Live Dungeon! Chapter 366: The Beginning of the Hundredth Layer

Several days had gone by after both of Absolute Helix's parties had successfully cleared the ninety-ninth floor. Now, finally, they stood poised before the ominous Black Gate, the very gateway that promised passage into the hundredth floor. As was entirely expected, this yet-unseen floor of the God's Dungeon had ignited a tremendous amount of curiosity. Responding to the urgent requests from influential nobles and the vigilant city's Security Team, Absolute Helix had graciously consented to a structured entry time.

Consequently, the grand assault was slated for two days hence, commencing in the early evening hours. It was also publicly declared that Korinna's party would be tasked with the crucial role of vanguard. This significant decision elicited a dual reaction of admiration and doubt from both seasoned Explorers and devoted Dungeon Maniacs; however, a mere handful dared to question Korinna's capabilities to merit such an esteemed position.

"The hundredth floor, truly… So, this is the final destination. God's Dungeon, completely vanquished."

"This implies that the rest of us are on the verge of becoming obsolete."

"Well, that’ll finally be the time I hand over the family business to you."

"Ugh, anything but that curse…"

A crestfallen young Dungeon Maniac wrinkled his nose at the pronouncement delivered by his father, who was also his master, a skilled artisan specializing in the creation of elaborate furnishings and decorative pieces. These were commissioned by wealthy patrons, ever eager to bestow adornments of glory upon the valiant Explorers. Should the Dungeon indeed culminate at the hundredth floor, such lavish commissions would inevitably dwindle, and the constant influx of fresh intelligence vital for Dungeon Maniacs would cease. The entire industry, along with its associated culture, faced the grim prospect of decay.

"Come on now, I’m betting there are more floors beyond this one. Aren’t there?"

"Right!"

"Yeah!"

The craftsman's wife and their young child readily added their optimistic voices, their countenances beaming with eager hope. They were certainly not alone in their sentiment; numerous families and workers whose livelihoods were intricately linked to the God's Dungeon had begun to engage in fervent discussions regarding the Dungeon's future trajectory.

This wasn't merely idle speculation. The profound symbolic significance attached to reaching the immaculate, seemingly definitive number of one hundred had ignited impassioned debates across the entirety of Dungeon City. The ultimate determination of whether this juncture represented a true finale or a mere stepping stone would irrevocably shape the destiny of every single inhabitant. Even a child could readily comprehend the immense magnitude of what was at stake.

"Man, I really don't need this kind of stress right now…"

"I wish I could just take the day off…"

It was common knowledge that the subsequent day would witness an overwhelming influx of eager spectators. Even at this moment, the Security Team was actively patrolling the vicinity, their expressions etched with a grim premonition. Maintaining order amidst the throngs of commoners and nobles who would inevitably congregate around the Monitors presented a formidable challenge.

By the eve of the anticipated assault, Dungeon City was practically vibrating with a palpable energy. Every single area, from the bustling Pedestal Market to the most remote tavern, was alive with an electric sense of anticipation. Dungeon Maniacs were working with intense focus, meticulously dissecting Absolute Helix's party configurations and attempting to forecast the imminent challenges.

In the vicinity of Monitor #1, supplementary seating structures were being erected with haste to accommodate the expected deluge of onlookers. The majority of the workers, characterized by their short hair and broad shoulders, labored tirelessly deep into the night and through the pre-dawn hours, utilizing Shell Crabs to transport materials efficiently and circumvent the growing crowds. Even the esteemed House Babenberg had contributed to this monumental effort, lending their support to the construction of an expansive, dome-shaped observation deck erected directly above the Monitor. Smith, assuming a position as one of the principal architects, meticulously adjusted the blueprints, his brow furrowed in concentration as he refined the plans with scrupulous attention to detail.

The mobile food vendors situated near the Pedestal Market placed significantly larger orders for provisions than usual, preparing ingredients in substantial quantities to satisfy the anticipated surge in demand from customers. Delivery personnel were observed making rapid journeys between the various stalls, while the acquisition and exchange of Magic Stones for culinary implements escalated into a full-blown frenzy. At Tsutomu's familiar exchange post, a spirited young Dwarf girl was energetically directing a group of robust men, ensuring the entire operation ran with the disciplined efficiency of a military encampment.

Over at the Dorren Workshop, skilled artisans were racing against time to finalize the installation of seating and protective fencing in readiness for the main event. At the Potion emporium, the venerable Forest Apothecary was diligently overseeing her rapidly improving apprentice, guiding the younger, yet equally seasoned, lady as they busily concocted successive batches of potent Potions. In every conceivable location, individuals moved with a clear and determined purpose. The collective spirit of Dungeon City was mobilized, united in its fervent anticipation of witnessing the events on the hundredth floor.

"…Very well then, shall we proceed?"

And so, the fated day finally dawned. As the evening shadows began to lengthen, a profound stillness descended upon the city. All commercial establishments had ceased operations prematurely. Workers had concluded their shifts hours before the scheduled end time. Every single gaze was directed towards Monitor #1, where Korinna, clearly visible on the screen, stood at the forefront of her party, her expression one of strained intensity and nervous anticipation.

The instant the colossal Black Gate began to groan open, unveiling the enigmatic hundredth floor, the assembled multitude erupted in a deafening crescendo of cheers.

▽▽

"Quite the commotion unfolding down there," Tsutomu commented, his tone light and remarkably unperturbed.

He was comfortably seated near the apex of a specially erected airborne viewing gallery, a marvel of Shield magic conjured into existence by Smith, boasting color-coded seating arrangements and intricate decorative details meticulously designed by Biancaea.

Upon hearing his words, Smith spun around, his sharp gaze alight with a flicker of annoyance.

"Had I not extended this invitation, you would have been mired in that quagmire. Show a modicum of gratitude."

"My deepest apologies and sincerest thanks, Lord Smith," Tsutomu responded, his tone dripping with mock humility.

With an audible click of his tongue at the veiled sarcasm, Smith redirected his attention to the Monitor. The crowd's clamor surged like an ocean tide. To Tsutomu's left and right, Garm and Amy remained in quiet contemplation, their focus unwavering as they observed the unfolding scene on the battlefield.

[The Ancient Castle of Oblivion…]

Tsutomu's recognition dawned as the landscape materialized on the Monitor: the very place where his existence in this new world had first begun. A chilling sensation, akin to embers crackling against his skin, coursed through him, yet he found himself unable to tear his eyes away.

Deep within the Dungeon, Korinna and her companions stood at the core of an arena-like structure. The expansive, circular clearing initially seemed to disorient them. However, following Korinna's swift invocation of [ and [, the group quickly regained their bearings and commenced a thorough examination of their surroundings.

"……"

Diniel was the first among them to register the anomaly, her elongated ears twitching at a sound imperceptible to the others. Her gaze uplifted, her eyes narrowed beneath the dim, overcast heavens.

Initially, it appeared as naught but a dark speck adrift in the clouds. However, it rapidly expanded, casting a larger shadow as it descended. The velocity of its approach left no doubt that it was not merely an object of casual interest.

"Something is descending! From above!"

Diniel's cry pierced the heavy atmosphere. The entire party looked skyward, their vision converging on the swiftly approaching dark silhouette.

Moments later, a roar erupted.

It boomed across the arena, akin to a tempest unleashed, imbued with a malevolence that seemed to agitate the very earth. The sheer oppressive force of the sound compelled universal stillness, yet no trace of panic surfaced. They had faced the Devourer Dragon before. This was not their initial encounter with a creature exuding an aura of death.

"Well then, there's our quarry! Let's see what the hundredth layer has prepared for us, shall we?"

Hannah's lips curved into a grin as she lowered her stance, her heels bouncing lightly as if in warm-up. She then proceeded to crush a Colorless Magic Stone within her right hand, bringing her fists together and channeling its potent energy into her being.

"Did you hear that?! That roar! It's every bit as terrifying as the Devourer Dragon's! That must be the boss monster!"

Xeno gestured towards the rapidly descending entity, his voice resonating with the fervor of a commentator addressing an unseen multitude through the God Eye. "[, Leleia uttered softly.

Despite maintaining an outward composure, her nature as a Dragonewt amplified her underlying apprehension. With practiced efficiency, she summoned the earth spirit Gnome to Xeno's position. Subsequently, she reached up to caress the smooth underside of the Salamander resting upon her shoulder, an attempt to steady her jangled nerves.

"Haaah…"

Korinna released a deep exhalation, a breath tinged with both nervousness and a subtle undercurrent of anticipation. Her fingers tightened their grip on the amulet adorning her neck.

Diniel observed the gesture but remained silent. Instead, she nocked an arrow, drawing the bowstring taut with a formidable strength far beyond that of an ordinary individual. Her gaze fixed upon the monster, now close enough for its true form to be discernible.

The creature impacted the ground with a seismic shudder.

It was a colossal Dragon, devoid of eyes and seemingly skeletal in structure. It directed its vacant stare towards Korinna's assembled party.

"It's a… skeletal Dragon?" Hannah questioned aloud, assessing its appearance.

"Nay… it more closely resembles a corpse than a mere skeleton," Xeno countered. "The bones possess a raw quality. There's an unsettling freshness about them. [!"

From a distance, the entity bore a semblance to the Skeleton Dragons encountered alongside the Demi-Lich in the Wasteland Layers. Yet, in stark contrast to their desiccated, fossilized remains, this creature appeared as though its flesh had been recently stripped away. Its appearance was profoundly disturbing, its bony frame still glistening with an unidentifiable corruption.

The Corroded Elder Dragon…

While Hannah and Xeno engaged in their debate regarding its nature, the creature completed its self-assembly. Then, with a ghastly, retching movement, it expelled a torrent of corrosive breath.

An immediate reaction from the party was necessitated. [ swiftly elevated them beyond the immediate danger, the breath leaving a viscous trail of sludge across the arena floor. The ground below bubbled and churned erratically, as if a bog had suddenly materialized in the Dragon's wake.

"Ugh… being struck by that would be most unpleasant," Xeno remarked, a grimace contorting his features.

"Try not to dissolve, eh, Xeno?" Hannah quipped, a toothy grin spreading across her face.

"Let us refrain from uttering such ill omens, shall we?" Xeno replied. "Nevertheless… your point is well-taken. Prudence will be essential."

On the opposing side of the Monitor, the assembled spectators engaged in fervent discussion and expressed widespread excitement. The Corroded Elder Dragon had now made its dramatic appearance, and all attention pivoted to Absolute Helix, awaiting their response. The Dungeon Maniacs were already deeply entrenched in their analytical procedures, meticulously dissecting the Boss's capabilities, closely monitoring the party's movements, and actively formulating potential strategies.