Earth Dungeon 104.1

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Chapter 104.1. Ashikaga

The grand banquet hall, adorned with crystalline spring flowers, exuded a soft warmth despite accommodating several hundred people easily. Round tables were scattered throughout, surrounded by chairs where people of all ages, dressed in elegant attire, engaged in lively conversation while enjoying various luxurious dishes. They glanced at the large monitor hanging from the ceiling.

"Oh, it looks like the current leader is the Miyoshi family. They seem to be progressing smoothly in conquering the Snow Slime's nest!"

The host exclaimed excitedly, raising his voice as the camera focused on a team of soldiers. Most teams were accompanied by cameramen, providing a glimpse of their progress. The Snow Slime's nest comprised ten layers, and everyone was advancing toward the lower levels.

Currently, the Miyoshi family's team has reached the deepest part.

They were the 6th favorite team according to the odds. Members adorned themselves with flame-infused armor as they advanced. It must have cost a considerable amount to acquire such gear.

Seated at a distant table, the elderly leader of the Ashikaga family, Ashikaga Takauji, displayed a cold gaze while stroking his white beard, observing the Miyoshi family.

The leader of the Miyoshi family and their entourage chatted happily, enjoying drinks and food.

"Could this be our victory this year?"

"Shall we finally live up to our name?"

"That's right."

The Miyoshi family burst into laughter. In the Warring States period, they dominated the nation until the rise of the Oda family, after which they lost their power. However, that was a tale of the past, a mere display of pride, and evidence of undisguised ambition.

"What are our people doing? They're utterly useless!"

Takauji's grandson, Ashikaga Teru, expressed frustration. Despite planning to graduate and join the military next year, he lacked intelligence.

Attempting to show his displeasure by clinking his fork against his plate, he quickly cleared his throat and regained composure. Being a timid person, he likely cared about others' opinions. Despite his seemingly charismatic appearance, he was a man with a timid nature. Although he made trivial mistakes, his cautious nature prevented significant failures. Acknowledging his talents, he was better than Zhuge Liang in some respects.

"We haven't compromised on the team formation this time. Besides, the path to the lower levels depends on luck. However, they will try to turn the tables soon."

His son reprimanded Teru while calmly eating. There was no trace of regret in his demeanor. Even if there was, he didn't show it.

This event involved a substantial amount of money, and participants were determined to showcase their strengths.

For Takauji, this event wasn't particularly exciting. The person who initially conceived the idea for this event was undoubtedly clever. Those with wealth and a desire for authority and power would participate. As evidenced by the current excitement.

"It reminds me of an old movie. A futuristic setting where death row inmates compete in races."

"I've seen that too. Blade something. I forgot the name."

Muttering to himself, the son followed suit. It was similar, but in reality, it was quite different.

"But the difference with this event is, it's like the old Pro Baseball All-Star games. There's an underlying reason to assess the opponent team's strength... or so they say. Damn it, Kamishiro Serika."

The tables were separated by families, and Takauji looked at the table where only one person sat. There was only a young albino girl sitting there, elegantly munching on her food. Despite the fact that she is all alone, she looks magnificent and does not seem at all self-conscious.

"I wanted to see the power of that person's henchmen in the abandoned town."

Among the neatly arranged monitors, two displayed footage only from the chest-mounted cameras since they lacked cameramen. One of them showed Kazama Karin and her baggage carrier. It was shaking so much that it was hard to make out what was being shown.

"Oh, and once again, Team Kamishiro seems to have mistaken the Snow Slime dungeon and entered the boss room of another dungeon. It appears to be the Goblin King's room."

The host explained the mistake. Indeed, the Goblin King was visible on the camera.

Initially, everyone laughed heartily, thinking it was a mistake due to their first-time participation, and jeered at Serika Kamishiro's combat strength. However...

"It seems only the Goblin Knights are with the Goblin King. The boss's subordinates are once again few. The Kamishiro team is lucky..."

The Goblin King's room also gets covered in snow, and the Goblins placed there seem somewhat sluggish.

However... Those who were initially laughing now growled in annoyance.

"This is cheating!"

"Damn it! Doesn't she have any shame?!"

"She took the dungeon core again!"

The Goblin King had high stats. With the snow only reaching up to their knees, it would only result in a slight stat decrease. Moreover, it was inconceivable for the minions to be this few.

Only 2 minions and the man called the baggage carrier, casting a spell to make the 3 Goblins fall. Approaching on a snow bike, Kazama Karin stabbed the fallen Goblin King with a knife and defeated it.

Normally, a single knife strike wouldn't be fatal, but it seemed as if the Goblin King was already on the verge of death.

Then, the baggage carrier touched the dungeon core, obtaining a drop item. A potion. What kind of potion it was remained unclear.

"Isn't that cheating? Father!"

His grandson protested to his father with an angry expression, but everyone knew that. The method she used was unclear, but...

"There's no one there but Team Kamishiro. How do you protest cheating when you can't see other participants on the camera, and above all, she's ignoring the Snow Slime and aiming for other dungeon cores..."

Kamishiro Serika casually enjoyed her steak, unfazed by the angry protest. Her team clearly demonstrated her strength. She had subordinates thinning out the boss room's small fries. That meant that the young girl had several strong individuals under her command.