This Dungeon Grew Mushrooms

No matter whether it was in the Empire or the Kingdom, except for rare cases like Mordu[“Mushroom City”], gangs would always sprout in the cracks of power.

They were like vines in the shadows, quietly filling the void that the lord’s rule could not reach.

In territories governed strictly, gangs usually existed only as scattered fragments.

They might be small groups of three to five people, each occupying a street or two, or secretly monopolizing some inconspicuous but profitable gray business—living like rats beneath the glittering surface of the city.

But in places where the lord was muddle-headed or control was lax, gangs would gradually consolidate after brutal bloodshed, merging into one or two massive underground powers. Their influence would seep into every aspect of urban life. Some of the larger ones were even called the city’s “uncrowned kings.”

Some seemingly independent gangs were, in truth, just gloves worn by powerful figures above—carefully cultivated to handle dirty work unseen by the public.

The city where Tanaka was now located was just such a place.

An underground organization called the “Rust Coin Alliance” had, under the deliberate or negligent indulgence of the local lord, taken full control of the city’s illegal trade network.

Under its command operated numerous smaller groups, each handling various filthy businesses for the colossal syndicate.

“Stone Scorpion” was one such small gang attached to the Rust Coin Alliance.

Within their small turf, they engaged in extortion, kidnapping, and other crimes, handing over most of their profits in exchange for protection and permission to operate under the Alliance’s name.

Their core consisted of one Gold-rank leader, two Silver-rank lieutenants, and seven or eight Bronze-rank thugs—that was the entirety of their membership.

Tonight, these men were gathered in their underground hideout, celebrating their recent “great harvest.”

The stench of cheap ale mixed with the burnt grease of roast meat filled the narrow room. No one noticed the figure silently waiting outside the door.

It began when the Bronze thug sitting on the outer edge suddenly slumped face-first into his plate, splashing gravy everywhere, prompting laughter.

But the laughter soon faded as the second, then the third man collapsed in succession.

A Silver-rank lieutenant barely managed to draw his dagger, but even his fingers lacked strength; the weapon slipped helplessly from his grasp.

“Poison?”

The leader tried to stand but found his legs unresponsive. He crashed to the floor, overturning a nearby barrel, as the muddy ale gurgled out, soaking half his face.

He fumbled for a potion at his waist, trying to drink it—only for a hand to reach from behind and snatch it away with ease.

Only then did he realize there was now a black-robed figure in the room.

Tanaka drew the longsword hidden beneath his cloak, its blade gleaming coldly under the flickering candlelight.

The leader flailed helplessly, like an overturned beetle.

With a look of disgust, Tanaka thrust the sword downward.

He disliked killing—the stench of entrails and blood made him nauseous—but now, he had no choice.

Fortunately, it was just a clone, so he didn’t have to worry about the smell clinging to him.

【Level Up: LV28 → LV29】

A Gold-rank opponent, slain as easily as a chicken.

And all of it was because, under Gilo’s guidance, Tanaka had earlier laced a piece of meat at the market with poison.

The thought terrified him. If Gilo ever wanted to deal with him, it probably wouldn’t be any harder than this.

After he had finished disposing of the helpless victims, the “Stone Scorpion” gang disappeared completely from the city’s underworld.

Meanwhile, in a hideout on the other side of the city, Tanaka’s real body sat across from Gilo by a warm fire.

The fox-man slowly sipped hot milk, leaving a white ring of foam on his lips.

“Check the corner of the room—you’ll find a hidden basement entrance,” Gilo said, giving instructions as if he already knew everything. “Inside are tribal refugees they abducted during the blizzard. Free them, erase their memories, then dissolve the clone. That’ll make it look like the tribes’ revenge—no one will trace it back to us.”

Tanaka sighed. “So in the end, I still have to level up first… Will there be enough time?”

“No helping it. Even with convenient abilities, you still need a base level of strength to make things work. Don’t worry—the time isn’t up yet. You have enough to gain a few more levels. Everything’s proceeding as planned.” Gilo wiped his mouth. “And as a Hero, you should be grateful. Not everyone can grow stronger simply by killing enemies.”

Tanaka frowned. “Doesn’t everyone level up that way?”

“Training, study, combat—those are all necessary for us. And most people have limited talent; many never break through a level even after a lifetime of effort. Not everyone can just kill something and get stronger. Anyway, this ‘Stone Scorpion’ gang mostly targeted older but weak individuals. The tribal captives were just a lucky windfall for them.”

Tanaka was puzzled. “Targeting people like that? Why? Even for slaves, wouldn’t they prefer young and strong ones?”

“The Rust Coin Alliance trades regularly with the Death-Passing Hand cult. That cult wants people like that—claiming they help ‘purify corrupted souls.’ In truth, they’re all just sacrifices to their so-called god of death.” Gilo’s tone grew cold; it was clear he despised the cult.

For Tanaka, this was the first time hearing about such a thing. “Fog, war, cults, calamities… What a terrible world this is…”

Gilo shrugged. “Who isn’t saying that? But no matter how rotten, it’s still better than destruction.”

……

In the southern continent, Lin Jun was preparing eagerly to join this terrible war.

Under the adjutant’s direction, two thousand Pujis were divided into left and right wings, while Inanna personally led the central force of eight thousand Pujis—forming a massive three-pronged formation.

Such an arrangement was necessary; too many Pujis gathered in one place could cause localized mana shortages within the Mycelium Carpet, drastically lowering charging efficiency and affecting marching speed.

Clearly, the adjutant understood the nature of the Pujis army well.

In addition, Eric had assigned two Diamond-rank bodyguards to protect Inanna, with clear orders: in the most dangerous moment of battle, ensure the young lady’s safe retreat at all costs.

But just before the army set out, a familiar figure appeared at the northern edge of the Mycelium Carpet—it was the long-missing Aiden!

His once-priceless mage’s robe was now a collection of tattered rags. His enchanted equipment had been reduced to scraps, his face was covered in grime and exhaustion—and he was missing an arm!

Seeing the Mycelium Carpet at last, Aiden collapsed to his knees. “Bo—oss—!”