Dungeon Refrigerator 101

Test

Madness

Kateshina Ruu. 

She suffered from severe asthma since childhood, making it difficult for her to attend elementary school. Even on good days when she could occasionally go to school, once the coughing started, it wouldn't stop, and she would spend most of her time in the infirmary.

Although her classmates always showed concern for Ruu, they kept their distance, treating her like something fragile. Even though they understood that asthma is not contagious, the young classmates didn't want to get close to Ruu, who coughed severely.

The pitying and somewhat irritating gazes from her classmates, such as they were touching something delicate, haunted Ruu. Being a young, frail girl, it frightened her, and she became increasingly uncomfortable interacting with others, aware that she was causing inconvenience to those around her.

As she grew older, the treatment proved effective, and her asthma symptoms gradually improved. However, the trauma from her childhood lingered heavily in her heart, turning Ruu into an introverted person. She still can't make close friends despite advancing to junior high and high school.

The turning point came when she entered university. Serai Machi, a cheerful and lively woman, approached Ruu, who had been alone for a long time. They became friends, and Ruu, for the first time in her life, found a close friend in Serai Machi, whom she began to rely on.

"Machi-chan, hey, let's kiss..."

And to this day, Ruu hasn't returned home, staying overnight in Machi's room under the pretext of [kiss training].

"Haa~ Ruu, how many times do I have to tell you? You don't need to practice kissing! How many times do I have to say it for you to be satisfied??"

Machi was having a hard time dealing with the troublesome Ruu, who had become a bit of a pest. Although it's often said that only children tend to be more selfish than those with siblings, Machi felt that Ruu, also being an only child, strongly exhibited this trait.

"But... if I can't kiss well, Coach will hate me...!"

"That's not true! Guys love it when a girl's kiss is a bit awkward!!"

"No, that's not true! When a woman kisses well, everyone is fascinated!"

"Ugh, seriously!"

Machi scratched her head in frustration. Ruu, who had seen a scene at an amusement park that was apparently quite vivid, kept clamoring about kisses. Thanks to Ruu's behavior, Machi was getting stressed, and it seemed like she might start losing her hair.

However, Ruu, who had become a troublesome child due to emotional turmoil, had a bad habit of [being trapped in her own created delusions and obsessing over them]. Or rather, a person pushed to the edge psychologically often ends up in such a state.

Previously, she had cried a lot, trapped in the delusion that [Machi was trying to deceive her and become friends with someone else], and now she was obsessed with the ridiculous belief that [unless she can kiss well, the coach won't turn around]. Ruu kept spouting nonsense like [Even Sleeping Beauty won't wake up without a kiss that makes an impression, and she won't be liked!].

It was more than just a nuisance for Manami to be constantly disturbed by this.

"Fine, I get it! (smooch)"

Having grown tired of Ruu following her around, Manami kissed her to get it over with.

"Nn... Machi-chan, if you don't be more gentle like Coach, it won't be effective practice..."

"What's wrong with you...!"

Machi felt the urge to apply an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) to Ruu's head, who had been saying strange things for a long time as if she wanted to give her an electric shock. However, if she implemented that, things would get even more out of hand. Therefore, with no other choice, she reluctantly continued to accompany Ruu in her kissing practice.

.....

"It's ridiculous! My listing has been canceled!"

Returning from the dungeon, I was astonished in front of the restored computer. I had listed the Fire Wand, obtained from the dungeon's treasure chest, on a flea market site. By the way, I avoid using phone because touching them reminds me of Ruu. Thinking about Ruu, who used to send me messages every morning and evening, is painful.

"Huh, what's this? Messages have arrived? Let me see... [Inappropriate content in the listing... and inappropriate amount...] What the hell! It's a Fire Wand! A magical weapon! What's inappropriate about the price of 250 million yen!"

I had listed the Fire Wand for 250 million yen on the flea market site. What I seek is strength. Power is everything, and money is no exception. In fact, money is the power of the modern world. That's why I tried to sell the Fire Wand at a high price but failed so quickly. I listed it just yesterday.

"Darn it... What went wrong!"

Bam!

I angrily hit the computer desk. The desk board broke with a loud [Crack!]. Damn, I can't even recklessly hit things anymore.

The Fire Wand is a dungeon-produced weapon. However, since it's a tool that produces fire, it should be categorized with lighters. Look, there are plenty of oil lighters listed for sale. Moreover, dungeon items are listed on the flea market site. There are items like wolf fangs and claws being listed, so there's no way my Fire Wand listing should be canceled!

"You... if it's come to this, I'll send a complaint message... and I'll relist the Fire Wand at a price of 300 million yen!"

The Fire Wand is an amazing item that allows anyone to become a fire magician. So, whether it's 200 million or 300 million, it's definitely not too expensive.

I'm happier with money than a magical Fire Wand right now. With millions of yen, I can get liberated from the anxieties of life. Then, I can buy high-dividend stocks with that money and live comfortably while receiving dividends.

Lack of money is miserable. In today's world, everything revolves around money. Without money, you're as good as powerless.

I could get along with those college girls because I had money from selling the magic stones obtained in the dungeon. They probably thought of me as nothing more than a convenient ATM. So, as I think about it, tears involuntarily flow.

It was fun. It was enjoyable. But the tears that upset Ruu and the tears Serai-san showed on the way back. When I thought everything was a lie to deceive me, I found myself crying even more.

I got deceived. So, as soon as I tried to force a physical relationship, she suddenly ran away.

"Geez, it was fun... It was very... very happy...! Guu...! Fu, fuguu~...!!"

Even if I grit my teeth and cry, there's nothing for me.

No job... No girlfriend...

Nobody thinks they need me.

All I have is the pitch-black refrigerator and the dungeon.

Slice...!

I used a knife that was conveniently nearby to shave off one of my eyebrows.

"Hehehehe! How's this!? A face with one shaved eyebrow is truly bizarre! Fufufu... That's the most foolish face among foolish faces! Yes, I can't show this face to anyone! Then, I will live in the dungeon! Live and die with the dungeon! I will become the strongest! The absolute strongest!! (Clang!)"

Having gone crazy over his first experience of heartbreak, Ezuki decides to dive back into the dungeon. Opening the refrigerator, he throws himself into its swaying, pitch-black abyss.