Chapter 196: |
Dungeon Stampede 2.0 Paradox
The Dungeon Stampede 2.0 hit, throwing Japan into a sudden state of end-of-century violence. Despite this, we kept moving and were relieved to reunite with Shark.
As refugees filled the buildings, the school finally regained some peace. Fortunately, this area hasn’t suffered from water or power outages.
We’ve grown accustomed to news of lifelines being severed by dungeons, causing outages, and being reported almost daily.
And my beloved college girls? They were bombarded with questions from the female students, who surrounded us as soon as we reunited with Shark.
“What’s your relationship with Toga-san?”
“Hey, why are you dressed like that?”
“You look amazing! Can I shake your hand?”
They were engulfed in excited cheers.
As a result, they’ve all reached level 18 from fighting monsters.
They were level 15 after defeating the Bloody Carrot boss. We didn’t level up after defeating the Evil Apotrent due to too many party members, so they leveled up three times today alone.
Now, they possess power that even impresses me. A quick check revealed that their abilities increased by almost 30 points per level, reaching nearly 200.
“Charm isn't much, but stamina has increased tremendously!”
Apparently, individual attributes like charm and stamina affect each person differently.
Anyway, as special students, their growth is boosted by about 30%. With abilities of around 200, they’re almost as strong as I was when I defeated King Goki.
For reference, here’s what my stats looked like when my abilities were around 200.
Current
Level 36
Race: Human
Strength 200
Stamina 201
Intelligence 202
Spirit 220
Agility 208
Luck 103
Dexterity 200
Skills:
[Strong Acid], [Agility], [Disease Resistance 5], [Usurp], [Slime 2]
Titles:
[Insect King]
It’s alarming that they reached my level 36 capabilities at level 18. But I’ve also leveled up amid intense battles.
Current Previous
Level 13 12
Race: Human
Job: Teacher
Attributes
Strength: 302 266
Stamina: 286 258
Intelligence: 299 251
Spirit: 300 265
Agility: 311 253
Luck: 444 390
Desperation: 549 554
Blessings:
[Salt Spirit], [Fairy Queen's Blessing], [Semi-Divine Viscous Being]
Skills:
[Strong Acid 2], [Agility 2], [Disease Resistance 7], [Usurpation], [Mucus 9], [Space 6], [Luck 1.4], [Footwork], [Meditation], [Salt 5], [Art], [Maggot 2], [Female], [Fighting 6], [Paralysis 4], [Jump 9], [Sturdy 8], [Charm]
Titles:
[Bug King], [Salt Mate], [Salty Guy], [Bug Queen], [Woman Killer], [Bug Friends]
However, my stats are the only thing that’s changed. Overall, I’ve shifted from a spirit focus to a speed focus. But my desperation remains strong.
Anyway, now Ninna and the others are stronger and more beautiful, wearing stylish armor, and are very popular with Shark High School girls. Jealous, Shark came to me with a pouty look, asking for similar armor.
“You said you wouldn’t wear insect skins before, right?”
“Well… I’ve changed my mind! Jung said to use whatever you can!”
Well, that’s fine. After we get through this stampede safely.
Oh, I tried taking off my mask to attract the female students, but they were scared and didn’t come near me. My first impression was apparently terrible.
I should’ve taken my mask off from the start.
…..
The three of them went to check the back gate with Shark and the students, so I talked a bit with the office staff before heading to the heavy equipment fighters.
The heavy machinery we traveled with was neatly lined up outside the main gate. The heavy equipment fighters were eating convenience store lunches under the cherry trees.
“Hey, want to join us for lunch?”
“No, thanks. Go ahead and eat.”
The guys had stocked up on food and alcohol during a fuel stop. I sat at the edge of their sheet, joining their conversation.
“I thought it might be tough, but it’s all going according to your plan!”
The plan, of course, was to act “knowing it was wrong but necessary to save lives.”, and to explain in court if needed.
“We finally caught a break!”
“Yeah, we can relax for now.”
The heavy-equipment fighters seemed to think they’d be completely forgiven. But criminal charges might be reduced; they’d still likely face hefty civil damages.
I decided not to dampen their spirits by mentioning this.
“Aren’t you hungry? You were moving a lot.”
“No, thanks. I’ve been too active; my stomach can’t handle food right now. Thanks.”
I politely declined the offered lunch, a habit from my salaryman days to use formal language with strangers. Convenience store lunches, once my staple, now seemed like a bad performance choice.
“We fought so hard but didn’t get stronger at all.”
“Should’ve entered a dungeon when one appeared.”
Despite defeating hundreds of monsters, the heavy equipment fighters didn’t level up or gain stats.
That’s because stats only become perceptible in dungeons, and without them, you can’t absorb life energy from monsters.
So, despite all their fighting, they hadn’t grown stronger.
“We thought we’d get stronger like you guys, but nothing happened.”
“Well, we failed, haha.”
They were having a cherry blossom viewing party, drinking under the blossoms.
Since they fought hard against monsters during the day, I decided not to spoil the mood.
“Could you refrain from drinking on school grounds?”
However, at that moment, the stern Aikido girl came striding over and bluntly said what I had been avoiding. Wow, this girl is amazing but scary. Being worse at reading the room than me is quite something.
"""………"""
As expected, the atmosphere turned icy cold in an instant.
"Ah, young lady, you’re absolutely right. Drinking at school, that’s on us. But you see, during the day, we saw a lot a lot of people dying. We need this drink to calm ourselves and to mourn them…"
"Yeah… even at a funeral, your dad would drink, right? This is the same."
Oh, the guys didn’t get angry but responded skillfully. Age brings wisdom, after all.
"But if you get drunk, what will you do if monsters appear again? Don’t risk drunk driving!"
"""………"""
Yeah, well, she’s right about that. When it comes to the law, even these guys had to agree.
"And Ezuki-san."
(Wait, now it’s my turn…!?)
Suddenly, her target changed to me. I was locked onto by the stern Aikido high school girl. What to do now?
"Um… what is it?"
"I heard from Toga-san that there are more Pixies. Could you let me take care of one as well?"
"Ah, I see. But no, I refuse!"
I cut down her request without hesitation.
"Why not? I’ve also gained power in the dungeon-like Toga-san!"
"I know that. But this isn’t about power. The issue is whether I can trust you or not."
"What do you mean by that?"
"I know what kind of person Shark… no, Toga is. If the Pixie was in danger, she’d protect it with her life. That’s why I trusted her with it. Even if the Pixie dies, I wouldn’t blame her."
"Are you saying you’d blame me?"
"I don’t know if I would or not. But since I don’t know you well enough, I can’t entrust an important companion to you. Besides, there are people here with heavy machinery to help defend the main gate. I think that’s sufficient, don’t you?"
"Yeah, young lady, we’ll protect the school properly!"
"That’s right, leave it to us!"
"But you’re drinking alcohol…"
"""………"""
The stern Aikido girl pointed that out, and the guys collectively wilted.
Hmm, well yeah. Things rarely go smoothly in this world.
