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 28

World Dungeon Association Headquarters (President Florence Lievert)

“What do you mean they’ve disappeared? How far did they make it?”

“Yes, we still have a signal, and they managed to reach the 93rd floor. However, they encountered a radiant, muscle-bound orc and were seemingly wiped out. Their communication device remains on-site, but there are no signs of survivors in the vicinity.”

“I see…”

I closed my eyes, placed a hand on my chest, and gazed upward—praying that their souls may rest in peace.

Those who take on missions to investigate dangerous dungeons do so knowing the risks. Encountering a monster beyond their capabilities is always a possibility. That’s why they maintain constant communication with the World Dungeon Association, ensuring that even if they fall, some information can be recovered.

Yet, they were annihilated.

The staff on this side must have witnessed their deaths in real-time.

“You did well. However, we cannot afford to halt the investigation of Tokyo. We need answers regarding the 101st floor and beyond, as well as the recent changes in monster species across dungeons worldwide.”

“Yes… We will assemble the next unit.”

“Good. This time, I’ll have Okita and his team cooperate as well.”

“But…”

“I understand the opposition, but now is not the time for pride. Reducing casualties and securing reliable data must take priority.”

“…Understood.”

The staff member accepted my words, though their expression twisted slightly as they exited the room. Their concern wasn’t with my orders—they were likely troubled over how to explain the situation to the next investigation team.

D7 had monopolized high-level dungeons, whether actively or passively.

As a result, explorers from non-D7 nations had gathered under the World Dungeon Association’s banner.

The Association regulated these explorers, fostering them through lower- and mid-tier dungeons in various countries before finally raising high-level explorers using the Pacific and Arctic dungeons.

The investigators heading out now were among those explorers.

Their nationalities varied, but they all shared one thing—resentment toward D7.

After all, only the most arduous dungeons—the Pacific and Arctic—had been made available to them. The journey there, the conquest, and even the return trip were all significantly more difficult.

It was only natural that they harbored frustration over being restricted to such perilous locations.

I understand their feelings. But now is not the time for grievances.

The fact that the boss of the Pacific Dungeon’s 100th floor suddenly appeared in Tokyo is an unmistakable anomaly.

Even more shocking was Okita—who treated that boss like a mere child, defeating it without taking a single hit, without even allowing it to attack once.

Is he really human?

I, too, was once an explorer who honed my strength through high-level dungeons.

Since becoming the president of the World Dungeon Association three years ago, I’ve refrained from direct dungeon exploration, but my name is still well-known among high-ranking explorers.

Even so, Okita’s power is beyond comprehension, even to someone like me.

It’s no wonder that not just Japanese explorers but also those from the U.S. and China unanimously declare him the strongest.

Overwhelming. Ruthless.

The way his blade effortlessly carved through monsters seemed almost otherworldly.

Having such an explorer on humanity’s side is a stroke of luck.

There’s no reason not to seek his assistance.

Now is not the time for pride or resentment toward D7.

And yet, despite Japan and China already benefiting from Okita’s support, the remaining D7 nations refused to let him aid in their own high-level dungeon conquests.

Foolish… Though, I can’t say I don’t understand their reasoning.

At the moment, I have no time to worry about other organizations.

The World Dungeon Association must prioritize its own mission—investigating the Tokyo Dungeon as quickly as possible.

Since Okita is in Tokyo, requesting his aid is the only logical choice.

We must find a way to stop monsters from escaping the dungeons.

If we can accomplish that, then dungeons will simply remain as they are—places that people engage with at their own discretion.

That would mark the beginning of humanity’s golden age.

The items dropped in dungeons possess incredible effects. If harnessed properly, they will propel human civilization forward.

And all of this could be achieved with virtually no risk.

We still don’t understand what dungeons truly are.

We don’t know what happens after clearing all 13 high-level dungeons.

We don’t even know what lies beyond the 101st floor or how deep these dungeons truly go.

Even when the stone representing China’s dungeon turned black, we had no way of knowing whether that meant it was truly completed.

What’s certain is that any dungeon that extends beyond the 101st floor cannot be considered “cleared” at the 100th floor.

We have no choice but to keep moving forward, step by step.

To uncover what lies ahead.

To learn what we might become capable of.

To be frank, this is no time for countries to be divided in petty disputes.

A monster stronger than even Okita could emerge on the surface at any moment, throwing the world into chaos.

Up until recently, there was still a possibility of monsters escaping through dungeon entrances.

That’s why we encouraged dungeon exploration—to reduce the number of monsters while offering the incentive of valuable drops.

For the most part, this system worked. The Association could handle remote or unprofitable dungeons while letting adventurers handle the rest.

However, whether intentional or not, a boss monster suddenly teleported from the Pacific Dungeon straight into a major city.

That’s nothing short of terrifying.

The key to understanding this crisis lies in monsters capable of communication, the stone tablets, and the dungeons that extend beyond the 101st floor.

We must also send an investigative team to the Pacific Dungeon.

But as of now, the only one capable of going is Okita.

First, we investigate Tokyo.

Then, we move on to the Pacific.

I pray that we can move forward before catastrophe strikes…