The Way to Absolute Dungeon Administration – There Is No Reason To Meet With the Opponent!

Volume 02 Chapter 21: For a Better Life

Side: Naruja

“…And so, thanks to the miracle of the late Elju-sama, this dungeon became the first in history to be managed by human hands. Currently, Elju-sama’s elder sister, Selaria-sama, holds the highest authority, but in her absence, Labiris here is the dungeon’s supreme authority.”

“…Greetings, new dungeon residents. I’m Labiris, the head administrator of this dungeon. Some of you may wonder why a young woman like me is in charge. That’s because it’s the will of the late Elju-sama, who transformed this dungeon. The town you’ll live in is unlike any other. I’m the administrator, not a ruler. This is a place where residents can express their will and shape the town themselves. In other words…”

Right now, Eris-san and Labiris-san, whom I spoke with briefly yesterday, are explaining the dungeon’s purpose to the new residents—us, the Fairy Tribe.

The delivery and content of their speech are remarkably well thought out.

I heard about the policies and goals in yesterday’s meeting, but I wondered how they’d explain it to others who know nothing. They’re using the supposedly deceased Elju-sama as a shield, claiming this is a safe town built by and for the people.

Clever. It leaves no room for rebellion.

Anyone who objects would be defying Elju-sama’s will, and anyone complaining that Labiris-san is too young would be admitting they don’t see others as equals.

In other words, a young girl and a female emcee serve as a litmus test to suppress dissent.

Those with grievances can only speak up here, in a highly unfavorable situation.

It’s a kind of screening—a sieve for those who’ll live here.

The real Dungeon Master, standing alongside the other representatives, is casually… napping.

…Well, I suppose it’s understandable?

Yesterday’s meeting went past midnight.

Surprisingly, the women standing as representatives were former slaves, never having worked under a ruler before.

That means Yuki-san trained them to this level. I could never do that.

I haven’t even chosen the next Elder for my village, let alone trained nearly ten people to govern.

Yuki-san looks like he’s slacking, but my experience tells me he’s probably been busier than anyone.

As I’m thinking this, a murmur ripples through the crowd.

“…This is a skill of the Dungeon Master. As you live here, each person generates 1 DP every 10 hours, albeit in small amounts. Using that DP, I created a sword this time, but it can produce almost anything.

You’re welcome to discuss and propose items that would make life more convenient. As for how DP is used, we’ve granted Master Authority to your race’s representative. Elder Naruja-san, could you step forward?”

“Yes.”

As discussed yesterday, I step before my village.

“Everyone, it’s as they say. I’ve been given Master Authority by Labiris-san, allowing me to use DP. But, as you know, this isn’t for personal gain. It’s for us to think together and make our lives better.

I currently have 1,000 DP, equivalent to what we’d generate over about 10 days. As proof of my ability to use DP and a token of trust, I’ve been given this 1,000 DP. I’ll now use 285 DP to create something unique to this dungeon.”

As I finish, I open the control panel and produce the planned item.

It’s ice cream, 5 DP each with a spoon.

I quickly distribute it to everyone.

“This is called ice cream, a type of… well, a treat. After yesterday’s discussion, we chose something we thought you’d enjoy. To eat it…”

I open the lid in front of everyone, scoop some with a wooden spoon, and eat.

…Mmm, delicious.

It’s my second time eating it, but it’s irresistible. To think such a treat exists…

And this is just vanilla. Apparently, there are dozens of flavors…

Honestly, I want to skim some DP and try them all.

Oh, by the way, despite our high MP, the Fairy Tribe is calculated at 1 DP per 10 hours, same as others.

This is to align with the average of other races.

They plan to announce that humans generate 1 DP per 10 hours on average. If they increased our DP based on our high MP, it would create a hierarchy among races, implying superiority.

From the outside, it might look like the Fairy Tribe, with our high MP, is losing out by converting less to DP. But creating disparities between races could cause rifts or deter immigrants, which is a bigger issue.

So, they decided to fix it: every living being in the dungeon generates 1 DP per 10 hours.

“Huh? If every creature gives 1 DP per 10 hours… couldn’t we summon tons of monsters with DP to make more? Then we’d have unlimited ice cream, Elder!!”

Someone eating ice cream eagerly chimes in with a bright idea.

“Oh, I forgot to explain. The Pill Bug Kais from yesterday are now under the Dungeon Master’s control. But they don’t generate DP. The same goes for the monsters guarding this facility and dungeon.”

“Ehh, why not?”

“As you know, monsters under the Dungeon Master’s control or protection follow orders. Why do you think that is?”

“…Why’s that?”

“Because under the Dungeon Master’s protection, they don’t need to eat. Normally, monsters spawn in mana pools and hunt to replenish mana. But under the Dungeon Master, their MP isn’t converted to DP. Instead, they use it to sustain themselves.

Of course, stronger monsters need more MP to maintain themselves, but it generally balances out with their conversion efficiency. If a monster could survive without mana and still generate DP, that’d work, but…”

“Tch, no easy win, huh?”

Actually, I had the same idea and pitched a “Monster Livestock Plan!!” but it was shot down instantly.

Of course. If it were that easy, they’d already be doing it.

No cheating allowed anywhere, I guess.

There’s also a method to inject MP directly into the core via Yuki-san, the Dungeon Master, but that’s not done for his and the core’s safety.

I thought those under Designated Protection could do it, but we don’t have DP absorbed at all.

Even if non-protected people could inject MP, they’d likely demand proportional DP, which would cause issues.

Especially for the high-MP Fairy Tribe, it’d give us an unfair advantage.

That could lead to rifts with other races.

This is truly a no-cheating environment. Or rather, compared to the outside world, this dungeon’s already cheat-level, so maybe I’m just being greedy.

Oh, I’m leaning toward staying in this dungeon permanently.

Honestly, as long as Yuki-san doesn’t go crazy, this place is safer than anywhere on the continent.

Even if allied nations betray us and countless others attack, they can’t breach the dungeon’s defenses:

- Large armies can’t advance here.

- Numerous traps can neutralize hostile forces.

- Most areas have skill and magic suppression.

- Weapons must be sheathed, and drawing them outside designated areas triggers penalties (Yuki-san’s special item, a sticker (?), activates paralysis on drawing).

- Those Yuki-san trusts under Designated Protection can’t be harmed in the dungeon.

Considering this, conquering the dungeon is unthinkable.

The only concern is accepting travelers, merchants, and adventurers in the future, which could spark internal unrest. But that’s likely a non-issue:

- Designated Protectees have teleportation rings for instant escape in danger.

- The Call Function allows rapid information sharing.

- Deployed monsters can suppress threats.

- In the future, Designated Protectees will use doppelgängers as decoys.

With these, internal unrest from visitors is basically impossible.

The more I think, the less reason there is to leave. The natural environment and weather here, despite being a dungeon, are unmatched. This is probably the best place humans could imagine.

Oops, I’ve been lost in thought too long.

“If you want more ice cream, it’ll be sold at the training facility’s shop or town stores, so buy it there.”

“What?! Really?!”

“Yes, we’ll explain purchasing goods and jobs to earn money for them, so listen carefully.”

“Alright!! I’m pumped!!”

I thought giving out such a luxury treat was risky, but it’s fired everyone up more than expected.

Some might slack off in this environment, but that’s their problem.

“Those done with their ice cream, please throw the trash in these bins. To keep the environment clean, bins are placed throughout the buildings.

This applies to the town too. Don’t litter. It’s crucial for hygiene to prevent diseases. Proper disposal of spoiled food or leftovers stops pests like rats from breeding.”

Eris-san explains while collecting trash.

“Huh? I get that spoiled food’s bad, but why’s it bad if rats eat it?”

Oh dear, someone asked the same question I did. It’s obvious if you think about it, but most don’t.

“Good question. Why do you think rats can eat spoiled food without issue?”

“Because they don’t get sick, right?”

“Exactly. But just because rats don’t get sick doesn’t mean we won’t.”

“Oh, I see. Even if rats are fine, we might not be. So, if rats that eat dangerous stuff multiply, they could spread disease… Eris-san, you’re amazing!!”

The kid who asked the question looks impressed, and everyone else, listening attentively, nods along.

“No, I was taught this myself. Oh, it’s the same with toilets. Properly managing and disposing of waste…”

“Oh, that prevents disease too!! Wow, toilets are amazing!!”

“Thank you for understanding. So, if you see rats or such, it’s best to deal with them. Never eat their meat—burn it instead. Toilets are installed in various places, so please use them unless it’s an absolute emergency. Your cooperation is appreciated.”

“““Yes!”””

After collecting the trash, there’s a brief pause before moving to the training facility tour and explanation.

Eris-san continues as the guide.

“This is where you first arrived through the gate yesterday. It’s mainly a place to chat or relax, called the Lounge Room. Drinks here are free, so help yourselves. However, there’s a limited supply, so you’ll need to discuss and assign roles for restocking. As for meals, you’ll prepare them yourselves. This is a training facility, so work on getting used to things to eventually live independently.”

“Huh? So we’ll have to leave this place eventually?”

“Yes, if you find work and earn income, owning a house isn’t impossible. Houses are in the town’s residential area, but first, work hard here to save money. We’ll cover other facilities starting tomorrow, so look forward to it.”

“Wow, that’s exciting!! My own house!! Amazing!!”

For us Fairy Tribe, living in groups of three or four is normal.

Back in the forest, only those with special roles like me or hobbies needing privacy had individual homes.

Group living was for safety. Even though we’re strong as individuals, we had little contact with other races, living deep in the forest with its dangers.

But here, those dangers don’t exist.

For those used to communal living, this must spark all sorts of dreams.

After that, we toured the kitchen for meals, rooms for training or studying, food storage, cleaning supply areas, and more.

As the facility tour wraps up, Ratsu-san approaches, carrying an odd device.

“Eris, how’s it going? If it’s okay, I’d like to take the photos now.”

“Sure, Ratsu. Alright, everyone, head to Training Room A for photos… uh, to complete your ID cards.”

In the room, each person is exposed to a strange glowing device.

It doesn’t seem to cause any changes, but what are photos?

I forgot to ask about ID cards, so I’m clueless about photos.

“Eris, we’re done photographing everyone. Now it’s just printing, cutting, pasting, stamping, and writing the issue date… ugh, so much!!”

“Ratsu, calm down. Yuki-san and Labiris and the others will help, right?”

“Yeah, that’s the only saving grace…”

“I’m heading to explain the baths as planned. You’ll manage in the meantime, right?”

“Ugh, can I just go back to the inn?”

“No way. I’ll tell Yuki-san.”

“Just kidding! Like I’d do anything to make Onii-san hate me!!”

Making ID cards seems quite the hassle.

“Now, let’s work up a sweat before the shop. This is, in a way, the dungeon’s specialty!”

Eris-san smiles brightly and leads the group.

The bath, right?

We Fairy Tribe usually just bathe in water.

Eris-san said the bath has luxurious features like warming the water, but… why go to such lengths?

With that thought, we enter the bath area.

“Alright, everyone. There’s a lot to learn here, so Tori and the others will help. First, undress in the changing room.”

As Eris says this, Tori-san, Riel-san, and Kaya-san, perhaps to demonstrate, undress on the spot and place their clothes in wicker baskets on the shelves.

Once done, they take out towels from the baskets.

“Like Tori and the others, put your clothes in the baskets. Each basket has a large and small towel, but take only the small one. When ready, bring the small towel and come this way. Tori, Riel, lead the way. Kaya, help me guide.”

“Got it.”

“Leave it to me!!”

“…Understood.”

Following Eris-san and the others into the room, we’re greeted by a paradise I’ve never experienced.

The refreshing sensation of washing with shampoo, conditioner, and soap. The bliss of soaking in hot water. Intimacy with loved ones is wonderful, but the bath offers a different kind of satisfaction.

I was later told I nearly got heatstroke from soaking too long.

What’s heatstroke?

“Alright. After you’re done, dry off thoroughly with the large towel. Wash your dirty clothes and towels yourself. Use the laundry area we showed you earlier.”

I was in a daze, so I missed the laundry explanation, which caused trouble later… another story.

“Elder-sama, how was the bath?”

After a delicious dinner, while chatting with Eris-san, she suddenly asks my thoughts on the bath.

“It was wonderful. I’ll make sure the kids assigned to clean it do a thorough job tomorrow.”

Of course. If the bath gets dirty or turns to muddy water, those kids will face severe punishment.

“That’s good to hear. You may have noticed, but the dungeon has entertainment-focused bath facilities too. Open-air baths with outdoor views, foot baths, waterfall-like showers, and more…”

“What… even that amazing bath has more elaborate versions!?”

It’s like a bolt from the blue. Like lightning striking out of nowhere!!

I never imagined!!

Luxury upon luxury, truly!!

“…Uh, yes. I actually manage those facilities too…”

“Please, show me!! The schedule includes the entertainment facility tour tomorrow, but as the representative, I should preview them tonight!!”

As I press Eris-san, someone places a hand on my shoulder from behind.

“As expected of Elder-sama, recognizing the bath’s greatness… Let me, Milly, guide you. And not just the bath’s joys, but the supreme pleasure of drinking sake in the bath!!”

“What!? Beyond that luxurious bath, drinking sake too!? Is such a thing allowed!?”

“What are you saying? We run this place. We make the rules. If it’s wrong, we won’t know until we try, right?”

“Exactly!! Milly-san’s right!! We won’t know without trying!!”

“Let’s go!!”

“Yes!!”

I grab Milly-san’s hand, and we dash out of the facility.

“Uh, um… don’t blame me?”

I think I heard Eris-san mutter as she saw us off, but it’s probably my imagination.