When I returned from exploring the dungeon to save the world, I found out that my lover had been stolen, and I was blamed for the failed expedition. Enraged, I quit Japan's strongest party—only for them to self-destruct on their own. - Chapter 11

“Alright, is everyone ready?”

“Yeah!”

“…Yes.”

“We can go anytime!”

Each of them responded to my question with unwavering determination.

That’s reassuring.

Even Yokota… No, even Natsuki spoke up with confidence.

Mikawa Yumeno: “Do your best!”

Eiji Kamiya: “Koichi, I may have asked for the impossible, but if anyone can do it, it’s you. I’m counting on you.”

After Kazuno Akihito and his cronies were purged from the Japanese Dungeon Association, my uncle, Eiji Kamiya—who was also a government advisor—was appointed as the new chairman.

He apparently tried to refuse the position, but it seems they considered his influence over me too valuable to ignore.

I feel bad for causing him so much trouble.

That’s why he’s here now, supporting us.

Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be setting off on an expedition with the full support of the Dungeon Association.

And with my adorable girlfriend, Haruka, by my side.

It’s a bit embarrassing, but everyone around us is being really supportive.

That’s all thanks to Haruka’s kind nature.

As a priestess, she treats everyone with a certain level of respect. She’s small and easily flustered, but she always gives it her all, which is incredibly endearing.

Her signature short bob gently frames her face, with soft waves that shimmer beautifully when the light hits her.

To be born into a world where a girl like her is my childhood friend—and even loves me—is truly a blessing.

Sure, there were a lot of terrible things along the way, but right now, life is good.

As for Akane… she disappeared somewhere.

Haruka says there’s no need to look for her, but part of me wonders if we should.

Still, I have no intention of interfering in their sibling matters.

I’ve already ended my relationship with Akane as a lover.

“Alright, let’s go.”

With that, I stepped into the dungeon.

Everyone followed without hesitation.

If I’m going to do this, I’m going all out.

I cast buffs on my teammates and pushed forward.

Whether it’s Black Knights, Griffons, or Dragons, I crushed everything in our path.

As expected, the number of monsters increased after the 70th floor, but that didn’t matter.

We annihilated them all.

Effie was unexpectedly strong.

Natsuki was solid, always adhering to the fundamentals.

Haruka was… adorable. Not that I’d say it out loud here—I’d probably get smacked if I did—but she efficiently cast support and healing magic on the team.

As the front-line commander, I cut through enemies while issuing orders.

We cleared the 80th floor with ease.

The 90th floor was no challenge either.

Past the 95th floor, though, things got tough.

I cast as many support spells as I could and proceeded with caution.

On the 98th floor, we reversed the usual strategy. As soon as we entered, I unleashed an annihilation spell, throwing the enemies into chaos before cutting through them.

The sight of my two companions and one beast charging alongside me was breathtaking.

The 99th floor was pitch black, devoid of all light.

I maximized my magical detection, keeping close to my team as we advanced cautiously.

I won’t mention the fact that I caught a whiff of something nice from three different directions—saying that out loud would probably get me killed.

The boss of the 100th floor was an Ancient Dragon.

A truly formidable opponent, one worthy of being the final guardian.

However, the moment it saw us, it abandoned its pride and attacked immediately.

I had foolishly assumed that, as a dragon, it would have a high sense of pride. That was my mistake.

Thanks to Haruka’s quick thinking, she managed to stack thirty magic shields, so I only suffered minor scratches.

But I was furious.

It dared to hurt Haruka?

Without thinking, I poured all my magic power into my original spell:

“March of the Foolish King – Rex Stultus Instium.”

The spell materialized into countless humanoid figures, all charging straight at the Ancient Dragon.

Even though it was a high-tier monster, it was obliterated without a trace.

Since the expedition was being streamed live, the reaction was overwhelming.

But when we returned, my uncle scolded me.

Actually, no—he sulked.

“That was a precious research specimen…”

And that’s how we—how I—conquered all 100 floors of the Tokyo Dungeon.

Apparently, one of the stone tablets held by the World Dungeon Association changed color to blue, signifying our completion of the dungeon.

But it wasn’t black.

When China’s dungeon was cleared, the corresponding tablet turned black. I assumed that was always the case.

Clearly, this isn’t the end.

There were stairs leading further down past the 100th floor.

The exploration is far from over.

For humanity, the crisis is still ongoing.

Even though everyone was celebrating the Tokyo Dungeon’s 100th-floor conquest, this revelation cast a shadow over the festivities.

The truth had to be made public.

And so, our next goal was set: Beyond the 101st floor.

“Haruka, good job.”

“Onii—… Koichi-san, you too.”

Even after becoming my girlfriend, she still calls me “Onii-chan” out of habit.

One time, after she got drunk, I kept saying, “It’s so cute, right?” over and over. She got all pouty and declared that from now on, she would call me “Koichi-san.”

Every little reaction she has is adorable.

Just hearing her voice makes me happy.

And to whoever’s thinking, ‘Just explode already’—step forward.

I’d probably think the same thing if I were in your shoes.

“Koichi-san…”

Haruka quietly nestled against me.

I embraced her and kissed her.

For childhood friends like us—who, unfortunately, haven’t gone beyond innocent romance yet—this was an adult kiss that felt slightly out of place.

The happiness was overwhelming, as if my brain was melting.

Lost in the sweetness of the moment, I gently laid Haruka down onto the bed.

She surrendered herself completely, trusting me.

The next morning, she adorably scolded me for not letting her rest enough.

But that’s our little secret.