Third Dungeon Battle: End

"I might never have laughed this hard since I was born. As I thought, Kehma-kun is truly amusing. You're the best. Ah, don't worry, the other teams haven't been connected since the reward segment started."

"Haha, that's a relief. For my dignity as a man… no, seriously…"

By getting upset, I gained an excuse to avoid further inquiry about the skill, and could decline in a perfectly natural way. I should consider it an acceptable result… but if I don't think that way, I'll cry.

More got revealed and exposed than I expected, but Haku-san's testing was also useful in its own way. I'll need to do my own testing again when I get back.

"By the way, Kehma-san. Would you like the S-Rank adventurer title as a Hero?"

"… No thanks."

"Heroes are normally forced to be S-Rank though."

"Wouldn't it be problematic for Haku-san to have a Hero permanently stationed at [Cave of Desires]? It would attract too much attention."

"Oh? I don't particularly mind either way. At this point, it wouldn't change much. In fact, wouldn't it serve as a deterrent against unnecessary trouble?"

That certainly was an attractive proposal. But at the same time, I'd have to take on the responsibilities of being a Hero.

"Don't Heroes have to work for the country during emergencies?"

"Yes. That's why they're given preferential treatment."

"I'll decline. I'm not a Hero. I'm a Dungeon Master."

And I absolutely don't want to work.

Ah, right. Maybe if I transform into Rokuko and ask cutely, she'd let me off?

… Better not. If I screw it up and touch a nerve, that would be bad.

"… Well, alright. You are a Dungeon Master after all."

Saying that, Haku-san returned to her chair.

[Father] clapped his hands to gather attention. This time, monitors for Team Demon King and Team Dragon King appeared alongside [Father]'s monitor, so it seems communications are open to everyone now.

"Now then, Haku, 5, 6. I'd like each of you to say a few words."

"Then I'll start, as the winner…5, I trust you now understand that you're nothing more than a mere lizard? From now on, know your place and pay me proper respect. Of course, if you have complaints about the results of this battle as decided by Otou-sama, that's a different story."

"Ugu! … Gunuuun…"

"…6. Discipline your subordinates better. And having them call you Jii-sama, isn't that disrespectful to Otou-sama in a way? Ah, perhaps it was meant in the sense of a senile, doddering old man. Then there's no problem. Fufufu."

"Hmph, prattle on."

Haku-san, you're provoking them like crazy! I wouldn't be surprised if this erupted into a war. Oh wait, haven't they actually gone from Dungeon Battles to full-on wars between nations several times before? What an absolute nuisance.

"Next is me, since I came in second…89, no, Haku. If I'm an old man, then you, from the same lot and the same age, must be quite the old hag, no? Stop straining yourself to look young. No wait, perhaps your mental age never grew and you've stayed a little girl all this time? Hahaha, I'm so envious of your youth! Must be nice living so carefree, never earning a single wrinkle."

"Oh? Is that what the loser is babbling about?"

"Hmph, we only lost because 666 invested in her own [Enhancement]. If anything, in the long run, 666 is the sole winner here."

"Fufu, so what? My Rokuko-chan saved quite a bit of DP from this battle too. Enough that we could do this again and still win."

Provoke, provoke. We just settled this and she's already picking the next fight.

Also, doing this again as-is would honestly be too much, so please spare me.

"Oi, it's my turn next, right? Listen up, this result isn't because I lost. Wrangling those three was a handicap from the start. Next time――"

"Excuses are unbecoming."

"The loser lizard who only knows brute force should keep quiet. How unsightly."

"…"

"Speaking of unsightly, 6's――"

"Kakaka, that's rich coming from you, Haku, you――"

Ah, he shut up. And with that, Haku-san and Core 6 resumed their exchange of verbal attacks.

… Behind Core 6, Aidi was watching enviously. What? Does this look like a lover's chat to her or something? I won't do it, you know. Even if you keep glancing over here with that dreamy, slightly heavy-breathing face of yours, I absolutely refuse to have a quarrel that could spark an actual war!

Rokuko, don't make eye contact either! But she's a friend, you say? No!

[Father] gave a sharp clap. Immediately, Haku-san and Core 6 stopped their quarrel and turned their attention to him.

"Otou-san is happy that everyone gets along so well. It's regrettable, but it's about time. Would you like to say your goodbyes?"

"Hey, 695… Rokuko! Just because Tou-sama recognized your name doesn't mean you should get cocky! I won't lose again!"

"Ooooi, 650! What are you doing, interrupting while Father is speaking!? Looks like I need to educate you more strictly… prepare yourself! 651, 652, you'll share in the responsibility too!"

"Gekokoo!?"

"P-please forgive us, 5-samaaa!"

"Hahaha, I did ask for goodbyes, so I don't mind. 5, please go easy on them with the education."

When [Father] said that with a smile, 5 didn't say anything more.

Core 650's face had gone pale despite being a snake.

By the way, Aidi seemed to be watching Rokuko's face with a smile. Rokuko, well, returned the smile with a "since we're friends" kind of feeling――but somehow, Aidi gives off the same vibe as Haku-san.

Right, let's pretend I saw nothing.

"Well then everyone, let's meet again at the next assembly!"

With [Father]'s final words, the communications were cut.

With this, our third Dungeon Battle came to an end.

It felt like it took a really long time.