Conqueror Of Dungeons
Luka and Shinsuke
Luka and Shinsuke's House
Shinsuke
Oy, you should wake up now! We're almost late.
Luka
What? *rubs eyes* It's Saturday today, right?
Shinsuke
No, it's Friday! And it's already almost 7AM for heaven's sake. We're going to go to detention again this time.
Luka
WHAT?! 😳 But--ugh, that damn Yamada! He fooled me into thinking that it was Friday yesterday! Does that also mean... That I wasn't able to watch the finale for the Kagemusha series! Aw!
Luka
I waited for the finale episode for months, and I hadn't been able to watch it.
Shinsuke
That's what you're worrying now? Come on, get up, and we have to catch up the first period or else we'll be spending the whole day in detention. For the 10th time this month.
Luka
Alright, alright. I'm standing up, see?
Shinsuke
Better hurry up or else I'll leave you.
Luka and Shinsuke have been living together in the same house since the third year of middle school. Shinsuke has been independent all his life, that's all Luka knew. Meanwhile, Luka has been sent home from his parents who are in the US to Japan to finish his studies.
At first, Shinsuke doesn't talk much. Actually, he still doesn't talk a lot, but at least Luka thinks they are kind of friends now. Everything is okay, for the time being.
Luka goes into the bathroom, still yawning.
Luka
And here I thought that I can spend the whole day gaming. That's sad.
However, as he's about to enter the door, he caught a glimpse of something.
A purple haired girl, wearing a cloak, running outside.
I mean, that's pretty normal. But--they are on the fifth floor, for crying out loud!
The girl also caught his eye. They looked at each other for a brief moment.
But then, just like that, the girl was gone.
Luka ran to the nearest window and tried to find the girl running. But she got lost in the middle of concrete jungle of Tokyo.
Luka looked down the street below. He shivered slightly when he saw how high they are.
Luka
I couldn't think of a possible explanation of how that happened!
Shinsuke
(from afar) LUKA!!!
Luka
I-I'm almost done! Wait for me!
Minutes later, Luka and Shinsuke are walking to school.
Luka is still thinking about that strange girl he saw in the window.
Shinsuke
Huh? Are you talking to me?
Luka
😳 H-huh? N-no. I was just talking loudly to myself.
Shinsuke
Of course, you hadn't had breakfast. Sooner or later you'll be off your rocker.
Luka
😑 Come on, don't say that. Also, if you had just let me finish that toast, I wouldn't be so hungry now, wouldn't I?
Shinsuke
😒 It's not my fault if you got fooled by Yamada for the 11th time this month. By now, you shouldn't have believed everything he says. After that free burger incident.
Luka
😤 Don't remind me about that.
Shinsuke didn't answer. They were quiet for a while. Despite his hunger, Luka is still thinking about the weird thing that happened this morning. He's finding a rational explanation for it.
Luka
Do hoverboards fly up to like, 100 meters high?
Shinsuke
With the current technology we have now? No.
Luka
I-is there a crew filming near our apartment building?
Shinsuke
Oh, like in a movie?
Luka
Why did you even answer?
Shinsuke
Why are you even asking these questions?
Luka
It's just--I saw something earlier.
Luka told him about the girl running in the air.
Shinsuke looked at him. First, with a bored expression. Then it turned into pity.
Shinsuke
Alright, it's my fault. I should've been more lenient to you. I mean, we're used to getting detention anyway so, what's new if we're late again today?
Luka
Huh? What do you mean?
Shinsuke
You're clearly hungry that now you're seeing things. Alright. I'm going to treat you today. But only this time! If you still wake up late next time and don't eat breakfast, I will let you starve to death. Okay?
Luka
I'm telling you, I really saw that girl running in mid air earlier!
Shinsuke
Oh, yeah. And she wears a shinigami suit? Or a priestess clothes?
Luka
N-no--but she's wearing a cloak. Like a monk's cloak!
Luka
Okay, let's disregard her clothes for now. But she looked at me! Our eyes met!
Shinsuke
So you're saying a beautiful girl stared at you, from the window, looked into your eyes for a moment, and then vanished into thin air?
Luka
😤 I SAID I'M NOT LYING!
Shinsuke
You know, I'd be more inclined to believe you if that girl laughed at your face.
Shinsuke
All I'm saying is when you walked into the bathroom, your hair was a mess and there were traces of dried saliva in your mouth. Don't you think she'd at least notice that?
Luka
Maybe she's polite and kind. Unlike you!
Shinsuke
But seriously, you should eat your meals regularly.
Shinsuke
You're starting to see things.
Shinsuke
Just like the other day when you told me you saw a dragon in our toilet.
Luka
I wasn't lying that time, too!
Shinsuke
Come on, of all the places he'd choose to go.
Luka
That's your concern?!
Shinsuke
Well, just one of them...
Before Luka and Shinsuke got into the classroom, Shinsuke stopped by the canteen to buy a quick snack for Luka. Usually, that's not permitted, but Shinsuke kind of knows the cook. How? Luka has no idea.
While walking, Luka finished his bread.
Shinsuke is listening to his music player.
Luka
I haven't been able to thank you.
Luka
Even though you make fun of me most of the time, you're always ready to help me.
Luka
Thanks for the bread.
Shinsuke
No worries. I've actually added that to your tab.
Luka
Wait--? I have a tab?! To you?!
Luka
I thought you gave these away for free--
Shinsuke
I never said that. But don't worry, I'm not asking you to pay me. Yet.
Luka
H-how do you want me to pay you? And when?
Shinsuke
When the time comes. When the right time comes.
They agreed to attend the second period since they are already late. Luka braced himself for the inevitable: the wrath of their teacher.
However, when they got there, the teacher was nowhere to be seen.
The students are chatting noisily.
Luka
😦 W-what's happening?
Some of their classmates turned to them. Including his worst enemy in that school.
Yamada
Oh, look who's here. You've finally arrived!
Luka
Yamada. Thanks to you, Shinsuke and I are an hour late! Why wouldn't you stop picking on me?
Yamada
Oh? Why, does that make you want to cry?
Luka
Tch. I'm not crying because of something so petty.
Yamada
😈 Really, huh? Well, I bet you'll be crying now to your Mama in States before the day is over.
Some of their classmates laughed.
Yamada
😈 You'll see. You--and your other friend right there, by the way.
Luka turned to Shinsuke, but he's now sitting on his desk, still listening to his music player. Luka bets he heard nothing of what Yamada said.
Luka
I have no time for your games, Yamada. Goodbye.
Yamada
Oh yeah, it really is goodbye this time, pale-haired freak.
Luka just stared at him. He's really having a bad feeling about this.
But he chose to ignore Yamada. Instead, he went to his chair beside Shinsuke.
The second-period teacher arrives.
Teacher
Good morning, Class IV-D
Teacher
We will have our regular classes today. But before that, I need to talk to Engel-kun and Saito-kun first. Okay?
Luka and Shinsuke looked at each other.
Teacher
Please follow me, you two?
Luka and Shinsuke pick up their respective bags, then stood up.
Some of their classmates giggled, while others just gawked.
Luka and Shinsuke follow their teacher outside the classroom.
As they walk in the quiet hallways, the teacher turned to them with a grave look on her face.
Teacher
Engel-kun and Saito-kun. I'm afraid I have some bad news.
Teacher
We will have to expel both of you. Today.
The Slime Teacher
Luka and Shinsuke stared at the teacher in disbelief.
Shinsuke
Expelled? This has got to be a mistake.
Teacher
I'm sorry, Saito-kun and Engel-kun. But that's a direct order from the principal.
Luka
How could that be possible? What did we do?
Shinsuke
🤨 Wait a second...
Shinsuke
🙁 This came out of nowhere. Surely this must be a joke of some kind?
To their mild surprise, the teacher's tone become suddenly severe.
Luka
B-but what did we do?
Shinsuke
Because if that's it, then you should have given us a written warning before dropping that bomb on us.
Teacher
Yes, you can say that.
The teacher continued walking, so Luka and Shinsuke have no choice but to follow her. Luka is bewildered, while Shinsuke is visibly incensed.
Luka
You could've at least spare Shinsuke! He's done nothing wrong. We're only late because he has to wait for me. I-I can accept my punishment but--you got to be lenient with him.
Shinsuke just continued glaring at the teacher's back.
Teacher
I'm sorry kiddos, but the decision has been made. You need to leave the school now.
Luka looks visibly distraught. Shinsuke is still quiet. However, he is staring intently at the teacher.
As they walk, the hallways are eerily quiet.
There seemed to be some students in their respective classrooms, but no one is walking in the halls except for the three of them.
All the doors they passed by are closed.
And there was no sound. Nothing. Only their footsteps.
Shinsuke
*to himself*
Something's not right...
Luka chased the teacher who was gaining some distance in front of them.
Luka
But, s-sensei! Is there really nothing we can do?
The teacher suddenly stopped.
Luka and Shinsuke halted, too.
Teacher
Oh, but there is something you can do. Yes.
Shinsuke narrowed his eyes. He could swear that there was a hint of smile in her wrinkly face.
Luka, for some reason, took a step back.
Luka
The teacher turned to face them. Luka and Shinsuke's eyes widened in horror.
Teacher
You give yourself to us.
She gave them an evil grin.
Suddenly, the human teacher melted like butter and not long after, she spread on the floor as if she was a jelly. Luka yelped and staggered back. Shinsuke recovered from his initial shock and then pulled Luka away as the slime-like hand tried to grab him. They started running away.
Luka
Oh my God! Oh my God! What's happening?!
Shinsuke
How the hell would I know?!
Luka
The teacher turned into a slime! And not just any slime! It's out to get us!
Shinsuke
Damn it! Where are the other teachers?
Luka
Should we go back to the classroom?
Shinsuke glanced back. The slime-teacher is closing in.
Shinsuke skidded on the floor and then kicked the first door they found open. Luka automatically joined him as he prepared to enter the classroom.
However, they were horrified with what they saw.
All students in that classroom were wrapped in slime, as if they were trapped in an insects lair. All over the floor, walls, and ceiling are lumps of ooze with a person caged inside.
They all look unconscious inside the slime cocoons.
They both turned around to see the slime teacher heading their way and started running again.
Shinsuke and Luka turned to the left corridor. At the end of that hallway is the stairs which led to the ground floor.
But when they reached the staircase, they found the whole place was also covered in thick, gelatinous slime.
Shinsuke
Let's head this way!
The duo continued running, until they found themselves in the school gymnasium.
They were so relieved to see all was clear inside. There was no one around, and it looked like the slime infestation hadn't reached the area yet.
Once they got in, Luka and Shinsuke double locked the door. They also pushed back the ball rack they found lying on the side of the basketball court against the door.
They both took a step back, staring at the door.
Luka
Oh my God! What if it will get in?
Shinsuke
It would surely get in. I mean, it's a slime. It will find a way.
Luka
Don't say that! How are you even so sure? Have you seen a slime before?!
Shinsuke
No. But have you seen how it crawled and spread all over the place?! Surely it can fit inside small spaces and pass through crevices. It's only a matter of time...
Luka
What are we going to do?!
Shinsuke
I don't know, okay?!
Luka
I don't want to die here...
Luka looked around. On one of the walls, he saw a fire extinguisher. He quickly ran towards it and tried to pull it down.
Shinsuke
What are you doing?!
Luka
Getting a weapon, what does it look like?
Shinsuke
How would that even help?!
Shinsuke
That doesn't work against slimes!
Luka
We won't know if we don't try!
Luka
Plus--it's this, or nothing at all!
Shinsuke
Ugh--! This is a pain in the ***!
Like Luka, Shinsuke started to look for anything that could be a weapon to no avail. Instead, what he got were a bunch of balls that he'd figured he would just throw at the slime.
Shinsuke
Ugh! This is the worst!
Luka ran to Shinsuke's side. Both of them held up their pathetic weapons in front.
The pounding on the door grew more intense. As it did, Luka became even more nervous. His heart was beating rapidly and his hands were clammy in fear. It became so slippery that he almost dropped the fire extinguisher.
Shinsuke braced for the destruction of the door, as Luka gulped in anticipation and pure fear.
The door broke down. As it did, Luka and Shinsuke had their weapons at the ready, although both of them were sure deep inside that it was their doom...
But then, a flicker of light came from the high ceilings of their gymnasium.
This flicker of light got bigger and brighter, until a roaring flame descended from above and landed in front of them.
The two boys were stunned, as the scorching flame burst forth and then incinerated the goo. A defeaning, ear-splitting roar came from the unknown being as it burned in the sea of flames.
Luka and Shinsuke stood there in awe, as they observed the wild fire mercilessly overpowering the slime.
But that was merely the end of it.
For amongst the flames, a girl with a vibrant purple hair stood up, holding a claymore in one hand.
The first thing they noticed was her black cloak, and long, twin-tailed hair waving defiantly against the backdrop of commotion.
The girl turned to face them.
Arisa 21
My. Of all the things you could use around here as weapons, you chose that? A rubber ball? And a lump of useless steel?
For people like you who can somehow "see" monsters like that, you aren't so bright, are you?
Arisa21
Luka and Shinsuke stared at the girl in utter disbelief.
Meanwhile, the slime that was oozing and attacking them earlier is now melting for some reason, as a weird purple flame enveloped it.
Luke stared at the girl's back, while Shinsuke just glared.
Arisa 21
Me? I'm Arisa21. It's my job to kill these things. That's all you need to know.
Luka
What are these things?
Arisa 21
Also, I'm an Aquarius, born under the Rat sign, and my hobby is to watch daytime series.
Shinsuke
I thought you said that was all we need to know!
Shinsuke
Man, seriously. You're acting mysterious and cool earlier, and now you're changing gears.
Luka
And she's quite talkative, too.
Arisa21 glared at them and balled her fist.
Arisa 21
H-hey! At least be thankful I saved your life!
She crossed her arms and looked away.
Arisa 21
Well, whatever. Shouldn't you be worried about what happened to your teachers and schoolmates?
Luka
T-that's right! What's happening here? Why is there a giant slime out to eat all of us? Is everyone dead? What the hell is happening?
Arisa21 shook her head and sighed.
Arisa 21
You are quite slow, aren't you.
Luka
Hey! Why are you ganging up on me!
Luka
And aren't you even worried about our school?
Shinsuke
Of course, I'm worried. But panicking wouldn't solve anything.
Shinsuke
Hey, Miss Purple Hair. You seem to know what's going on in here. Care to explain to us what happened? Did we really see the slime or are we only hallucinating everything?
Arisa21 glared at him angrily.
Arisa 21
I have just told you my name! Why are you still calling me Miss Purple Hair?
Shinsuke
Nah, it's too long. And weird.
Shinsuke
Buy seriously, know anything thay happened here?
Arisa 21
Ugh... You are a handful! I don't want to answer you because you're quite rude.
Arisa 21
But as for the slime, yes, that was real. Some monster I was tasked to kill in a dungeon escaped and it ran away to this school, so I tracked it here to kill it. But then, just as I was about to corner it, you arrived and it changed course. Thankfully, I was still able to catch and kill it.
Luka and Shinsuke looked at her blankly.
Luka
She still said it anyway.
Arisa 21
W-well of course! You asked!
Shinsuke
You said you're not telling us because we were rude to you.
Arisa 21
Why are you two being so annoying?!
Arisa21 huffed and continued on with her long tirade.
Shinsuke
I can't believe all of that happened.
Luka
So what are we going to do now?
Luka
Do you think our schoolmates are fine?
Luka
Even though they have been nothing but mean to me, I don't want them to die.
Luka
Are they still alive, Ms. Arisa21?
Arisa21 became quiet, perhaps because she didn't expect him to say her name.
Arisa 21
Thankfully, I was able to track down that monster right away so it wasn't able to kill everyone in this school. A few more hours late and they would be digested.
Arisa 21
Yes. Slimes swallow everything in their path, and digest them to become more powerful.
Shinsuke
What would happen to them when they wake up?
Arisa 21
They won't remember anything.
Arisa 21
But still, there will be gaps in their memory. So we need to fill it with fake ones before they wake up or they will start wondering.
Shinsuke
And... How would we do that?
Luka
Is that even possible?
Arisa 21
With the help of some gadget.
Arisa 21
Now, because this is your school and you're essentially the only ones awake here, I need you to help me put out these incense everywhere so I can start the spell.
Arisa 21
Yes. What's so strange about that?
Shinsuke
Everything! It doesn't exist, right?
Arisa 21
You just witnessed your school nearly falling prey to a monstrous slime, and yet you're saying magic isn't real?
She handed them incense sticks.
Arisa 21
Put them in the four corners of the school. After you've done so, I will start the memory change spell.
Accepting the incense sticks, the two boys set out to do their mission, not knowing that it will be the beginning of a great change in their lives.
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