Chapter 55
Isn't this an incredible discovery?
It's warping, warp!
I don't understand This way, but I do get that warping is amazing.
"It's like connecting two points in the real world by passing through a factory in a pocket dimension."
Once a door is placed, it keeps existing there unless I delete it, huh.
This needs testing.
Returning to the factory.
Huh, now that I look closely, there's a door behind the 'EXP Production Facility ver2.0'.
There are three in total.
Including the one I connected to the first floor and the one I connected next to the 15th-floor supply base, that makes five.
"I kind of want to move the 'EXP Production Facility ver2.0'..."
The 'Metal Trap Room' looks like it goes on forever, but it's actually just about a 20-meter-diameter circle.
If the edges get blocked, I won't be able to place a door.
"Gii."
"Chii chii chii."
"I'm counting on you two."
Shimaenaga-san grabs the top of the container with their feet, Gii-san lifts it from below using black tentacles, and together they carry Team Finger Man's treasured 'EXP Production Facility ver2.0' and gently land it in the center of the lake. Transfer complete.
There are three doors.
After opening and checking each one, I found they connect to the first floor, the 8th floor, and the 11th floor respectively.
These are the locations where I opened entrances to enter the 'Metal Trap Room'.
"Once the entrance is opened, does it stay open unless it's closed?"
Afterward, I ran various tests and summarized the properties of the doors.
- Once opened, the door remains open in that location
- The owner (me) can delete the door at will
- The door is usually transparent and visually camouflaged
- Knocking twice makes it visible and allows entry into the 'Metal Trap Room'
- Multiple doors can be placed, and if connected from the outside world, they will appear somewhere in the lake
However, after a certain time, they may get sorted to the perimeter (?)
That's about it.
The EXP factory might be a far more incredible anomaly than I thought.
"Installing a 'door' in frequently visited places sounds convenient."
"Gii."
"Indeed. Even though it's camouflaged, someone might accidentally discover it, so we should be a bit cautious about the placement."
"Gii."
I went ahead and deleted the door to the 11th floor.
I probably won't be using it much anyway.
The first floor is great for quickly returning to the surface, so I'll put it to good use.
Since Dungeon Broker S is on the 8th floor, I'll keep that one open for now.
Needless to say, I'll keep the one to the 15th floor open since it has the supply base.
This setup should work fine for now.
I'll add more as I notice the need.
"Alright then, shall we go meet S-san?"
Heading to the 8th floor where the broker is, to show them the 'Trap Room River'.
"You again?"
"Greetings, S-san. I've brought a fine item."
"What's with that persona... Hm, I see. You've brought something good. The 'Trap Room' is extremely rare and fetches a very high price on the market. I'd pay more than the Foundation."
"Huh? The Foundation buys anomalies too?"
"That's your starting point...?"
Apparently, the Dungeon Foundation actively purchases anomalies as well.
First I've heard of it. Well, I didn't have anything to sell before anyway.
"Alright, let me do a comparison then. Please wait."
Using the EXP factory, I warp in one minute to visit Jiu-san on the 15th floor.
You might wonder why I didn't go to Shurado instead, but it's just a feeling. Maybe a sense of guilt for doing something shady. Since I don't know Jiu-san well yet, it's easier to do a morally questionable price check with her.
"...... Hmph, don't tell me... You've brought something incredible. The 'Trap Room' is an extremely rare excavation item. One moment please."
I hand Jiu-san the knife with a curved blade.
She quickly scans it using the usual appraisal machine and checks the price.
"The current fair purchase price is 995,268,541 yen."
That's crazy expensive?!
Wait, seriously?
Anomalies can sell for that much?
What would happen if I sold all my gear?
"Anomalies... s-sell for that much, huh... (trembling voice)"
"...... Yes. As the name suggests, anomalies—things that can't be explained by modern science or accumulated human knowledge—are inherently rare and valuable. Many explorers encounter an anomaly at least once before they retire, but even then, the number is said to be just one. They're already rare, and if they possess a useful abnormality, their value can skyrocket."
"So, the 'Trap Room' is considered useful?"
"...... Only nine successful excavations have ever occurred worldwide. Its easy-to-use, private pocket dimension nature is precisely why it commands such a high price."
It really is that rare...
"——That said, this anomaly is special. The Foundation has made it a goal to recover all Trap Rooms."
"Huh? Really?"
"...... Yes. This anomaly has been used as a front by suspicious groups and has been abused in crimes like kidnapping, so it has a bad public image. Under the Trap Room Usage Restriction Treaty, the abnormality your Trap Room emits is now recorded, and if it's used in a crime, the authorities will take appropriate action. By the way, it's already been recorded. You're not getting away."
That's terrifying!
Why did the conversation suddenly turn scary!?
Wouldn't I get arrested instantly if I sold it under-the-table to the Dungeon Broker after hearing this!?
"Um, I'll sell it later, I promise I'll sell it properly..."
"...... A wise decision."
I was overwhelmed by Jiu-san's pressure. She's scary, so I think I'll go to Shurado instead. If I sell the 'Trap Room River', she might even seize the 'Metal Trap Room'. I have no confidence in resisting Jiu-san's pressure.
I quickly leave the supply base.
I'm a wholesome explorer. I don't get involved in shady stuff.
Now then, let's continue exploring, shall we (serious look)
Using 'Labyrinth Conqueror', I obtain a 3D map and identify treasure chests and hunting grounds.
I dash through the dark labyrinth, collecting everything as I go.
Oh my, already engaged with an enemy.
The dachshunds have grown quite large now.
But still, they end up as charred remains.
"Calibur."
——Snap
One, two, three, four, five.
Huh, it burned out after five.
It only had about the same durability as the 14th floor...
The 15th floor was a breeze too, so I think I'll descend to the 16th.
——A while later
In the end, I descended to the 18th floor and spent about 19 hours happily running the dungeon hunting routine, turning dachshunds into charred remains with a laugh, and gathering crystals and EXP. Another productive day.
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★Daily Mission★
Let's keep working steadily every day!
'Dungeon Life'
24 hours in the dungeon 24:00/24:00
★Today's Daily Mission Complete!★
Reward: 'EXP Enhancement Facility'
Consecutive days: Day 101
Steady Rank: Platinum Multiplier 10.0x
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Hmm, the Daily Mission window is rumbling with a groooaning sound.
This feeling... I have a hunch.
It's coming. No doubt about it—something's about to burst out.
I quickly make a "door" in the wall of the 18th floor.
Telling Daily-kun, "Just hang in there a little longer!", I rush into the EXP factory.
Right after, a huge black rectangular object is ejected. Second time.
Right next to the 'EXP Production Facility ver2.0', a similar container-shaped long machine lands with a splash. The two lined up are quite the sight.
Now then, what in the world is this?
I trace my finger over the item display.
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'EXP Enhancement Facility'
A work by the interdimensional artisan Morton
Applies one enhancement per hour
Storage 0/50
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Enhancement? What does that mean?
I ask Shimaenaga-san to try using 'Blasphemous Gaze'.
As a result, once again, we discover it's a wonderful gift.
This time, the facility apparently boosts the effect of condensed EXP items—like 'Wisdom of the Ancients' or 'Golden EXP'—by setting them into the device.
I collect the 38 'Golden EXP' that were produced during the 19 hours I spent running the dungeon hunting routine, and carry them from the 'EXP Production Facility ver2.0' into the adjacent 'EXP Enhancement Facility'.
There are a bunch of trays stacked up, like the kind used by family restaurant staff to serve food.
I know how to use it. All thanks to Shimaenaga-san's Gaze.
I place one sheet of 'Golden EXP' on a tray and insert it into the oven-like device. Inside the container, these oven-like devices are lined up against the wall in a 5×10 formation.
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'EXP Enhancement Facility'
A work by the interdimensional artisan Morton
Applies one enhancement per hour
Storage 38/50
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Apparently, inserting them into these oven-like machines completes the setup.
So if I wait an hour, the EXP should be increased.
Ahh, I can't wait to see how it turns out.
Heh heh heh. Wonder how much it'll go up?
"Chii chii......"
"No sneaking bites. Come on, Shimaenaga-san, let's go."
"Chi, chii! Chiii!"
The new facility looks pretty useful, and I'm getting excited.
Next up is the metal dachshund.
Since I've been working for 19 hours, one metal has been produced during that time thanks to the effect of the 'Metal Trap Room'.
It's Gii-san's turn to earn some EXP.
This time, I'm the one who has to hold Shimaenaga-san back.
By the way, here's my current level.
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Akagi Hideo
Level 155
HP 25,851/30,523
MP 3,021/5,361
Skills
'Finger Snap Lv5'
'Phobia Syndrome Lv8'
'Single Strike Lv6'
'Steel Spirit'
'Probability Time: Coin Lv2'
'Super Metal Assault Lv6'
'Blue Pulsation Lv2'
'Black Swamp's Severer'
'Super Catcher Lv3'
Equipment
'Blue Blood Lv3' G4
'Proof of the Chosen One' G3
'Labyrinth Conqueror' G4
'Adolphene's Holy Shroud' G3
'Mugen High-Load ver5.0' G4
'Bloodstained Comrade' G4
'Metal Trap Room Lv2' G4
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"Gii"
Gii-san successfully defeated the metal dachshund, gained EXP, and leveled up.
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Gii-san
Level 23
HP 3,021/4,427
MP 6,012/8,961
Skills
'Call of the Black Swamp Lv2'
'Black Swamp's Tragedy'
'Black Swamp's Armament'
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Looks like your skills have increased.
'Black Swamp's Armament', huh.
Okay, Gii-san, time for a quick inspect of your belongings.
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'Black Swamp's Armament'
Summons the Black Swamp's Armament
MP1–1000
Can be used once every 2 hours.
Stock 999
Use 200 MP to reset cooldown.
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I see.
Based on the pattern so far, I had a feeling, but maybe Gii-san is good with summoning-type skills.
Even the black tentacles aren't transforming his own body—it seems he's summoning them from another space, and the breakdancing master was brought from somewhere too.
"But you know, all of them have solid attack power... So, Gii-san, could you summon this armament thing? We need to check if it's dangerous."
"Gii"
The space distorted, and with a pop, a black naginata emerged.
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Gii-san
Level 23
HP 3,021/4,427
MP 5,012/8,961
Skills
'Call of the Black Swamp Lv2'
'Black Swamp's Tragedy'
'Black Swamp's Armament'
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Gii-san's MP has dropped by 1,000.
Does that mean this black naginata is worth 1,000 MP?
I pick it up.
It's light. I give it a few whirls.
Whoa, swords are this light? I feel like I could swing this as fast as I want—
—Begiin!
Sparks fly. The black blade shatters.
"Ah"
"Gii?!"
The naginata's blade has broken halfway through.
Huh... maybe I wasn't swinging it properly... I'm sorry, Gii-san, don't make such a sad face...
"Gii... gii gii..."
"I'm so sorry, Gii-san... I'll stop doing weird stuff, okay... Just let me off the hook this time... Yes, I'm the only guilty one here..."
I mean, if a sword breaks just from someone like me swinging it, then even if it's summoned, it doesn't really feel "dangerous."
"Gii..."
—The Calamity Mollusk looked back and forth between the broken naginata and its master with a puzzled gaze. The Finger Man never noticed that look.
"Daily Mission"
A day has passed, so it should have updated.
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★Daily Mission★
Let's keep at it, little by little every day!
'Sudden! Lucky Pervert'
Suddenly, be a Lucky Pervert 0/1
Consecutive days: Day 101
Steady Rank: Platinum Multiplier 10.0x
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Ah geez, the scary one's here again...
If you do a Lucky Pervert on purpose, then it's just regular perversion, and you're on the unluckily arrested route.