Live Dungeon! Chapter 2, Guild Registration
Previously on Live Dungeon!...
“Eek!”
Tsutomu landed on the wooden floor with a shriek, like a frog meeting its demise, completely startled. Disorganized, loud voices assaulted his ears. After a moment, he realized he was clad in torn, simple, light-brown attire.
He felt around his body, relieved to confirm his hands were still attached. As he continued checking for any other issues, the man beside him seized his collar and hauled him up with considerable force.
“Hm, this is your first time respawning after death, isn't it? Can you stand properly?”
“Y-yes.”
The man was adorned in fine indigo clothing, a golden star emblazoned on his chest, reminiscent of a soldier. Lifted by the individual, Tsutomu managed to steady himself using the black cane he had dropped.
Tsutomu stood at approximately 170cm, but upon regaining his footing, he observed the man towered at around 190cm. In that instant, it felt as though he were being interrogated by law enforcement.
“Hey, you. Where’s your status card?”
“S-status card?”
“You’re a Diver, aren’t you?”
The tall man narrowed his eyes suspiciously at Tsutomu, who instinctively recoiled in fear. The man's gaze lingered on Tsutomu before he let out a sigh.
“This is the Dungeon of the Gods. Everyone possesses the right to enter… You are likely an orphan, though. Anyway, where did you acquire that cane?”
“Uh…”
“…I suppose your memory is still a bit hazy. Anyhow, if you lack a status card and entered the dungeon with that cane, people would certainly have spoken about you. It's probably not your original equipment. Yet, no one is foolish enough to leave such an item lying around in the plains, which implies you likely obtained it from a treasure chest. What color was it?”
“Uh, it was sparkling and brilliant. It almost seemed to capture the sun’s light.”
Under the barrage of questions, Tsutomu answered without fully grasping the situation's weight. The black cane Tsutomu held was a high-tier weapon, crafted from a rare drop originating from the ancient city situated on the 90th floor. As Tsutomu recounted the details of the treasure chest that contained the cane, a flicker of excitement crossed the man's face.
“That’s… the type that bestows divine gifts! You are truly fortunate!”
Tsutomu offered a strained smile as the man clapped him on the shoulder. Finally, he could take in his surroundings. Dragonewts with densely packed crimson scales adorned their limbs. Agile beastmen were also present, their forms incorporating various animalistic traits. The man who had clasped his shoulder sported black dog ears atop his head and a black tail that swished rhythmically.
Naturally, numerous regular humans were also in abundance. Some individuals were shamelessly ogling the receptionists, while others meticulously polished their armor. A few were even inquiring about their current location, much like Tsutomu.
“Apologies. I became a bit too enthusiastic. Shall we have this item appraised?”
“Ah, certainly.”
Tsutomu felt a prickle of unease due to the curious gazes directed his way, yet he continued walking, seemingly guided by the canine-man. As they proceeded, he scanned the horizon as far as his vision allowed. Everything he observed was straight from the pages of fantasy – elves with pointed ears and golden hair, elderly men no taller than grade-schoolers, and even individuals with feathered appendages.
The architecture was also rather peculiar. Predominantly, they were wooden constructions. However, the point from which Tsutomu had emerged was now a void of pure black, like a rift torn through the very fabric of existence.
As Tsutomu watched, the black portal dilated open. Five individuals clad in attire similar to his own were unceremoniously ejected and deposited onto the floor. Then, mirroring his own experience, guards in indigo uniforms escorted them away from the structure.
Catching his attention, ethereal displays, akin to fantasy monitors, floated in mid-air. Within these holographic projections, a party of adventurers battling goblins was vividly depicted.
“We have arrived. Please proceed inside.”
Before he could voice a reply, he was ushered into a private chamber. Seated behind a counter was a cat-girl, dressed in indigo, idly resting her elbow and displaying a bored demeanor. Then, as if suddenly galvanized, upon noticing Tsutomu and the dog-man, she addressed them with a hint of admiration in her tone.
“It is uncommon for the astute puppy to grace us with his presence.”
“I share your sentiment, but please appraise this fellow for now. I’m uncertain if it was divine intervention, but he managed to acquire that item during his dive.”
“Is that a cane? Let me examine it!”
The cat-girl’s ears perked up, and her almond-shaped pupils sharpened as she inspected the cane Tsutomu presented. “Mumumu,” she murmured softly, channeling magical energy into the artifact. Her voice then conveyed astonishment.
“This is the most valuable artifact I have ever had the privilege to appraise.”
“Ooh.”
“My skill level is insufficient, so I could only discern the Quickspell's primary effect; it likely possesses additional benefits. Furthermore, its magic power conductivity is unparalleled. Even so, it holds significant worth. Ten large, top-grade magic stones… no, with two additional fire magic stones! That should accurately reflect its current value! To use such a basic appraisal spell on an item of this caliber is almost sacrilegious, so I’ll waive the appraisal fee!”
“This fellow disappeared for a while. Doesn't he seem loaded?”
“Indeed… However, appraising this might actually boost my skill level. Hmm… Hey, you! You can pay the rest later, but would you mind leaving it with me for now? One medium-sized, mid-quality magic stone should suffice for the initial fee!”
The white-haired catgirl leaned forward across the counter. Despite her reduced fee, Tsutomu still felt a twinge of unease and instinctively glanced at the dog man. “Hmm,” the dog man rumbled, stroking his chin. He then crouched slightly to meet Tsutomu’s gaze.
“She’s a bit eccentric, but she’s unmatched in appraisal skills. A single medium-sized stone is an unheard-of rate for her.”
“You’re stating the obvious, but fine! What do you say~? Normally, I charge one large magic stone for appraisals~”
“What I can tell you is, while she mentioned waiting for the remainder, she typically only waits half a day. In other words, you’d be wise to sell it immediately.”
“Hey, who are you siding with, puppy? I’m guild staff! Just like you~! Promoting the guild’s interests should be your top priority~!”
The dog man disregarded the catgirl’s complaints and the sound of her slapping the counter, continuing his address.
“That staff is likely an item of the highest tier. Perhaps wielding it could help you overcome the 50th-floor barrier, bringing immense wealth and renown. Do you still wish to sell it?”
“…”
Tsutomu pondered. This might not merely be a dream; it could be reality. The pain he felt when struck by the Festering Ancient Dragon’s breath was unlike anything before. Now, a dog man was observing him with a grave expression. There was no possibility this was a dream.
If this was reality, not a dream, then a pragmatic decision was necessary. If it were a dream, he could simply laugh it off later. Taking a deep breath, Tsutomu closed his eyes. After a few moments, he opened his eyes, his gaze steady, and spoke with composure.
“I’ll sell it.”
Although its creation was arduous, the staff was not his sole asset. Moreover, the staff would be rendered ineffective without suitable armor or tools. Wealth took precedence.
“…I understand. If that is your decision, then so be it.”
The dog man acknowledged Tsutomu’s firm resolve and stood up, instructing the catgirl to proceed with the appraisal. The catgirl, having anticipated this, eagerly took the staff, her white tail swaying gently as she retreated behind the counter.
“The appraisal will take a few hours. In the meantime, you should create your status card. Even if you don’t intend to delve further, it’s useful for managing your gold.”
“Ah, understood. Thank you.”
They departed the private room, heading toward a bustling counter. Tsutomu felt gazes upon him as they passed, drawing his attention. He seemed to be the focus of scrutiny, and his previously relaxed demeanor faltered slightly.
They then approached an unoccupied counter. The dog man placed his hand on the counter, vaulted over it with surprising agility, and chuckled at Tsutomu’s startled reaction.
“Very well. Welcome to the guild reception of the Dungeon of the Gods. We are pleased to have you. Now, I shall create your status card for you. Is that agreeable?”
“Yes.”
“The fee is 100,000 gold, but I will cover it for now. It will be deducted from the sale price of your staff, alright?”
“Alright.”
“Now then, please provide a bodily fluid on this card.”
The dog man slid a white object, resembling a cutting board, across the counter and began reaching beneath it.
“Bodily fluid…?”
“Essentially, blood or saliva, for example.”
“Ah, I see.”
Emerging from beneath the counter, the dog man presented a thin, needle-like object. Tsutomu, however, simply dripped some accumulated saliva onto the status card on the counter. Instantly, the card emitted a gentle white glow. The light was soft, not blinding. Once the glow subsided, the dog man wiped away the saliva and examined the card.
“Kyotani Tsutomu… Oh. LUK and MND are identical. Your class is White Mage. Quite respectable for a Level 1.”
Tsutomu clutched the status card tightly in both hands after the dog man reviewed it and handed it back.
_______________________________________________________________
KYOTANI TSUTOMU
LV 1
STR (Strength) D-
DEX (Dexterity) D-
VIT (Vitality) D-
AGI (Agility) D-
MND (Intelligence) D
LUK (Luck) D
Class – White Mage
Skill – Heal
[A white mage, indicating it's likely my main account.] “Was it because my main account was the one that accepted the god’s invitation?” Tsutomu pondered, placing the card back down. “Next time, please entrust this to the receptionist before entering the dungeon. While Divers (individuals without a status card) will still receive God’s gift, they won’t be subject to God’s rule.” “Huh? God’s gift? God’s rule?” “Even if you perish within the dungeon, you will be resurrected at that black door. However, you’ll forfeit all possessions except for your most valuable item. Everything else remains trapped inside the dungeon.” The dog-man gestured towards the spot where Tsutomu had fallen as he explained. A shiver ran down Tsutomu’s spine as he recalled the breath of the Festering Ancient Dragon, but the dog-man continued. “There is but one God’s rule – thou shalt not harbor malicious intent and commit murder.” “Shall?” “Essentially, do not kill anyone within the dungeon. Should an individual take another’s life inside, they will be permanently barred from re-entry. Being forsaken by the gods is a fate far worse than death itself. Do not even contemplate it.” “Y-yes.” He leaned closer, causing Tsutomu to flinch back, much like he had when confronting the Festering Ancient Dragon. “However, if you forgo registering for a status card, the gods will not recognize you as human. As a diver, you would be treated identically to any monster within the dungeon. Even if a diver is slain inside, God’s rule will not be applied to them.” “In other words…” “When a diver is murdered, they simply dissipate into particles like any other monster, leaving virtually no evidence of their demise. There exist certain individuals who take pleasure in hunting divers. Starting next time, ensure you present this status card to the receptionist. By doing so, people will refrain from murdering you. In the worst-case scenario, you might be killed, but you will be revived there.” “…Understood.” Seemingly content with Tsutomu’s response, the dog-man took possession of his status card. “That concludes the accountability briefing. Do you have any further inquiries?” The dog-man inquired, casually brushing aside a lengthy strand of black hair. After a moment’s contemplation, Tsutomu raised his hand. “…May I ask a few more questions?” “Such as?” “Regarding God’s rule. Is it violated even if the person in question isn’t killed? For instance, causing them pain or luring monsters towards them?” “Ooh. You are quite young, yet your mind is remarkably twisted.” “Why, thank you,” Tsutomu responded as the dog-man crossed his arms. “Regrettably, as long as death does not occur, God’s rule remains inapplicable. Furthermore, unintentional assaults devoid of malicious intent do not breach the rule. Even if you were to perish in such a manner, God’s rule would not apply, and you would still respawn at the black door. However, concerning the luring of monsters…” “Ah, does that trigger the rule?” The dog-man appeared hesitant to answer. He shook his head. “Luring monsters does not violate the rule. Nevertheless, there are some foolish individuals who still engage in this practice for the sake of rare drops, disregarding the potential repercussions.” “…Because of that, I see?” “Precisely.” Tsutomu gestured towards the hovering monitors, and the dog-man responded with a silent nod. “God utilizes those displays to broadcast the progress of parties within the dungeon. Primarily, they showcase parties that have advanced the furthest or those currently engaged in combat. Approximately fifty such displays are active at any given time. If they were to engage in the aforementioned actions…” “They would lose credibility. No one would willingly join their parties. Furthermore, punishments would ensue.” “That is correct. Consequently, members of clans generally refrain from feuding with one another. Engaging in conflict would tarnish the clan’s reputation and lead to expulsion. Every clan rigorously instills this rule within its members.” “I comprehend. May I pose two more questions?” “Hm?” Tsutomu surveyed his surroundings before speaking in a hushed tone. “I wish to hire escorts or similar assistance. Does such a service exist within the guild? If so, I would be interested in retaining your services.” “Hoho. It is rather surprising that someone without a status card is aware of such matters.” “It is easily inferred from observation.” Tsutomu had noticed that the guards clad in indigo attire and individuals who respawned frequently moved together. He observed those exiting the black door with only a single weapon or piece of armor, accompanied by guild staff guiding them outside. Tsutomu found it peculiar that they would go so far as to escort them to the guild entrance, let alone guide them to the reception. However, upon hearing the dog-man’s account of diver hunting, he surmised that public safety within this establishment was precarious. He could readily envision the malevolent gazes one would attract upon entering in such inadequate equipment. “Additionally, if feasible, could you provide a tutorial regarding the dungeon? I would be most grateful if I could learn the dos and don’ts within the dungeon, as well as effective strategies for conquering it. This is because, well, I am an orphan and lack such knowledge.”“Ah, systems like that aren’t recognized, but since the guild personnel can personally take on requests, and I grasp your requirements, I shall accept.”
“Thank you. Just one final question remains.”
“Indeed, I am eager to hear it. I can provide answers to nearly any inquiry you may have.”
The dog-like man thumped his well-trained chest with pride as Tsutomu posed his conclusive question.
“What name do you go by?”
“…My designation is Garm. It is an honor to meet you, Lord Tsutomu Kyotani.”
“Ah, please just call me Tsutomu, it’s fine.”
Tsutomu’s eyes, already narrow, drew even closer together, and a smile bloomed on his face as he perceived the faintly menacing aura Garm was exuding.