Live Dungeon! Chapter 365: An Inescapable Reality

Though the party composition had technically shifted, the minimal change involving only Xeno and Daryl meant their synergy remained largely intact. Daryl, perhaps too accustomed to the tempo of a Channeler, found his bearings swiftly. He was, after all, a straightforward individual, easily adaptable. With Pico offering guidance, Xeno, too, was unlikely to become a burden.

"You're getting the hang of it," Tsutomu remarked. "Just try not to lag too far behind Garm, alright?"

"Hey, I'm not exactly a miracle worker here..." Daryl responded with a bashful smile.

Tsutomu's initial assessments proved largely accurate. Daryl began by mirroring Garm's actions, using him as a benchmark, before gradually syncing with the party's overall cadence. Meanwhile, Korinna's contingent had advanced to the ninety-ninth layer, indicating no significant obstacles had arisen on their path.

"Try not to imitate me too closely," Garm’s voice rumbled, a hint of displeasure lacing his words.

"Huh...?"

The contrast between the two Cynokins was striking. Daryl's ears drooped in mild confusion, while Garm's stood erect, twitching with irritation, as if trying to dislodge a growing sense of disquiet. His curt replies and detached demeanor created an atmosphere akin to an older brother suddenly freezing out a younger sibling, leaving Daryl looking about as if seeking parental intervention.

"I feel like I can move better during [, Amy chirped enthusiastically. "You know, in the midst of [!"

"……"

Amy's proficiency in her Dragon transformation had measurably improved, with each interval extending longer than the last. Across from her, Amira observed with a quiet intensity, her gaze fixed on her greatsword, a contemplative expression on her face as she weighed her own progress against Amy’s advancements.

Amy's initial gains may have appeared modest, but her unwavering dedication to Tsutomu's exacting, almost painstakingly detailed, directives had yielded remarkable results. She now stood as a formidable cornerstone among the Dualbladers, her only true rival being Weiss, another proficient wielder of twin blades. Her combat prowess had escalated significantly, and her coordination with the Clan had reached an unprecedented level.

Amira, inspired by Amy's recent surge in capability, had increasingly focused on maintaining her [ and [, dedicating herself to those specific aspects.

As Tsutomu took in the contrasting defensive strategies of his frontline Tanks, Daryl and Garm, alongside the raw power and swiftness of his Attackers, he casually dismissed his [ with a subtle hand gesture, like a fleeting illusion fading from view.

[The party's collective strength is more than adequate,] he mused internally. [With Garm and Daryl anchoring the defense, there's no cause for concern on that front. Amy has ascended to the ranks of top-tier Dualbladers, and should any member falter, Amira possesses the offensive might to compensate. Frankly, this group is quite formidable.]

With every member having surpassed level ninety, their statistical attributes were comfortably optimized. Furthermore, their tactical cohesion presented no significant issues. This ensemble was, without a shadow of a doubt, fully equipped to conquer the hundredth layer.

[…But honestly, I really, truly wish I didn’t have to go.]

If there was a single point of apprehension, it was his own perceived inadequacy as the sole remaining vulnerability within the group. With the hundredth layer looming so close, all the reservations he had long suppressed surged back with renewed force. The allure of abandoning his quest, of forsaking Earth and remaining in this world indefinitely, exerted a powerful pull.

Upon his initial arrival in this realm, an overwhelming desire to return home had consumed him. He had managed to accumulate sufficient Gold for his foundational needs and dungeoneering endeavors by liquidating his Black Staff. However, lacking a robust support network, his early days were marked by the dismissive treatment of a novice, often regarded as a 'Lucky Boy' whom others preferred to keep at a distance.

Yet, as he ascended through the trials of God's Dungeon alongside Garm and Amy, his standing gradually improved. Instances of blatant unfairness became less frequent. While perilous encounters still occurred, the pervasive sense of fear began to wane. Life in this world progressively eased.

Should he opt to remain, the necessity of conquering the hundredth layer would be rendered moot. He could let Korinna or Stephanie achieve that distinction; any other capable individual would suffice. His remaining days could be spent peacefully within this world, surrounded by his Clan, the Guild personnel, the proprietor of the Forest Apothecary who consistently provided him with quality Potions, and the skilled artisans at the Dorren Workshop who maintained his equipment. He would be spared the pain of parting with any of them.

Moreover, his accumulated wealth would remain untouched, providing financial security for the rest of his life should he choose not to work. His social standing would be preserved; nothing would be forfeited. He had even visualized this tranquil future on several occasions, running through the possibilities as if playing out a carefully constructed simulation.

[But ultimately, reality has a way of reasserting itself, doesn't it… ]

No matter how much time drifted by within this realm, a part of him remained unconvinced of its authenticity. A persistent inner voice whispered that soon, he would awaken back in his familiar room at home. Despite acknowledging the genuine efforts of this world's inhabitants to accumulate their Gold, he couldn't shake the perception of it as mere in-game currency. Deep down, a dismissive scoff still echoed whenever he witnessed others treating it as genuine wealth.

If escaping one's reality were that simple, he would have done so long ago, back in his formative high school years, when 'Live Dungeon' first ensnared him in its digital abyss. That period marked the game's zenith, a time when news outlets sounded alarms about online gaming addiction and school dropout rates surged. Some of his peers even abandoned their education entirely, dedicating themselves to full-time play. He himself felt the pressure from online acquaintances to extend his gaming hours. His high school experiences were almost entirely painted with the pixels of 'Live Dungeon'.

Yet, even amidst the pauses between loading screens and the silences in chat, he diligently prepared for his entrance exams. By the narrowest of margins, he managed to secure a place in university. While others severed ties with the real world for the game, Tsutomu maintained a tentative connection, however grudgingly. This stance, however, was enough to alienate those around him.

He continued to immerse himself in the game for several more years, adopting a more stable role as a Clan leader rather than engaging in relentless grinding. However, with the departure of the original developers and a significant decline in the player base, Tsutomu recognized the inevitable end. He witnessed friends gradually fade away and observed the new management's fervent desire to extract every last cent from the game and its devoted followers. By his third year of university, his engagement with the game was merely a pastime to occupy his time while seeking employment. In fact, he had already received a job offer by the time he was experimenting with managing five accounts simultaneously.

The dedicated players who once belittled and dominated newcomers, the dropouts, those who became reclusive to devote their lives to 'Live Dungeon'—all of them eventually had to confront the stark realities of the world outside the game. Tsutomu understood that he was no exception. Regardless of how captivating this existence might be, he could not simply ignore the existence of the tangible world. This realization fueled his resolve to push forward: to conquer the hundredth layer and not let that be the conclusion. He would face reality head-on, rather than flee from it.

[If only there were a way to seamlessly log in and out of Earth…]

Even with such a firm resolution, the lingering doubts and internal turmoil persisted. Thus, Tsutomu continued to provide crucial support to his party, ensuring their buffs and healing remained consistent as they advanced through the ninety-ninth layer, striving with all his might to hold back the encroaching tide of escapism.