Vending Machine – 228 – Evacuate & Attack

Link: https://ncode.syosetu.com/n7583de/

Author: Hirukuma

Translated by Gumihou

 

“Excuse me, coming through!” Ramis said as she pushed her way through the crowds towards the door.

The dungeon residents gave us nasty looks and were about to complain when they realised who we were and made way for us instead. Perhaps it was thanks to our interactions with the residents that we received quite a positive welcome.

“Thank you very much”

I said, expressing our thanks to the people.

At the door, Director Bear and the Director of the Beginning Floor were shouting orders, trying to guide the people through the narrow opening in the most efficient way. Both looked quite surprised to see us.

“Directors, we have reinforced the other side. The barrier should hold off the enemy for a while. Will this door not open any further?”

“Good work on the barricade. As for this door, it simply won’t open further regardless of our efforts,” said Director Bear.

“Then, could I give it a try?”

“Umu, would you? We would appreciate it.”

As the strongest individual in this dungeon, Ramis placed both hands against one door and braced herself. However, even with her monstrous strength, the door did not budge a single millimetre. Looks like it was impossible to force the door open through physical strength.

It looked like we would need some form of magic or something.

“Ugh, looks like it’s really no use.”

“As expected. In that case, we shall handle things here. Please return and assist with the defence.”

“Okay, I’ll let everyone know!”

We stepped to the side, making our way around the crowd to avoid getting in the way of the people leaving, then sprinted back to the barricade where our companions stood guard.

By the time we reached the barricade, there were several more hunters there, having arrived from Clear Flow Lake.

The barricade was holding well. Only slightly shaken from the impact of the earthquakes. I considered adding more concrete slabs to reinforce the walls. Still, since the entrance to the passage was not very large, even if the barricade was breached, we could still maintain a strong defence with this many hunters.

The real question was whether we could evacuate everyone on time before the dungeon collapsed. With only a narrow gate to the exit, it would take too long to get everyone through. Moreover, I heard that people would still have to climb a set of long winding stairs to the surface and could only pray that the path beyond the door would not cave in.

Fortunately, the shaking was not too bad on this floor. It was barely noticeable compared to the shaking on Clearflow Lake floor, so it was unlikely that this floor would immediately collapse.

Still, it would be foolish to rely on such optimistic guesses when a sudden, violent earthquake could happen any time. Let’s do what we can for now, even if my options were limited to what a vending machine can do.

“Could you dispense a few more stone slabs? I want to reinforce this side, just in case.”

“Welcome”

So long as the barricade remained, the enemy could not reach the village. With this thought in mind, I continued assisting the hunters with the barricade.

“Found you!! Foundyoufoundyou found you!!!”

“Help us, everyone!!”

The Big Eater party suddenly came tumbling into view. Their leader, Mikane, rushed towards us, out of breath and panicking.

“Calm down, Mikane. What do you need our help with?”

“Ah, ugh, right. Monsters! We have monsters inside the village! Everyone’s protecting the evacuees, but there were just too many monsters!!” [1]

“Wait, are you saying that the enemy has appeared inside the village?” [1]

“Yes! Yes! So, so hurryyyy!!” [1]

That was all we needed to know. The hunters immediately sprinted towards the village, leaving only the bare minimum of people to defend the barricade. The vanguard consisted of people from my party, whose physical abilities outstripped most others.

Ramis carried me on her back with Hyurumi on her special seat atop my head.

“Since the King of the Netherworld had stolen awaymost of the Dungeon Master’s power, he can now allow monsters to be spawned anywhere. Which makes guarding the passageway pointless!!” Hyurumi shouted her deduction to the group.

In short, the effort we put into the barricade was basically a waste of time. The pathway to the gate, which had been empty just moments before, was now swarming with countless monsters. A few hunters were battling them desperately, but it would be a lie to say our side had the upperhand.

The monsters were a chaotic mix from various floors: The Beginner’s Floor, Clearflow Lake, Forest of Darkness and others. Looks like, in addition to the restrictions on the types of monsters that could be summoned, the restrictions had also vanished, allowing the King of the Netherworld to call forth whatever he pleased.

“Let’s clear the enemies as we move!”

We tore through the monsters harassing the struggling hunters, joining forces as we charged toward the exit. As the door drew closer, I saw a massive swarm of enemies descending upon the crowd. The hunters had formed a protective circle around the non-combatants, repelling the monsters. I had feared the crowd would be in a state of panic, but they were handling the situation with surprising composure.

“Everyone, stay calm! We will protect you!”

“Women, children, and the elderly first!”

“Panic will only make things worse!”

Chairman Bear roared commands while Gors and Karios fended off enemies, guiding the people toward the door.

“Shut up! Let me go first!” [2] A man shouted, trying to shove past a child.

Shirley smoothly stepped forward, “A man’s worth is truly revealed at times like these, no? I find men who show chivalry in such moments more… enchanting.”

The irritated look on the man’s face dissolved into a lecherous grin. Nearby men, [2] who had been pushing to go first, suddenly calmed down and began following instructions.

Shirley was as impressive as always.

“Lady Suori, please evacuate quickly!”

“What merchants put themselves before customers? I’m fine leaving last! Prioritise the protection of the people!”

“The Young Lady had matured so much…”

In fact, a closer look revealed Suori’s slightly shaking legs. Yet, she remained in place, cloaked with dignity. Her Men-in-Black had tears in their eyes, as though moved by their young mistress’s growth.

If she continues like this, she would surely become a renowned merchant in the future.

“Grandpa, Grandma, you must escape too!”

“That’s right! Father, Mother, you aren’t in your prime anymore!”

A young girl and her mother were pleading with an elderly couple. It was Grandpa Shimerai and Granny Yumite. So, those two must be their daughter and granddaughter.

“Hah hah hah, do not worry. Your grandpa is still plenty strong!” Grandpa Shimerai laughed as he fanned himself. Several monsters who had been rushing up from behind him were blown away, and a few even slammed into the ceiling.

“Do make sure not to overdo it, Grandpa,” Grandma Yumite said mildly.

Then, multiple streaks of silver light flashed, followed by the click of a blade sliding back to its cane sheath. The monsters nearby were cut to ribbons. The daughter quickly covered the granddaughter’s eyes from the gruesome sight.

Well, no need to worry about that particular area now.

“HAAHHH!!! Turn into charcoal and warm a fireplace!!”

That booming voice and spinning pillar of fire some distance away had to be the Director of Scorching Flames. There were too many people for us to see clearly, but it had to be him.

“No matter the situation, a hunter must remain calm and fight for the people. And above all, never forget to value your own life!” The director of the Beginner Floor called out instructions to young, panicking hunters while kicking monsters away with her long, lithe legs.

It was my first time seeing her fight. It looked like she relied entirely on leg techniques. Despite wearing a fairly short skirt, she never flashed her opponents. A divine feat of its own right.

Perhaps confused by the monsters, a young man bolted out of the formation, only to be swarmed by monsters. Suddenly, black shadows rose from the ground, bisecting the enemies or dragging them into the darkness. A silhouette emerged from the shadow of the terrified youth—it was the Director of Darkness in his golden coat.

“Running off on your own is not good, boy. A man’s gotta stand his ground to be cool. Follow my example, be calm and collected, no matter WHOA!! What the heck!? Scared the life out of me!!”

A Crocodile Monster had stabbed the Director of Darkness in the back with a spear. Despite the dramatic reaction, it looked like the Director was only startled. Shadows emerged from under his coat to wrap around the monster’s face, and a snapping sound was heard. [1] The creature fell to the floor with a broken neck.

Honestly, I still have no idea what this guy’s body was made of.

Though the monster horde appeared endless, the veteran Directors were on a different level. While there were injuries here and there, there had been no deaths yet. With our arrival, defence became ironclad as we expanded the perimeter and pushed the monsters further back.

Flying monsters were shot out of the sky by arrows; those must be from Principal Hoxie. The term deadshot was clearly meant for her. Aerial threats were thus neutralised by arrows, magic and other throwing weapons. At this rate, we may actually manage to buy enough time for everyone to escape-

No, no, I should stop thinking like this. That’s a flag-raising thought, so I should just-

“LAVA GOLEMS AND KING FROGS HAVE APPEARED!”

And there it is. If the enemy can summon monsters at will, of course, they would bring out the heavy hitters. More than half of the residents were still waiting to evacuate. The vibrations underfoot were still weak, so the ceiling wasn’t coming down yet. That meant we had no choice but to go all out.

I want everyone to get back safely. If only so that I could return to my original duties as a vending machine, not a fighting one.

 

[Gumihou: Lol, I don’t know about this chapter, but things were certainly heating up!]

 

[1] Adjusted language to be more anxious and excited