Toriko

Late at night, when most living creatures should have been fast asleep.

Yet the closer it got to midnight, the livelier Bede City became. When the dungeon closed at midnight, all the adventurers still inside returned. Whether they had gained something or nothing at all, everyone needed booze, booze, booze! Either to drink in celebration or drown their sorrows!

Midnight was when taverns across the city made their fortunes. Likewise, the Adventurers Association, potion shops, monster material stores, and other businesses closely tied to adventurers all threw open their doors at this hour.

"Brother, how were your gains today?"

"They're slowly getting better. I'm starting to get familiar with the dungeon routes. Clearing the Swamp Area is only a matter of time. We even reached that shabby village twice."

"I heard someone's putting together a Strategy Team. The leader's 'Lion' Leon, a Silver Rank adventurer. Should we go check it out?"

"A Strategy Team? Spare me. They're all obsessed with the dungeon. I seriously suspect their kink is the dungeon."

"Enough talk, let's drink! Tonight we—hey, look. Why's that guy heading out of the city?"

As adventurers returned to the city one after another, a slightly hunched figure moved against the flow, heading out of the city instead.

"That guy looks familiar. I think I've seen him recently."

Jack nervously walked up to the portal and entered the dungeon under the curious gazes of the crowd.

There was less than half an hour before the dungeon closed. Who would choose to enter at a time like this?

The familiar Swamp, the familiar gloomy sky, the familiar stench in the air.

He had led at least a double-digit number of teams over the past few days. He was sick to death of the Swamp Area's scenery. Everyone had a cooldown for entering and leaving the dungeon, so he could personally lead only one team per day. The other teams could only watch him scribble and draw on maps.

In truth, with Gong Qiying's permission, the Zane Dungeon was always open to Jack, without any cooldown. But no one else knew that, so Jack still had to pretend he was just like everyone else.

Some adventurers always felt that since he could treat the Swamp Area like his own backyard, the later areas surely wouldn't be a problem either. They constantly wanted to pay Jack extra to take them deeper into the dungeon.

Whenever that happened, Jack could only smile and say, "Let's explore the later areas another time."

It wasn't that he didn't want to make money. He simply had no idea what the maps beyond looked like!

He stood still and waited for a moment.

Thud!

A wooden treasure chest dropped out of thin air before him. He skillfully opened it, and thick smoke immediately poured out from within.

Triggered a teleportation trap!

Before long, Jack appeared in the boss room of the Swamp Area—the interior of the Fortress. A tall, imposing figure stood there.

He respectfully lowered his head. "Master."

"Mm." Gong Qiying, attacking in Gargoyle form, responded indifferently.

Jack was inwardly guessing what exactly his master intended to do.

It was impossible to say he wasn't afraid. But the benefits he had received from Gong Qiying far outweighed that fear, turning it into emotions such as awe and respect.

Besides, this man had saved his life.

"How is your reputation coming along?" Gong Qiying asked.

"It still needs development," Jack answered honestly. "The local adventurers can basically light the signal fires and open the Fortress Gate with relatively low casualties. The only thing they lack is map exploration. Adventurers from elsewhere need my help even more. I've gained some recognition within a small circle, but among the entire adventurer community..."

"In short, my role isn't that important among adventurers. If I had newer map information..." Jack did not continue.

Gong Qiying understood what he meant. He wanted maps of the later areas.

Gong Qiying had actually considered this long ago. He could tell Jack about Plague Village.

But first—

"Take this."

He tossed over a book. Jack hurriedly caught it and saw several conspicuous words written across the cover—An Actor Prepares.

"???"

Jack looked utterly bewildered as he raised his head to look at Gong Qiying.

"From now on, you're a master in the dungeon field. Make sure you play the part well." Gong Qiying smiled, grabbed Jack, and waved a hand. The Fortress's rear gate burst open.

Flying through the air, he let Jack take in the entire view of Plague Village. He then ordered every monster and mechanism to remain inactive, allowing Jack to walk through it several times and familiarize himself with the route.

Finally, he showed Jack the bonfire. Without much explanation, Jack understood the principles of the mechanism. His comprehension was even stronger than Si Telan's.

"Guide more people to discover this place. Expand its reputation. Become the dungeon authority in adventurers' minds. Two tasks." Gong Qiying held up two fingers.

"I can definitely accomplish them!" Jack said spiritedly.

He had long grown tired of the Swamp Area's scenery. He could finally switch maps!

Just as he thought there was nothing else and wanted to take his leave.

"There's one more thing."

"Please, go ahead."

"Have you sent out the things I gave you?"

"Those weapons and magic?" Jack nodded repeatedly. "I sent them out through my connections—to the Arcane Order, the Holy Light Church, and Warrior's Home. They should all receive them in a few days."

"Very good. Take this as well." Gong Qiying handed Jack an erratic ball of white light. It was the Giant Curse Frog's Soul.

"Try it beside the bonfire. This is the opportunity you've dreamed of."

"Th-thank you beyond words."

Jack's heart pounded wildly. The ball of light in his hand was his chance to become strong!

"And these." Gong Qiying tossed him a bundle that gave off a rich fragrance. The scent was like a hodgepodge of countless foods, making his stomach rumble after only a few whiffs.

"What are these...?"

Jack untied the bundle and looked inside. What he saw left him somewhat unable to comprehend it.

A fish with lobster claws, a "snake" with a frog-like swollen head, mushrooms covered in chocolate, and cabbage that smelled like almonds.

This entire bundle was actually full of ingredients!? Where had such bizarre ingredients come from?

Lobster Fish (Small) (from "Toriko"; all following items are the same)

Spirit Power required per ten units: 1

Overall combat power: G--

Snake Frog

Spirit Power required per ten units: 1

Overall combat power: G-

Almond Cabbage

Spirit Power required per hundred units: 5

No combat power

"These things will become the dungeon's specialty products in the future."

Gong Qiying revealed a frightening smile. "Go spread the word that the dungeon's hidden areas will produce even more of these things."

Jack blinked.

He couldn't understand it, but he was deeply shocked.

I feel like I'm crowdfunding a book.