Vol. 1 Chapter 1 - Tanaka Dives into the Dungeon

“Marriage is the graveyard of life.”

While such words exist, I think it’s a bit different.

“Employment is the real graveyard of life…”

I, Tanaka Makoto, a salaryman, mutter to myself as I read an email detailing today’s tasks.

The quotas listed there were far from manageable within regular working hours. Overtime was inevitable… I let out a deep sigh.

“A-Class Ogre, five of them, and four Basilisks. On top of that, three S-Class Tyrant Dragons, huh… I won’t make it for the last train again today.”

All of them were troublesome monsters.

Even if I were to dive into the dungeon right now, I would surely pass midnight in a hurry.

I chose the profession of hunting these monsters ten years ago when I was just fifteen years old.

“It still feels like a dream.”

Ten years ago, mysterious structures called ‘Dungeons’ suddenly appeared all over the world. Inside them lay unknown creatures and high-tech weapons and equipment.

People became ‘Explorers’ and delved into the dungeons in search of treasures.

Those who entered the dungeon gained special abilities, becoming dozens of times stronger than ordinary people. Of course, not everyone possessed these powers; it was only for those with talent, or perhaps just lucky ones like me.

Dungeon exploration was a life-threatening endeavor, but nowadays, it seems to be trending to livestream the whole thing on a video-sharing site called D-Tube.

By the way, I’ve never done that. I’ve been dedicated to my job, and I have no idea how it works or how people earn money from it. At times like this, I realize how much I’ve aged…

“Now, shall I dive into the dungeon right away… Wait, before that.”

I take out a small spherical-shaped device from my pocket and activate it.

It starts floating gently near me.

This is a small drone. It records footage and automatically sends it to the company. Depending on the settings, it can even livestream on video platforms, but I only use it to report my work progress to the company.

I take out my smartphone and adjust the drone’s settings.

“Let’s see, choose the company’s streaming server… Ugh.”

Suddenly, I feel dizzy and stagger in place.

Come to think of it, I only had a two-hour nap today.

I haven’t been home in two weeks. When was the last time I could sleep soundly?

“What am I doing…”

The company I work for is a subcontractor for the government.

That might sound impressive, but it means we’re stuck with all the troublesome tasks the government doesn’t want to do. Our company is always swamped with demanding work.

At this rate, I’ll die from overwork… I know that, but I don’t even have the time to think about quitting. I dive into the dungeon as usual with a deadpan expression.

“My vision is getting blurry… Alright, with this setting… It should be fine.”

With the drone’s settings complete, I strap a sword to my waist and step into the dungeon.

Today, I’m diving into the ‘Shibuya Underground Dungeon,’ one of the largest dungeons in the city. It’s the largest dungeon in the country, and its depths are my destination today.

“From here, I commence my duties.”

I straighten my tie and venture into the dungeon.

At that moment, I had no idea.

That this dungeon dive today would lead to a significant change in my life…

—

**Comments from the Livestream:**

“What’s up with this stream?”

“It says ‘Company Record,’ but did they mess up the settings?”

“They don’t even realize they’re streaming. Looks like they’re not reading the comments either.”

“Isn’t this the Shibuya Dungeon? They’re diving really deep alone. Is that safe?”

“This looks like a suicide stream.”

“At least three people are needed for a large dungeon; they’ll die soon.”