114. Dungeon Core
Shiro stared at the magic circle in the transfer chamber, thinking quietly.
"Senior, did your usual dungeon have a Dungeon Core too?" Kotone asked.
"No, that one didn’t. If it were the same as the one I made…" Shiro started to say,
"Shiro, the Academy Labyrinth does have a Dungeon Core," Mitoka said.
"Wait—really? I didn’t even have one in mine to begin with."
"For the Academy Labyrinth, it's based on the gallery you created, adapted into a dungeon. Fundamentally, a dungeon starts with the Dungeon Core—it generates the entrance, each floor, and spawns the monsters," Mitoka explained.
"Ah, right. The Dungeon Core comes first…"
Then Shiro suddenly realized.
"Wait—so if the Dungeon Core’s existence creates the dungeon, then the Dungeon Core must be outside the dungeon itself, right? So if we search with exploration… we should be able to find it," he said, and the group decided to exit the dungeon for now.
"Before that, let’s set up a barrier on the passage to the tenth floor," Shiro said, placing a magical device that allowed only monsters to pass.
Once outside the dungeon, Shiro activated his Exploration skill, extending the search range deep underground—about four hundred meters in radius.
"Got it! Right beneath the building at the dungeon entrance, around two hundred meters down," Shiro said. Then,
"Ah, I see. It’s right next to the dragon vein. Directly connected to it for energy, huh? To get there… There’s plenty of space, so teleportation might work?"
Shiro was thinking, "Well, I'll just go take a quick look…" when Shestia grabbed his arm.
"I'm coming too."
"Senior, I'm going too," Kotone said, grabbing his other arm.
"…No, teleportation is… well, never mind. For now, Mitoka, de-activate your physical form. The two of you, hold onto my arms. Everyone else, wait here a moment."
With that, Shiro activated the teleportation. The three of them teleported to a transfer room—similar to the one near the dungeon core.
The destination looked exactly like the transfer room at the dungeon entrance.
They moved into the adjacent room. In the center stood a stone pedestal, with a 3D image floating above it—something like a dungeon status display. At the far end of the room stood a massive crystal.
"This crystal… it's similar to the mana-to-magic conversion device in the capital's barrier," Shiro murmured.
"Senior, is that monitor on the wall? Feels like we're inside a spaceship, doesn't it?" Kotone said.
The monitor-like display showed scenes from inside the dungeon.
Suddenly, a voice like an announcement echoed through the room.
——『Divine Power Holder confirmed. Apostle title confirmed. Initiating Administrator Mode』
The 3D display on the pedestal vanished for a moment, then a female 3D image materialized, speaking directly to Shiro and the others.
"Welcome, Apostle. I am the magical spirit managing this dungeon."
She looked exactly like Mitoka—except her eyes were red.
"…Uh, yeah, hello. I'm Shiro," Shiro replied.
"Shiro, she's a sub-Elemental Sovereign. A spirit specialized in dungeon management," Mitoka explained.
"Master, it's a pleasure to meet you. Yes, that's correct. I am the Sub-Elemental Sovereign, a magical spirit dedicated exclusively to dungeon management."
"...Hey, Mitoka. Why does she look exactly like you?" Shiro asked.
"...I'm afraid I can't say for certain. Please ask Firumia-sama," Mitoka replied.
"Um, what's your name?" Shiro asked.
"I have no name."
"...Right. That's inconvenient. How about 'Fran'?" Shiro suddenly suggested.
"...Fran. Hehe, a fine name indeed. Please call me Fran."
"Ah, then Fran, I've got a few questions."
"What is it?"
"How about reducing the number of monsters in the dungeon? Can we manage that somehow?"
"Current systems detect excessive mana buildup in the surrounding environment. I cannot cease the dungeon's primary function—containing surplus mana."
"...I see. So the dungeon has that role."
"Yes. However, this time, we detected an unprecedented level of mana. The abnormal monster count is due to this. There is no exception-handling code for situations like this."
"Is that so?...Then, can we modify or add code?"
"Only the Dungeon Master can. Currently, no one is registered as the Dungeon Master here. Master, would you like to register as the Dungeon Master?"
"What happens if I become the Dungeon Master?"
"The Dungeon Master can adjust dungeon settings. Nothing else. I'll handle actual operations."
"I see. So I get administrative control. Then, please register me," Shiro said lightly.
"Understood," Fran said, eyes closed as if reciting something.
——『[Dungeon Master] Level MAX acquired』
——『[Dungeon Core Management Authority] Level MAX acquired』
——『Registered as Dungeon Master of Dungeon #5』
"Ah! Got the Dungeon Master skill and authority," Shiro said, pleased.
Then,
"Good. Fran! Right away—when mana exceeds expected levels, create a new floor. How about a grassland floor? No general access. Add code to generate Slimes using excess mana. Execute immediately. All currently overflowing monsters will be collected and regenerated as Slimes on the new floor. Can you do it?" Shiro commanded Fran.
"Command confirmed... Code generation confirmed... Yes, possible. Shall I execute now?" Fran asked.
"Yeah, go ahead," Shiro replied.
Next to Fran, a three-dimensional projection displayed the dungeon's layout, simplified into stacked layers. The previously red-dot-filled areas were now vanishing, shifting steadily into the newly created floor.
"Remaining monsters kept at normal levels. All surplus monsters converted and transferred to the new Slime floor. Excess mana currently being processed—conversion to Slime underway," Fran reported.
"Perfect! The dungeon overflow problem's solved. And now we've got a new Slime production facility!" Shiro declared, satisfied.
"Then, Fran. You’ve got it from here. Let me know if anything comes up," Shiro said.
"Understood. I’ll contact you, Master Shiro or Miss Mitoka," Fran replied.
And so, Shiro and the others departed from the scene.
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