Is it wrong for slimes to be in dungeons? (revised)

Chapter 49: Shattered Equilibrium

(Rimuru POV)

A blank, floaty feeling surrounded me. Darkness stretched as far as the eye could see.

I was in sleep mode for the second time since coming to this world. I hadn't needed to experience it as much because I wasn't constantly naming things, but at least back then I knew why it was happening. But, once again without explanation I found myself here.

It had been rather stressful when I first found myself in this state, but it's not like worrying would speed anything up. Besides, I needed to keep a cool head if I wanted to respond quickly.

Still the circumstances leading up to this were less than ideal.

I really hope that was my imagination but... I couldn't afford to treat it like that. I wasn't sure how long it was and for some reason Great Sage wasn't responding to me either so I really was concerned about what exactly happened.

I could only hope something similar to last time doesn't come to pass...

That'd be very unfortunate.

Just then though a familiar voice permeates my consciousness.

<<Confirmed. The unique skill, Great Sage, has regained control and can initiate operations.>>

Eh?

<<Confirmed. Magicule levels have stabilized. End sleep mode?

Yes

No>>

Woah woah woah, back up. What's going on? I complain internally.

Great Sage is back. That's good. But I still don't really have a handle on the situation.

Why did sleep mode activate all of a sudden this time?

<<Answer. The support system for your soul, granted by the dungeon has been deactivated>>

Eh? Wait what?

<<Magicule levels destabilized, while your soul was stabilized master's physical condition was unable to be maintained>>

Oh... I see. Then why were you gone?

<<...>>

?

<<Answer. The construct known as the dungeon, restricted my ability to respond to master since you've come to this world.>>

Eh? But I've been talking to you...?

<<Answer. The Dungeon used the Voice of The World to talk to master impersonating the Great Sage skill ever since you've come to this world>>

...

My thoughts screech to a halt. Processing just what the words mean.

I recall everything said between great sage and I since coming here.

Then all this time.

<<...>>

I...I see. A hole. Another hole. An empty feeling that couldn't be filled.

But I also knew.

This is where I'm supposed to feel guilt.

The signs were there. The differences in articulation and the usual dryness was gone. And Great Sage's ability to understand human emotions and manipulate them was something else entirely. Just a few days ago it had both, Bell and Hermes in the palm of its hand. That's something the old Great Sage could've never accomplished... Yet I thought nothing of it. I was preoccupied with so many other things...but, that was a weak defense.