come close to the coordinates that were always noted in the work reports, but I can’t find Shogo anywhere.

Is he really 530 floors down from here?

Take out the tablet and check the live stream screen.

“……Why!?”

Just a moment ago, the screen that was showing footage of someone walking through a cave was now filled with static. The worst possible scenario flashed through Kyoko’s mind.

However, as if to counter that, a vast amount of light suddenly illuminated Kyouko from behind.

“Eh…?”

Without understanding the situation, as the light settled, Kyoko turned around.

What caught my eye was the back of a man wearing a bl00d-stained work uniform. It was a familiar back.

“Nakamura-kun!”

The face slowly turning towards us.

Just one day. However, the face that had become so sharp was indeed what I had wished to see more than anything else right now.