A seismic shockwave rippled through global player communities.
As a famously low-difficulty, high-survival-rate dungeon, Nutty Putty Cave's entry tickets had been highly coveted. Major factions stockpiled them for promising recruits—their strategic value undeniable. This was precisely why the broker Kogetsu had traded tickets to Takakai's group.
But now, this so-called ["beginner-friendly sightseeing dungeon"] no longer existed.
Of over 20 players who entered—mostly newcomers or mid-tier veterans—only a handful survived: America's Shelby and Ed, Asia's rookie Wang Gui, and unconfirmed reports of Japanese survivors.
Normally, such incidents would barely raise eyebrows. Dungeon mutations, while rare, weren't unprecedented. People might pity the unlucky participants before moving on.
The crux of the matter lay in the survivors' accounts. When they'd fled Nutty Putty Cave, the entire dungeon had been fracturing beyond recognition—a phenomenon every veteran player understood.
Someone cleared a freshly stabilized dungeon blind?
First-try obsession resolution leading to complete destruction?
The very notion seemed impossible.
A completely unknown dungeon environment. No prior intelligence. Navigating lethal rules while deciphering a core obsession's unresolved trauma? Most veterans wouldn't dare attempt such feats without extensive preparation and powerful grudge items.
Just how formidable was this mystery player?
Factions mobilized—some curious, others opportunistic, a few with darker motives. Regardless, with Nutty Putty Cave's tickets now void, unseen currents began swirling around Takakai's group.
The Next Day
Aoyama Nanami's call came through with urgent warnings:
"I'll claim I gave you [Yamazaki Amusement Park] tickets. Trust me—this isn't simple. If your involvement leaks, certain factions might... acquire you through less savory means."
Even through her exhaustion (having just cleared another dungeon), the veteran's concern was palpable.
"How'd you know it was us?" Takakai had asked.
"Survivor reports kept mentioning you. Check the American forums—that Ed fellow won't stop singing your praises while describing your appearance."
Sure enough, Ed's gushing post included detailed descriptions of "the amazing Gao Hai."
First the Face-Stealers, now this...
Takakai massaged his temples.
But interpersonal drama proved more headache-inducing.
Glancing left:
"Hmph!"
Maki turned away, cheeks puffed like an irritated kitten.
Glancing right:
"Ehehe~"
Chika met his gaze with a dopey smile and faint blush.
Then Maki's hand clamped over Takakai's on the table.
"Quit grinning! We're not done here."
Her violet eyes darted between Takakai and Chika.
Unacceptable.
The realization burned—Takakai shared a mutual affection with another woman. Worse, Chika's unnatural dungeon proficiency suggested retained memories from the reset. Had they... bonded during that alternate timeline? Used precious resets to preserve their connection?
Maki's free hand clenched into a fist beneath the table.
"Clear communication is vital~ About our current situation... future plans..."
Chika remained unbothered by Maki's death grip on Takakai's arm, smiling like a chessmaster eyeing checkmate.
Takakai stayed silent.
For all his harem protagonist fantasies, reality proved far trickier. Abandoning either girl was unthinkable, yet reconciling their competing affections seemed equally impossible.
Normal relationship rules stopped applying the moment we became players.
Across from them, Kaguya sat frozen—brain short-circuiting at the surreal love triangle unfolding between her distant cousin, her only friend, and this... this otaku!