The Beginning After the End (最強の王様、二度目の人生は何をする？)

You're here. We've heard the whole thing from Brald.

So you're familiar with Lucas and Elijah already?

Yeah.

My name is Reginald Bastion, an A-rank Augmenter.

I'm Kriol Masser, an A-rank Augmenter, just like him.

My element is water. Nice to meet you.

I'm Oliver Hemmbet.

An A-rank Conjurer.

That stone…

So his name is Oliver?

He is just like Alice,

an Emitter.

It sure is reassuring to have one in our party.

I'm Samantha.

An A-rank Conjurer.

Pleased to meet you.

And what's your name, Masked Boy?

I'm Note, an A-rank Augmenter.

Jasmine, an AA-rank Augmenter.

Glad to have another AA-rank adventurer in our party.

Hello. I see everyone's here.

You're late!

Sorry to keep you waiting.

As you're already aware, I'm the leader of this party, Brald Landon.

An Augmenter who just got promoted to AA-rank.

Your luggage…

You two don't have dimensional rings?

-That's right. -Yeah.

I'd have you put your bags inside mine,

but it's already full with Samantha's stuff.

Want to use mine?

I still have some space.

That's it?

Yep. This is everything. Thanks.

Thanks.

My pleasure…

All right.

Time to head out now.

It was through Brald's invitation that we, complete strangers to each other,

are gathered here.

It's said there is a giant magic stone at the lowest level.

Magic stone?

It's a natural megalith,

said to amplify mana and serve as a source of various kinds of energy.

I was commissioned by someone to get it for them.

So I'm currently gathering some top-notch adventurers.

You know Lucas and Elijah, right?

Yes.

They're also going to participate,

and they recommended you and Jasmine.

Since Jasmine, Lucas, and Elijah are going to join,

so I decided to join too.

If anything, I am worried something might happen to them.

Why did you guys join in on this dungeon raid?

Huh? I mean, I heard Brald was gathering some top-notch adventurers.

Yeah.

Huh? You're not after the reward money?

You know, I'm not exactly poor or anything.

It's not about the reward money,

but more about clearing an impregnable dungeon and gaining prestige for me.

You kids sure have it easy.

I have a lot of kids, so I need money.

Me too. Need some capital to run a bakery.

Even if we have different goals, we're still in the same party!

Let us join forces here!

Right.

This is the entrance.

Shall we proceed now?

It looks like an ordinary dungeon…

I did some preliminary research beforehand.

That's our leader! So dependable!

So you already know the way to the lowest level?

No, I didn't go that far.

Anyway, there should be no problem if we keep heading this way.

Easy win for us, then?

No, they say there are immortal creatures living in this dungeon.

Monsters that you've defeated can come back to life.

Is that even possible?

Not to mention, you can't get Mana Cores from monsters here.

No matter how much you fight, you won't gain anything.

Hence the nickname "Dire Tombs."

The heck?

Therefore, combat should be as efficient as possible.

Don't waste your mana for nothing.

Just gotta end them in one blow.

Now, now, hold it right there.

What?

I mean, just the other day, you got too worked up…

Yeah, you did.

Right?

Shut up!

Sure is quiet.

There shouldn't be any monsters in this area yet.

Huh, how boring.

Better not let your guard down.

I bet there's just some small fries at the entrance.

Good grief…

Still the same brat as usual, I see.

Batrunners!

Huh?!

That's a lot of them…

Get down!

Don't waste your mana and stamina!

Come on, man…

Did you run into these when you did your preliminary research?

No…

There is no end to them.

Lucas, it's up to you!

I'll back you up!

I did it!

Thanks, but that was too much.

I told you not to waste your mana!

Come on! I took care of them for you!

Let's hurry before they come back to life!

Elijah, can you make stairs on the wall?

Okay, follow me.

You okay?

I'll go first.

I'll catch you if you slip.

Thanks. I'm not good with high places.

There should be a passage leading to the lowest level further in there.

"Should be"?

I mean, it was there when I came here before.

Anyway, let's get going now.

Gotta get the treasure quick.

Heh, I guess so.

You were saved by my magic just now, weren't you?

Yeah.

You've helped us all.

your mana too much.

You worry too much.

A trap?

Hey!

You didn't tell us there were traps!

This isn't what I was told!

If you can find skilled adventurers,

I'll reward you handsomely.

Okay.

I do have some people in mind.

Well, that's reassuring.

What kind of dungeon is this "Dire Tomb" you're talking about?

There are no traps, and the monsters aren't particularly formidable.

However, as their name suggests, they are immortal.

That's why you'll need top-notch adventurers,

who can take them down before they can regenerate.

If they're the kind of people you trust, then there shouldn't be any problem.

Right.

This is the map leading to the lowest level.

He told me there were no traps!

What's going on here?!

Everyone, stay on your toes.

Isn't it getting hot here?

That's just you.