Chapter 10: The Mysterious Power

By this time, the lower levels of the dungeon, which had been confirmed as safe, were opened to civilians, and people began to appear who sought to profit by selling the "gems" produced by the creatures within.

The gems from the dungeon were easily distinguishable from existing gems because they carried an electromagnetic charge, and due to their novelty, they were traded at high prices.

One day, a few civilians were trying to take the "gems" they had obtained from the dungeon and head for the exit when they were attacked by a dog-like creature and dropped the gems they were carrying.

In a panic, as they tried to pick them up, a dog darted out, snatched the gem, and swallowed it whole.

The change was immediate.

The dog, which had only been able to run around and bite, opened its mouth and spewed out a torrent of flames. The people were taken aback.

The dog had swallowed a "gem" dropped by a fire-breathing reptile.

At this moment, humanity first realized that the "gems" could grant mysterious powers when consumed. The powers were nothing short of magic.

They could produce flames, control water, summon winds, and unleash lightning.

What was once only possible in the realm of imagination had become a reality within the dungeon.

While this magic could only be used within the dungeon, it was extremely effective against the deep-level creatures that were immune to physical attacks.

Eventually, the gems that granted magical abilities were called "magic gems."

The creatures that produced these gems were called "monsters."

People who entered the dungeon for profit were generally referred to as "explorers."

Most importantly, it was discovered that to use "magic," one needed the electromagnetic waves that increased by defeating monsters. These waves were named "Mana" by an Australian scholar who first discovered them, a term that represented mystical power in ancient religions.

The quantified form of Mana was called the "Mana Index," and it was found that to use a "magic gem," one needed a Mana Index higher than that of the gem.

"Hmm, so in the end, you can't do anything without Mana... I've defeated quite a few metal slimes, so I probably have a decent amount, right? My Mana Index, I mean."

Still, he couldn't be sure until he checked. Searching for "Mana Index" revealed that there were "measuring devices" available at general retail stores.

"Since it's Sunday... maybe I'll go check it out."

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About a twenty-minute bike ride from his house was a large electronics store. While he usually got most of his household appliances here, it had been a while since he last visited.

He parked his bike in the parking area, climbed the stairs, and entered the store.

As he walked through the large floor filled with various electronic products, his eyes caught a corner with a sign that read, "A wide range of dungeon-related products available!"

There were special compasses for navigating the dungeon, stun guns and electromagnetic batons for defeating weak monsters, powerful lights for illuminating the darkness, and even camping equipment.

Among the items, he found what he was looking for.

"These are Mana measuring devices... There are so many types."

The devices on display ranged from cylindrical ones to those shaped like hair dryers.

The prices ranged from 40,000 to 120,000 yen. The prices were similar to what he found online, but they were a bit too high. As he was pondering, he noticed a corner selling used items.

The prices ranged from 10,000 to 30,000 yen.

Yuzuma called over a store employee wearing a jumper with the store's logo.

"Excuse me, do these used measuring devices work properly?"

The slightly overweight employee responded with a gentle smile to the customer's impolite question.

"Yes, they work just fine. They're a bit older models, but they can still measure properly. Of course, they're not as advanced as the latest models, but they come with a warranty."

Thinking that the cheaper one would be better, Yuzuma decided to buy a used measuring device.

However, he was a bit concerned about the performance if it was too cheap, so he picked up a hair dryer-shaped device for 19,800 yen including tax.

"Then I'll take this one."