Chapter 1: Ihoujin, Dungeon ni Moguru Chapte

I laid on the ground and looked up at the sky.

It would only be for the short while until I caught my ragged breath and the sweat from my fevered body dried.

Hanging in the clear blue sky were a few wispy clouds. And three pale moons. When I lowered my gaze with a sigh, I saw before me a plain that stretched to the horizon.

At its edge, there was a gigantic object which looked like a horn that had been stabbed into the ground.

Its name, the Odoriji spire.

Based on well-known folklore, it's said to be the horn of a giant who created the world. According to the long-lived storytellers, it's a tower from a foreign land that had fallen from the sky. And the priests of the Abyss say that it's a spire abandoned by the gods.

I don't know if these stories are true or just nonsense left behind by predecessors. What I do know is that the spire has both benefited and plagued the people of this world, and is now an integral part of their lives.

It creates heroes at times and kills them at others. Its riches give birth to countries, its treasures bring ruin to nations, it brings forth and creates demons, and the sword that vanquishes them gives rise to tales of legend.

For a duration of one year, I have to explore this dungeon.

The goal is to reach the 56th floor. I don't even know if it's going to be difficult or easy.

Now then, let's explore the dungeon.

But before that,

I have to make preparations for living here first.

≪Prologue≫

July, 1946. The existence of an alternate world was confirmed.

Officially, it was in 1949 that an advance squad was sent by a certain country.

October, 1951. The leader of a large nation sent a battalion to the alternate world.

At that time, the media covered the developments almost daily. Beautiful elves and strong dwarfs, a wide variety of beastkin, and magic that was beyond human understanding. Such cheerful topics were perfect for diverting attention away from the scars inflicted by the World War and the lingering trepidation about the next war.

Narratives about the experiences in the alternate world were published in a book. That book was adapted into a drama series, and then into a movie. Tours for the rich were also set up.

It was truly a new world.

Therein laid the dreams and envy of the people.

But dreams are things that people woke up from.

February, 1955. A book was published. The book was an exposé about the troops that were sent to the alternate world. It gave a true, vivid account of what humans had done in the alternate world.

Simply put, destruction, arson, rapes and massacres.

In response, the position taken by the commander of the troops was that the destruction was for the sake of building a base, the arson was due to sanitary considerations, the rape incidents were not true and there was consent given, and that they had only defended themselves when they were attacked by a neighboring race and had not massacred them.

It was so shameless that no one believed it.

Of course, the exposé book was also adapted into a drama series, and then into a movie. The rich people who had participated in the tours also testified that they had shot at beastkin while hunting in the alternate world.

At the same time, the astronomical costs of going to the alternate world was also viewed as a problem.

The portal to the alternate world was a door of light around two meters wide. It was opened for five seconds for each individual person to go to and from the alternate world. The energy costs for doing that could not be covered even if each person returned from the alternate world with their weight in gold.

Several useful resources were identified, but none of them were valuable enough to offset the operational costs. What was commonly known as magic also ended up as gibberish when brought into this world.

January, 1956. The battalion sent to the alternate world was annihilated.

The words left by the commander in his dying moments.

「There are gods in that world」

The cause remains unknown even till today.

February, 1956. A non-aggression treaty was signed with the alternate world. The name of the representative of the alternate world was not disclosed.

June, 1957. With the development of the aqueous brain, the world's first artificial intelligence was completed. At the same time, mankind turned their eyes to the stars.

And, in order to turn their back on their wrongdoings, humans forgot about the alternate world.

Living in modern times, I came to learn about the alternate world through games.

No matter how bad the environment I was in, games would never betray me unless I betrayed them. For someone who didn't have much of an education, there was nothing more entertaining than games. It was a hobby that didn't cost all that much, and best of all, it was one that didn't bother others.

Putting that aside, I encountered a certain company at the end of March.

I had returned back to Japan after a long absence, and was feeling blue over my sister's problem. To put it simply, the problem was money. I was in need of money. For me, who was just scraping by day to day, it was a sum of money that was far beyond my means.

The one who offered to help me was that company.

I didn't possess any sort of rare talent that would get me headhunted, and no decent company would have anything to do with someone like me. Their offer probably wasn't legit, but I was good-for-nothing anyways and I needed the money, so I took the interview.

I borrowed a suit from the belongings of my deceased father, who had been very close with my sister. I entered a magnificent lobby in a huge building and was guided by the beautiful receptionist to the destination, an underground, narrow, dark, and warehouse-like room.

The interviewer was a man in his fifties or sixties. He had thinning hair, and it was difficult to read his expression behind his glasses. He didn't look at the resume that I had painstakingly created with my sister's help.

「Please take a seat. I don't have much time, so let's get straight to the questions」

「Oh, okay」

The interview started as soon as I sat in the folding chair.

「Do you feel any reluctance in taking up life-threatening jobs?」

「No」

「Do you have many friends?」

「No」

「Do you feel any reluctance to perform immoral or violent acts?」

「If it's necessary, then no」

「Are you passionate about any specific religion or sect?」

「No」

「Do you believe in God?」

「Yes」

There are 3 gods in rice after all.

「Any experience in killing people?」

「Huh? No」

I've never killed humans.

「Tell me concisely what you think it means to be alive」

「It means killing other creatures」

「Do you have any important relatives?」

「One sister」

「Can you keep a secret?」

「If I received money to do so」

「I see......」

One beat of silence.

「Would you like to go to the alternate world?」

「Yes, if I received money to do so」

I took the opportunity to ask about the remuneration, got shocked by the amount, then confirmed that the money had been transferred to my sister's account before I accepted the job.

I was given the following explanation after we had moved into another room.

There are three continents in the alternate world.

Their names on the other side are unknown, but they're referred to as the left, center, and right continents because of how they're evenly lined up. In the past, mankind's troops were sent to the left continent. We would be sent to the right continent this time, and our goal would be to retrieve the materials of whatever monster is on the 56th floor of what's called the "Odoriji Spire". And we would have to retrieve it within one year.

I didn't understand the technical explanation, but I was told that perpetual cold fusion could be achieved by using this material as a catalyst. As for how they learned about it in the first place, I figured that it's none of my business as I'm just an errand boy.

Their plan was to send six professionals and three A.I.s, but one person had died suddenly in an accident. And I'm the person they found to fill that position.

Apparently, they were unable to prepare any reserve members due to the secretive nature of this mission. I have my doubts about that explanation, but work is work. It's not something I need to worry about right now.

I'm more worried about spending close to a year with people I don't know. At least they're Japanese, which is better than them being foreigners, I suppose.

「Umm, I have a question」

I said.

「Yes, go ahead」

Replied the interviewer.

「How many days until we leave?」

「You're leaving in two hours」

「Are you serious!?」

「I'm serious though」

Even though I was told that in such a nonchalant manner, all the thoughts that had been popping up in my head vanished. There was a matter of the highest priority that needed to be done before anything else.

「I, I need to make a quick call to my sister! Please excuse me!」

「It's fine but I'll have to eavesdrop」

「Please do!?」

It was meaningless but I exited the room and called my sister from the corridor using my smartphone. My sister answered the second time I called.

『It's me』

「Hello, Yukikaze-chan」

『Don't refer to me in such a disgusting manner』

「I'm sorry, Yukikaze-chan. It's my fault, Yukikaze-chan. Onii-chan got a job」

『Die, you sickening creep. Congrats on being hired. That was sudden, but you're sure it's a decent company?』

「Hmm? Yeah, well, I've got to start work in two hours, and I won't be in touch for about a year, but don't worry」

『That's definitely a black company!』

「The pay seems good」

『What about things like social security and pension!?』

The room door opened with a creak, and the interviewer stuck his head out.

「We've prepared an exceptional insurance policy for you. Should you become unable to return, your sister will receive an exceptional amount of money as compensation as well as hush money」

「It seems like they've prepared an exceptional insurance policy for me. Don't worry」

『I heard that! It's super suspicious! Get that guy on the phone!』

「Monster sisters are troublesome, so I'll pass」

The interviewer went back into the room.

「It'll be okay. It might be a bit dangerous, but I'll definitely come back, so don't worry」

『I get anxious every time you say that it'll be okay』

「Hmm, the money is good though」

『Dangling the reward like a carrot is the most common method used by scammers』

「That's amazing, Yukikaze-chan, you're so knowledgeable」

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『You're just stupid!』

What my sister had said was absolutely right.

「But it's too elaborate to be a scam and these people have nothing to benefit from deceiving me」

『I've said it many times, but don't let the issue with my leg bother you. The doctor even said that once I got used to the prosthetic, I'll be able to run even faster than before』

「Yeah, I know」

Even so, I'm still her older brother, so I want to do something for her. I feel bad for doing this to my sister, but I'd rather regret doing something than regret not doing it. That's why I have no choice but to jump at any chance I get, even if it's dubious. I'm just that kind of foolish person.

「Sorry, I'll definitely come back, so don't worry」

『Tch, you idiot! You don't ever listen to what I say anyways! Die! Come back after you've led a life full of suffering! Idiot!』

She hung up.

The door of the room opened.

「Are you done?」

「I'm done」

「We're pressed for time, so let's get your equipment ready and give you a lesson about the world on the other side」

With that, I changed into a combat uniform and put on a vest lined with ceramic armor. It was light-weight and I could carry a large amount of spare ammunition in its various modules. The boots were also lightly reinforced with metal.

The rifle they had prepared for me was an AK47 that they had, using modern technology, manufactured to look as close as possible to the ones made in 1953. The handgun they gave me was a Colt Government that had been manufactured in the same way.

After removing the AK's magazine, I pulled back the cocking lever to check that the chamber was clear, then pulled the trigger. I thought that it wasn't bad. It was enough as long as bullets came out when the time guns were needed came. I put the magazine back and checked the Government in the same way. No problem. I secured the karambit I owned personally on my arm, an old Japanese hunting knife at my waist, pulled on a poncho made from aramid fibers to hide all my equipment from the locals, and I was now fully equipped.

「Well, you look the part now」

「Thank you very much」

I was just an amateur though.

Soon afterwards, I was crammed with the knowledge of the alternate world until the very last minute. Race, religion, balance of power, economic situation, culture of the civilizations, projected climate and endemic diseases. A rough estimate of the dungeons' history, structure and enemies. Information on its surrounding regions. I had a bad memory so I forgot about 70% of what I was taught.

And one last thing.

All of this information was half a century old, and it would be hard to be certain or know what it was like in the alternate world now.

And we moved to yet another room, which was bright and spacious.

There was an ostentatious device in the center. It was pedestal-shaped and looked like an altar for offerings. Around it, people in work clothes were busy running around. Loud shouts and replies were flying back and forth.

Before me, five professionals were waiting.

There were five men and one woman. Even though they were just standing normally, they showed no openings. Their eyes were steady and calm, but I felt something shining deep inside them. Those who were at the height of their chosen path had a mysterious presence.

All five of them had it.

Did I have it?

The ability to overawe others.

「President, is that the last person?」

A leader-like man with a scarred face asked.

「I can't guarantee someone of same quality as the rest of you because I didn't have time. His talent is around 60 points」

「That's better than a minus」

The interviewer was the company president.

「So you're the president」

I thought you were just a dull old man.

「No, it's because the company is riding on this, you see. So I can't leave it to others. It's jackpot if this succeeds, but if it fails, all the people here and their families will simply have to be subcontracted to affiliated companies or be turned out into the streets. So just take it easy」

He said such scary things so lightly.

「I'm surprised you chose someone like me」

「I've spent an astronomical amount of money for this so I don't want to waste even one person. I have a rule of thumb that says that the better the business negotiation, the more I should take the plunge. And what clinched it was your name」

「That's so irresponsible」

Was this going to be okay?

「Don't mind it, kid. This president is always like this, and if he was wrong, he would never have been able to make this huge thing. As someone chosen by such a person, straighten your back and pump yourself up」

The president muttered a few words.

「It's actually just a force of habit though」

「You dumbass」

I heard it clearly. I should punch him once even though he's the president.

「Kid, we'll introduce ourselves after we arrive on the other side」

An old man in work clothes waved at us, gesturing for our attention.

「We're going to deploy the portal! First, we'll open it for six seconds and throw in the resource containers! Followed by the Makina units! You living humans are after that! After throwing in the inorganic stuff, the portal will close for twelve seconds, then after that it will open for seven seconds! Everyone jump in during that time! There's no next time! Don't stupidly fall over and be late!」

Containers suspended by cranes were lined up on the installed rails. Weapons, food, medical supplies and all kinds of other things that would be a lifeline for us. Behind those were three cylindrical shaped A.I. units. And the humans lined up behind them. I was the last in line.

「Deploy!」

Light exploded and converged. On the pedestal in the center, a portal came into existence.

「Push, pushー!」

People in work clothes pushed containers that slid along the rails. The containers were sucked into the portal without any resistance and disappeared. I felt like I had seen this scene in a movie before.

The A.I. units were also sucked in without problem.

They had one second to spare thanks to the quick work of the workers. I wondered if the process could have gone much faster if they had just used more mechanical devices. But it was very Japanese-like to use human hands where it really mattered.

Next, it was our turn.

I had never experienced it before but I supposed that this was how it would feel when going skydiving. I felt my heart beating faster. My body became stiff from nervousness. Without knowing why, I hit my leg with my fist.

「Come to think of it, the president said that he made his decision based on your name」

The woman in front of me said in a slightly nervous voice.

「I'm called Souya」

「Oh, it sounds like a name that brings luck」

I had been living a good-for-nothing life though.

「Deploy! Run, run!」

We started running at the old man's angry yell.

The light exploded and converged again. A portal came into existence.

Having come this far, there was no more hesitation or pulling back. The leading person leapt into the portal, then the second, then the third person also disappeared into it. I followed behind them.

Then,

for some reason, time slowed, as if a critical situation was unfolding.

The scenery passed by slowly.

The fourth person disappeared into the light, and I looked at the swaying of the woman's short hair. She also disappeared into the light. Sweat gushed out of me. I had an intensely bad feeling. I had experienced this many times till today, and it was always an omen that there would be a serious injury.

This was bad.

This was definitely bad.

And the worst thing about it was the fact that even if I could stop my feet's momentum, the light was already right in front of me. Instantly, I closed my eyes and crossed my arms in front of my face.

I could see a torrent of dazzling light even through my eyelids, and then it was dark. When I opened my eyelids, there was nothing there. I realized that I was in a space too huge for my senses to grasp.

One instant of weightlessness. And then, I started falling. My body was enveloped by wind. But because of the darkness, it was hard to tell if I was really falling. For all I know, I could actually be sucked towards the ceiling. The speed was rising at a terrifying rate. I heard my own short scream amidst the sound of the wind rushing past my ears.

I'm going to die.

I'm definitely going to die.

I'm probably going to go splat like a tomato. I'm sorry, Yukikaze. Onii-chan is going to die in a really absurd manner.

I instinctively curled up into a fetal position.

Even so,

well,

the howl of the wind was really noisy. My mouth was feeling dry. It was a relief that it didn't feel that cold.

「Give me a break」

The fall dragged on and I kind of got used to it. Even on the verge of death, humans get distracted if they have free time. I turned on the light on my wristwatch and illuminated the surroundings.

There was nothing. Just perpetual darkness.

But I thought I saw something wriggling in the back.

Whale?

There was something so big that it was reminiscent of a whale. Because of the difference in scale and the darkness, it came into view very slowly. It was a tentacle. It reflected the bluish-white light which highlighted its figure. The tentacle opened like a blooming flower, exposing its origin.

It just barely resembled a person.

That was all I managed take in.

I screamed my throat hoarse. There was something more terrifying than death here. I could see that overwhelmingly huge thing approaching me.

Without a specific name in mind, I prayed to「God」.

And,

a glaring light shone on my eyes.

I felt warm sunshine on my skin. My eyes adjusted gradually and I could see the blue sky. I felt the earth on my back.

A dream? Still, it was such a terrible nightmare. Besides, the dream had continued as I could see three pale moons in the sky. I counted my fast pulse as I straightened out my body to let it recover from shock. I took a deep breath of the clean air.

After confirming that there was no pain and no injuries, I stood up.

The wind's caress made waves on the grassy plain.

I could see a stream and a forest in the distance. On the other side was the target dungeon. A structure that could hardly be built by modern people.

Without a doubt. It was the alternate world.

I was still in Japan in the morning and after that intense flurry of activity, here I was. I felt deeply emotional. If I had a little more time, I would probably reflect on the fact that I had stepped into an alternate world.

Well, the escape from reality was over.

The resources containers and A.I. units had fallen messily around me.

There were no obstructions and the visibility was good. I could see all the way to the horizon. I looked around and there was nothing that I had overlooked. The grass on the plain undulated as the fluffy wind caressed them.

I thought long and hard on the inescapable facts and took it in.

Apparently, I was all alone.

Before anything, thank you for choosing and reading this novel!

One thing I should mention is that this novel is very different from other WNs and LNs. It has been deliberately written to appear typical at first, and then blow readers away with how deep and intricate its plot is. And many details of its plot are hidden and only revealed much later in the story. Much like how it took forever for the reason why Subaru has his ability to go back in time to be revealed. As such, I ask one favor. Read to the end of volume 2 before forming your opinion of this novel. That's because it's only then that you get a glimpse of the true depth of this novel. If you hate it then, I'm okay with that, but I would hate for you to miss out on how wonderful this novel is because of its slow start. Thank you so very much!

3 gods in rice: The common saying is 7 gods in rice. I believe this 3 gods he’s talking about is a reference to another saying that says, in summary, that (1) the farmers that cultivate the rice are gods (2) the transporters who transport the rice are gods (3) the stores that sell the rice are gods. And there you have the 3 gods of rice.

TLDR: he sorta lied there, he doesn’t particularly believe in gods.

And a black company is a Japanese term for an exploitative employment system where typically they get forced to work long hours without overtime pay.

Also, for the readers who have no experience with guns, you are always taught to check that the weapon is clear whenever you are handed a weapon by someone else, which Souya automatically does, without prompting. But even if you didn't know that, the fact that he knows what to do with firearms without any training by the company, and the fact that he owns a karambit, which is a very difficult weapon to use, is heavily implying that he has experience with firearms and fighting, most probably during his mysterious period away from Japan.

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