Episode 160: Escape

Long.

It's been a very long time.

Even at the very end, there was an unsatisfying twist waiting for me—but I'll just ignore it.

What matters is the outcome. Yes.

As I gaze at the ending of 'TokiKoi' with overwhelming emotion, there's suddenly a loud, enthusiastic round of applause—clap, clap, clap, clap.

And then, “Dungeon Master,” Nakamichi En, spoke.

"Congratulations, adventurers from beyond. You are the first to achieve this historic milestone."

"Yup, thanks."

"If you wish, I can grant you half of this world. Or, you may choose to return to the grim, chaotic reality filled with suffering, madness, and rotting corpses....What will it be?"

Hmm.

Enough with this circus-like spiel, like some amusement park attendant.

"Take me back to reality." "Same here, on the left."

Then Enji-san smiled broadly,

Alright then.

"Oh, but before that, may I ask you one favor?"

"By virtue of things"

I'd like to know what's become of the group led by Ryoma and the others.

When you say "two horses," do you mean that one, the "Archer"?

Yes

Ena seemed to hesitate for just a moment.

"Well, they're not causing any harm, so it's fine. They're currently facing the new 'floor boss' that just appeared on the 'first basement level'."

"I see."

I let out a small sigh.

"It seemed they had a bit of a debate about whether to move forward or not. They're still affected by the trauma from the 'Needle Mountain Hell' on the third basement level. But in the end, they chose to keep going. Apparently, they want to repay their debt to you..."

"Is that so?"

So, if we meet again, I might just get a one-punch visit from them, huh?

Well, well. That's what comes from giving unsolicited advice.

"If they ever make it back to the upper floors, could you give them this?"

He handed over the "Lucky Gold Coin" he'd just acquired.

"……Huh? But are you sure? The experience points you receive upon clearing the 'Master Dungeon' are determined by how much gold and items you're carrying. …Giving this up means you'll receive a bit less experience after completion."

"It's fine."

Enya stared at the coin for a moment, then...

"Well, that's acceptable."

She nodded in agreement.

"However, on this system, I can't just give it away for free. I'll create a new event where players can earn a 'Coin of Fortune.'"

That's enough.

Then Ena smiled at him, charmingly and warmly.

Hmm? Did I just hear a sound like my好感度 went up?

Maybe I've been playing games too much?

Alright. I've definitely received it.

And he dramatically spreads both arms wide to show off.

"Then, I shall return you to the real world....Farewell."

At that moment, a grand fanfare, likely inspired by the main theme of Dragon Quest, began to play.

"...This place was truly a space where the original world-building elements fell apart by the end."

As he spoke those words,

his consciousness gradually faded.

He felt his body being pulled away to some distant place.

▼

Congratulations! Your level has increased!

Now, these once-familiar lines feel oddly nostalgic.

— Congratulations! You've earned the achievement "Master Dungeon Master"!

— You've just achieved your first S-rank difficulty achievement!

— Currently, three jobs are available for your class change.

— The "Outcast King" is taking hostile actions.

— Eliminate him or force his surrender.

...and so it goes.

Messages rushed through my mind in rapid succession—

and I became aware of myself standing in some unfamiliar room,

naked, just as I had been when called by Kurokage.

Before me, a row of televisions connected to a Super Famicom stretched out.

From one of them, I discovered the majestic fanfare I had heard before.

Displayed there was the creator's name, "Nakamichi Enishi," and the words "THANK YOU FOR PLAYING!"

There was no explanation about what that space actually was.

So, is this really it?

Are we actually inside the game's world?

"U... uwaah, what's this, are they just tossing me out here naked?!"

And then, here comes the "Gambling Master"'s signature straight-to-the-point service shot.

"Wait, didn't you say something like that? (Smirking)"

"You didn't say anything... Honestly."

Still, there was no issue with the replacement clothes.

A delicate, fine-script note reading, "All the best, please," along with two sets of clothing and full gear, had been prepared.

The nostalgic red track suit from "Sakagakou High," and my grandfather's inherited sword.

As I slipped my arms into the jacket, I was greeted by the warm scent of sunlight. Probably washed by Kurokudo himself.

"This is where it really begins, "Gambler"."

"I know....But"

"Yes?"

"Whatever we do, we should start with leveling up, right?"

That's right.