Earth Dungeon 123.2

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Chapter 123.2. Underground Empire

[There's a possibility. In that case, it wouldn't have ended well. If you plan to go, make sure to strengthen yourself further. I wouldn't recommend infiltrating [Abyss] unless you're at least Level 7. You'll probably die.]

Shizuku's expression as she delivers this message is firm, lacking her usual playful demeanor. I see.

"But you won't tell me the reason?"

[Let's gather information and explore the market. There must be bases on the surface, right?]

System-san points a finger toward the distant ruins, indicating a dilapidated city. I can't help but smile at the obvious attempt to change the topic.

"You won't tell me, huh? Well, there are probably survivors. I vaguely remember that a temporary Self-Defense Force base was set up on the surface part of the Underground Empire. Some people might have established bases using that. But isn't it dangerous?"

[Of course, it's dangerous. However, it seems to have no impact on the surrounding areas, so it should be within an acceptable range.]

"True. Focusing only on the risks won't help us open up a new market. Shall we go then?"

Talking about dangers is not my concern. After all, I've been soloing dungeons and fighting against armies.

Let's go. Toward a new region. I accelerate the jeep after slowing down, heading towards the ruined city after passing through the plains.

The engine roars as I enter the city again from the plains. An almost illegible sign, loosely hanging on a rusty pedestrian bridge, reads '1 km to Nihonbashi'. It creaks in the wind.

The surroundings are familiar ruins. Collapsed buildings have entangled surrounding houses, creating mountains of debris. Slimes slide smoothly over them, and from a distance, dungeon entrances protrude, forming a noticeable presence.

[It would be good to set up a Core Store, but if it's installed right after I arrive, it would be suspicious.]

[It's better to stop. Moreover, there are signs everywhere welcoming us to the Underground Empire.]

[It was once a major tourist attraction.]

I smile as I slow down and observe the surroundings. Banners for the Underground Empire, almost unrecognizable due to dirt, hang from support pillars all over the place. It tells the tale of the bustling excitement during that time.

Toxic gas emerged. Looking back, the government's official response seems suspicious, but at that time, everyone believed it. They said it was an attempt to build a shelter that failed, or they dug too much underground without a plan for investigation.

Avoiding abandoned cars by steering the wheel, I recall the situation back then. I narrow my eyes slightly and maneuver around another abandoned car.

There were oddly many trucks among the abandoned cars. In the distance, many trucks were stopped.

[Strange. Why are only trucks left abandoned?]

[Indeed, around Amatsugahara Corporation, there are usually many ordinary cars.]

[Moreover, the condition of the trucks is noticeably better than other vehicles. Others are covered in deep rust, with no tires, front glass, seats, or even steering wheels. But these trucks are intact.]

Comparing the moss-covered abandoned cars to the nearby abandoned trucks, it's evident that they've been left for different periods.

Until recently, people were entering and leaving here. The reason is simple. 'Welcome to the Underground Empire' signs are everywhere.

[They might still be investigating the Underground Empire.]

[However, judging from the abandoned trucks, they probably found a reason to give up. The truck doors and windshields are destroyed.]

The doors are torn off forcibly, and the windshields are shattered into pieces. Bones of humans are scattered around.

[They've been eaten. Perhaps overwhelmed by the number of monsters.]

[That seems likely. I can hear wolf howls in the distance.]

[What a cute expression.]

As Shizuku puts it, distant wolf howls become audible. Moreover, the voices are getting closer, and we can hear a response.

Stopping the jeep, I prepare to confront them. Please, no more door destruction. It's annoying.

Focusing my gaze, shabby wolves in worn-out clothes appear from the shadows of the building. They approach us on all fours, tongues hanging out, breathing heavily. There are five of them.

[Kobolds. E-rank. The one behind is a Kobold Leader. D-rank with leadership skills.]

[Leadership skills improve coordination, making their attacks more effective and patterned when standing on two legs like humans. They use their claws like small swords.]

Troublesome enemies. They possess the agility and burst power of animals and can fight like humans.

"I don't want to use mana here. How about we use cats against the wolves?"

[Weapon Tigers]

Snapping my fingers, three armed shadow tigers appear. The Kobolds growl, wary of the sudden appearance of the shadow tigers, and show their fangs.

Two of the armed shadow tigers move their bodies slightly, positioning themselves on my left and right, growling. The Kobolds, being canines, have evidently collaborated to flank us, attacking from the sides.

However, they're only E-rank. Even including the Kobold Leader, they are no match for the Armed Shadow Tigers.

[Elimination... Huh?]

I try to command their destruction but stop midway. The reason is a large mana mass approaching from the shadows at a speed comparable to the Kobolds. There are fifteen of them.

They seem to be merging with the hidden Kobolds. Ten disperse in various directions, and the remaining five come forward.

"Buii"

Appearing with a snort is another four-legged beast. Wearing tattered clothes and carrying a crude wooden spear on its back, it's a creature with tusks in its mouth.

[Orc. D-rank. Like Kobolds, it attacks and moves on all fours. It has a charging skill, uses a spear when standing on two legs, and can also throw it. Its thick fur and fat resist casual attacks. The Orc Leader uses leadership and subjugation skills for Kobolds and Goblins.]

[It's a warm welcome for just me. I see. So, this is the reason the truck guys withdrew.]

I smirk, assessing the enemy's strength.