Episode 13: Ultra-Precise Mana Measurement Device
Inside, two men in white coats, like nurses, were waiting.
“This way, please,” they urged, and Yuma sat on a chair placed in the center of the room. There, a large machine, like those used for CT scans, stood vertically. It seemed to be designed with a ring that would descend from above.
“We will now begin the measurement, so please remain still,” the man said. Another man operated the machine, and the device started moving. Yuma tensed up, his face stiff. He hadn’t expected something so elaborate.
I see, this is definitely different from the hairdryer-type measurement device sold at the electronics store. Thinking so, Yuma felt relieved. With this, my Mana Index should be measured accurately. The round ring, which had lowered to his feet, then slowly returned to the top.
“Yes, all done,” the measurement finished faster than expected, and Yuma stood up. An A4-sized paper came out of a printer placed beside the room, and the man picked it up.
“The results are out. Here you are.”
The paper had several items listed, but all of them showed zero. Yuma frowned.
“This is…”
“Yes, regarding your Mana Index, it’s zero. This device can measure down to 0.01 units, so I’m sure there’s no mistake.”
The result was the same as the hairdryer-type measurement device. Apparently, the Metal Slimes were really too weak to provide any Mana. Yuma said, “Thank you very much,” and left the room, disappointed.
◇◇◇
“That kid probably came here thinking he had Mana,” said one of the staff members in the Mana Index Measurement Room, laughing.
“Yeah, there are a lot of them lately. Amateurs who think their Mana Index has increased after defeating Low-Level Monsters.”
“Well, even if you defeat Slimes in this Blue Dungeon, it won’t reflect in your Mana… but if we say that, they’ll be disappointed, so we can’t tell them.”
“Hahaha, true.”
Amidst their conversation, the staff member who was adjusting the equipment noticed an anomaly.
“Huh? What…”
“What’s wrong?”
“No, it’s strange. I wonder if the equipment is malfunctioning… it’s not responding.”
“What!? This device has never broken down before. What happened suddenly?”
The two hurriedly tried to fix the Mana Measurement Device, but the precision instrument, worth hundreds of millions of yen, showed no response. Faced with this unprecedented situation, the color drained from the two staff members’ faces.
Unaware of such events, Yuma was standing in front of the door leading to the Dungeon.
“Since I came all this way, I guess I should at least go in.”
He opened the door and stepped inside. It was a large, dome-shaped space, with a semi-transparent glass roof allowing sunlight to stream in. However, the entire space felt dim, probably because of the Holes in the floor, exposing the jet-black darkness. Yuma gulped.
“Hello, this is the entrance to the Dungeon! Those entering, please make sure you are well-prepared before descending!”
A uniformed woman, likely a city employee, was waving and giving guidance. A family listened to her and then descended into the Hole in the center. As Yuma moved forward, he saw a sturdy staircase leading far down. Looking down, he felt his legs weaken.
Dungeons are this big? It’s completely different from the one in my yard.
“Is this your first time?”
“Huh? Yes.”
The staff woman called out to Yuma, who was cautiously looking into the Hole. He must have looked quite suspicious. Yuma showed his Entrance Pass for the first floor.
“You’re going to the first floor. It’s okay, it’s not dangerous. By the way, do you have a weapon to defeat the Monsters?”
“N-no, I didn’t bring anything.”
He had come to measure his Mana, so he hadn’t considered defeating Monsters. As Yuma scratched his head, wondering what to do, the female staff member showed him a wagon placed to the side, saying, “Then, how about these?”
Hammers, small knives, axes, and clubs were lined up there.
“We also lend these out, so please feel free to take one.”
“Really?”
“Yes, just return it when you leave.”
Indulging in the kindness of the smiling staff-san, Yuma picked up a hammer, saying, “Then, I will.”
Yuma stood again at the top of the stairs, took a deep breath, and slowly stepped forward, descending the stairs.