The job that Kageichi, an ordinary salaryman… no, a former salaryman, favored most was the repetition of simple tasks.
To perform the prescribed procedures exactly as prescribed.
To complete work flawlessly like a program by executing it based on rules—that was the ultimate job.
However, things in this world rarely go so conveniently.
“GURRRRRRRRR!”
A roar that tore through the air echoed in the “cave-type” Dungeon.
The black dog standing before Kageichi bared its fangs, drool dripping from its ferocious mouth.
Even though it’s called a dog, its size is far from ordinary, a giant roughly the height of an adult.
The magical beast, Bloodhound.
A mid-tier monster that also appeared in former LAW, and a Class B designated monster as determined by the current Japanese government.
It’s a reasonably high-ranking existence.
The Bloodhound extended its right forepaw and scratched the ground twice.
Understanding that this was the preliminary motion for a fire attack, Kageichi shifted his weight smoothly to the right, as if swaying.
The beast’s mouth opened, and a scorching fireball was unleashed.
The strike, which could melt even the earth, missed aimlessly to the side of Kageichi, who had already kicked off the ground and side-stepped.
However, the beast demonstrated its agility to the fullest.
As if tracking Kageichi, who had evaded the attack, the Bloodhound immediately bared its fangs and approached.
The purple fangs, richly infused with Magical Power, were commonly known as “Corrosion Fangs,” and had the effect of inflicting damage on the target and causing a corrosive state.
If the target was metal, it would rust and become unusable; if it was a person, it would fall into a poisoned state—a troublesome thing… but.
Beep, a familiar electronic sound.
Immediately afterward, an explosion erupted at the feet of the approaching Bloodhound, and its massive body bounced into the air as if leaping.
Trap Skill: “Landmine.”
This skill, which is highly effective against people, can naturally be expected to produce similar results against monsters.
While confirming the magical dog that had been blown away while screaming, “Gyaoo,” Kageichi promptly deployed his Inventory.
What he took out was a so-called crossbow, with a bow unit attached to a slender base.
Kageichi drew the empty string and poured Magical Power into it.
With a jiji sound, the white light that appeared was stretched out, and a magic arrow appeared. He immediately fired it.
It struck the beast’s head, adding additional damage.
Long range is for the Bow. Landmines for when they approach.
Kageichi’s basic style is to not allow the enemy to get close, and to attack little by little from a distance.
—Because standing in the safe zone at all times while attacking the enemy unilaterally is Kageichi’s ideal combat.
Staggering, the beast approached again.
Beep, the electronic sound rang out again, and the Bloodhound’s massive body was blown away once more.
Watching it, Kageichi unleashed the finishing blow—and the beast finally stopped moving.
The magical dog disappeared, emitting purple smoke.
Along with a jyuwa evaporation sound, what remained on the floor was a small stone called a Magic Stone.
Magic Stones contain a great deal of Magical Power, and serve as proof of defeating a Monster. At the same time, the government buys them at a reasonable price, so they also serve as currency in the Dungeon world.
Having dealt with the magical dog, Kageichi took a breath and probed the Magical Power filling the Dungeon.
He confirmed a significant decrease in Magical Power.
With the disappearance of the Dungeon Boss, the Magical Power to maintain the Dungeon must have been insufficient.
In a few hours, the Dungeon would collapse, and the Gate connecting it to the real world would naturally disappear.
Mission complete.
With this, today’s work was successfully completed…
(Or, that would have been good, but unfortunately, this is where the real thing starts, perhaps.)
Whether you’re a corporate slave or a freelancer, dealing with people is full of hardships.
“Oh well,” Kageichi sighed—
*
Waiting for Kageichi outside the Dungeon, who had passed through the silver Gate, was a stout man calling himself the factory manager.
“Oh, I’m so glad you could help, Cleaner-san. …The cleaning is really complete, right?”
“Yes, without any problems. In a few hours, the Gate will naturally disappear.”
“That’s great, great!”
The man chuckled through his nose.
For Japan today, the appearance of Dungeons is a source of trouble.
If one appears in your home, you can’t sleep peacefully, and if one appears at your company, employees are put in danger.
Therefore, it is common to hire a “Cleaner” to defeat the Monsters in the Dungeon and close the Dungeon—
“I was worried when I heard you were a freelance Cleaner, but you were quick and helpful. Now we can reopen the factory from tomorrow…”
“Client-sama.”
Kageichi stared silently at the man’s plump cheeks as he laughed, “Wahahaha.”
He muttered in a deliberately emotionless voice.
“It’s a violation of the agreement.”
“Huh?”
“Regarding today’s Dungeon, according to the request, the difficulty was Class D. However, the Monster that appeared was a Bloodhound. It’s a mid-range Class B Monster, which is clearly different from the prior information. Therefore, I request payment of a penalty for this matter and an explanation to the Labyrinth Agency.”
As he pushed up his glasses and glared, the man’s cheeks twitched.
…I can’t believe it.
You’re not going to tell me you didn’t know, are you?