Lantern, an explorer, lives in a city where dungeons spontaneously appear.
He lived a bloody yet peaceful, solitary, and carefree life, but after a series of events, he finds himself no longer alone.
And, through various circumstances, it has been published by Shueisha Dash X Bunko.
Lantern, a powerful but weary solo explorer, emerges from a dungeon into the bustling Dungeon Special Zone. After a routine exchange with their salvager, Lantern is warned about "Raider remnants" in the Lower Town. Returning to their dilapidated apartment, Lantern discovers three men torturing a "rag-doll" girl. Exhausted but pragmatic, Lantern swiftly incapacitates the leader and his henchmen with their warhammer, revealing a brutal efficiency. When the girl, revealed to be under a magical "Slave Choker" controlled by the leader's "Order Ring," attempts to stop Lantern, Lantern pursues and executes the fleeing men, their eyes glowing fiery orange-red, earning them the moniker "Pumpkin Head."
Lantern, despite their solo nature, decides to help the freed girl, Lilion, driven by a lingering sense of morality from their past world. Lilion is timid, malnourished, and naive, revealing she was exploited as a "porter apprentice" by the men, who were actually explorers. Lantern initially refuses Lilion's plea to become their porter, citing their solo status and Lilion's lack of experience and equipment. However, Lilion's unwavering determination, her raw combat potential (demonstrated by her incredible reflexes), and Lantern's recognition of their own past loneliness and fear in her, eventually sway Lantern. Lilion's gratitude and trust break through Lantern's emotional barriers, leading Lantern to accept her as a partner.
The next day, Lantern takes Lilion to the Upper Town. Lilion is overwhelmed by the city's grandeur and the cost of goods, having lived a life of poverty. At the Explorer's Guild, Lantern registers Lilion as an explorer, reassuring her about her "Quarter-Giant" heritage, which she fears will lead to discrimination. Lantern also purchases new explorer gear and a custom-made shield and greatsword for Lilion from Gran's workshop. During a sparring session, Lilion's exceptional strength and natural fighting style (suited for a shield) are revealed, impressing Lantern and the craftsmen.
Lantern's new role as Lilion's guardian and mentor deepens. Lilion's innocence and complete trust are both endearing and challenging for the socially awkward Lantern. During a shared bath, Lilion's affectionate nature and rapid physical development further fluster Lantern, who struggles with the unexpected intimacy. Despite their internal conflicts and the challenges of leading a partner, Lantern commits to guiding Lilion into the dungeon, accepting the responsibility of their shared journey. The narrative shifts from Lantern's solitary, pragmatic existence to a burgeoning partnership, exploring themes of identity, trust, and the complexities of human connection in a harsh world.
 | Become a Novelist https://ncode.syosetu.com › ... Pumpkin-Headed Lantern. Author: mm. Lantern lives as an explorer in a city where labyrinths pop up everywhere. He lives a carefree, bloody, and peaceful life, but one thing and another leads to another... |
Dash X Bunko https://dash.shueisha.co.jp › lanthan Pumpkin Head Lantern 03 Special Site mm / illustration kyo. The cult-popular web novel is finally being published in book form! A super authentic labyrinth. The latest volume, volume 3, will be released on Tuesday, August 25th! "Pumpkin Head Lantern..." | |
 | Amazon.jp https://www.amazon.co.jp › Cabo... Book Summary: A dark fantasy that has gained cult popularity online is joining the Dash X Bunko series! In a city filled with labyrinths, a young boy named Lantern continues to explore them alone... |
 | BookWalker https://bookwalker.jp › ... Pumpkin Head Lantern 01; Author: mm (author) · Kyo (illustrator); Label: DashX Bunko Digital; Publisher: Shueisha; Category: Light Novel; Release Date: February 25, 2015... |
 | Comic Seymour https://www.cmoa.jp › title Lantern is a young boy who continues to explore labyrinths alone as a solo explorer. In the midst of his daily life of struggle and loneliness, he meets a tall, slender girl named Lillion. Despite her appearance, she has a somewhat childish personality. |
 | BookLive https://booklive.jp › index › vol_no [Free Trial Reading] [Combined Edition] Explorers, Conquer the Labyrinth! It's a city filled with countless labyrinths. Explorers risk their lives to enter the labyrinths, and some even find glorious... |
 | Bookmeter https://bookmeter.com › books This is a list of reviews and comments for "Pumpkin Head Lantern Volume 1" by mm. A free sample of the e-book version is available. There is a spoiler filter so you don't have to worry about reviews and comments that contain spoilers. |
 | eBookJapan https://ebookjapan.yahoo.co.jp › b... Lantern is a young boy who continues to explore labyrinths alone as a solo explorer. In the midst of his daily life of struggle and loneliness, he meets a tall, slender girl named Lillion. Despite her appearance, she has a somewhat childish personality. |
 | Bookoff Official Online Store https://shopping.bookoff.co.jp › ... [Book] Pumpkin Head Lantern (Paperback Edition) Set by mm (author) and Kyo. Free shipping on orders over ¥1800. Books, manga, CDs, DVDs, games, and more... |
| Become a Novelist https://syosetu.com › view › bookid In a city filled with countless labyrinths, a young boy named Lantern continues to explore labyrinths alone. In the midst of his daily life of struggle and loneliness, Lantern meets a certain girl: a tall, slim girl named Lillion. |