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 39

As expected from one of the top dungeon-related corporations, the distance from KIJ headquarters to Imperial Palace Dungeon was just 100 meters.

For reference, Tokyo Dungeon was only about 400 meters away.

But today, our destination was Imperial Palace Dungeon.

Like I mentioned before, it’s full of Treants and knight-type monsters, making it the perfect place to test a sword’s cutting ability.

After registering for exploration, I stepped inside.

Since today’s main objective was testing the magic sword, I started from the 61st floor.

Since I had already cleared this dungeon, I had the option to choose my starting floor in 20-floor intervals.

Seriously, why don’t all dungeons have this feature?

“Alright, here we are—41st floor!”

[Live Stream Comments]

: LOL just casually starting from mid-tier floors.
: More like lower high-tier, considering the dungeon’s depth.
: Well, it’s Koichi-kun, after all.
: Even though he’s stronger than most S-rankers, he’s still “Koichi-kun.”
: …Huh?
: Makes sense. Testing a sword’s durability in early floors would be pointless.
: Holy crap, he’s running so fast.
: This view looks like a damn bullet train window.
: BTW, we just hit 50,000 concurrent viewers. This is insane marketing for KIJ.
: Damn.

Since this was a weapon test, I had a specific target in mind.

Given what I learned about this sword’s strength and price range, the Dark Knight on the 60th floor was the perfect opponent.

It had high defense, rapid attacks, and was known for breaking weapons.

Sounds like a perfect test dummy, right?

But since we were here, I decided to cut down every single enemy on the way using Susanoo.

The Imperial Palace Dungeon was packed with knights, despite being in Japan.

Treants, White Knights, Black Knights, Skull Knights, Goblin Knights, Ghost Knights—seriously, why so many knights?

But whatever. Time to test the blade.

“The mana flow is excellent. This sword seems to enhance magic usage, making it easy to control.”

[Live Stream Comments]

: OHHH, A HIGH RATING?!
: Those mid-tier mobs are getting sliced like butter.
: He’s still stupidly OP lol.
: But damn, the sword is actually keeping up with Koichi’s movements.
: That alone proves its quality.
: I NEED IT.
: GIVEAWAY PLEASE.
: UNFAIR!
: ME TOO!
: …Y’all aren’t even hunters.
: I’M NOT!
: SAME!
: NO, BUT I WANT IT.
: Too bad. Owning this without a license is illegal under Japan’s weapon laws.
: THAT’S DISCRIMINATION!
: Go complain to the government lmao.
: tch…

Hazuki: Just tell me the release date and price. I won’t tell anyone.

: YOU GREEDY BASTARD!
: Bro, that’s not fair!
: C’mon, Hazuki, don’t gatekeep!
Hazuki: Wouldn’t I be a better candidate for a test run?
: HE’S RIGHT, AND I HATE IT.
: DAMN IT, HE GOT US.

Finally, I arrived at the 60th-floor boss room.

Since this dungeon ended at the 80th floor, everything past the 60th floor was considered lower levels.

Not that it made any difference to me, but this was the limit for most active explorers.

Of course, Hazuki could probably go deeper.

I checked the boss spawn.

Jackpot.

[Live Stream Comments]

: OHHH, DAMN, THAT ENTRANCE IS SICK.
: Why do dungeon bosses always get these dramatic spawns?
: It’s like they have cinematic effects built in.
: Kinda annoying when you’re fighting them, but it looks amazing in a stream.
: Especially when it’s Koichi fighting. Zero tension.
: This dude casually soloed a 100-floor boss like it was nothing.
: The real test here is whether the sword holds up.
: Nope. The real point of this is Koichi-kun’s coolness.
: …Isn’t this a corporate collaboration?
: LOL WHAT EVEN IS THIS STREAM?

The Dark Knight appeared, raising its spear dramatically.

But it hesitated.

…Was it scared?

Hazuki: Did I just hallucinate? The Dark Knight didn’t charge immediately?
: Is it afraid of Koichi-kun?!
: This man’s got monsters shaking in their boots.
: I swear I’ve seen this before…

I swung Susanoo, aiming not for the body—

—but for its shield.

[Live Stream Comments]

: Wait, just the shield?
: Did it dodge?!
: Even a 100-floor boss couldn’t dodge, but a 60-floor knight did?!
Hazuki: More likely, Koichi-kun is being careful not to destroy it instantly.
: Ohhhhhhh…
: Makes sense.
: Bruh, I almost died to this boss last time…
: Congrats. Koichi just avenged you.
: RIP, Dark Knight.

After disarming it, I gradually dismantled the Dark Knight, slicing off its limbs one by one.

By the time it had lost its entire right side, it collapsed.

But I wasn’t done yet.

I raised Susanoo and swung full force.

Something… got cut.

But what?

I looked ahead.

And then…

“Huh? Why are you here?”

That black figure was familiar.

And so was the woman standing beside him.

“Koichi…”

“…Akane?”