Dungeon Defense

Description

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Do you know how this world ends?

Become the hero and defeat the 72 Demon Lords. The game that was boasted as the absolute hardest strategy game, 『Dungeon Attack』.

I used to be the ‘hero’ who had accomplished everything in this game, but after answering a suspicious survey, I found myself in the game as the weakest Demon Lord, 「Dantalian」.

With only my eloquent tongue and my memories of conquest as a hero—.

In order to survive as Dantalian. I shall tear this world apart.

Associated Names
One entry per line
Deonjeon Dipenseu
ダンジョンディフェンス
던전 디펜스
Related Series
Dungeon Defense (WN) (Web Novel)
Recommendations
The Lazy King (13)
My Death Flags Show No Sign of Ending (12)
Dungeon Hunter (9)
The Second Coming of Gluttony (9)
Your and My Asylum (9)
Sevens (8)
Recommendation Lists
  1. enjoyed my time
  2. An actual attempt at ranking
  3. Novels That I Have Read Over The Years
  4. Peak Villains
  5. Op Mc / simulation systems

Latest Release

Date Group Release
11/26/17 Shalvation Translations v5 afterword
11/26/17 Shalvation Translations v5 intermission
11/23/17 Shalvation Translations v5c4
11/11/17 Shalvation Translations v5c3
10/28/17 Shalvation Translations v5c2
10/17/17 Shalvation Translations v5c1
10/09/17 Shalvation Translations v5 prologue
10/06/17 Shalvation Translations v5 illustrations
02/03/17 Shalvation Translations v4 afterword
02/03/17 Shalvation Translations v4 intermission
02/03/17 Shalvation Translations v4c5
01/29/17 Shalvation Translations v4c4
01/21/17 Shalvation Translations v4c3
01/13/17 Shalvation Translations v4c2
01/04/17 Shalvation Translations v4c1
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316 Reviews sorted by


Hamsta
Hamsta rated it
September 21, 2016
Status: v2 afterword
5/5 Excellent.

Read it. You won't regret it. Don't spoil it for yourself by reading the reviews. Just hop right in.

That is all.

... more>>
Spoiler

For those harping about the romance, keep in mind the MC's got a mind that works many times faster than "normal" folks, a dulled sense of emotions (dude isn't a happy guy & feels life is meaningless since he was 6), and suffers from manic mood swings among other mental issues (Part of his "acting", the best lies are mixed with truth after all). He's also using s*x as a tool (Such as Barbatos making her think she's in control, etc) which is in line with his character. Because he wants to be King of the Pirates~ I mean "everyone".

He's also not falling in love "too fast" remember he's already played though the game & knows the personality/intellect of virtually every major player. His chosen harem "click" with him intellectually and/or emotionally. In fact he's falling in love SLOWER than most xianxia protagonist who fall in love as soon as they see the damsel in distress.

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V rated it
September 16, 2016
Status: v3c2 part2
This novel is so refreshing! You have to read it people!

The game element are very minor in this novel, in fact it's only used to understand the level of relation between the MC and the rest of the people close to him^^

The characters are all insane, but they have their own personality, and the author is rather good to keep the relations in accordance to it. Which also means that "Harem" is not really happening, it's more about worship by underlings that happened to be female.
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mmem
mmem rated it
September 1, 2016
Status: v3c1
Vol 1 was awesome, it touched on what it'd be like if your father had a harem, had a lead that was interesting and actually intelligent, side characters I could understand and feel for, interesting game and world elements, and oozed potential. Sure there were some flaws, but nothing too major and I ended up reading it in a day.

Vol 2 was good, it's just the story seems to be going in a much different direction. Some character's personalities have changed and I'm not sure why (maybe if there had... more>> been a vol before this one to make the transition make sense?).

Seriously the story goes from bringing peace to two races to the main character descending into madness (for reasons) and the beginnings of war. What happened?

No seriously, comparing vol 2 MC to vol 1 prologue MC (which takes place 2 years in the future) he seems like a pretty different character, but maybe the author will make it make sense. Don't get me wrong, the story is still interesting, it's just a different story now.

Also the romance in vol 2, where did that come from, I usually love romance but here it felt like
Spoiler

he only "loved" her because they were sleeping together. I kept hoping that his change in personality and sudden love would be explained by Lala kissing him last vol. When her stats are revealed in vol 1 there's a skill called Judas Kiss, which could explain why Lala suddenly kissed him and why he suddenly became crazed. But nope, that wasn't what happened.

And then there's the end of vol 2, MC spends most of the vol coming to the realization he was in "love" only to then be r*ped. B wasn't shown enough in vol 1 for me to say her personality changed but was she really so pathetic that she needed to drug a guy to get him to sleep with her? The fact they continue to sleep together according to vol 3's prologue was hard to read. Where does Lala even fit in then? Is the r*pe ever dealt with? This isn't the start of a harem is it? Please no.

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So this starts out crazy interesting but then goes dark and crazy, really dark (and no I don't buy that he
Spoiler

killed someone when he was in his 3rd year of elementary school, maybe if it had been described how he did it it would be easier to believe.

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Oh well, at lease his relationship with LD was pretty cute so I look forward to more of them together. Meanwhile I'm going to wait till vol 3 is translated to read it my hope is that a certain character is killed off, preferably by the MC or Lala.

Edit: Looks like vol 3 may be leading to a harem... why? <<less
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icecream
icecream rated it
August 28, 2016
Status: v3c1
CHANGED TO 2 STARS. MAYBE EVEN 1

IN FIRST VOLUME: I gotta say that I've read a fair share of reincarnation novels and smart mc's, BUT this one is really amazing and it's only the first few chapters. His cunningness is great, but what trumps it is his common sense. He is one of the most sensical characters I have ever read, as in he looks at the situation calmly and can make great analysis. He may seem ruthless, but it makes sense why he should act this way to other... more>> people imo. I love his character... until the 2nd volume where it went downhill fast

2ND VOLUME/3RD:where did all the stuff I said above go to. The character development is character regression. He isn't sensible, acts like a crazy killer that doesn't have a real reason to, getting petty and developed a really bad temperment, and I was uncomfortable at the way he acted with the female lead by the 2nd volume. My harem alarm went off, and I hate harem when the MC is a real dick/player/dense and the females are s*upid for falling for him. I got that feeling when it started going there in the romance part. SO READ THE 1ST VOLUME, DROP THE 2ND AND 3RD <<less
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Xravia
Xravia rated it
August 25, 2016
Status: v2 intermission
Love the series so far, Its a refreshing taste of a new twisted take on a old troupe of a hero aiming to take down a demon lord, Giving perspective and purpose than is what traditionally done in other story's. Focusing on the heroes side becomes boring and this is an intelligent way of building characters and a new story.

P.S. There is no overuse of 'DIE!!!' or 'You overestimate yourself blablabla' which I really appreciate :D
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Little Big House
Little Big House
August 19, 2016
Status: v2c3
This story is amazingly good. It has a nice flow and no plotholes. Let's begin by the plot; The main character is sent in a game he used to play after completing a survey. He was supposedly sent to "save" the world. After completing a tutorial in lunatic mode (hardest), he got to choose a power. Keep in mind that he finished the game multiple times in his original world, so he remembers all the important characters.

Let's talk about the MC then: The MC has a manipulative, smart and calm... more>> mindset. He is not overly emotional (or at least he recovers if he gets too emotional). He only believes in facts and his authority. As for the side character at the beginning : He has a close aid by his side going by the name of Lapis Lazuli (the girl with pink hair on the cover). At first she is hard to understand by the perspective of the MC but when we change to her point of view and along the storyline we get to understand her more easily.

As for the storytelling it is amazing, the style is there, there are some plot twists that were really good to see. Literally a lot of plot twists so if you find yourselves confused or a bit reluctant, continue reading until the end. Each volume is like a menu at the restaurant, you always keep the sweetest (in this case the best) for the end but you get to eat delicious food as you get there.

The tags have well illustrated this novel. I do recommend it if you have the time because the chapters are really long but worth it. I which to thank the translator (and of course the author) for this project which must be really hard to work on because - but not only - of the length : Thanks for the hard work. 5 stars

TL;DR
Amazing plot (coupled with the characters and storytelling, otherwise generic)
Characters 3D
MC manipulative and lazy
Long chapters but WORTH IT
One of its kind <<less
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Kamui
Kamui rated it
August 17, 2016
Status: v2c2
One of the best WN on this website, I think it is the best. An isekai story very different from what Japanese or even Chinese WN offer. Here, the MC is so weak that it could be compared to a tutorial's boss, defeated without any effort. But, using his knowledge about the game's plot and universe, he'll betray, stab others, struggle to survive, stuck in the middle of this demonic world. A good plot, pace, interesting and twisted characters, everyone is scheming something against someone. It's truly a cruel world... more>> to be reincarnated, resulting in a terrific story. <<less
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HalbYoshi
HalbYoshi rated it
August 11, 2021
Status: --
Fun to read, but the MCs dialogue is acting like it's smart even tho, it is nothing but words randomly strung together in hopes of creating anything that resembles a good line.

Every side character is more enjoyable and better written.
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Jubaer
Jubaer rated it
March 22, 2020
Status: v5 afterword
One of the best novels out there.

I personally like these types of novels where the characters have depth, are intelligent and some can say demonic.

Legally It's Questionable,

Morally it's Disgusting,

Personally I like it.
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The Prodigal King
The Prodigal King rated it
January 2, 2020
Status: v5 afterwards
Loved it !!....

This novel easily gets in my top 10 list (without any genre restrictions).... The literature is pretty good and the story is a generic isekai.

UNTIL SH*T HITS THE FAN FAM!!!!

... more>> The MC is a NEET who gets summoned into a game he once played or rather a sequel beta version of the game except the thing is he has to play it in difficulty level : LUNATIC which is the highest difficulty level without any op power or cheat.

And to top it off as the name suggests "LUNATIC" everybody is a freakin nut case and it's adorable how these nut cases believe they're the only sane people....

But..... *Smirks*

Our MC is the biggest nut case of them all, with a refined sadistic personality...

His sadism shines in the 1st volume, but you have to be patient with v2 as our MC finds out new things about himself and process them, the ending is worth it...

From v3 the writing style changes a bit but it's still good nonetheless it's all about schemes and politics with a peculiar pattern where every chapter begins light heartedly with a tinge of comedy and ends on a darker note... I loved it. From there onwards you can witness the twisted MC's twisted actions.... Even his kindness is twisted but I love how v5 ended it was soooo good, it really moved me since I wasn't really expecting sentiment from our twisted MC.... But since the story is dark and twisted the heartwarming moments are twisted too....

I highly recommend this if you are in a twisted mood and crave something twisted.... <<less
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NOVEllUPdATEss
NOVEllUPdATEss rated it
August 5, 2019
Status: v5 afterword
If you are here for the game elements, don't start reading this. This novel rarely uses game elements in the story after volume 2, and many of the 1~2 star ratings are mostly about this. However, if you are looking for a psychological novel with actually intelligent characters (almost everyone in this novel can adequately think) and realistic psychopath characters (that are not the generic psychopath killers, ret*rded "psychopaths", or being "psychopaths" for empathy), this is the best one you're going to find in NU. After reading this, every other... more>> "psychological" novels that I read felt either too artificial or dumb. <<less
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Anak Chuerdasch
Anak Chuerdasch rated it
April 2, 2019
Status: v2c3
*Very minor spoiler alert for volume 1

I personally don't like novels with "game elements" might as well just create a game based novel. But I still can tolerate the game elements. The thing that ruined the novel for me was the characters, especially MC. I mean, I know you're a mentally twisted and psychopatic but stop stating so oftenly. And the thing I especially don't like is his back story, every time the MC does a flawless professional acting the story will just tell it's because his father has trained... more>> him. Like every single time. The first time was tolerable but after that it's just s*upid and cringy. <<less
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Elgon
Elgon rated it
March 5, 2019
Status: v5c1
The prologue and volume 1 really got me into this series, however the direction the novel takes afterwards becomes messy in my opinion. The overarching plot is interesting, however, it changes its focus over each volume. Looking back, I can't really find a lot of the traces of many of the desirable elements present within the first volume.

The MC passively becomes more and more insane over time and I'm not sure really why his personality changes so quickly. Eventually I found it hard to support the guy as he just... more>> becomes a psychotic serial-killer with an obsession for authority.

Furthermore, while its interesting to have some characters with psychotic personalities, the novel takes it too far and eventually it becomes tiring (it feels like everybody's insane). Would be nice with a few more sane characters around.

Writing is pretty good and the translation is great, though I wish the flow of the story (not really sure how else to describe it) stayed more faithful to the first volume. <<less
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odernatter
odernatter rated it
January 29, 2019
Status: v2c1
Volume 1 isn't that great like people picture it to be. Author tries to make MC to be a genius and yet:

... more>>
Spoiler

When he has opportunity to chose cheat skill he is presented with lot of options. Most stunning is the skill to save "game" every ten years. Which basically means immortality, ability to see the future and to test people boundries or loyalty. There is also a lot of skills which would make "lunatic difficulty" game bearable (like super strenght or summoning skill. He immiediatly choses crap skill with very limited mind reading. Because he is a good actor. Seriously wtf. Moreover he isn't, he bearly controls himself. Then without the batting of the eye he proceedes to making world powerhouses his enemies, because of course superactor with genius intelligence can't pay up debt 200 gold without it. Or maybe becasue high profile is obvious choice for a weak but cunning MC?

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People were also saying that after 1 volume he is going full psycho evil route. I couldn't wait, because I like to read stories about that kind of characters. But I couldn't even finish first chapter, because my head started to hurt from amount tightly compressed insane s*upidity:

Spoiler

Mother, of his lover, succubus prostitute comes to his castle. He proceeds to beat his lover to test if her mother really loves her. I would be ok if he beat her because he is a sad*st and like to beat people or to punish her for her shannigans. That what evil characters should do. But he didn't test anything, there would be million better way to do so.

But that not the end, he freaks out and tells the girl that he absolutly must to kill her mother. Because she somewhat humiliated him or her, by trying to get some money from her abandoned daughter succes. How? Why? There was no humiliation whatsoever. No reason at all. Girl get's angry, hits him. He freaks out because he don't understand why someone don't wan't to see her mother's death. F*ck me. He has like more than 8000 IQ and more then one similar experiences in the past. How autistic can you be? But he has that usless mindreading skill, which can tell how people with high affection feel. It's perfect time to use it. Not. It's better to lose affection and respect. Then he goes to some other lady demon and cries how unreasonable his lover is. She tell him that he is authistic for not understanding basic human interactions. Maybe he could use mindreading to find out what she is talking about? Well f*ck it, it's better to lose affection with my only powerful ally in the foregein and hostile world. So badass.

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Three stars because good translation and worldbulding. Story and characters don't deserve even one. It's not villian protagonist, it's author's imaginary vision of how misunderstud genius look like, when author is clearly not the sharpest knife in the drawer. <<less
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Fizzhaz
Fizzhaz rated it
October 15, 2018
Status: v3c1
The novel is not for everyone, but I would liken it to Ender's Game in that it's got a psychological side as well. Whilst the integration of this side is overbearing throughout the novel, falling short of Ender's Game, it's still several folds more interesting to read in comparison to most light novels in this aspect. The other parts of the story seem to provide a backdrop to this exploration of psyche rather than stand on their own, but they have some merit, especially the nuance with which s*x is... more>> dealt with within the novel. 5/7

PS The story isn't actually perfect. But then again what is? <<less
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Unrivaledfury
Unrivaledfury rated it
August 23, 2018
Status: v5 afterword
This is GOLD. How Death note is a golden anime, Dungeon Defense is realms apart other novels. The author is simply too genius creating this masterpiece. The story is so detailed an captivating that it leaves you wanting more. It immerses you in the story, controls your emotions and keeps you on the edge. Even the translator "salvation" has done great job delivering high quality translations. The most notable one is "Speech of Bruno plains" or you could simply googleGDungeon defense speech. As someone who has completed this novel, I... more>> ask you to not to judge this novel by those who have reviewed only after reading few chapters.

Well, the only regret I have is I don't have the author's email ID. I wanted to thank him for his hard work.

Hope he releases new Volumes ASAP! <<less
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Toketsu
Toketsu rated it
August 22, 2018
Status: v5 afterword
First of all, this one is a gem! I'm waiting for its new release, but to tell you the truth its not very good for innocent readers. Too much blood, loli witches, crime, cruelty, madness, cut fingers, all kinds off mental illness, just the way I like it!

    • Plot wise: 10-10
    • Character development: 10-10
    • Genre: Not for the fainthearted, seriously!
Its better if you read it for arguments sake! Just prepare for a fun ride.
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WolfNexus
WolfNexus rated it
July 11, 2018
Status: v2
I'll keep it short. It was an impressive schemer novel, and his abilities (and imo, the novel's high point) is at the beginning, where he is actually pushed to use his wits and skills to survive. A bit of plot armor from the "system" for sure, but it was comparatively a lot better than the rest of the novel.

The rest of the novel is a downward plummet, imo. There's a completely needless "decision box" at crucial times for no reason (me thinks for showing how dramatically he's going to win)... more>> and he suddenly wishes to rule the world and sh*t. But this is alright; maybe the "system" made him go wonky. But the previous efficiency he exhibited is nowhere to be seen. Every major victory he wins is based simply on what he knew already. And even then, I think, his use of the knowledge is... nothing special. Regardless, his victories aren't of his own merits; it's because the game this world is based off of gives the MC a big advantage. And then he became more and more psychotic, along with his psychotic s*x friend, and they decided to rule the world!

Disappointed. <<less
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obakasama
obakasama rated it
December 17, 2017
Status: v5 afterword
One of the best WN/LN I've read.

Dungeon Defense shows a level of sophisticated writing that is, in my experience, very rarely demonstrated in this medium. Not everyone will like it, but I think that's to be expected with the unique style and exceedingly dark subject matter exploring the extremes of the "human" psyche.

Just so you know what to expect:

  1. The characters are all basically crazy.
  2. Despite their craziness, the characterization is incredible -- you won't find any 2D cliches here.
  3. The dialogue is definitely M-rated in both language and depth (not your typical empty interactions), so it's worth taking the time to really absorb the contents rather than skimming over it.
  4. The universe is a dystopian take on a conquest game, but the world-building is staggeringly immersive and robust, so you'll forget all about the game part right after Volume 1.
  5. The translation is top-notch, with an incredible dedication to the craft through both words and aesthetics.
You should read this. You may not like it, especially if you're used to a more standard WN/LN, but you should read this nonetheless just to check it out.

Let me know what you think.
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kahandran
kahandran rated it
December 1, 2017
Status: v5 afterword
This story is gold-tier... the magnum opus of all web novels I've read to date.

It's a mystery, a comedy, a romance, a psychological thriller, and an action novel all bundled into one and shown to us readers through the lens of the twisted characters that this story has to offer.

You will either love this story or you will hate it. It explores very dark themes with its villainous protagonist, interspersed with lighter moments. The volumes follow a basic path of progression, where the protagonist is presented with a problem like... more>> an unsurpassable mountain but he utilizes the tools he has available and digs his way out. No, he doesn't dig his way out- he blasts his way out using dynamite that he had a third party smuggle in. Then he strides through the shattered remnants of the mountain while everyone is still running for cover and grabs the gems that were hiding in its center.

Okay, that was a weird simile. Let's just say he manages to turn many disadvantageous situations to his advantage using totally unpredictable methods. It's told in a way that you won't even know his trump cards until the end, but when it is finally revealed it's such a mindf*ck that you're just left gaping in awe. The perceptive reader (which I am not) may be able to unravel the mystery beforehand, but it is just as fun to sit back and read the story, following the flow of the narrative as it unwinds.

The characters have detailed and emotional backstories, which are slowly explored as the novel progresses. The protagonist in particular has a complicated past, which leads to peculiarities of his character that are discovered later on.

The novel vastly improves after v1, so if you're still on the fence after reading the first one, I'd recommend giving the second a go. It starts off being very "game-like, " but loses those elements as the story goes on. <<less
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