Chapter 27

Dungeons, when they spawn, are known to generate a certain number of monsters as part of their mechanism. However, it seems that sometimes this function malfunctions, leading to abnormal cases.

For example, only a specific type of monster might appear, or conversely, unusual types of monsters might emerge. There might be too few monsters relative to the dungeon's size, or conversely, too many monsters.

Such abnormal dungeons are currently referred to in the industry as "Error Dungeons" or simply "Errors." They are considered defective, deviating from the standard specifications.

And this time, an Error Dungeon has appeared in the middle of the town.

Near my house, in the shopping district where the tofu shop dungeon was, a hole suddenly opened up in front of a snack bar in a back alley.

Up to this point, it's a common occurrence, but what followed was the problem.

Monsters started crawling out and marching through the shopping district. This was a type of Error Dungeon where the number of monsters generated was too high relative to the dungeon's size, causing the internal environment to become saturated and overflow.

While it's a rare occurrence, similar cases can be found in history. This phenomenon is known as a "Stampede."

"Already, the people in the shopping district have evacuated, and the guild's dispatched explorers have sealed off the area. There are several people with minor injuries from monster attacks, but no serious or critical injuries."

"Has there been any progress in reaching the dungeon in front of the snack bar, the root cause?"

"The number of monsters is overwhelming, and they are struggling. That's why I received a rescue request."

As I run quickly towards the shopping district, I receive a situation update from Mr. Godo.

It was sudden, but if it's a Stampede, as an explorer, I must prioritize dealing with it, regardless of any other tasks. This is recognized as one of the top priorities in the exploration industry, as a Stampede is a highly dangerous situation.

Well, I wasn't called, but...

This time, the Error Dungeon, based on the type and quality of the monsters, is classified as D-rank. To prevent unnecessary casualties, E-rank and F-rank explorers have been instructed to stand by.

"As an A-rank licensed holder, I authorize you, Kouta, to participate in the Error response. While we can't fight together due to your skills, I will provide as much support as possible. Please fight."

"This is a shopping district I frequent, of course I will do it."

"I apologize for the sudden request. We need every bit of manpower right now."

"I understand. Mr. Godo, you are admirable."

I'm a rookie, and I'm F-rank, but I have a skill and title that can't be described as anything but irregular. Perhaps someone like me should be called an Error.

Anyway, it's not a good situation to leave someone like me idle right now. There are already injured people, and there's no room for delay.

Both Mr. Godo and I, as explorers, have enhanced physical abilities. Therefore, we avoid crowded streets and run up buildings, moving along the rooftops towards the shopping district. This way, we can see further and better assess the situation. I can see it now... people fleeing, the arcade street overflowing with clearly abnormal creatures. The explorers are trying to stop them!

"I'm jumping!"

"Okay!"

Responding to Mr. Godo's call, I make a large jump. I dive into the shopping district, reaching the crowd that the explorers haven't yet managed to reach. I swing my arm with force.

"Come on, let's go!"

"Kyaahhh!?"

This is my full-power hand strike, with over 100 times the normal strength. The horizontal slash becomes a glowing slash, clearing the area in front of me.

With one hit, I create a large space. Looking back, Mr. Godo has joined the explorers who were holding back the monsters and is already dispersing the enemies.

"We will attempt to clear the dungeon! Kouta, please deal with the monsters that have emerged on the ground!"

"Understood, good luck!"

"Mr. Godo, what about him!?"

"He's a rookie, isn't he! Is he okay!?"

"He is a savior, far stronger than any of you! Let's go, show him a good example as seniors!"

Mr. Godo, giving me instructions on what to do, leads a few confused seniors to the center of the shopping district, towards the snack bar dungeon.

A Stampede will end once the original Error Dungeon is cleared. There were already a considerable number of monsters here, and the dungeon is likely in a normal state by now.

Mr. Godo and the others should be able to clear it in no time.

Then, until then, I will defeat the monsters that have emerged on the ground!

"The south entrance is cleared, so next is the north entrance!"

I leave the south entrance, which has already returned to calm, to the explorers who are continuing to maintain the blockade.

I run to the north entrance to do what needs to be done.

At the time of posting this story,

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