Chapter 11: Suppressing the Monster Stampede

Emerging from the dungeon back to the surface, I noticed the monster stampede had ended, and the dungeon entrance was already sealed off. Normally, research teams from the Association or companies would come to investigate the stampede’s impact on the dungeon, but I didn’t have time for that. First, I needed to hand over the flesh fragments, fangs, and part of Tagaya stored in my 【Item Box】 to the Association.

“Well then, shall we have a talk?” a man from the Association said, his tone calm but authoritative.

After causing a bit of a stir with the Association staff—probably due to the gruesome items I handed over—I found myself facing the two explorers who had cooperated with Tagaya, now bound tightly with rope. The man from the Association, who was addressing them, stood nearby, accompanied by a woman also from the Association. The rope, I learned, was specially made using 【Magic Tool Creation】, designed to be incredibly sturdy. Apparently, they used rope instead of chains or handcuffs to account for explorers’ skills, but still—bound up like that? Well, whatever.

“Let’s make this clear: lying won’t get you anywhere,” the man said sternly, his eyes narrowing. “We already know you were working with Tagaya.”

“We’ve also confirmed that Tagaya’s accomplices tampered with the Explorer’s Association database,” the woman added, her voice sharp and precise. “There’s no point in hiding it now.”

Both Association members wore badges depicting a red snake pierced by a sword. I didn’t recognize the badge, but since they claimed lies wouldn’t work, maybe they had a skill for detecting falsehoods? I couldn’t recall the name, though.

“…” The two bound explorers remained silent, their faces grim.

“Playing dumb, huh?” the man said, sighing. “Alright, kid, sorry, but we’ll talk to you first.”

He turned to me, and I nodded quietly. Honestly, I had a ton of questions myself, but getting the facts straight came first.

Prompted by the man, I began recounting everything I knew about Tagaya’s accomplices. Since Rin, Anju, and Rina were students and got dragged into my mess—plus, they were probably exhausted—they’d be questioned later, so they weren’t here. …Couldn’t I have been questioned later too?

Anyway, I explained the events in the boss room again, and since I wasn’t lying, they believed me quickly. The fact that Tagaya’s accomplices had already been exposed as traitors helped—everyone present trusted my account. As I finished, the man spoke up.

“I see,” he said, rubbing his chin. “So, any idea why the boss mutated?”

“No…” I replied, shaking my head. “Nothing. Tagaya used something that seemed like a skill called 【Wrath】, but I don’t even know what that is.”

“【Wrath】… 【Wrath】, huh?” the man muttered, frowning. “Never heard of a skill like that.”

“I haven’t either,” the woman said, her tone thoughtful. “But according to your story, he was shouting something before using that skill, right?”

“Yeah,” I confirmed, trying to recall. “I think it was… ‘I’ll give you everything, so give it to me’… or something like that?”

My words caused everyone to fall silent, lost in thought. If even the Association folks, who’ve been dealing with dungeons far longer than me, didn’t know about it, there’s no way I would. That wrapped up my part.

I figured there was nothing more for me to do, and it ended faster than I expected. Maybe I should ask what’ll happen to those two.

“Um… so what’s gonna happen to them?” I asked, glancing at the bound explorers.

“Hmm,” the man said, considering. “For now, they’ll stay detained. The police should arrive soon to take them into custody.”

“Got it,” I said, relieved. “That’s good.”

Once they’re arrested, their past crimes will likely come to light. Judging by their behavior, I doubt I was their only target. Maybe this is even tied to what Yua mentioned about the high death rates? No, that’s not for me to figure out. The Association will get answers from them soon enough.

With that, I parted ways with the Association members. They must be busy—they started moving hurriedly once my questioning was done. Now, I need to talk to Rin and the others later and apologize for dragging them into this. For now, though, maybe I’ll rest.

With those thoughts, I headed home.