The Level-Up Junkie Is Quietly Discussed

[Author's foreword: Chapter 12 is short, so today's update is a double — this is the first of the two.]

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"— Master. A new bearer of the 《Madman》 title has surfaced."

"…Where?"

"Japan."

"Details."

"Status sheet here."

"…Lv.9? Fast… and 《Goblin Killer》 has manifested too — wait. It's been less than a week since his Status was issued."

"Yes. To be precise, he began diving in earnest the day after qualifying. As of today, he has two days of Explorer activity logged."

"I see. So that's why you flagged it for me. Same as the top-tier Explorer lot."

"Your orders, Master?"

"…Orders, what do you mean?"

"In light of the previous holder of 《Madman》 — wouldn't it be wise to dispose of him while we still can?"

"Don't be hasty. Which way the label drives him — we can't predict that yet. Hold position at least until his 《Berserk》 skill evolves. What it evolves into will give us a strong read on where this goes."

"…So far, he hasn't put any points into 《Berserk》. The downsides are heavy — he may simply leave it un-levelled."

"Fine if so. Then the label's effect on him will stay minimal too. …For now, just track his Status. That's enough."

"Understood."

"Yes. The 《Madman》 title, compared to the higher-tier titles, is a small thing. We don't have time to spend on trifles. The first signs are due any moment now. There's plenty of work for you. Focus your attention there."

"Yes, sir. …Then, Master, the next item to report —"

"Go on."

"Multiple Dungeons in Tokyo, Delhi, Shanghai, Dhaka, and São Paulo have logged Wanderer manifestations."

"Tch… they've already appeared, then. Are the national Associations aware?"

"Yes. The Wanderers that surfaced were deep-floor monsters, so the Explorers who encountered them have all died — but the Associations have reviewed the camera footage and registered that an irregularity occurred. …Should we take any action from our side?"

"— No. As long as they have the information, leave them to it."

"Are you certain? The national Associations are moving to suppress it. Streamed footage and social-media posts about it are being scrubbed wholesale."

"I'd expect so. But this is going to become commonplace even on the upper floors before long. It can't be hidden indefinitely. And we can't address the root of it now. Patching it case-by-case would never end."

"……"

"More importantly — Wanderers will stall clear-progress and shrink the Explorer population. That's the problem. — Release one of the prepared lures. Begin the preparations."

"Understood. Preparations will commence at once."