Episode 139: Haruna-chan's Secret Information

All preparations complete.

Myself and the "Gambler" confidently stepped through the door of the "Boss Room,"

"...Huh?"

There was no one there.

"Hey, Haruna! Aya-kawa Haruna!"

But no reply came.

We waited for about ten minutes.

"...Maybe she's not here?"

"Hmm. Could the boss character really be out? I wonder if that kind of thing happens..."

"Sure, it happens. She's a living person too, you know. Sleeping, eating, doing her own thing—she's probably busy with all sorts of stuff."

"Huh."

Just as I was about to suggest we come back later, a sudden voice cut in.

"Yup yup yeeeah☆ Hold on a sec!"

Before I could react, Haruna suddenly appeared right in front of us.

"Whew, whew~! I didn't expect you to show up so early, so I got caught off guard and scrambled to get ready☆"

As usual, plastering a forced smile across my face.

"Ah? Ahh~?"

Then, Haruna suddenly shouts in surprise.

It seems she just noticed the golden ring glowing on the "Gambler" guy's finger.

"Is that... the 'Ring of Shura'? You actually managed to buy it? That's pretty pricey♪...Did you use some secret trick or something?"

"Corporate secret....Anyway, what's with that outfit? You actually planning to fight?"

The "Gambler" makes a grimace, pointing at Haruna's outfit (some ridiculously provocative nightgown design).

"Uhh... Actually, I was just in bed a moment ago..."

"What? Were you two having fun with your boyfriend?"

"Haha. Once you're 'submissive,' you'll surely understand, the two of you."

"---What was that?"

We can't help but feel something ominous about those words.

"You don't mean to say...?"

Haruna also wore a sheepish expression, as if she'd let something slip.

"Hey, it's fine, isn't it~? Stuff like that..."

"No, it's not fine at all."

The Gambler turned his hostility toward something entirely different than before.

"Is the 'Dungeon Master' the kind of guy who gives orders like 'Do this, do that' to someone he's subjugated?"

"Is that what you mean?"

"Don't play dumb. Things like handling the underlings—those kinds of things."

"Even if that were true, it's none of your business,☆"

"Stop talking nonsense."

Without missing a beat to his scornful words, I continued.

"If there are players who engage in such inhumane acts, we can't just leave them be."

For a brief moment, a hint of sorrow crossed Haruna's expression.

"If that so-called 'Dungeon Master' is a real scumbag, then when I leave this place, I'll knock him flat."

Then Hanako dramatically shook her head back and forth.

"No, no. That's not it. The 'Dungeon Master' is actually a good guy. I'm serious."

"Really?"

"Yeah... So, that's the end of this story ☆"

It seems Hanako has no intention of continuing this topic any further.

"Anyway, c'mon—let's get to the point already?"

"...Well, whatever."

Then,《Fire Magic II》, please take care of it~♪

My eyes briefly met with those of the "Gambler" before us,

"——《Fireball》"

"——'Fireball'"

And each of them recited their respective incantations.

At the same time, a fireball erupts on the palm of his hand.

The size is... over thirty-one centimeters when measured together.

When Haruna saw it,

"Um, okay, goal achieved ☆ Well then, let's just say this floor is cleared for now♪"

she said casually.

At the same moment, the door at the far end of the floor creaked open wide.

"What?... Seriously? Are you sure?"

"Yeah."

"Even without actually testing it?"

"There's no need to test it~☆ You two seem to have acquired the kind of 'magic power' that can't be blocked by my 'Magic Barrier'♪ The only clear condition is 'making me admit defeat,' so that's all that matters ☆"

The "Gambling Master," who had lost his chance at revenge, wore a dissatisfied expression.

"But... honestly, right now, I don't think I can beat your magic"

Exactly right.

Actually, the power of that "Lightning Magic II" that instantly defeated the "Gambler" earlier far surpassed our own.

"Of course, we've only just begun our training~ It's like, in sports terms, we've finished our basic conditioning♪"

"Then why...?"

"Because it'll be faster if you experience it firsthand from here on out♪ So, from now on, when you want to contact me, use this☆"

So, a small walkie-talkie was suddenly handed to me.

"But promise me one thing. You can only contact me while we're inside the inn... If you're outside, tuck it deep into your pocket—absolutely no peeking out. You'll get caught, you know~"

"Caught? By whom?"

Haruna walked barefoot toward us, stepping lightly,

"…The King."

She whispered it in a strangely muffled voice.

"Who's that?"

"There's someone who does that kind of job~ — right now, they're asleep and shouldn't be watching this place."

"...Huh? Wasn't this place created by the 'Dungeon Master'?"

"The 'Dungeon Master' and the 'King' are two different people, y'know~"

What even is that?

So, um... does that mean there are two people managing this 'dungeon'?

Please, a detailed family tree of these relationships.

"Anyway, when using the radio, you must always stay inside the 'inn'—that's a strict rule☆ The inside is specifically set so even the 'King' can't peek in♪ Otherwise, my position would be in danger☆"

Hearing those words, the "Gambler" seemed to understand something,

"So you're willing to risk your own position... meaning you're using us to carry out some kind of plan?"

"Pretty much, yeah☆"

"So that means you're giving us advice only because it benefits you somehow, right? Not so, huh?"

It was as if she were saying there was absolutely nothing in this universe that could be obtained for free.

"Uh-huh~"

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Can't tell you~"

For a brief moment, she looked at me with the sharp, calculating gaze of a gambler about to make a move.

But I gently placed a hand on her shoulder, calming her down.

"Easy now."

"But..."

Everyone carries secrets.

This transaction, in the first place, isn't fair.

It's a precarious relationship—like a thread stretched to the breaking point, ready to snap if Haruna changes her mind. To discard it all over a momentary doubt felt too wasteful.

My intention must have been clear enough to the "Gambler" as well.

"...Gah. Fine. Then hurry up and tell me. Your 'advice,' whatever that is."

"Got it ☆"

And then Hanako began speaking.

▼

[Hanako's Secret Information] Part 1

As both of you have probably suspected, there exists a hidden status in "Players" that cannot be accessed through normal means.

Moreover, the status generally strengthens with each battle experience, regardless of the player's level.

[Secret Information about Haruna-chan] Part 2

The levels of "Master Dungeon" each have

Sublevel 4: "Mana"

Sublevel 3: "Defense"

Basement Level 2: "Attack Power"

Basement Level 1: "Agility"

Ground floor: "Luck" + Other factors, Overall strength

exists to strengthen it.

【Haruna-chan's Secret Information】Part 3

Each floor features monsters corresponding to the parameters being enhanced. For example, on Basement Level 2, the monster is the "Iron Slime," possessing a body as tough as steel; on Basement Level 1, the monster is the "Wing Slime," leaping around at incredible speed—enemies are strategically placed according to the stat being strengthened on each floor.

【Haruna-chan's Secret Information】Part 4

Among all stats, the most crucial one is "Mana."

"Mana" is the source of the mysterious power held by each "player." All skills are powered by this "Mana." Therefore, if "Mana" is depleted, all skills become unusable.

【Haruna-chan's Secret Information】Part 5

Around the next floor or so, you'll be joining up with another "player" who isn't you.

No fighting, okay? ☆