Raid Dungeon Battle (7)

Just as Vampire-senpai boosted our physical and magical defenses and Dog-senpai buffed our attack power, I used the avatar I had on the front lines to talk to Mushroom-senpai and the others.

"Still, don't you think Core Number 10's Dungeon Battle is a lot weaker than we expected?"

Part of me wanted to provoke Number 10, but it was honestly going too well—enough to make me uneasy.

[… True, even though Golem-kouhai is doing well, it's all been a bit too smooth. If this really is all they've got and they're hiding nothing, then they're far weaker than we thought.]

[Exactly. I figured a top 10 Core could recover from a bad opening. If they're truly this weak, then I feel bad for Haku-sama.]

[I mean, we did take out most of their main forces with that first holy water attack… but this is too easy. I never thought we'd end up bullying one of the top ten Cores like this…]

The senpai trio really laid into Core Number 10. He's definitely listening from the boss room right now.

[——[Mega Gravity]！]

The boss room doors burst open, and a spell came flying out.

[Urgh, dark magic!?]

[Kyaa!?]

[Guhff!?]

Monsters were crushed by the weight of gravity and rendered unable to move. If we hadn't cast those buffs, we might've been wiped out. Even my Slime's looking a little squished… And the Golem—well, if I hadn't quietly mixed in some orichalcum, that might've been bad.

[I may not be able to leave the boss room, but I can attack from within it. I'm quite impressed with how boldly you spoke in front of me.]

With the sound of steady footsteps, Core Number 10 approached the door.

[——[Fireball]！]

[Fool. That won't work on me.]

A fireball shot by one of Vampire-senpai's monsters while lying on the ground was casually swatted aside with the tin staff in Number 10's hand.

[Now then, you lot. This dungeon is my domain. And yet, you thought it wise to chat so carelessly within it?]

He grinned with the face of an old man, full of malice.

[Wh-what!?]

[You're a Vampire type. In my records, only three Vampire-like Cores exist. Among them, you mentioned the "moonflower that blooms for only one night"—the Gekkabijin. That flower grows in hot, humid environments. Two of the three Cores don't match that setting. Which means—you're Core Number 398. I hereby challenge you to a Dungeon Battle.]

[Wha—huh!? That's totally wrong! How dare you confuse me with the ultra-beautiful Core Number 398! You better take that back right now!]

[Now that you mention it…]

[Dog! Don't add fuel to the fire! Bad dog!]

Vampire-senpai was clearly shaken. Her reaction basically confirmed his guess.

[And you, mutt. You're next.]

[Guh…!?]

[Core Number 400. I had assumed you were part of the Beast King faction… or are you double-dipping? Oh dear, what would Number 8 say if they found out?]

[Wait, Dog's in the 400s? So they're younger than me!?]

[……]

He identified individuals from just a few comments… Scary. No wonder he's one of the oldest Cores—he seems to have a treasure trove of information.

[Hahaha! Information is power—and those who control it, rule the world!]

[Oh my, and if you're wrong, what then, Core Number 10?]

[Kukuku… if I'm wrong, I'll simply crush you and use your remains for materials… You, too, mushroom. You're a plant-type. You tried to mislead me, but… you're Core Number 219, aren't you?]

[… Well, who can say?]

Mushroom-senpai played dumb. Core Number 10 let out a low, sinister laugh. Was that confirmation that he's really Core 219? Not that it matters much—just means he's with the traitor faction.

[You're not the only ones. I've identified 90% of the invading Cores. You fools let your guard down while I held back—you practically handed me the info on a silver platter.]

So that's why things were going so smoothly…

[I'll now begin taking you down one by one through Dungeon Battles.]

[In the middle of being attacked by so many dungeons at once?]

[Don't underestimate me, mutt. Just as you are pawns of that white pig, I too have my own pieces.]

"Core Number 10 has his own faction…"

[Faction? Don't insult me. These are no mere factions. They are my loyal servants!]

For some reason, he let out a booming laugh—kaaa-ha-ha-ha-ha!

[Now then, Golem—you're the most annoying of the bunch. Which is why you'll be the first sacrifice.]

He pointed at my avatar.

Wait, me!? Seriously!?

"W-wait, you figured out who I am too!?"

[Of course, Number 695. Pretending to be male won't fool me. A newcomer making waves? Clearly the work of that white pig. Which means, there's only one candidate: Core Number 695!]

That's like… 60% guesswork! Even though it's right!

Also, didn't I tell the senpai I'm a Master, not a Core? Was this old geezer even listening!? … Actually, maybe his other guesses were kind of half-assed too?

"Hey! You've got it wrong! I'm not Core 695—I'll take a truth verification if I have to! You're mistaken!"

[Doesn't matter. Even if I'm wrong, crushing Number 695 will inflict psychological damage on that sow. No harm done.]

… Okay, he's not wrong. But for us, that's a huge problem!

Clearly, this is a prelude to a direct attack from Core Number 10.

[Tremble in fear and pray for a swift end! [Command AA: D695]！]

Right after Core Number 10 made that bold declaration, a flood of Dungeon Battle declarations poured in—targeting us, the [Cave of Desires].