Dungeon Battle Preparations (1)

We gathered the dungeon's executives for a meeting in the Master Room.

I was there along with Rokuko, Niku, Ichika, Rei, Kinue, Nerune, and Soto. An unnecessarily large round table was prepared. Ereka, the dungeon management fairy who worked in the Master Room, had thoughtfully brewed some tea for us.

Narikin's also an executive but he was currently in the Holy Kingdom, so he couldn't attend.

The main agenda of the executive meeting was, of course, about the Dungeon Battle requested by Haku-san.

"So, we've had a request from Haku-san. What kind of preparations do we need?"

"Eh, aren't you deciding that, Master?"

Rei, the Saintess of Beddhism with zero attack power, responded to my question.

"I want Rei and the others to gain experience in Dungeon Battles. I can travel without leaving the village by using [Possession] on Narikin, but there's still a chance someone could challenge us to a Dungeon Battle in my absence."

"I see, preparing for the worst, then."

Also, if Rei and the others can handle Dungeon Battles, we can delegate similar requests from Haku-san to them in the future. Even if we lose in the sub-dungeon [White Beach] instead of our main base [Cave of Desires], it wouldn't be a big deal.

… In fact, if [White Beach] were gone, it might even reduce unexpected visits from Haku-san and her group…?

"I'll have some input, but I mainly want Rei and the others to think about it. Ideally, I want to be able to leave all Dungeon Battles to them eventually."

"Master…! To think so highly of us…! I, Rei, vow to strive hard to meet your expectations!"

"I, too, will do the same. Master, please continue to guide us."

"I'll work hard for you too~, Master~!"

Following Rei's vow, Kinue and Nerune expressed their enthusiasm and loyalty. As a Dungeon Master, I was delighted. But remember, this isn't a front-line job, so don't get it wrong.

Then, Soto tugged at my sleeve.

"By the way, Papa. Will I be participating in this?"

"Hm? Ah, Haku-san didn't specifically say you should join."

"But I think I can help! You know, my [Storage Dungeon] is really useful, right?"

Indeed, Soto's [Storage Dungeon] is pretty handy.

It's a [Storage], so if the opponent lacks divine attributes, they can be forcibly frozen in time upon entering. Against weak foes, we could probably achieve an overwhelming victory. But Dungeon Cores are demi-gods. Although it's rare for enemy cores to come out—except for the Demon Lord Faction—there's always an opponent they can handle.

However, this is an invasion battle. We'd not be bringing the enemy into [Storage], but instead attacking and taking down the Core Number 10. Considering that, Soto was just a fledgling dungeon under our protection, not a combatant.

I also want to keep the [Storage Dungeon] a secret from Haku-san, at least as much as possible.

"Hmm, Soto, you really would be convenient to use as a last resort… Let Niku [Possess] a Kobold and join the battle that way instead."

"Mu-mu, understood. I'll offer whatever little help I can."

"Right, that's the spirit. Thanks."

As I patted her head, Soto smiled contentedly.

Niku also nodded eagerly.

"I want socks as my reward, Papa. You can give them to me now."

"Yeah, I knew you were after a reward. Ichika, give her your socks."

"Eh, mine? Alright then, Soto-sama, here ya go."

"Yay! Ichika onee-chan's white maid knee socks!"

Ichika, who was conveniently standing by as a maid, handed over her freshly removed pair of socks.

Really, who did this little pervert daughter take after… me, I guess.

"Rei. Initiate the Dungeon Battle from [White Beach]. Make the necessary preparations. The budget this time is 1,000,000 DP. Haku-san will cover the expenses, so keep the books."

"… Books?"

Rei looked unsure. Right, she's still shaky with basic arithmetic. I gotta make her a Calculator Golem…

"Well, you can limit the preparations to about 500,000 DP and save the rest for the day of. You don't need to renovate the dungeon since our main objective is attacking the enemy's dungeon."

"I see, understood. So it's mainly about preparing monsters."

"Yes, but—"

I was about to say to save some for the mouse-based wave tactic but stopped. We could summon a veritable mountain of mice with just 10,000 DP. The feed costs could be covered with the day's budget.

"But what? What were you going to say?"

"Nothing, it's fine."

"Wait, Kehma. Let me say one thing… Rei, don't think about enhancing yourself and fighting on the front line. As an executive, you should control monsters and fight that way."

Rokuko continued where I left off.

That reminded me, Rei once used the DP I gave her to summon subordinates for her own enhancement.

"… Understood."

… Would she have done it if Rokuko hadn't said anything? Hmm.