Chapter 6

"America First!"

The President of the United States of America, Ronald Howard, was elected on the platform of America First. His foreign policy is consistently hawkish, and he is perceived as a "tyrant" who imposes his will, but he is by no means an unreasonable person. He is a man who speaks his mind and listens when he should.

"So, who are the fools who attacked my beloved United States?"

In response to President Howard's question, the room fell silent, and the Secretary of Defense cleared his throat to answer.

"Mr. President, to be precise, our country has not been attacked. Two caves with a different flow of time have appeared. No enemy soldiers have emerged from them, and no one has been harmed."

"By how much does the flow of time differ?"

"Through several tests, it is estimated to be between 140 to 150 times faster. The time accelerates gradually as one descends the stairs into the cave, so we have not yet measured it precisely."

The Vice President answered the question. President Howard, with his arms crossed, issued instructions.

"In any case, there must be a reason for such an unrealistic cave to appear. Investigate thoroughly. And we should wait before informing the public. We need to determine what these caves are and communicate with other countries to clarify the situation as soon as possible."

While saying it shouldn't be announced, the President often leaks information on his social media. Those around him, while following his orders, all thought it was only a matter of time before the news spread.

In 2-3-1 Nagatacho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, the official residence of the Prime Minister of Japan is located. On this day, the 98th Prime Minister, Seiichiro Ura, frowned as he looked at the photos handed to him. The ministers, who had been summoned for an emergency meeting, all tilted their heads in confusion. The Minister of Finance, a manga enthusiast, muttered softly.

"Two-legged dogs... They look just like kobolds from a manga. Is this a light novel come to life?"

However, in this room, where most were over 60, only a few understood what the Minister of Finance was saying. The Chief Cabinet Secretary cleared his throat and continued the discussion.

"The problem is that the caves appeared in the underground parking lot of Umeda, Osaka. A week ago, two police officers from the Osaka Prefectural Police entered the cave and were attacked by unknown creatures, as shown in the photos distributed. One officer was killed, and the other was severely injured. According to the testimony of the injured officer, when he drew his pistol, it turned into a card. This testimony was initially met with skepticism, but the pistol was indeed missing when he escaped the cave. Yesterday, the riot police entered, and their guns and batons also turned into cards. The creatures in the photos were carrying small knives and attacked similarly. Fortunately, there were no fatalities, but several officers were severely injured."

"Is there any possibility of terrorism?"

In response to Prime Minister Ura's question, the Minister of State for Internal Affairs and Communications stood up.

"So far, there has been no movement from religious groups or left-wing organizations. Moreover, it's unclear what the purpose of such a large-scale setup would be if it were terrorism."

"Actually, similar caves have been discovered overseas."

The Minister of Defense's statement caused tension in the room. In recent days, numerous videos titled "Dungeon Appearance" have been uploaded to video-sharing sites, all from overseas. If this were a simultaneous, global event, it would be hard to attribute it to a terrorist organization. It could be a more serious "unknown natural disaster."

"The U.S. commander in Japan has inquired if any strange caves have appeared. When I checked with my contacts in the U.S. government, it was reported that strange caves have appeared in New York and Chicago."

"Has the Ministry of Foreign Affairs received any information?"

"Not yet, but we will check with ASEAN countries."

The Prime Minister nodded and addressed everyone.

"Please be cautious in your investigations. If this is terrorism, it could be the work of a massive, global terrorist organization that we haven't identified. But if it is, we can still handle it. The problem is if this is an 'unfathomable natural disaster'..."

"Chaos will be unavoidable. I might reread some light novels. I feel like I've seen something like this in a 'Web Novel.'"

The Minister of Finance's words would not remain a joke for another week.

"Finally, it's begun. The world is in a state of panic."

I show Akane the video I saved on my tablet. Over the past week, intense debates have taken place at the United Nations, and today, the appearance of dungeons was officially announced. It was decided that each country would manage the dungeons within its borders, and information about the dungeons would be shared regularly. Some countries with large populations have over ten dungeons, and they are demanding ODA from countries without dungeons.

"While there are concerns about the appearance of dungeons, some people are already making light of the situation. There are calls to open the dungeons to the public, even though it's been made clear that weapons cannot be brought in. Why do they want to enter?"

"But, Mr. Wakahiko, you are actively entering the dungeons, aren't you?"

"I'm fine. I know the situation, and most importantly, I have a strong ally in Akane. They know nothing about the dungeons. Do they plan to fight orcs with their bare hands?"

"Such fools should die. They are of no use to you, Mr. Wakahiko. The people you seek are not like them, are they?"

"Right. I want someone who can approach the dungeons calmly, objectively, analytically, and rationally. The dungeons are indeed inexplicable by modern science, but to dismiss them as 'fantasy' is to stop thinking. Televisions powered by electricity and cars powered by gasoline would be considered fantasy by medieval people. The thinking of those who dismiss what they don't understand as fantasy or supernatural is no different from 500 years ago."

Akane leaned against the desk, tracing a business card with her finger.

"You've really changed, Mr. Wakahiko. I never thought you'd start such an organization..."

The business card read "Dungeon Busters Co., Ltd."

Over the past few weeks, I've been diving into dungeons to level up and earn money, while also preparing for the future. This includes establishing a "dungeon exploration company" named "Dungeon Busters Co., Ltd." I registered the company, obtained trademarks, domain names, email addresses, and social media accounts. For trademarks, international registration is necessary, as we plan to tackle dungeons worldwide.

"I also had an illustrator design a logo."

A deformed goblin is inside a red 'No Parking' sign. The mark is simple but conveys the right feel, so I adopted it.

"Shall we start gathering a team?"

"No, I want to see how other countries handle the dungeons. My current goal is to level up. I can now see the '???' skill, which I can't obtain yet, but it will likely be available at C rank. There's a skill I absolutely want."

"C rank is beyond human. It will take time..."

---

【Name】 Wakahiko Egasubara

【Title】 First Contact

【Rank】 D

【Owned】 1/∞

【Skills】 Card Gacha (0)

Healing Magic

Guidance

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A week ago, I finally reached D rank. Though it's hard to tell under my suit, my body has completely transformed over the past month, like a protagonist from a manga. I can't turn coal into diamonds, as that would require a grip strength of over 30 tons, which is unrealistic. However, my grip strength can no longer be measured by a standard grip meter, and I believe it's at a world-record level.

---

【Name】 Akane

【Title】 Seductive Kunoichi

【Rank】 C

【Rarity】 Legend Rare

【Skills】 Kunai Technique Lv5

Detection Lv4

Sexual Techniques Lv4

Akane has also leveled up. At C rank, she might be able to reach the third floor. However, I prioritize safety. Currently, she uses a club, but once she can kill orcs with her bare hands, she will have surpassed human limits.

"Let's train more on the second floor. From now on, we'll use wrist weights, ankle weights, and a weighted vest to fight on the second floor, training all aspects of strength, endurance, and speed."

"Understood. But first..."

Akane looked at me with moist eyes, and I felt the same excitement, perhaps due to the rejuvenation of my physical age or the recognition of dungeons by the world. I picked her up and carried her to the bed.

---

"Kraaah!"

With one swing of the club, an orc's head exploded. Hunting orcs has become much easier. Initially, it took several hits, but now it only takes two. As expected, the card drop rate increased with the D rank. It's about 5% for goblins on the first floor and 3% for orcs on the second floor. The "Drop-Up Band" item further increases the drop rate. Collecting 100 orc cards is no longer a challenge.

"Still, the enhancement factor is fascinating. Normally, human muscles grow with training, making the body bulkier. But with the enhancement factor, the muscles and bones themselves seem to change. Perhaps the dungeons are a system to promote human evolution..."

In fact, my body fat percentage has decreased, but I haven't become overly muscular. My body is more like that of a swimmer, with defined chest and abs but not overly bulky. I have an ideal "inverted triangle" physique.

"Your body is absolutely stunning, Mr. Wakahiko. You must be quite popular on the surface, right?"

Akane smiled, not out of jealousy but genuine pride in her master. If we were in a safe zone, she might have pounced on me right there.

"Maybe I'll be popular, but I'm focused on the dungeon and Akane. If I have time to pursue women outside, I'll dive into the dungeon."

An orc swung its fist, and I dodged it by a few centimeters, then struck its head with the club. There was a cracking sound, and the club broke on the second hit. I picked up a thousand-yen bill, and Akane asked about the future, though she didn't seem worried about losing our weapon.

"Mr. Wakahiko, should we return? You have a spear, right?"

"No, this is a good opportunity. Next, I'll fight orcs with my bare hands."

I took out a mitten and tape to protect my fingers. I thought they might be recognized as weapons, but they didn't turn into cards. Once recognized as equipment, they can be brought in.

"Let's go. I'll test how effective bare-handed strikes are against orcs."

I felt a shiver down my spine and a broadening of my field of vision, sensing the release of adrenaline.

---

I've collected 100 goblin cards and 100 orc cards again. I plan to use the goblin cards for item gacha and the orc cards for weapon gacha. A rare weapon would make the third floor easier.

---

【Name】 Club

【Rarity】 Common

【Description】

A club made of oak.

---

【Name】 Bronze Sword

【Rarity】 Common

【Description】

A sword made of bronze. It rusts easily and is not very sharp.

---

【Name】 Warhammer

【Rarity】 Uncommon

【Description】

A battle hammer made of steel. It's somewhat heavy but has considerable destructive power.

---

【Name】 Mage's Staff

【Rarity】 Uncommon

【Description】

A staff used by mages. It has a magic orb embedded and serves as a medium for casting spells.

---

【Name】 Steel Spear

【Rarity】 Uncommon

【Description】

A 3-meter-long spear made of steel. It's sturdy but somewhat heavy.

---

【Name】 Sturdy Club

【Rarity】 Uncommon

【Description】

A club made to be more durable than a regular one. It's heavier as a result.

---

【Name】 Long Bow

【Rarity】 Uncommon

【Description】

A bow for long-range attacks. It's more powerful than a short bow but requires more strength to draw. Comes with 100 arrows.

---

【Name】 Middle Sword

【Rarity】 Uncommon

【Description】

A sword made of steel. It has average sharpness but requires maintenance to prevent deterioration.

---

【Name】 Ninja Blade

【Rarity】 Rare

【Description】

A blade made of tamahagane, specialized for ninjas. It's similar to a short sword but has excellent sharpness and an acceleration effect.

---

【Name】 Steel Shovel

【Rarity】 Rare

【Description】

A sturdy shovel made entirely of steel. It can be used as both a weapon and a shield. It has a strength enhancement effect.

"Wow, two Rares. Maybe the Lucky Ring helped. This ninja blade is clearly for Akane. I'll use the shovel. I've heard it's still used in the military and is a formidable weapon in close combat. I'll test it on orcs and then head to the third floor. Rank is important, but money is also necessary."

"Perhaps it's time to stop hunting goblins. There's nothing more to gain from killing them now..."

"No, goblin cards are necessary. The more items, the better."

I looked at the large display case behind my desk, which covered the entire wall. I store all the cards I've obtained in plastic cases but display one of each type for easy identification. I also keep track of the number of cards with Post-it notes and in a spreadsheet for double management. The only exception is the lotion cards, which Akane uses immediately.

"Currently, I can kill 100 goblins in an hour and 100 orcs in three hours, totaling four hours. I do four cycles, taking breaks, for 16 hours. This earns me 600,000 yen per cycle, or 3.6 million yen in 144 hours. If I continue this daily, I can earn 100 million yen in a month. But it's not enough. Half will be taken by taxes."

"The second wave will come in about two weeks. When the dungeons reappear, the authorities won't be able to stop the public. Food prices may rise."

"Smart people are already stockpiling food. When the second wave comes, the government won't be able to ignore the dungeons. I went from F rank to D rank in a little over a month, but time is short. Maybe I should double my diving time..."

"First, you should try the third floor. The monsters are likely D or C rank, but the drop rates should be higher than on the second floor."

We prepared and each took a new weapon.

The comic version of "Dungeon Busters Volume 4" will be released soon, with special SS and other bonuses. Please check it out.

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