Dungeon Refrigerator 267

Test

Dungeon Stampede 2.0 Proposal

"What did you say, boy? I won't forgive you for spouting nonsense! Even I, a doctor, can't handle this!"

"Kya! P-please wait, Dr. Tobari! Egetsu-san can dive into dungeons. So he must know a lot about monsters. I'm sure he has an idea..."

Oops, I blurted out that I might be able to do something, and now I'm being yelled at furiously. Looks like I've touched a nerve with the old doctor.

(Yeah, I get it. From his perspective, if even a pro can't handle it, what business does a novice have saying anything?)

"Fine! I'll listen for now! But if you're just talking nonsense, I won't let it slide!"

"U-um, Dr. Tobari! If you shout too much, the patient will wake up!"

This is tough. But since the small salt deity gave me a revelation, I guess this is what I have to do.

"Alright. I'll explain. Please keep this between us, but I have a skill called [Salt], which lets me create and control salt freely."

"What?! You can create and control death?! Are you mocking me, a doctor?!"

No, that's not it! What's with that overpowered skill misunderstanding?

"No, it's salt! NaCl! N-A-C-L, salt!"

Huh... I ended up waving like a cheerleader to fend off the old doctor's intense stare.

"Calm down, Dr. Tobari, or the patient will wake up!"

At that moment, one of the soldiers stepped in to calm the excited doctor. With a sigh, Dr. Tobari seemed to regain his composure, and he turned to the soldier with a question.

"...Come to think of it, you guys also have these 'skills,' don't you?"

"Huh? Oh, yes. By using items that monsters rarely drop, we can manifest such powers."

"I see. Alright, then. You'll accompany us for verification. This boy claims to have a salt skill."

"Salt...? That’s unusual. Very well, I’ll confirm it."

Oh no, now I have to demonstrate my skill with the soldier watching. Well, whatever, I guess.

"Alright, here I go... Skill [Salt]."

""Whoa...!""

"Wow, it's beautiful...!"

With my right palm facing up, I created transparent tetrahedral salt crystals. The salt cubes spun in the air, and everyone looked amazed. Heh, how do you like that?

"""Ahhh!!!"""

But just as I was showing off the spinning salt, the old doctor suddenly grabbed it and licked it.

"Hmm, salty. Yup, it's salt."

"(Oh no... I wanted to taste it too!)"

"Yes, I can feel a rise in magical energy. That was definitely a manifestation of the skill."

"Hmm, I see. So, boy, what exactly can you do with this salt?"

"As you know, salt is a vital mineral for our bodies. But if you consume too much, it can cause problems and even lead to toxicity."

"...What?! So that's it!!"

"Yes, you get it now?"

"I see! You're planning to temporarily intoxicate the patient with the salt and make that creature flee from their body, aren’t you?!"

"Wait, is this like rats fleeing a sinking ship?"

"Yes, Tsunami-san. It's a gamble, but since the salt is created by my skill, I can neutralize it immediately. It's less risky for the patient than using other toxins."

"So it's a lure tactic. I see, it’s not a bad plan. What do you think, Dr. Tobari? Dr. Tobari?"

"...Mmm, yes! Using an unknown power like a skill for treatment...! It's worth a try! Haha, this is getting exciting!"

"Doctor! Will my wife be saved?!"

"I don't know! But if that creature is like a parasite, this method might draw it out!"

"P-please! Save my wife!!"

"Got it! I'll take full responsibility! Boy, use your skill for the treatment! There's no other way anyway! Let's go for it!!"

"Hey, hold on! Get it together!"

"Dr. Tobari! Don't say such harsh things! The patient's husband just fainted!!"

As the frightened bystanders watched from a distance, the man collapsed in shock at the doctor's blunt words. Will he awaken to reunite with his beloved wife?