Chapter 72 - Black Tiger's Bewilderment

 

Since Yamada Karlin declared her intention to solo conquer the deep layers, the main members of Black Tiger had moved away from the city and set up one of their bases in Okutama, bringing their assets with them and lurking in full gear.

 

Despite Kuroi’s intuition sensing no abnormalities, the flashy declaration of deep layer conquest broadcasts served as a distraction. They were on guard, expecting surprise attacks such as forced investigations by the Anti-Exploration Division or unexpected arrests.

 

The Okutama base, with few nearby residences, unlike the main base in the city, had various secret escape routes. This made it easier to respond in case of emergencies.

 

And at that base.

 

Unable to ignore Yamada Karlin’s deep layer conquest that had truly begun, the core members of Black Tiger gathered to check the broadcast. However—

 

“Ahhhhhh!? How does she know the abilities of the first-time monsters as if it’s obvious!?”

 

“Why is she casually identifying and explaining the abilities of first-time monsters with that look on her face!?”

 

“This monster, what the hell is it!?”

 

Since Karlin entered the deep layers, the Okutama base was filled with screams.

 

Not only was it shocking enough that Yamada Karlin chose the Okutama Dungeon, Black Tiger’s main battleground, as the stage for her deep layer broadcasts, but the consecutive conquest footage was beyond belief.

 

Defeating Mist barehanded.

 

Discovering the timing of the shockwave emission interference of the insect-human (officially named Insect Warrior Impact).

 

Avoiding the first-time kill shot from the Dragon Cannon by deflecting the bullets and taking a shortcut.

 

Yamada Karlin’s abnormal combat strength aside, the broadcast showcased a myriad of information accumulated by Black Tiger, some of which even Black Tiger itself was unaware of. The struggles they had faced until now were rapidly turning into nothing.

 

“What the hell is going on for real…”

 

“Hey, isn’t there a traitor among us!? Someone must be passing deep layer information to this crazy kid through the Anti-Exploration Division! Otherwise, no matter how strong she is, she can’t clear it smoothly without a scratch!”

 

“Hey!? Why are you looking at me like that!? Huh!?”

 

While the executives lost their composure, a woman who maintained a calm expression on the surface—the Black Tiger executive, Momomeki Tohko, with an atmosphere of a professional—also spoke with a pale face.

 

“O-Our loss of information assets has exceeded 1 billion…! In addition, if other top clans use the information revealed by Yamada Karlin to enter Okutama, there is a risk of further swelling losses due to the drop in the price of exclusive materials…”

 

Amidst the panic of the major members, the clan master Kuroi raised his voice.

 

“Everyone, calm down!”

 

Instructing the panicking key members, Kuroi quietly spoke.

 

“I understand the feeling of losing composure due to the otherworldly footage. But first, everyone calm down. That monster defeated the storm dragon in Shibuya without a scratch. This much was within our expectations.”

 

While understanding the panicking feeling due to the footage from another dimension, Kuroi spoke quietly.

 

“Well, to be honest, when Yamada Karlin started conquering the high-difficulty dungeon in Okutama, which is our main battleground, I couldn’t help but go ‘huh?’… But if you think about it calmly, Yamada Karlin going to such extremes to inflict economic damage on us is something we should be grateful for.”

 

The loss of information assets was certainly painful. But if that monster self-destructed in the high-difficulty dungeon, the losses in the process, reaching hundreds of millions, would be just necessary expenses. Of course, if Yamada Karlin actually achieved the solo conquest of the deep layers, it would be a massive loss. However, Kuroi was confident that such an achievement was impossible.

 

“Yamada Karlin is an abnormal monster, that’s for sure. It’s abnormal to break through the first layer of the abyss, the high-difficulty dungeon of Okutama, unharmed. I understand your worries that she might achieve the deep layer conquest as is. But—the deep layers of the Otherworld are not that forgiving.”

 

Kuroi asserted.

 

“The characteristics of magical creatures are diverse. There are obstacles in the deep layers that solo explorers, no matter how strong, can never clear. As you all know, especially here in Okutama, starting from the second layer.”

 

And then, Kuroi, hearing the “sound” resonating from Karlin’s broadcast, smiled.

 

“Look. One of the troublesome entities from the second layer is already making an appearance.”

 

The various obstacles that make Okutama Dungeon high difficulty.

 

One of them began to bare its fangs against Karlin.

 

“What a strange sound, isn’t it?”

 

Shortly after conquering the first layer, they delved into the Okutama Dungeon’s deep second layer. In the vast corridor that extended into the dimness, Karlin muttered.

 

Kiiin—Kiiin—

 

A high-pitched sound echoed throughout the cave, growing louder.

 

[What’s this sound?]

[Is it some kind of cry?]

[The echo is so intense; it’s hard to tell where it’s coming from.]

[What is this?]

[We need to be cautious of any mysterious occurrences in the deep layers!]

 

The sound seemed to be heavily featured in the broadcast, and viewers also tilted their heads in response.

 

“Ah, this feeling is indeed that troublesome—”

 

Just as Karlin whispered, “There it is!”

 

Karlin suddenly swung her iron fist. Multiple impacts struck right next to her, causing the air to tremble with the shock.

 

[!? What’s Miss Karlin doing!?]

[Huh, what’s happening!?]

[Miss, why are you relentlessly punching an empty space!?]

[Is there something invisible? It doesn’t seem like it…]

[Miss Karlin!? What’s wrong!?]

[Even the comments from Miss Karlin are not visible!?]

[Huh, is this her usual eccentric behavior?]

[Well, Miss Karlin always seems to be confused, but this feels different!]

[Miss Karlin, what’s going on!?]

 

“That’s right!”

 

Without even responding to the comments, Karlin continued to shower her fists into thin air. And as if enjoying this abnormal behavior,

 

“Kikikikikikikikikikik!”

 

Kiiin—Kiiin—

 

Several bat-like monsters emerged from the darkness, the source of the strange noise. They seemed to enjoy the spectacle of Karlin falling into their trap.

 

“We got her!”

 

Black Tiger’s base echoed with Kuroi’s triumphant voice.

 

On the tablet screen, Yamada Karlin continued to punch an empty space, and multiple monsters approached her from behind.

 

The Hypnosis Bat, a bat-like monster appearing in the Okutama Dungeon’s deep second layer.

 

Its vicious ability was hypnosis through high-frequency sound waves. It could plunge those who heard the sound into a state of hallucination and confusion.

 

Hallucination confusion, a status abnormality induced by so-called hypnotic magic. Once afflicted, it made normal combat impossible, forcing allies to mistake each other for monsters and engage in friendly fire, or causing the affected person to mistake empty space for enemies, making them oblivious to real monster attacks.

 

Moreover, this abnormal state couldn’t be lifted until a strong impact was delivered to the head area. And, as expected from something called “hypnotic magic,” even realizing the hallucination was impossible.

 

Among various debuffs, it was considered exceptionally malicious, and all the monsters utilizing it were feared by veteran explorers as severe caution monsters.

 

What made the Hypnosis Bat particularly troublesome was the factor that triggered hypnosis: “sound.”

 

Monsters manipulating hypnotic magic usually initiated hypnosis through visual information or smells, things that were relatively avoidable.

 

However, the Hypnosis Bat, in the confined space underground, utilized “sound” to induce unavoidable hypnotic effects with resonating and amplifying sound waves, making it particularly troublesome among the rare hypnotic magic-based monsters. The special sound waves could penetrate the body, rendering ear-plugging useless.

 

If there was a single loophole in its unfair hypnotic ability, it was that, even though they tried to enhance the hypnotic power by collectively making high-pitched sounds, they could only hypnotize one person at a time.

 

To hypnotize multiple explorers, it took time. Attacking those who fell into a confused state one by one would break the hypnosis, as they received a strong impact. While repeating this process, the Hypnosis Bat could be conquered.

 

Of course, it wasn’t an easy task. Each time someone fell into hypnosis, coordination would be disrupted. If other monsters attacked along with the Hypnosis Bat, delaying the hypnosis release, party members could fall into confusion one after another. However, it wasn’t an insurmountable challenge.

 

But that was in the case of a party.

 

In solo situations, realizing the hypnotic effect at the first encounter was already too late. Unable to perceive reality properly and with no one to release the hypnosis, the solo explorer would expose fatal vulnerabilities before the vicious monsters in the deep, just like Yamada Karlin now.

 

[Wait? Hey, isn’t this dangerous…?]

[Miss Karlin, could she be in a hallucinogenic state?]

[Huh, is it those bat things!?]

[Wait a minute! Solo and inducing hypnosis with sound? Isn’t this a solo killer, even without the hypnosis release guy!?]

[Hey, in solo, there’s no one to give a strong impact for hypnosis release!]

[Huh, no way, does Miss have no resistance?]

[Hypnotic monsters are pretty rare, so unlike poison, there’s no opportunity to build resistance!]

[I heard that even with a level difference, hypnosis is easy to get…]

[Miss Karlin seems susceptible to hypnosis…]

[Hey, we’re in the deep layer; isn’t this seriously dangerous!?]

 

Viewers, realizing the cause of the abnormal situation, screamed in unexpected and sudden peril.

 

“Kiiii!”

 

“Giiii!”

 

And then, the feared situation happened as anticipated.

 

Two Hypnosis Bats leaped from the group. Furthermore, Insect Warrior Impact, detecting the presence of the explorer under hypnosis, approached and attacked Karlin.

 

Aiming for vital spots where a strong impact would release the hypnosis—understanding this, the deep monsters’ claws and fangs swung mercilessly.

 

[Miss Karlin, aaaaah!]

[Hey, come on, go back to normal, seriously stop!]

[Hey, isn’t there anyone who can do something about this!?]

 

“Hahaha! There’s no way to escape! Arrogance thinking she could advance through our dungeon alone, she’ll decay in the monster’s nest!”

 

The viewers’ screams and Kuroi’s cheers resonated simultaneously.

 

“Oh, this might be a hallucination after all.”

 

In an instant, casually.

 

“Gii!?”

 

Turning her vacant eyes toward the source of the attack, Karlin effortlessly evaded the approaching Insect Warrior Impact from behind.

 

“This, the information obtained through the five senses and the information obtained through perception skills are mismatched and uncomfortable~. We need to undo this quickly!”

 

Dogooooooon!

 

“Giiiiii!?”

 

Karlin accurately targeted the Hypnosis Bat among the monsters attacking her and delivered a headbutt. The Hypnosis Bat exploded between Karlin’s forehead and the dungeon wall. The dungeon screamed from the tremendous impact, and a large crack ran through the point of impact on her forehead.

 

“Phew! Immediate release with a strong impact—basic, you know! Well, I always do this, so it seems I haven’t developed resistance skills… Today’s stream prioritizes elegance, but it’s delicate for an elegant stream to be affected by hypnosis. I need to learn it properly soon~”

 

With just one scratch on her unharmed forehead, Karlin made a slight gesture. She gracefully defeated the momentarily ignored Insect Warrior Impact, which flowed like a stream.

 

[….Huh?]

[What?]

[Huh?]

[Huh?]

[Huh, what’s this? Did she just self-release from hypnosis… with a headbutt?]

[Well, you see, hypnosis is not supposed to be self-aware, so self-release should be impossible, right?]

[Huh, wait, could it be that the proficiency of her perception skill and the level of the young lady herself are so overwhelming that the effectiveness is low…?]

 

The comment section, which was just filled with screams moments ago, now filled with bewildered voices.

 

“Huh…?”

 

And Kuroi, too, was frozen in the face of this inexplicable turn of events. But soon, he snapped back to reality.

 

“W-Well, yes! Certainly, with this abnormal strength, there might be some degree of resistance to hypnosis! But even so, hypnosis should work on this monster! Continuously using headbutts for hypnosis release, while being conscious of the disparity between perception skills and the five senses, will definitely consume energy! Moreover, this is the lair of the Hypnosis Bat on the second floor! The echoing sound waves of the bats, which are enhanced by chanting, create a hellish environment throughout the cave! Additionally, solo navigation through this long corridor, where other monsters also attack, is impossible!”

 

Kuroi pointed out the most malicious aspect of the second floor.

 

“Kiiii!”

 

And, as if to prove that, the remaining Hypnosis Bats, who had lost their comrades, increased the output of their hypnosis sound waves, furiously.

 

The trouble was felt by Karlin as well.

 

“Hmm, this is troublesome. While hypnosis itself is easily broken, having to headbutt each time is not a good tempo. It seems that even blocking the ears is useless, and if I try to release hypnosis, it needs to be with a power that can crush dungeon walls, not very elegant in terms of visuals…”

 

She pondered with a finger on her cheek. Then,

 

“Ah, that’s right! I can do this! It was so simple!”

 

Karlin pulled the floating camera towards her, covering the microphone part with her finger. Taking a deep breath, the next moment,

 

“Urrseeee desuwaaaAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!”

 

An incredibly loud, purely elegant gigantic voice echoed throughout the cave, completely drowning out all hypnosis sound waves.

 

Moreover,

 

“Kiiiiii!?”

 

“Bam bam bam bam!”

 

Unfortunately, the bat monsters with exceptional hearing abilities, overwhelmed by the hypnosis sound waves, fell to the ground foaming at the mouth.

 

“Yoshaaaaa! With this, I can proceed while neutralizing the hypnosis sound! This way, I can move forward while taking care of this! Huh, what’s this? They seem to be falling down!”

 

Gusha!

 

Under her loud footsteps, the bats were trampled to death. The Hypnosis Bats on the scene had no resistance and were annihilated in an instant.

 

[Haaah!?]

[What!?]

[What’s this!?]

[A ridiculously loud and giant voice is coming even with the microphone covered, what’s going on!?]

[Even the comments are loud until writing!]

[Well, I mean, um, even if the deep-sea monsters are foaming and collapsing…]

[Is this like Uvogin from HUN×ER×HUNTER!?]

[Even Uvogin was screaming in the enemy’s ear, but this is…]

[Well, well, Karin Ojou-sama is undoubtedly at the pinnacle of enhancement abilities…]

[Even this enhancement-type Ojou-sama has surpassed the limits of manifestation abilities!?]

[Hey, is it us who are experiencing weird visuals due to being hypnotized through the screen…?]

 

With just a scratch on her unharmed forehead, Karlin made a slight gesture. She gracefully defeated the momentarily ignored Insect Warrior Impact, which flowed like a stream.

 

“Huh…”

 

While Kuroi muttered in disbelief, Karlin swiftly reached the boss room on the second floor.

 

Black Tiger’s current information asset loss amount—1.5 billion.