Anxious Peace
Japan, was struck by an unprecedented disaster.
Yet, the governnt suddenly declared, "We will end the dungeon stampede within the week," pushing the Self-Defense Forces relentlessly. As a result, the second wave of the dungeon stampede was officially declared over three days later than promised.
While this offered a semblance of resolution, the matter didn’t truly end there.
The stampede's conclusion didn't an the deceased would return, nor would the destroyed infrastructure imdiately be restored.
Moreover, Japan was not the only nation struck by the second wave of the dungeon stampede.
Due to the worldwide chaos from these stampedes, many essential imported goods ceased arriving in Japan.
This led to another crisis for already exhausted people: a wave of inflation. The shortage of supplies caused prices to skyrocket.
Television news programs detailed both the joy and sorrow that accompany disasters, while warning of even harsher tis ahead.
"Yes, here at this New York port, many port workers were affected by the stampede, leading to a severe labor shortage and almost no cargo being loaded or unloaded."
"Toyama-san, the cargo ships visible behind you—are those vessels waiting in line due to their inability to dock?"
"Yes, exactly. These ships are anchored nearby, waiting for their turn to enter port."
"I see. Thank you."
Creak (skreech...)
"Coach, the water outage hasn’t been fixed yet."
"Hmm, I hope it’s just for repairs."
Confirming the continued water outage by twisting the kitchen faucet, Ruu returns to the room. Yes, I had brought Ruu back to the apartnt.
With Ruu's father safely returned to the Food Residence, I left things to Nina-san and Serai-san to check on the state of the Refrigerator Dungeon.
Thankfully, our consistent culling and elimination of boss-level monsters on the fifth and tenth underground levels ant the dungeon was mostly unaffected by the stampede.
"Even during the stampede, we had little to eat, and now that it’s over, there’s still nothing... It’s tough."
"Indeed. Luckily, we have monster-based food sources, but it's hard for ordinary people."
To secure more food, I entrusted the Crab Dungeon to Nina-san back at the Food Residence. I trust she’ll manage it well.
"We’ll head to the shop Machi-chan contacted to deliver supplies."
"Exactly."
The capable tavern owner who rocks eyeshadow and the communication-master Serai-san had exchanged contact details at so point. Most likely, Serai-san had intentions of inviting Nina-san for drinks again. ȑαɴŎʙƐ𝘴
On Serai-san's device ca a ssage from the owner: "I'm out of food supplies—could you share so more of that?"
By that, of course, they ant monster-based food.
While one could question serving such ingredients to paying custors, it’s a bit late to worry about that now, given how much we’ve shared around.
"Well, let’s go together when it’s ti. But first, I need to contact my trading partner..."
My trading partner was Sanada Pharmaceuticals. "To think I could trade personally with such a major company—dungeons, I owe it to you," I thought, sowhat amused.
However, the paynt for previous deliveries hadn't been received, likely due to stampede disruptions.
I had waited patiently, but it was now concerning enough to check on my contacts under the guise of an inquiry.
"Hello, Tadokoro here. Oh, Egetsu-san! I’m glad to see you're safe! But, honestly, I never doubted you’d be fine, given your ability to dive into dungeons."
"Yes, thanks to you. It seems you’re safe too."
"Actually, today’s my first day back at work. I had been at a shelter... It was a tough life."
(I’m surprised to see the usually composed Tadokoro so rattled. The shelter must have been harsh.)
"My family took shelter at my daughter’s school. One of the students there... caused trouble by throwing a monster’s head into the shelter, saying the evacuees were too noisy."
"Spit!?"
"Yes, quite a terrifying experience. Are you okay, Egetsu-san?"
"Cough, cough... No, I’m fine. That must have been a nightmare..."
(Wait—Tadokoro was at Shark’s Highschool!? If I’d known, I’d have prioritized bringing crab cheese gratin.)
"Staying there ruined my health, and I spent most days in the gymnasium... anwhile, my daughter was excitedly talking about fairies, even in this chaos—utterly embarrassing."
"That sounds... exhausting."
I’m sorry, that might’ve been my fault.
"Oh, also! Could you urgently provide more materials?"
(Hmm... Not plant drops, but sli drops collected by the monkeys could work...)
"I can arrange sli drops imdiately."
"Excellent! Please do so. Just between us, many Self-Defense Forces personnel have recently been injured."
"Truly?"
"Yes. Our company’s healing potions have a one-per-day usage limit. Severely wounded personnel need daily treatnt, but we’re short on supply."
"Understood. I’ll make the arrangents right away."
"Thank you. I appreciate it."
What a serious situation this has beco.
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