NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9 - Episode 9: Conquering the Infinite Dungeon
Episode 9: Conquering the Infinite Dungeon
The operation of the Demon Duke Guild was going smoothly. Competing monsters in a ranking format and rewarding them according to their ranks – these strategies surprisingly yielded great results. The growth of the monsters was tremendous. Levels that would only increase by one in a week shot up by three in just one day.
This was remarkable progress. Meel handed me a list.
“Zaus-sama, this month’s rankings have been announced.”
“Yeah. First place gets a trophy and a certificate. Second place gets just a certificate. And third place gets a head pat.”
Of course, first and second place also get head pats. It seems that head pats are the ultimate reward for the monster subordinates.
“Well done.”
“Hehehe. Th-Thank you very much, Gobu.”
The goblins were in a blissful state as I patted their heads, while around them, voices could be heard saying, “That’s nice,” “I’m envious,” and “I’ll aim for third place next month!”
The head patting effect is excellent.
“Zaus-sama, we’ve collected all 108 items from the level 1 infinite dungeon.”
That was fast. Already completed without any strategy guides, huh? Well, when you let monsters compete, things move quickly. After all, everyone explores dungeons as if they’re playing a game. Fun is the essence of it.
However, the items collected are quite ordinary. Herbs, antidotes, wooden sticks, leather shields – because it’s still an early-stage dungeon, the items are low-level.
“Now, this dungeon has no more items. While monsters will continue to spawn infinitely, the treasure chests will be empty. It might decrease the excitement of exploration.”
In that case, I’ll have my subordinates explore the next dungeon – level 2. Here, the item levels will be higher, making it ideal for training. If I remember correctly, the recommended clearing level was around 20.
“What’s the highest level among the monsters?”
“Please wait a moment.”
Saying so, Meel glanced through the roster.
“The goblin named Gobmaru, who won first place, is level 32. It seems he’s the top.”
“What’s the overall average?”
“About 20 or so, I would say.”
Hmm. Then, can they enter the level 2 infinite dungeon? But…
“Let’s set a rule. Only those who exceed level 30 can enter the level 2 infinite dungeon.”
Better safe than sorry.
“Listen. You must not overexert yourselves. Serious injuries could lead to death. I absolutely won’t tolerate major accidents.”
The monsters trembled.
“Zaus-sama is kind, Gobu.”
“He’s thinking of us, Buu.”
“I love Zaus-sama after all, Hapii.”
“Zaus-sama is the best, Slaa.”
Sheesh. They’re misunderstanding something. I couldn’t care less about them. They are valuable assets – essential for defeating the hero. Training them and reducing their numbers would be incredibly inefficient. Efficiency is key in everything.
“Zero mortality rate! That’s the goal of the Demon Duke Guild! Got it!?”
“We’ll follow you for life, Gob!”
“We’ll go anywhere for Zaus-sama, Buu!”
“Hail Zaus-sama!”
“Zaus-sama, TeeTee. TeeTee Happy!”
But now, the training of the subordinate monsters will progress well. Next, should I increase my own stats?
“Arjena. Let’s leave the subordinate monsters to the guild and train just the two of us.”
“Huh? J-Just the two of us!?”
“Yeah. Teach me your sword skills thoroughly.”
Hehehe. With this, if I become stronger, it will be even more solid.
“What… just the two of us… Two, two, two…”
“What are you blushing for? Have a cold?”
“It’s not a cold!”
My current level is 25. I’ll raise it even higher.
“This is, is, just sword training! There’s nothing else! Don’t misunderstand!”
“Huh?”
Right. Since Arjena is becoming my exclusive coach, how about this?
“Teach me the Brave Slash.”
“…Why does the likes of you, the Demon Duke, know my secret sword technique?”
“Because your skills are quite renowned.”
“…But it’s a secret technique?”
“Well, I am the Demon Duke. I have my own information network.”
Hehehe. I learned this in the game. Brave Slash is a sword technique passed down from the master to the hero, Cea, who defeated the mid-boss. It’s a central technique even in defeating the Demon King. And now, the mid-boss, me, is learning it. Whether I can master it is a mystery, but it’s worth a try.
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〜〜Cea’s Perspective〜〜
I want to become strong.
For that, I need a master. A strong presence to teach me sword skills.
However, I couldn’t meet Arjena, the Demon God Slayer.
In that case, I have no choice but to become stronger on my own terms. I’ll create my own training menu and work hard until the end.
I arrived at the entrance of the dungeon.
“Hehehe. Level 1 infinite dungeon. I should be able to explore this somehow.”
Defeat monsters to level up. Then, get items and strengthen myself.
However,
“It’s empty! The treasure chest is empty!? Why!? How!?”
What’s going on?? Villagers shouldn’t come near this dungeon. It’s famous as a dangerous dungeon where monsters spawn infinitely. So, no one should ever enter here except me, the future hero.
And yet, why are there no items!?
“I see. They’re dummies!”
Thinking that, it’s only natural.
Heh. Too naive. You can’t fool me.
“Oh, a treasure chest!”
Hehehe. This time…
“It’s empty! This one is empty too!! Why!?”
And then, even when I found treasure chests,
“It’s empty! It’s not there!! They’re all empty!!”
What’s going on!? All the treasure chests are empty!!
“Dammit!! Who took them!!?”
The items here were supposed to be mineeeee!!