What happened to that grand backstory in the last chapter? Meta-commentary? Don't worry about it.

Let me ask you this: if your own life were on the line, would you really stop mid-battle just because your opponent started a grand, tear-jerking, movie-style monologue?

Why am I keeping the tone so light, you ask? Simple.

"G-Squad, have two platoons transport the targets to the detention facility. The rest of you, transition to Alert Level 2 and resume standard duties."

All targets have been neutralized and secured.

No casualties on our side.

A flawless victory.

...You're wondering what happened to that level gap from before? Let's just call it a lesson: Nothing in this world is ever 100%.

Well, I'll give you the after-action report on the combat situation.

Time to neutralize the targets: approximately 3 minutes. Quick as making instant noodles, really.

The three primary targets threw the two secondary targets (the women) toward us in apparent confusion, which threw off the timing a bit, but after that the operation proceeded without a hitch.

Now then, let me explain the first interception point—Point Alpha. It's a crossroads located at the center of the first floor.

At that location, we deployed one goblin squad as bait directly in the enemy's path to draw their attention. Due to the enemy's strange behavior, the operation started slightly late—but in a way, that worked in our favor.

We then successfully caught the Primary Targets in a crossfire at the intersection. Well, we don't have guns, but you get the idea. The three targets were surrounded from all four sides of the crossroads.

'What kind of military operation is this?' you ask? 'Isn't this supposed to be fantasy?'

Look, letting monsters wander around aimlessly to intercept people like in some light novel is just inefficient.

Anyway, setting that aside, it seems the Primary Targets finally realized the situation they'd fallen into.

"Oi... what the hell is this?"

"...These aren't normal goblins... Kurse, can you handle it?"

"Leave it to me. Give me 20 seconds."

Sorry, but you're already checkmated.

Three G-Unit squads surrounding both sides and the front, one S-Unit squad blocking the rear.

But that's not all.

Remember how I mentioned creating a special passageway exclusively for the slimes?

With that, launched a surprise attack from the ceiling, latching onto the mage's face to interrupt his incantation. They stayed stuck there, aiming for suffocation.

"Wha—!?"

"Damn it, Kurse!! Stay still!!”

The remaining two couldn't even move to support the mage. Slimes latched onto their faces as well.

This tactic came straight from a thread on a message board.

【Thread】 Modernizing Slime Group Combat Tactics - Page 2

110: Anonymous Pig

Not sure if this fits, but serious answer: Why not just block their breathing?

Like, attack from above and cover their face—should work on most humans, right?

To make it a guaranteed success, you'd need a diversion so they don't look at the ceiling, though.

111: Anonymous Pig

Yeah, realistically that's the most efficient.

Most creatures have their respiratory and visual organs in the same area, so you can completely shut them down.

...Wait, could you actually beat a Demon Lord by suffocation?

112: Anonymous Pig

Nah, no way a Demon Lord dies like that.

I mean, it's a Demon Lord. They'd just go whoosh with some magical aura and blow the slimes away.

Probably the same for Heroes too, right? With some Hero-exclusive skill...

113: Anonymous Pig

I get the idea, but whether it works or not, it'd still be kind of lame.

Oh, I have a question:

Some slimes have cores, right? How do you handle that safely?

114: Anonymous Pig

In that case, use most of the body to seal the airways, then stretch the core out like a cord to some other part of the body.

The target will be too busy trying to pull the slime off to notice.

Yeah...

Internet forums are terrifying...

And it proved that slimes are all about how you use them.

But they proved one thing—

Slimes are insanely useful if you know how to use them.

And the result?

"Gah-glug...!!"

"...!!!"

"Gub-glug-glug...!!"

The Primary Targets were silenced instantly.

Thus, these three were also downgraded to Secondary Targets. We successfully disarmed and captured them.

Everyone, when you start managing dungeons, remember to utilize slimes effectively.

"This is...?"

"Elju-sama..."

The two remaining women didn't seem to understand what was happening.

* * *

Now then—

While we wait for the prisoners to be brought in, there's something I need to address.

The operation was too perfect. If we start assuming things will always go this smoothly, the shock when something goes wrong will be disastrous. It was basically "My Turn!!" the whole time.

I've made a mess of things in a different sense. I can't exactly sabotage a mission on purpose, so I'll have to have a serious talk with my subordinates about expectations.

While I was mulling this over looking at the map, the prisoners were moved to the detention area and the platoons returned to their normal duties.

By the way, we're keeping the men and women separated. The two women were in severe physical condition, so I ordered them transferred to the containment infirmary.

I'm the only one who can use healing magic right now, which is a real hassle.

"I hope the gains from this haul allow for some dungeon upgrades."

Muttering to myself, I first made my way to the infirmary.

On the third floor, separate from my room, I've set up several facilities I deemed necessary for dungeon management.

(Though compared to modern Japan, it's really just a bunch of empty rooms.)

Since I haven't earned much DP yet, this "infirmary" consists of nothing but simple beds. The actual detention cells are even worse—wooden frames with straw piled on top.

(I'll just have to take it slow... I mean, it's only been nine days.)

I'd like to prepare proper living quarters for my subordinates, but they've already started building their own living spaces on the second floor.

While thinking about various things, I arrived in front of the intended room.

Knock-knock-knock.

I gave a simple knock. No matter how much of an "other world" this is, I have no intention of twisting my own pride or habits.

...Well, I'll happily ignore their clichés, though.

No response.

I entered anyway.

Inside, the two women stared at me.

"...What exactly is going on?"

"...Elju-sama... please step back."

Only a complete airhead would think I was being received favorably here, but we aren't going to get anywhere without talking.

"Right then. To start with, would you mind hearing me out?"

Time to get to work.