Episode 10: Mystical Power
Around this time, the lower floors of the Dungeon, where safety had been confirmed, were opened to civilians, and some began to profit by selling the “gems” produced by the creatures within.
Dungeon-produced gems were easily distinguishable from existing gems because they possessed electromagnetic waves, and they were traded at high prices due to their novelty.
One day, as several civilians were heading towards the exit, intending to take home a “gem” dropped in the Dungeon, they were attacked by a dog-like creature, causing them to drop the gem they were carrying.
As they frantically tried to pick it up, the dog that had jumped out grabbed the gem and swallowed it whole.
The change was immediate.
The dog, which had only been able to run around and bite, opened its mouth and unleashed a torrent of flames. The people were dumbfounded.
The gem the dog had consumed was dropped by a fire-breathing reptile.
At this moment, humanity realized for the first time that “gems” could grant mysterious powers when eaten. The powers they granted were akin to magic.
Creating flames, manipulating water, summoning winds, and unleashing lightning.
Things that could only be achieved in the realm of fantasy became reality within the Dungeon.
This magic could only be used inside the Dungeon, but it was extremely effective against deep-layer creatures that were immune to physical attacks.
Eventually, gems that could grant magical powers came to be called “Magic Gems.”
Creatures that produced Magic Gems were called “Monsters.”
Humans who entered the Dungeon for profit became commonly known as “Seekers.”
Most importantly, using “magic” required electromagnetic waves that increased by defeating Monsters. These electromagnetic waves were named “Mana” by the Australian scholar who first discovered them.
It was a word that represented mystical power in ancient religions.
The numerical value of Mana was called the “Mana Index,” and it was also discovered that a Mana Index higher than that of the Magic Gem was required to use it.
“Hmm, so you can’t do anything without ‘Mana’ after all… I’ve defeated so many Metal Slimes, so I should have quite a bit, right? Mana Index.”
However, he wouldn’t know without checking. When he searched for “Mana Index,” it seemed there were “Measurement Devices” sold at general retail stores.
“It’s Sunday today… guess I’ll go take a look.”
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There was a large electronics retail store about twenty minutes by bicycle from his house. He usually bought all the appliances he used at home there, but it had been a while since Yuma had come.
He parked his bicycle in the bicycle parking area, climbed the stairs, and entered the store.
As he walked through the large floor where a large number of home appliances were lined up, looking around, his eyes stopped at a corner set up in one section.
“Dungeon-related products, wide selection available!”
A large pop sign was set up, and various products were lined up.
Special compasses to indicate direction within the Dungeon. Stun guns and electromagnetic batons to defeat weak Monsters.
Powerful lights to illuminate the darkness and even camping equipment. Did an electronics store really need these? He wondered.
And the product he was looking for was also there—
“This is the Mana Measurement Device… there are so many kinds.”
The Measurement Devices lined up included cylindrical ones and ones shaped like hair dryers.
The prices ranged from 40,000 to 120,000. That was about the price he had found online. It was too expensive, he thought, but then he noticed a corner dealing with used items on the edge of the shelf.
The prices ranged from 10,000 to 30,000.
Yuma stopped a clerk wearing a jacket with the store’s logo.
“Excuse me. Can these used Measurement Devices measure properly?”
The chubby clerk responded with a gentle smile to the customer who asked such a rude question.
“Yes, they’re fine. They’re a bit older models, but they can measure properly. Of course, their performance is inferior to the latest models. But they come with a warranty.”
He thought it would be better to get a cheaper one, so Yuma decided to buy a used Measurement Device.
However, he was worried about the performance if it was too cheap, so he picked up a hair dryer-shaped one for 19,800 yen including tax.
“I’ll take this one.”