Chapter 138 "King"

A man is there.

Alone in a vast, empty room within a building.

Not a single movement.

Like a mannequin.

Like a withered great tree.

Seated on a cheap, unassuming work chair he doesn't hesitate to call his "throne."

On the man's head, aged just shy of sixty, deeply etched wrinkles frame a crown adorned with gems, dull and glowing faintly.

— "King."

Stepping into the chamber of the man known as such.

And suddenly, a shiver ran through her body, as if unpleasant insects were crawling all over her.

Kugamichi Sasaen, trembling slightly,

— I'm being watched.

That's what she thought.

The "King" possessed such a skill.

A skill that could strip a person's mind and body bare.

— Playtime's over.

Undaunted, Sasaen moved forward through the dimly lit space.

"——'King'"

And, with a bold and confident demeanor, she stepped forward toward the man and knelt before him.

"——'King'. There is something I must deliver."

As she spoke again, a subtle change passed over the man's face, resembling withered wood.

The elderly man's eyes, which had seemed lifeless and closed like those of someone asleep, suddenly snapped open.

There was no white in those eyes—only an endless, dark blackness that evoked the depths of shadow.

"Oh, Sasaen. You've returned. I am truly glad."

The eyes gazed over Sasaen’s body as if licking it.

"You’ve gained more experience since then, I see."

"Yes... When I have the time, Haruna helps me out."

"Good, good. Now then, what must I tell you?"

"The 'Hero' has died."

"Hmm..."

The "King" sighed with a bitter expression,

"Not again..."

Please don't blame that child... It seems they're being pursued by some kind of violent 'player.'

"But if this continues, this place will inevitably be exposed."

"In that regard... the 'Merchant' is already taking action."

"Is that fellow actually useful?"

"His skills are unique, after all. I believe he may live up to expectations."

"Then that's satisfactory."

With that, the 'King' fell into silence for a moment.

Sasae wanted to leave this place as soon as possible.

But she hadn’t yet heard the words “you may step back.”

There was still something she needed to say.

“By the way,”

As expected, the "King" spoke.

"About the 'Master Dungeon'—I hear a new 'Player' has been captured. …What do you think, Sasae?"

"Didn’t you see it with your own eyes?"

"I wish to hear an objective opinion."

"Hmm..."

Sasae pondered for a moment,

"Perhaps a pair of 'Thief' and 'Fighter' would be better."

"Ah,...you mean those guys who're all over each other like lovers?"

"Yes, well... that's one way to put it."

"Frankly, I'd prefer the daughters of a 'Gambler' and a 'Warrior'..."

Sasae lowered her gaze to the floor.

—You lecherous old man.

"They're not exactly bad either, but in this case, a male 'Player' would likely be more useful."

"Hmm..."

"Moreover, the 'Gambling Master' duo is advancing more steadily than ever before. Perhaps they might even clear the 'Master Dungeon'..."

The King scoffed at these words, snorting through his nose.

"Impossible."

"Is that so..."

"The 'Master Dungeon'—that thing—was ultimately created to subjugate people. Humans are simply built to resist fleeting pleasures."

"………………………"

There was no denying it.

Even Sasaegi, who had walked halfway down the path of the "Master Dungeon," had ultimately broken down.

"Are they all destined to break down, too?"

"Well, yeah... but still... I've grown quite fond of that 'Warrior.' She'd make a fine 'Hero's' companion."

"True. Her skills are quite rare, indeed."

"And her physique isn't bad either. I'd like to run my hands over her soon."

The "King" felt no hint of embarrassment in his own words.

"By the way, Sasaeda."

"Yes?"

"I'd like to entrust tonight's entertainment to you, if you don't mind."

"As you wish."

Calm on the surface, Sasaeda clenched her molars tightly.

The "warrior" just mentioned and Sasaeda shared a similar hairstyle, build, and facial features.

Likely, tonight Sasaeda would be treated as a stand-in for her.

Hmm, hmm... Good, good...

The king smiled slyly,

Then, let us revive the "Hero." You may step back now.

As you wish

Sasae replied only that much, then turned her back on the "King."

Her belly was filled with the shame of being a woman and the frustration of her own inadequacy.

As my hand touches the door of the room,

—kii, ………………n!

The blue light illuminated the dimly lit room.

The "King" must have activated the Revival skill.

"Ah, "Hero"! What a fate—to perish like this!"

The old man's raspy voice.

The other said not a word in response.

"Such a hopeless one. I'll give you one more chance..."

Cutting through those words, Sasae shut the door.