CHAPTER 102: CHAPTER 102 - DUNGEONIZATION

Chapter 102 - Dungeonization

Rescuing the comrades already taken was, in truth, nearly impossible. Judging by the parasitic vines’ frantic movements, attempting it would only increase the number of victims.

Instead, Machael’s gaze trembled with rising dread.

If this becomes a dungeon... then New Capital is finished.

Seeing a dragon with his own two eyes was shocking enough, but even that wasn’t the worst of it. The sheer scale of this emerging dungeon—just imagining the monsters that could spawn from it was enough to make him feel hopeless.

It has to be stopped.

But wanting something didn’t make it happen. Even just watching from afar made his whole body tremble.

How in the world were they supposed to stop something so massive?

Is there really... truly no way?

All Machael could do was stare helplessly at Bey World, despair chewing at his resolve.

Cr-kwa-ka-ka-kak!

Suddenly, a burst of aggressive movement from the parasites made everyone tense.

The writhing black vines, which had begun spreading from the dark portal, were rapidly overtaking Bey World, devouring it piece by piece.

Luke shuddered as he spoke.

"What... is all this...?"

"It’s the dungeonization."

"Dungeonization?"

Dodging the advancing vines, the group scattered in every direction. With dozens of thorny roots erupting from the pavement, their space to move was disappearing fast.

"Watch out! If the parasites get you, you’ll become part of the dungeon!"

Jhin slashed the vines to create escape routes. As his Master of Chaos sword sprayed frost, ice crystals began forming on the ground.

Maybe that was why—for a moment, the parasites paused.

"This way! Everyone!"

Jhin narrowed his eyes as he surveyed the area. The parasitic infestation that had overtaken Bey World was rapidly reducing the surroundings to rubble.

"...A dungeonization that spans three months?"

Could something this long and expansive even be possible?

Even in Exodia1, he had never experienced anything like this. While reviewing the quest information, he tried to gather his thoughts.

This place is called the Bermuda Zone.

The quest had said: "Once certain conditions are met, dungeonization will be completed." So what did that mean? And how did it relate to the Bermuda Zone?

Mysterious, unexplainable disappearances...

Now he finally understood.

Why did people always vanish without a trace when they entered this place?

"...They were consumed by the parasites."

The Bermuda Zone.

A place that wasn’t technically a dungeon, but felt like one.

A place where people were inexplicably disappearing.

All of it traced back to one phenomenon:

Dungeonization.

The Bermuda Zones were all areas undergoing dungeonization.

Jhin estimated how many people the parasites might have devoured. Just thinking about how many monsters were wandering through Bey World gave him an idea.

Those monsters must have been summoned from the memories—or fears—of the countless players who had disappeared.

...Terrifying.

Cr-kwa-ka-ka-kak!

The twisting black vines crashed through outer walls and overtook amusement rides. Even from a distance, Bey World now looked like an overgrown jungle.

Luke mumbled, visibly shaken.

"W-what do we do? What if we get swallowed up too...?"

"Who’s getting swallowed?"

"But—"

"Relax. Nothing’s over yet."

Jhin turned his eyes toward Bey Tower.

Now he could practically see through the portal beyond it. It was no longer some ambiguous, mysterious space.

"A Seed Chamber."

That was what it was. He was sure of it now.

"There’s still time. We just have to get to the boss monster before they do."

"They?"

"The Company. They’re going to try to use a Dungeon Flower, guaranteed."

A dungeonization of this scale, one that had taken so long to meet its conditions, wasn’t going to transform into a dungeon instantly.

Which meant they still had time.

And it was time they couldn’t afford to waste.

"A Dungeon Flower will only accelerate the process."

Cr-kwa-ka-ka-kak!

The parasites that had momentarily retreated were once again tightening their grip, gradually sealing off escape routes like a snake coiling to squeeze its prey.

Black vines crept in closer, cutting off every exit.

Everyone stood frozen, eyes full of worry.

"So... we’re going in there?"

Jhin nodded.

"If we wanted to avoid the quest, we could just walk away. But I think we all know by now—that’s not a real solution."

Running from a dungeon didn’t make it disappear. If the dungeonization process wasn’t stopped now, it would only come back around with greater consequences.

And next time, it could be anyone’s family, friends, or loved ones who paid the price.

"There’s only one thing we have to do."

He remembered the moment he defeated Molly.

Maybe this wasn’t so different.

A player’s job had always been the same.

Clear the dungeon.

And then, he noticed a massive shadow stretching across the ground behind him.

The parasites were spreading across the ceiling too, trying to smother them completely.

Skrrr...

From somewhere below, a sickening sound slithered closer. He could guess what it was. Just like in the elevator before—cockroach swarms.

...Parasites.

Jhin steadied his breathing and focused his mana.

The Master of Chaos Sword responded to his power, erupting with a cold wave of ice.

Then his eyes flared gold.

His vision locked onto the flow of the parasites.

The thinnest point—the weak spot—was clear.

Sh-shiinnk!

With a single slash, the vines split open, revealing the path forward. For the first time, the road to Bey Tower was visible again.

Bathed in pale moonlight, Jhin clenched his grip on his sword and spoke.

"...Let’s go destroy that dungeon."

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