"Dungeon Meshi" is a hugely popular manga that has won numerous awards, including "This Manga is Amazing! 2016 Men's Edition" and "Recommended Comics of 2016, Chosen by Booksellers Nationwide." It's Ryoko Kui's signature work and is currently serialized in the manga magazine "Harta," published by KADOKAWA. The story is both an adventure and a gourmet story, as the protagonist explores dungeons while cooking monsters from classic fantasy works. Today, we'll be introducing our own ranking of the best scenes from "Dungeon Meshi."
#10: Thanks to the Mimic?
Source: Dungeon Meshi © Ryoko Kui, KADOKAWA / Enterbrain
While on the third basement floor, Tirutyakku spots a mimic nearby, but doesn't tell his party members, Raios Toden and the others. Mimics are monsters that lurk inside treasure chests and other objects, urging adventurers to open them and then attacking them when they do. Chilchuck hated mimics, having been attacked by them many times during his time as a paper slayer. Because of this, he didn't want to have much to do with them. He feared that if he told Laios and the others about the mimics, they would offer to catch and eat them, so he didn't mention them. After finding the mimics, Chilchuck looked listless. The elf Marsil asked if he was feeling unwell, but the dwarf Sensi replied that he was just tired because he was a child. Chilchuck retorted that he wasn't a child, to which Marsil responded by asking how old he was. Chilchuck, however, didn't like discussing personal matters, so he refused. Marsil teased him, saying, "You'll definitely lose out if you do that one day." That night. Because the dungeon is often teeming with monsters, the guards take turns standing guard at night, and tonight it was Chilchuck's turn. Feeling hungry, Chilchuck headed to the water fountain to soothe himself with some water. While drawing water, he discovered a coin bug. While chasing a coin bug, Chilchuck ends up in a room with a mimic and gets trapped inside. After a difficult fight with the mimic, he manages to open the door. The pursuing mimic is crushed by the door, allowing Chilchuck to escape. After this, Chilchuck tells Laios and the others about his fear of mimics. Marsil then asks how old he is, saying, "You've learned that it's a loss to keep secrets from your friends, right?", to which Chilchuck reluctantly answers. It's a memorable scene in which Chilchuck shares some of his private life with them, bringing them one step closer.
9th Place: Sensi Protecting the Dungeon
Source: Dungeon Meshi ©Ryoko Kui, KADOKAWA / Enterbrain
Before meeting the protagonist, Raios Toden, and his friends, the dwarf Sensi used the third basement floor as his base of operations. The reason he chose the third basement floor was because there were golems there. Golems are resistant to pests and manage their own moisture, making them perfect for use as a farm, so Sensei plants and grows vegetables on the golem's back. Sensei is also responsible for cleaning the latrines on the third basement floor. Apparently, the reason is that the feces and urine from the latrines are used as fertilizer. Seeing this, Laios asks, "You can be self-sufficient on the surface, right? Don't you think it would be easier to farm outside and hunt?" Sensei responds, "If that's the case, who else will be managing the latrines in the labyrinth? Who will remove the zombies that fall into them? Who will be able to wake up the fallen golems?" Sensei further points out that the monsters downstairs will come up without the golems, and says, "I'll eat what grows here, and I'll also share some with the dungeon," and "That makes me happy." Sensei has a strong image as an eccentric person who likes to eat monsters, but this is a memorable scene that shows he thinks deeply about dungeons and has attained a kind of enlightenment.
8th Place: Little Sister Protecting Her Brother
Source: Dungeon Meshi ©Ryoko Kui・KADOKAWA / Enterbrain
Raios Toden and his friends are fighting the Red Dragon at the bottom of the dungeon. Before arriving here, Laios was remembering how he wasted a day wandering due to a mistake in the map, and how he fell into a trap and lost three days' worth of food. As he was fighting in this dazed state, he was suddenly pushed from behind by his sister Faris Toden. Laios thought for sure that Faris had been hit by a confusion spell, but when he turned around, he saw Faris being held in the mouths of the red dragon. All of his companions had also fallen. Laios was terrified that they would all be wiped out, but Faris used a return spell and they managed to escape. However, Faris, who was crucially important, was unable to escape, having become food for the red dragon. This scene shows Faris's heroic efforts and caring nature as she managed to save her brother Laios and escape all of his party members, even though she was captured by the red dragon herself while protecting him. It is also the beginning of the story and a famous scene that inspired Laios to start his dungeon cooking.
7th Place: Laios and Friends' First Dungeon Meal
Source: Dungeon Meal ©Ryoko Kui・KADOKAWA / Enterbrain
Marsil and Chilchuck, party members of Raios Toden, head into the dungeon almost penniless to rescue his sister, Farin Toden, who was eaten by a red dragon while protecting him. They immediately begin cooking the walking mushroom they come across and the giant scorpion Raios caught. Raios relies on his favorite book, the "Labyrinth Gourmet Guide," to guide his quest. The dwarf Sensei, watching them, is troubled by Raios's poor cooking and begins cooking in his place. The result is "Scorpion and Walking Mushroom Mizutaki," a dish made with walking mushrooms, giant scorpions, slime, and scallops. Raios and Chilchuck were a little hesitant to try these monsters, but after one bite, they were delighted by the deliciousness. Marsil, who stubbornly refuses to eat them, also seems surprised by the deliciousness after one bite. This is a memorable scene, showcasing the first taste of dungeon food, a theme of the series.
No. 6: Just Before the Battle with the Red Dragon
Source: Dungeon Meshi ©Ryoko Kui, KADOKAWA / Enterbrain
When they arrived at the fifth basement floor, which resembled a castle town, Raios Toden and his companions were strolling through the town. As they continued their exploration, they discovered that the Red Dragon was still nearby. Laios and his friends decide to take advantage of the castle town's terrain to defeat the monsters, so he, the half-foot Chilchuck, and his companions begin to investigate. When they return, they find the dwarf Sensi cooking for them. Since hunger was a factor in their previous defeat, they decide to eat properly before challenging the monsters. They begin to eat in a circle. Meanwhile, Laios and his companions begin to thank their party members, Marsil, Chilchuck, and Sensi. To Sensi, they say, "You were so kind to us, complete strangers. Your delicious food saved not only our stomachs but our minds as well." To Chilchuck, they say, "Without you, we would have taken detours and been delayed for days. You were more than anything else." To Marsil, they say, "I'm sorry for causing you trouble on this unfamiliar journey. I was so happy when you offered to join us." This scene shows a more leader-like side of Laios, and is a memorable one, showcasing his genuine gratitude and honesty. Furthermore, this scene also evokes the tension of not knowing for sure whether everyone will return safely from the battle with the Red Dragon.
5th Place: Bonds Formed in the Guild
Source: Dungeon Meshi ©Ryoko Kui・KADOKAWA / Enterbrain
Raios Toden and his friends encounter the Red Dragon at the bottom of the dungeon. However, after days of traveling, the party members were hungry and in a state of disarray. Laios, lost in thought, was nearly eaten by the red dragon, but his sister, Farin Toden, shielded him and was eaten by the red dragon. Farin's return magic allowed the party members to escape. However, Farin was eaten by the red dragon, preventing them from escaping. Despite being almost penniless, Laios decided to return to the dungeon. However, knowing that heading to the red dragon at the bottom of the dungeon in this condition would be a difficult journey, Laios told his party members, Marsil and Chilchuck, to leave the guild. Marsil thought for a moment, then, as if making a decision, said, "No! I'll definitely go with you! I love you, Farin." He continued, "Don't call me a hindrance. You know how powerful my magic is." In response, Chilchuck seemed embarrassed and said, "I don't want you to forget my job. I won't let you say I'm unnecessary for disarming doors and traps."
4th Place: Tirutyakku's True Feelings
Source: Dungeon Meshi ©Ryoko Kui・KADOKAWA / Enterbrain
The elf Marsil heard the screams of the mandrake and became mentally unstable. Laios Toden and Chilchuck continue to talk to Marsil, saying that if they keep talking to him, his consciousness will gradually become clearer. When they ask Marsil why he tried to get the mandrake by himself, he says that he was upset when people called him a hindrance, and that he wanted to be of help to everyone. Laios then explains how important it is to have Marsil there. Chilchuck, who normally doesn't praise people, says shyly on this occasion, "I'm really glad that Marsil came with me." It's a great scene where we get to hear Chilchuck's true feelings, which we don't usually get to hear.
3rd Place: Namari, the Kind One at Heart
Source: Dungeon Meshi ©Ryoko Kui, KADOKAWA / Enterbrain
The dwarf Namari was a former party member of protagonist Laios Toden and his friends. She left the party when Laios's sister, Farin Toden, was eaten by a red dragon and escaped to the surface. However, it would be dangerous for Laios to return to the dungeon with the now penniless Laios, and it's understandable, considering they each have their own lives. It was on the fourth basement floor that he reunited with Namari. Namari had joined the gnome couple, Mr. and Mrs. Tans, and was helping them investigate the magic circle. At the time of their reunion, the elf Marsil had lost his magical powers and was in trouble. Mr. and Mrs. Tans wanted to go further underground, but the Undine, the collective spirit responsible for Marsil's loss of magical power, was enraged and prevented them from proceeding. It would take a week for its rage to subside. Not wanting to wait a week, Mr. and Mrs. Tans decided to return to the surface. Laios begged them to take Marsil, who was out of magical powers, back to the surface. However, Marsil insisted on staying, so they came up with the idea of drinking the undine, which is rich in magical powers. They decided to place the undine in a dwarf Sensi's pot and roast it over the fire. However, Namali worries that the Undine is extremely powerful and that the Tallman Laios will not be able to contain it. The Tans are about to return, but Namali, who is extremely worried about Laios and his friends, urges them on, saying that there is still time. Namali then runs back to Laios and his friends, and with the help of Senshi, a strong dwarf, she and Namali succeed in trapping the Undine. Marsil then makes a stew out of the Undine and treats Namali to some. This is a memorable scene that shows the kindness of Namali, who is thought to tend to think of money first.
No. 2: The Second Battle with the Red Dragon to Reclaim Farin
Source: Dungeon Meshi ©Ryoko Kui, KADOKAWA / Enterbrain
Raios Toden and his friends thoroughly researched the castle town where they would fight the Red Dragon and were fully prepared. Just as they were finishing their pre-battle meal, the Red Dragon appeared. The elf Marsil stands ready to destroy the bridges connecting the buildings to restrict the Red Dragon's movements and exploit its weak spot. Laios, the dwarf Sensi, and the half-foot Chilchuck lure the Red Dragon and use the castle town's terrain to tire it out. They then try to make the Red Dragon spit fire, draining its fuel. Finally, the Red Dragon approaches the bridge. Marsil's magic crushes the Red Dragon under the bridge, and just when they think their plan is a success, the bridge is blown away with ease. Laios, Sensi, and Chilchuck are blown away and buried under the rubble. The Red Dragon is spying its surroundings, and right in front of Laios and his friends is its face. The Red Dragon's weak spot is below its neck, so just when Laios thinks they have an opportunity, the monster living in Laios's sword escapes with the sword. This catches the attention of the Red Dragon. Marsil uses magic to attract the red dragon's attention, but it doesn't budge. Sensi fights back with an axe, but is no match for him. Sensi then entrusts Laios with a mithril knife that can even cut through dragon scales. Sensi then goes to retrieve Laios's escaped sword, but is crushed by the red dragon. Chilchuck, heading to help Sensi, pulls out the knife that Laios had just stabbed into the red dragon's leg and throws it at the red dragon's left eye. The knife hits him perfectly. The red dragon begins to struggle in pain, allowing Sensi, who had been crushed, to escape. Sensi then throws the escaped sword to Laios and collapses, exhausted. Chilchuck also hits his head on some rubble created by the red dragon's rampage and collapses. With the two down and Laios in a tight spot, Marsil arrives. The plan they came up with was for Marsil to use magic to send Laios flying towards the red dragon's face and aim for its weak spot. Laios somehow managed to cling to the red dragon's face, but the red dragon was rampaging and there was nothing he could do. So, with the red dragon biting his leg and hanging from him, Laios attempted to stab it below the neck, a weak spot. The attempt was successful, and he succeeded in defeating the red dragon. It was a memorable scene in which his long-cherished wish of defeating the red dragon came true.
No. 1: The Resurrection of Farin
Source: Dungeon Meshi ©Ryoko Kui・KADOKAWA / Enterbrain
Farin Toden, the younger sister of Raios Toden, was eaten by the Red Dragon. Laios and his companions defeated the red dragon to save Farin, but when they cut open the red dragon's body, Farin was nowhere to be found, only her bones remained. Since it might be possible to revive her from just the bones, Laios attempts to take her to the resurrection center, but Marsil warns him that it is dangerous, as the greater the physical damage, the easier it is for the body and soul to separate. The only way to save Farin is to bring a resurrectionist to the scene and provide at least twice as much fresh flesh and blood as the damaged parts of her body. This means they must rely on Marsil's specialty: resurrection using black magic, which is taboo in modern times. Marsil reassembles Farin's bones and begins the resurrection using the red dragon's flesh and blood. The resurrection is successful, and Farin is brought back to life. This is a memorable scene in which the goal of the dangerous journey of delving into the dungeon penniless is achieved.
Ranking of the Best Scenes from "Dungeon Meshi"
Source: Dungeon Meshi ©Ryoko Kui, KADOKAWA / Enterbrain
What did you think? This time, we've introduced our own ranking of the best scenes from "Dungeon Meshi." The rankings include scenes unique to adventure games and scenes that could only be found in "Dungeon Meshi." There are many other memorable scenes in the story, so be sure to check them out. Thank you for reading to the end.
