What Was Coming Has Arrived.
"It's hot. Very hot."
The gallery was burning up. I hoped this heated atmosphere would blow new life into the shelter beyond the community.
A message has arrived.
"What was coming has arrived."
Even if it's Joodak hyung... if he hits too hard, it hurts my feelings... Getting fact-slapped all day over the salt field before left a bit of trauma.
Phew... He's a crazy bastard, but I love Joodak hyung's reactions like this. I might keep trolling just to see them from now on.
But now's the time to dial it back.
Oh, gallery info on dungeons has limits—perfect. No idea what Joodak hyung does, but probably more expert than the gallery?
Wasn't it just an isekai feature?
What...? No one knows the end of dungeons?
Never, in this world's entire history?
Does that even make sense?
......If even Joodak declares it impossible, probably no one in this world can explore the deepest part.
I still remember that day Joodak mobilized the shelter's top powerhouses.
What the hell's down there that made even Joodak give up...?
...3x?
Uh... so... 3x the depth of what the gallery calls lowest, upper, deepest layers?
Chills ran down my spine.
'Crazy... how deep did he go...'
From what I know, mid-upper layers spawn ogres.
Monsters over 5m with insane physiques—thick hides swords can't pierce, punches that crater the ground.
'...Mid-upper explorers who hunt those are what...'
And Joodak who went even deeper than them...
My dungeon...
"Kkomangi, what the hell are you exactly?"
"Hek hek..."
I looked at Kkomangi, crumpled beyond recognition in my hand, and muttered.
...Hmm, gotta update the resort dungeon or no more Joodak hyung face time.
"Finish salt field, then resort...."
Someday I'll come meet you, Joodak...!!!
Gurgle—my stomach roared.
"Dinner time already—"
I took Kkomangi and headed out the front door.
As usual, about to slip a ticket through the neighbor's door crack—suddenly the door flew open, a pale white hand grabbed my wrist.
"Hold on, talk to me."
Pale platinum hair fluttered as she spoke with clear irritation.
Neighbor girl Elise.
Didn't expect her to be this direct.
'What was coming has arrived.'
"......Sure."
She might connect me to Dungeon Master, but I'd prepped excuses for this.
"Details over dinner?"
Was heading for food anyway, so I followed her into a restaurant.
Prime shelter center spot—clearly upscale. Given the environment, lavish decorations and lights everywhere.
Visited other spots for new ingredients before, but this felt fundamentally different.
'Real deal restaurant for the actual upper crust...'
As I gawked like a country bumpkin, Elise reassured me.
"Don't worry, dinner's on me."
"Ah... okay."
'Not like I'm broke...'
Already saved for taxes and rent.
Sell tickets cheap, but thousands buy daily—plus monster parts piling in inventory.
At this rate, might buy a place for Luna's restaurant outright, not rent.
But hey, she's paying—I'll take it.
Guided by the greeter to a second-floor private room.
And I couldn't hold back my awe.
"This... what is this?"
The room glowed blue.
Every wall but our entrance was transparent glass,
beyond it, all sorts of sea creatures swimming.
"...Aquarium?"