Live Dungeon!

Tsutomu’s abrupt retirement had set off a wave of upheaval across the community of Explorers. One by one, individuals began reassessing their place within the business, and the balance of power among the Clans began to shift accordingly.

The Scarlet Devil Squad, who had been recruiting new members even before the storm hit, failed to capitalize on the sudden surge in change. But those who had already joined were not merely trend-chasers caught in the fever of the moment; they were men and women who held a genuine respect for the Clan. While they had encountered their fair share of friction, most notably with the ‘Busybody Auntie’ Alma, the new recruits gradually adapted, and their teamwork steadily improved as they showed more and more of their potential.

Over in Golden Tune, Eunice’s sudden departure came as a harsh blow. Yet that hole was swiftly filled by Milway, who had inherited her techniques. Thanks in part to the clear and practical notes Eunice had left behind, covering everything from party composition to fine skill manipulation, Milway was able to implement her methods to great effect, and the Clan managed to progress past the ninetieth layer.

Elsewhere, a fierce contest for talent had erupted among the mid-tier Clans, drawing the keen eyes of Dungeon Maniacs and outside observers alike. But what made the greatest impact, even shaking the status of the major Clans, was the exodus from Absolute Helix.

Diniel, one of those who had parted ways with Absolute Helix, had since transferred to Ealdred Crow. For the moment, she was placed in Team 2 on a probationary basis while the officers observed her performance. But for a seasoned Attacker who had already conquered the hundredth layer, it was only a matter of time before she was promoted to Team 1. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that she would become the key to Ealdred Crow’s next great leap forward.

Daryl, on the other hand, had not joined another Clan at all. Instead, he formed something closer to a circle than a proper Clan, looser in structure and centered around mutual help rather than running a business. With a core group made up of orphans, old friends from the orphanage, and strivers like Riki who had journeyed from the Royal Capital in search of glory, Daryl devoted himself to nurturing the next generation. Under his guidance, the group steadily grew into a respected name among mid-tier Clans, even drawing a fair share of attention from Dungeon Maniacs.

But in stepping away from the front lines, Daryl also stepped away from Garm.

Garm, hoping to mend their fractured friendship, paid him a visit in person… but was turned away at the door.

“There’s nothing to discuss. Please leave,” he had said.

Meanwhile, Amira had spent several weeks drowning herself in drink, unable and unwilling to face reality. But thanks to Camille’s tireless care, she slowly began to recover her footing. Once she was functional again, Amira began frequenting the Guild’s bulletin boards, occasionally forming temporary parties. Yet no matter who she joined, she never stayed, stubbornly choosing to be a lone wolf.

Camille, concerned for her, eventually intervened. She temporarily brought her into the Guild as a direct agent, assigning her reconnaissance work and exploration surveys to ensure she would not be left alone. She also took the opportunity to gently raise the possibility that Tsutomu had not, in fact, divided his trust as starkly as some believed, based on the language in the letters Garm had received.

And then there was Amy. After mending her strained relationship with Diniel during her hiatus from Dungeon exploration, she prepared to accompany the Security Team on an expedition beyond the sea border, toward the Imperial Capital.

“I’m leaving this place to you, so don’t let Ealdred Crow leave you in the dust.” She teased as she prepared to depart.

“Try not to fall off the ship and become fish food,” Garm retorted with his usual edge.

It was not a rash decision on Amy’s part; she had already discussed it thoroughly with Garm. Though she was still reeling from Tsutomu’s sudden departure, her ultimate goal remained unchanged: to make his wish to return to this world a reality.

To that end, they had split their efforts. Garm would remain behind, continuing to explore God’s Dungeon and search for clues about how to bring Tsutomu back. Amy, meanwhile, would investigate the rumors of the Empire’s explosive rise in national power. The pace and nature of its growth bore a striking resemblance to the Kingdom’s own sudden ascent some time ago. If the Imperial Capital had experienced the emergence of a God’s Dungeon of its own, then Amy intended to find it.

Though Amy still looked a little gaunt, light had begun to return to her eyes. Garm watched over her quietly as he walked her all the way to the outer gates of Dungeon City. Diniel was there as well, delivering a sharp-tongued barrage of scolding encouragement, but in the end, she simply handed Amy a good-luck amulet crafted in her homeland, the Forest of the Elves, and departed without fanfare.

A few days later, Garm made his way to the Silver Beast Clan House, accompanied by the remaining members of Absolute Helix.

“Looking forward to working with you,” Garm said, offering a firm handshake.

“You kidding? We’re glad to have you! Let’s make it work,” Misil replied with a toothy grin.

The alliance had begun as a possibility mentioned in the letter Tsutomu had left for Lorena. In the days that followed, representatives of both Clans had met to discuss terms, and what began as a spark of suggestion soon ignited into a formal, long-term partnership.

For Absolute Helix, the alliance meant a chance to secure skilled manpower and keep the Clan afloat. For Silver Beast, it was an opportunity to gain access to a portion of the assets Tsutomu had left behind, as well as form bonds with seasoned Explorers who had conquered even the hundredth layer.

Whether to pursue such an alliance had sparked debate within Absolute Helix, but the consensus was that, rather than recruit strangers and risk losing cohesion, a partnership with Silver Beast was the wiser course, especially since it might encourage former members to return. Their past experience forming a temporary alliance also lent confidence to the decision.

Soon, a competition emerged between Silver Beast, now allied with Absolute Helix, and Ealdred Crow, who had recently welcomed Diniel into their ranks. The race was to see which of them would conquer the hundredth layer first.

…In the end, Ealdred Crow emerged victorious.

“Seems like you really were Tsutomu’s disciple,” Diniel remarked once they were back from the Dungeon.

“I’ll take that as a compliment,” Stephanie replied.

“Even that… uh, So-whatever fellow was more useful than expected.”

“Pretty sure you mean me,” Sova grunted. “And it’s Sova. Sova.”

Their party, led by Stephanie, whose support and healing had reached a level of stability on par with Tsutomu himself, featured top-tier members: the steadfast Tanks Bittman and Dorssia, and of course, Diniel. Thanks to such reliable allies, Diniel was able to fight as aggressively as she wanted to. Sova’s contribution, too, was pivotal. Using one of his Magic Tools, he nullified the corrosive blood of the Corroded Elder Dragon.

And then, the sealed Black Gate that had absolutely refused to budge, at last, opened itself once the third orb of light appeared above it. Just as the Dungeon Maniacs had speculated, beyond it was the Dungeon’s next layer. When the revelation was broadcast through the Monitors, a thunderous cheer swept across Dungeon City, shaking its very foundations.

Further discoveries followed in rapid succession. Once an Explorer surpassed level 100, their Job evolved. Hybrid-elemental Magic Stones were found, sparking new possibilities in equipment crafting and Magic Tool development. The economy flourished as trade in these rare materials exploded. All the while, Explorers, both seasoned veterans and eager newcomers alike, threw themselves deeper, hearts burning with the dream of conquering the yet-unending Dungeon.