Isao's residence on Floor 6—

 

"Haah." Isao sighed heavily as he plopped down onto his plush armchair, his body sinking into the soft cushions. Manipulating his Dungeon Interface with his fingertips, he brought up the menu for the D-Store that he rarely visited. He went to the section for luxuries and tapped the search bar, typing in "vapes".

 

He first learned how to smoke when he was twelve, buying cheap cigarettes in the sari-sari stores near his school. At that time, minors were still allowed to purchase cigarettes without any restrictions. In recent years, however, the administration has implemented stricter regulations on the sale of tobacco products to minors, making it more difficult for underage individuals to access them.

 

It all started with him getting fed up with his adoptive mother's chain smoking. 'If she's going to make me inhale secondhand smoke, I might as well try it myself,' he thought.

 

Looking at the selection of e-cigarettes and flavors, Isao picked the one that looked like an actual cigarette. As for the flavor, he chose the menthol option because it was his usual go-to flavor when he was still smoking cigarettes.

 

When Isao took his first puff in a while, he hoped for the pounding of his heart that had been going wild ever since he saw Wilab die to finally calm down. But it only eased his nerves slightly, providing a temporary distraction from the overwhelming grief.

 

After deeply inhaling his second intake of vape, Isao then searched the D-Store for alcohol. Desiring to drown his resentment and numb his emotions, he decided to buy a bottle of the strongest vodka available.

 

Obeying Filipino traditions, he poured vodka into the bottle's cap and poured it into the sink, as there's no exposed earth to pour it onto. With that out of the way, Isao drank straight from the bottle, feeling the burning sensation as the strong liquid slid down his throat.

 

He didn't stop at just one gulp. Isao continued to glug down the vodka, but he didn't feel tipsy or intoxicated like he had hoped. 'It must be because I'm no longer human.'

 

But if he remembered it right from Japanese myths, dragons were still susceptible to the effects of alcohol. 'Oh right, I have Auto-Regeneration and Poison Resistance skills. Maybe it's the combination of those skills that's preventing me from getting drunk,' Isao thought to himself.

 

If he can't get intoxicated with the strongest vodka available, then he might as well tackle his problems head-on. But that doesn't mean he'll stop drinking, though.

 

'I already drank a bottle; I might as well buy more,' Isao thought, opening his D-Store, this time buying his favorite alcoholic beverage: beer. And Isao being a Filipino, pulutan is a must to accompany his drinks. He decided to order some barbecue and sisig because he managed to find one.

 

'Okay,' he thought while inhaling some smoke. 'Let's reflect on what happened earlier this day.' Isao took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, allowing the smoke to momentarily cloud his thoughts. 

 

As he reflected on the events of the day, he couldn't help but feel angry at himself and at fate for being such a bitch. 'I mean, yeah, I was the reason why Wilab died, but fucking hell! It's just been 8 days since the country was transported to another world. So why is there a goddamn evil god this early?

 

Isao's frustration grew as he pondered the unfairness of their situation. He couldn't understand why they were being thrown into such peril so soon after their world had been upended. It seemed like an impossible burden to bear, and he couldn't help but question the motives of this mysterious evil god.

 

'Chosen one,' he muttered bitterly, remembering what the evil god had said during their encounter. 'more like a cursed one.' Isao couldn't shake off the feeling that whoever the god was, they had intentionally chosen them to suffer. 

 

'Please don't involve us mortals with your fucking squabbles!' Isao wanted to shout out in frustration. He resented being caught in the crossfire of divine beings and wished they would resolve their conflicts without dragging innocent lives into them.

 

'And lastly, why is Wilab's name not on the list of those I could revive!?' If he could seriously sock whoever blessed him with the power to revive, Isao would do it in a heartbeat. 

 

On the way from his residence earlier, Isao opened the interface's section, where he could view the list of those he had the ability to revive. But to his dismay, he discovered that Wilab's name was missing from the list.

 

He was on the verge of erupting into a fit of rage and storming that demon's dungeon to take matters into his own hands. If they weren't in the middle of a three-way war, Isao would have gone on a rampage to vent his anger and frustration. 

 

Yes, it was his fault that she died. But it was unfair that an evil god would swoop in and actually kill her permanently. 

 

'Her death's not part of the plan.' Isao only wanted to slap her awake from her delusions and stop her from fooling herself. He never intended for her to suffer such a tragic fate, and the thought of not being able to bring her back haunted him. 

 

Isao only yearned for a sense of normalcy and stability, where he could at least find solace in the fact that Wilab was still alive. Isao hated her, but he couldn't bear the thought of her being gone forever. Despite her actions and the distress she caused, she's still the one who raised him.

 

'As if I could ever have a normal life.' Rolling his eyes, Isao couldn't help but feel a sense of resignation as he literally inhaled a plate of barbecue. Washing it down with the beer in his hand, he then took a puff from his vape and exhaled a cloud of smoke. The familiar taste of nicotine filled his lungs, momentarily distracting him from the weight of his conflicting emotions.

 

***

 

'So how should I go about rescuing the survivors in the city?' Isao wondered aloud, his mind shifting from his personal struggles to the pressing issue at hand, when finally a bit of clarity hit him. He was abusing his High Speed Processing and Parallel Processing skills to think quickly and efficiently, analyzing every possible scenario and outcome.

 

Opening his holographic map, he assessed the map to identify the most strategic routes and potential obstacles that could hinder his rescue mission.

 

For the past week, he has concentrated most of his DP on expanding his dungeon's territory to eliminate as much fog of war as possible. In addition, he had Sayako summon insect familiars to gather reconnaissance without alerting the enemy.

 

As he studied the map, he utilized his High Speed Processing and Parallel Processing skills to swiftly analyze the information and strategize his next move. He knew that being able to think quickly and efficiently was crucial in order to stay one step ahead of his opponents and ensure a successful outcome in this war.

 

But. 'Ahhhh! I just want to drink, eat, and, if possible, sing in a karaoke!' Isao wailed inside his mind. He couldn't help but long for a moment of respite from the constant demands of his responsibilities and the pressure of leading a war.

 

'Karaoke, huh,' Isao thought. In his mind, karaoke was a Filipino pastime that he had always found enjoyable. It reminded him of simpler times, when he could let loose and have fun with friends. But sometimes those inconsiderate assholes would continue to sing deep into the night, oblivious to the fact that they were being a nuisance.

 

'Their tone-deaf singing is worthy of being used in night raids,' Isao mused, a wry smile playing on his lips. As much as he appreciated the respite karaoke provided, he couldn't help but imagine the chaos it would cause if those off-key voices were used as a diversion tactic during night raids. The thought amused him, offering a momentary escape from the weight of his responsibilities.

 

'Night raids with off-key singing as a distraction would surely confuse and disorient the enemy,' he thought, envisioning the bewildered expressions on their faces. 'If we couple it with loudspeakers blaring dissonant music at maximum volume 24/7, it would create a cacophony that could potentially disrupt their communication and coordination.' 

 

Other advantages of this diversion tactic could include disturbing their sleep patterns, impairing their ability to make quick decisions, and causing psychological stress. Additionally, the constant noise could also serve as a deterrent, making it easier to conduct the evacuation process without interference from the enemy.

 

'I have to be drunk—even though I'm unable to—if I'm seriously entertaining the idea of using this tactic.' Isao thought to himself as he took a swig from his beer while massaging his temples. 'It has its cons...' Isao acknowledged that using this tactic had its drawbacks. The impaired decision-making and psychological stress caused by disturbing sleep patterns could also affect his own forces, potentially hindering their performance in critical situations. 

 

However. "But it's interesting." Isao couldn't help but find the tactic intriguing. He was drawn to the unconventional nature of it and how it could potentially catch his opponents off guard. It was a risky approach, but one that might just pay off if executed correctly.

 

Not one to waste time, Isao contacted Fel, who was in charge of operations. ::Fel, sorry about earlier. But I want to discuss a new strategy I've been considering...::

 

Long story short, Fel was immediately on board with Isao's idea and suggested changes and improvements to further enhance the tactic. Isao bought all the necessary equipment for the strategy, including the loudest concert speakers and the most powerful sound systems. These devices would be mounted outside the dungeon, so only the enemy would be affected by the deafening noise. 

 

As for the singers... The worst—best in this case—singers in the dungeon were recruited to party. These individuals were known for their incredibly off-key and ear-piercing voices, making them the perfect candidates for causing maximum sleep disruption. 

 

And they are the... lasenggeros. They are the most hard-working drunkards, who would start their drinking and karaoke sessions as early as the sun rose and continue until the sun rose again the next day. These dedicated individuals never missed a beat, belting out their favorite tunes with passion and gusto, much to the dismay of anyone trying to catch some shut-eye nearby.

 

Their payment? A drink-all-you-can and eat-all-you-can, sponsored by Isao the Dungeon Master himself. And Filipinos being Filipinos, their nose for free drinks and food was unmatched. The word spread quickly, attracting more and more people to join the rowdy gatherings.

 

***

 

As for those who would be on the receiving end of the late-night karaoke sessions... 

 

A few hours before Isao implemented his karaoke harassment plan, Brgy. Gulod, Kabuyao City, in the Order Faction's base of operation—

 

Baldwin Moore roused his men with a motivational speech: "Tomorrow we will face the Neutral and Chaos Factions in a three-way war for control of the city. I assume none of you will find those from the Neutral Faction in this city challenging, with them being from another world and having limited knowledge of this world."

 

The bald, obese man stood tall, his voice booming with confidence as he continued his speech. But did he really mean his words? No, not really. There's only one reason why this merchant is heading this group of knights from the Order Faction, and that reason is money. 

 

Baldwin Moore is a successful merchant on the western continent, known for his shrewd business tactics and ability to amass wealth. The donations he had given to the Order Faction had secured him a position of influence, allowing him to manipulate their actions to benefit his own financial gain. 

 

And when an oracle from the Saint of Order prophesied that of a whole country from another world transmigrating to Erse, he saw an opportunity to exploit the situation for even greater financial gain.

 

With his connections to the Order Faction, Baldwin Moore had orchestrated a plan to position himself as one of the key figures in the invasion of the transmigrated country. Through strategic alliances and covert negotiations, he ensured that he would have an order of knights and foot soldiers whose ranks ranged from G to F at his disposal to carry out his bidding.

 

He figured that this level of power would be enough to establish himself as a dominant force in the newly arrived country and secure his financial interests. But he is a shrewd and cunning individual, so he made sure that the knights were equipped with the latest mana rifles and anti-mana armor.

 

With a toast to the devoted knights and warriors, he thanked them for their commitment to duty and made sure they knew they would receive tremendous honors and acclaim for their service. He raised his glass with a smug smirk on his face, knowing that his painstakingly planned scheme would soon bear fruit, catapulting him to the top of authority in the transmigrated nation.

 

However, deep in the night, after the revelry had ended and the knights had retired to their quarters, booming soundwaves continuously rocked the building they had made their temporary headquarters.

 

"What's going on!?" Baldwin exclaimed, rudely awoken from his sleep. He rushed towards the door, flung it open, and called out to a hurrying squire to demand an explanation for the sudden disturbance. As the squire hurriedly approached, Baldwin's heart raced with anticipation, wondering if his meticulously crafted plan was already being unraveled before it even had a chance to unfold.

 

"Is there an attack? Is it the enemy?" Baldwin asked, his voice filled with urgency. The squire, out of breath and clearly shaken, struggled to compose a coherent response. "N-no, my lord," the squire stammered.

 

"It's not... an attack, probably," the squire finally managed to utter, hesitant and uncertain. Baldwin's brow furrowed with concern as he waited for the squire to gather himself. "Then what is it?" he pressed, his tone growing more impatient.

 

"I think it would be much better if you heard it for yourself, my lord," the squire suggested, his voice trembling. Baldwin nodded, his worry deepening, and followed the squire as he opened a window.

 

"Sa ilalim ng puting ilaw, sa dilaw na buwan." As soon as the squire opened the window, the thunderous soundwaves of an out-of-tune singing reached Baldwin's ears, causing him to wince. He exchanged a puzzled glance with the squire, who looked equally perplexed.

 

 

At the same time, in Brgy. Sala, Kabuyao City. Inside the dungeonified city hall, Chaos Faction's base of operation—

 

"Oh-ho," Marneuluch chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement as he listened to the off-key singing. On the other hand, his subordinate—the delinquent demon who led the attack when Asvarani's group was conducting evacuation operations—wasn't so amused.

 

"Oi, cowardly captain," the demon growled, his voice dripping with irritation. "Stop laughing and focus on the task at hand. We need to find the source of this off-key singing and put an end to it before it drives us all insane."

 

"As always, you're such a killjoy, Zabezenn," Marneuluch replied, a mischievous grin playing on his lips. "We're demons of the Chaos Faction. A little chaos and off-key singing should be right up our alley. But fine, if you want to be the one to find the source of the singing, be my guest. But don't expect me to join in on your wild goose chase." 

 

"Use your brain for a change. They are trying to divert our attention from their real plans," Marneuluch continued.

 

"So what should we do then, captain?" Zabezenn asked, his skepticism fading slightly.

 

"I just told you to use your brain." Marneuluch sighed, rolling his eyes. "Do you remember what they were doing when you encountered them before?" 

 

"They're doing a rescue operation for the survivors in this city." Marneuluch answered his own question before the other demon could reply. "This noise is a cover while they conduct rescue operations. Our priority should be to hinder their rescue efforts and kill any survivors they manage to find." 

 

Marnueluch smiled wickedly as he thought he had figured out the enemy's strategy. "Zabezenn, ready the Aerial Demon Battalion. Our enemies use the oldest versions of mana firearm technology; equip our troops with the latest mana firearms and anti-mana shield armors to give us a significant advantage in battle."

 

"Orders received, Captain." Zabezenn saluted and quickly relayed the orders to the troops. As the Aerial Demon Battalion prepared for battle, Marnueluch couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence. "We'll show them how wars are fought in Erse."

 

***

 

At the same time, Brgy. Magsasaka, outside Isao's dungeon—

 

Isao watched as his troops—goblins, skeletons, kobolds, and orcs—clad in cyberpunk-esque armor hurriedly climbed trucks. Slung on their backs were mana rifles that appeared to be still in their older versions. 

 

In the post-apocalyptic Philippines, after monsters from the horde had overrun the cities, working vehicles like these were an uncommon sight.

 

While the bestial and humanoid monsters wreaked havoc on the remaining abandoned human settlements, floral monsters invaded the concrete jungle, turning it into an actual jungle. Vegetation quickly overtook anything made of metal or concrete, including vehicles.

 

So resources such as functioning trucks and fuel to power them became highly valuable and sought-after. However, these trucks weren't actually functional, and there wasn't fuel to power them. 

 

And yet, Isao found a way to make it operational without overhauling and rebuilding the entire engine. But that information was a closely guarded secret, known only to a select few.

 

'Sir, our troops were ready to move out,' the soldier—a goblin, based on the contour of his armor—reported telepathically to Isao. The booming, off-key singing from the speakers for their noise distraction was still blaring in the background. 

 

Isao nodded, acknowledging the soldier's report, and gestured for him to join the other troops. As they began to depart, Isao was about to use his Blood Manipulation skill to create wings of blood for himself and fly. 

 

When a voice, indescribable in its otherworldly quality, whispered in his ear, THUMP! His heart suddenly began beating violently. The pounding of his heart at this moment was incomparable to when Isao witnessed Wilab's death.

 

"Gah!" Isao gasped, clutching his chest as the voice continued to echo in his mind. "Wh, What's happening?" he stammered, feeling a mix of fear and confusion.

 

He searched his surroundings for any signs of danger, but everything appeared normal. The voice seemed to be coming from within him, as if it were part of his own thoughts.

 

'I have to calm my racing heart,' Isao thought, and he retrieved his vape from his pocket. He took a deep inhale, hoping the nicotine would help him regain control over his emotions. 

 

However, even as the vapor filled his lungs, the voice persisted, growing louder and more insistent. Isao realized that this was not a physical ailment but something much deeper and unsettling.

 

'Is this a mental attack of some sort?' Isao wondered, his mind racing with thoughts of how to combat this mysterious intrusion. 'Should I use Blood Magic on my brain to regain control of my thoughts?' 

 

He wasn't sure if physical-boosting magic like Blood Magic would be effective in this situation. Desperate, Isao opened his dungeon interface's D-Store and began searching for skills that could potentially help him counter this mental attack. 

 

As he typed "mental resistance" into the search bar, the results popped up with various skills related to mental fortitude and resilience. But all of them couldn't be purchased. It was as though the unnamed god who created the dungeon system had intentionally restricted Isao's access to these skills.

"What... is going on?" Isao muttered to himself, frustration evident in his voice. He couldn't understand why he was being denied the tools he needed to defend himself against this relentless mental assault.

 

'Should I stay? But if I did, who knows what challenges the rescue team would face without my support?' Isao pondered, torn between his duty to protect his subordinates and his own well-being.

 

"To hell with everything. Tsk. I'd rather die than hear news of my troops deaths." He gritted his teeth and once again activated his Blood Manipulation skill to grow wings and soared through the skies ahead of his troops, keeping a watchful eye on their progress.

 

Everything is to protect his troops. Everything is to protect Filipino citizens. He'd rather die a hundred—no, a thousand, even—times than let harm come to those under his command. Isao's unwavering dedication and selflessness were the driving forces behind his decision to put his own well-being at risk.