Dungeon Battle Preparations (4)

The conclusion drawn from this is, therefore, that what's required is a bold breakthrough on the front lines, demonstrating exceptional combat abilities in a solo charge. The key is to possess the power to crush everything in one's path and forge ahead.

In a Dungeon Battle, especially one involving other Dungeon Cores, it's like a war.

In a typical war, coordinating with allies is stronger, but this is essentially a competition for military glory. One must advance faster than housewives during a big sale.

A solo charge is risky as it can lead to being surrounded by enemies. Both firepower and defensive capabilities are necessary.

Speed should be moderate or above. Too fast is unnecessary, but too slow is out of the question.

The budget's 500,000 DP, but the cheaper, the better. After all, Kehma is frugal—or rather, economical. Keeping costs low would surely earn his praise.

Thus, Rei focused on the catalog, identifying a fantastic monster that met all these criteria.

 

＊ ＊ ＊

 

"So, I have prepared this for you. Please take a look!"

Summoned to the arena for the unveiling, the monster Rei had prepared using dungeon functionality was transported in front of me. The monster, which appeared as if growing from the ground, was—

—A giant monster. It was a Giant Black Steel Golem.

Standing at fourteen meters tall, it could be mistaken for a giant robot. Unlike the typical plump and stocky sort of golems, this one had an inverted triangular, slim body, suggesting material efficiency. Even if I ran to the edge of this arena where Rei called me, the golem's reach seemed intimidating enough to touch me.

The black steel material was literally black steel. Harder to work with than regular steel, meaning higher resistance to enemy attacks. It also held more mana, meaning higher HP and mobility.

Simply put, the Giant Black Steel Golem was strong.

"Giant Golems, and black steel at that. Didn't know these existed…"

"Yes! It's a boss-level item. We've hollowed out its interior and placed a [Storage]-capable control monster inside. When the golem gets damaged, Master can secretly repair it! Its ability to continue fighting is perfect!"

… Well, I would have been happy with a few reasonably-priced monsters.

The Giant Black Steel Golem raised its arms in a pose. If I were inside, it'd probably be quite shaky.

"So how much did it cost?"

"Sir! The Giant Black Steel Golem cost around 100,000 DP! If we add orichalcum plating on top, it'll be perfect!"

"Orichalcum plating is too ostentatious. It reveals too much of our hand."

But even without that, it's… Rei can be a bit disappointing at times.

"I could have made a golem myself."

"Ah…"

"… And there's a significant flaw with this one."

"What might that be?!"

It certainly stands out. It looks strong and troublesome at first glance, and its massive bulk could disrupt enemy formations and produce casualties just by rolling around. But…

"It's a dungeon attack, meaning it'll be indoor. Can this thing even fit through the corridors?"

"!?"

In outdoor or large spaces like this arena, there'd be no problem. But in dungeon corridors, it seemed likely to get stuck. I had forgotten to mention to Rei that for an invading force, monsters should be limited to 'slightly larger than human' size to avoid impeding progress.

… And right now, this giant golem seemed unlikely to even exit the arena.

"… Surely the corridors in Number 10's dungeon are spacious enough to allow passage!"

"Let's face reality. You missed the mark…"

"Ah, I overlooked that…"

"Well, it's still a splendid force and usable in this dungeon. I'll register it as a boss spawn, replicate one, and it'll be useful as a large black steel material source. It won't go to waste."

I reassured a disheartened Rei, seeing a good opportunity to acquire a superior metal material I'd been considering.

I also had another good idea for its use.

"Rei, let's go with your idea of overwhelming with a large monster."

"Eh? But, won't it be unable to pass through the corridors?"

"I have a good idea. Leave it to me—well, I'll need your help, though."

"Y-Yes! I'll assist!"

I immediately registered the golem as a boss spawn and started creating a secret weapon for the Dungeon Battle with Rei, using the black steel golem as a base material.

—The concept was, of course, a [Combining Robot].