Dungeon Refrigerator 269

 Test

Dungeon Stampede 2.0 Salty Flavor

"Alright, let’s give it a shot."

After finishing what felt like a speech as long as a principal's lecture, Dr. Tobari finally gave me the go-ahead. Seriously, that took forever—I was ready to fall asleep.

But, well, he’s the one in charge here.

While I’m the one doing the operation, any mistake will fall squarely on Dr. Tobari. That’s just how things work here, so I’ve got to follow his lead—it’s my fantasy, after all.

According to Tunami-san, Dr. Tobari has been treating patients without sleep or rest. He’s been on the front lines, and I admire people like that.

That’s why I can accept his curt, harsh words—they’re just a side effect of the stress he’s under.

"Alright. First, I’ll meditate and try to connect with the patient’s mind."

"What? But the patient’s under medication and already asleep, isn’t he?"

Hmm… How do I explain this?

"Uh… I’ll make contact with the patient’s mind and check his condition. While I won’t be able to communicate with him, I should at least be able to tell if he’s in distress or not."

"Hmm… So it’s like measuring heart rate and vitals with a machine? Fine, give it a try."

The center of Healing Space Leaf, was temporarily set up as a surgery room.

It’s covered by lace curtains acting as partitions, with only five people in the room besides the patient. The curtains are thin enough that anyone outside could see through them, but worrying about that is a luxury we don’t have right now.

"Alright. I’ll now send energy through the patient to assess his condition and bring him to a state suitable for activating my skill. Ssshhh… hoooh… Mun! Purify the Six Senses! Let’s Meditate!"

[Dheeeeen!]

"Whoa!?"

But just as I cast [Meditation]on the patient, it gets effortlessly repelled.

"What’s going on!? What just happened!?"

"It… It was rejected. I never imagined this would happen…"

"Graah… bwahahahaha…"

When I look over, the Jinmensou—who was supposed to be asleep—has opened its eyes, smirking with a thin, taunting grin.

"Hey, what’s the meaning of this?"

"I failed to connect with the patient’s mind. It seems this monster, the Jinmensou, interfered."

"What!?"

Damn it. This thing has infused the patient’s body with some kind of cursed aura, blocking my skill.

Rumble… rumble…

...

Grr… The Jinmensou is no joke.

It deflected my [Meditation]perfectly. Without it, I can’t even assess the patient’s mental condition.

"Hmph… But if it’s just checking the patient’s condition, I can do that myself. If what you were trying to do is similar to measuring vitals, I’ve been treating patients for years. I can use a stethoscope just fine."

"Whoa, really!? You can do that!?"

"Well, not really. My grandkid once said, ‘If you’re a doctor, you can use a scope, right, Grandpa?’ or something like that."

Hey, seriously? I thought he was being sincere! What kind of joke is that at a time like this?

"Don’t worry! I’ll check the patient’s condition myself. You just focus on the next step, kid!"

"Thank you. Then I’ll begin the next phase—using the [Salt]skill to treat the patient."

I scan everyone’s faces to make sure they’re on the same page. Dr. Tobari and the soldiers give me firm nods of approval. Good… It’s time to move forward.

"With salt coarser than rock salt, salt stronger than ocean brine, by our combined strength, let this be equally salted!"

Now, let’s do this—Saltarou, I’m counting on you!!

(… … … …!!!!)

"Salt injection, [SALT INJECTION]!!"

[Gyyyyuuummooooooo!!!]