First Outer World Story Series: The Black Mist that Devours - Chapter 6
Translator: MadHatter Editor: MadHatter
First-time intruders.
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(Kurokiri POV)
A translucent screen flashed in front of me a few hours after I began stroking the wolves, accompanied by a thunderous alarm noise, displaying the inside of the airlock, where the dungeon entrance was located, and ten or so personnel equipped in military gear.
“Oh, at last. Now let’s see your performance… hmm?”
On the screen, several people were having a dispute.
When I picked up the audio to clarify why they were quarreling, the root of the conflict seemed to be the limitation on the number of individuals.
On top of that, they appeared to be experimenting with explosives in order to establish whether or not the airlock could be destroyed.
“Well, the restriction on the number of people is evidently a set-up, and unlike the barriers, they may be thinking that the walls of my dungeon can be destructed… It’s impossible though.”
My dungeon featured an open ceiling, which at first glance suggested that it could be accessed from the top, but it was set to blow anyone who attempted to gain entry from the top to the ground outside near the airlock. In fact, several people had already been blown out.
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(Captain of Alpha Squad POV)
“Damn, how the hell can there be not even a scratch on it?”
After noticing the lack of even a mark on the wall, which should ordinarily have been perforated by a large number of explosives, my subordinate swore.
“I understand your feelings, but you must remain calm.”
“Captain…”
“Call him Alpha 1 when we’re on maneuvers, Alpha 3.”
“A-Ah. I’m sorry, Alpha 2.”
“I guess the only way to investigate the interior is to go along with what the other party has in mind, Alpha 1.”
“I agree with Alpha 4, Alpha 1.”
“I agree too (Alpha 5). How about you, Alpha 6?”
“Well… I agree.”
“Okay.”
At present, we consisted of roughly 30 members, who were divided into five groups of six. Assuming that the number of people in the group would be restricted, we will have to tackle the challenge with this group structure, and the Alpha Squad which was under my direct leadership will probably charge in first, with the other group serving as back-up.
Of course, I had already informed my superiors of the number restriction. The higher-ups, on the other hand, seemed to regard it as more treacherous to leave the unknown alone.
“There is no alternative.”
I then made the decision.
“The Alpha squad will go in. The remainder of the team will fill in as backups.”
“Captain…”
“Call me Alpha 1. Alpha 3, our sole goal this time is exploration only. Therefore, there will be no necessity to confront the ruler or hostile entities. When the prerequisites for withdrawing are met, the Alpha team will retreat to the entrance. Should the following unit be able to enter without waiting for an hour, do not do it. That would imply that a corresponding threat is lurking.”
“Understood!”
Except for the Alpha squad, all of the squads headed outside.
“I’m sorry to you guys. I’m afraid you’re going to be the ones who get the short end of the stick.”
“It’s fine, Alpha 1.”
“If we recognize it’s a trap, we just need to be on our guard.”
“Well, I guess that’s true.”
“…”
“I’m absolutely not planning on dying.”
“Isn’t that a given?”
The last person left, and the door closed behind them. Following that, the interior door gradually opened, releasing a dense mist into the room.
“Now, from this point on, you must not waste any time talking. Keep an eye out!”
[[[Yes!]]]
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(Kurokiri POV)
Six persons were recorded on the screen leaving the rest area to enter the dungeon’s interior.
“Well then, from here on out, unless they come in contact with a monster, I won’t learn any information about it either… Help-kun, you got a minute?”
[How may I be of assistance?]
When I gestured to the six people on the screen, of whom only the tops of their heads were visible, I raised a question to Help-kun.
“With the opening of the dungeon, these guys obtained skills, but are they aware that they possess skills themselves?”
[If it’s an ever-present skill, it escapes my knowledge, but if it’s a discretionary skill, I would assume they’re not aware of it at first.]
“What’s your basis?”
[We don’t offer tutorials or anything like that to people outside in the world. By my master’s estimation, it would take a day for someone to accidentally stumble upon it. And it takes a week for the word to spread to those around them. Afterwards, it will require a month to spread to those in the world who are well-informed. To spread to all the people in the world will take about a year. This is what my master said. But of course, this is simply a prediction, so the actual spread could be somewhat swifter.]
“I see.”
By that saying, my safety was ensured, leaving only the question of how to keep them from fleeing.
Do your best, monsters of my creation.
?
Check out other Outer World Story series in order: Outer World Story: The Black Mist that Devours (First series), Outer World Story: Pumpkin Sorcerer (Third series), Outer World Story: Basilisk of Ice Sculpture (Fourth series)