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 27

World Dungeon Association Headquarters (Florence Rievelt, President)

“President Rievelt, I have a report. It appears that anomalies are occurring in high-rank dungeons across the world.”

This was the World Dungeon Association Headquarters, located in the Great Rift Valley in East Africa.

Why was it placed in the Great Rift Valley?

Because this was where the stone tablet that supposedly marked the origin of the current dungeon era was discovered.

According to legend, the tablet had been here for over a hundred years.

No one knew who placed it there.

Even with modern technology, it was impossible to move permanently.

More specifically—

It could be carried, but the moment it was taken outside the Great Rift Valley, it would vanish… only to reappear back at its original location.

Due to its eerie nature, the locals eventually stopped touching it.

But then, one day—

Dungeons appeared across the world.

Amidst the global chaos, the stone tablet began glowing.

Believing it to be connected to the dungeons, a group of researchers gathered around it.

This led to the establishment of the World Dungeon Association, with its headquarters built around the mysterious stone tablet.

Inside the headquarters, Florence Rievelt, the current President, was listening to a report from her subordinate, who was managing communications with D7 (the top seven dungeon nations).

“Anomalies, you say?”

“Yes. As you know, each dungeon typically has a distinct ecosystem of monsters. Some dungeons are dominated by slimes, others by beasts. Even high-rank dungeons follow clear patterns.”

“But suddenly, almost simultaneously, these patterns have changed.”

“…I see.”

Rievelt understood the implications.

But she had no idea what was causing it.

She nodded for the subordinate to continue.

“For example: In America, adorable fairies are flooding the dungeons. In Germany, terrifying demons are flying around. In Australia, living statues are roaming freely. And in China… the monsters have disappeared entirely.”

“Brazil and India are experiencing communication issues, but from what we can gather, something is changing there as well.”

“A change in monster species is one thing… but a complete disappearance?”

“Do we have any leads on the cause?”

“Not definitively… but we have a hypothesis.”

“Go on.”

“The anomalies began right after Japan’s strongest explorer, Okita Koichi, led his party to defeat Tokyo Dungeon’s 100th-floor boss.”

“Hmm…”

“That would explain why one of the stones on the tablet turned blue—unlike China’s, which turned black.”

“Exactly. Tokyo Dungeon still had deeper floors left to explore, but…”

“It seems weak as a theory. Still, based on the stone tablet’s layout, Japan’s dungeon ranks higher than the other D7 nations. It could be a trigger.”

“Continue the investigation.”

“Understood.”

The subordinate saluted before exiting the room.

Rievelt sat in thought.

China’s dungeon completion caused nothing.

Yet, Japan’s caused a worldwide reaction.

Why?

The stone tablet contained thirteen embedded stones—

Seven at the top.

Six at the bottom.

Each was believed to represent a high-rank dungeon.

Currently, only seven high-rank dungeons had been confirmed worldwide.

This was why the exact number of stones had never been made public.

National pride could hinder dungeon exploration if handled poorly.

This was the will of the gods.

When China cleared the Beijing Dungeon, one of the bottom stones turned black.

That confirmed that the stones were linked to dungeon completions.

When Japan cleared the Tokyo Dungeon, one of the top stones turned blue.

The Japan Dungeon Association Chairman, Kamiya, had already been informed of the need for further investigation.

Additionally, the strongest explorer, Okita Koichi, was asked to challenge the Pacific Dungeon.

If he cleared the 100th floor of the Pacific Dungeon, and if the stone tablet changed color again, they might finally uncover crucial information.

As Rievelt pondered this, the subordinate who had just left suddenly turned back.

“Oh, one more thing.”

She hesitated, then spoke:

“Reports indicate an increase in Stampedes worldwide.”

“The reason?”

“Unknown.”

“Understood. Continue investigating and compiling the data.”

□ Tokyo (Okita Koichi)

『Explorers, please remain on high alert…』

Even I, someone who rarely watches TV, recognized the announcer reporting on the current situation.

While exploring the Pacific Dungeon, one thought kept bothering me—

“Why are there metallic insect monsters here instead of aquatic creatures?”

Turns out, the monster compositions of dungeons worldwide have gone haywire.

Tokyo Dungeon, for example—

It was supposed to have dragons appearing only as boss monsters.

But now?

It had turned into a paradise for bulls.

Or more specifically, Orcs and Taurus-type monsters.

At first glance, they seemed easier to deal with than dragons.

But…

The real issue?

The meat they drop sounds delicious.

Dragon meat is tough and sinewy, making it hard to eat and usually not that tasty.

Meanwhile, Orc and Taurus meat?

Prime steak material.

I should probably start thinking about dinner.

Going out to eat alone is a hassle, so maybe I’ll just finish off Haruka’s leftover curry…

Just as I reached for the remote to turn off the TV—

The broadcast suddenly shifted.

The studio became chaotic, and an announcer was handed a piece of paper.

“What happened?”

Did some celebrity die or something?

…No.

It was worse.

『We interrupt this program for breaking news.

The World Dungeon Association’s investigative team, which was visiting Japan to analyze the aftermath of the Tokyo Dungeon’s completion…

…has gone missing inside Tokyo Dungeon.

As a result, the dungeon will be temporarily sealed off…』

What…?