Part 9 is the quietest chapter. The dungeon is left behind, but the protagonist doesn’t leave. Instead, we see a return to the surface world—briefly—before choosing to go back down. Tagame ends on an ambiguous note: freedom vs. chosen captivity. The final image mirrors the first panel of Part 1. Many readers find this frustrating, but it’s intentional. There is no Part 10 (as of now).
Here’s a useful blog post for readers following Desert Dungeon by Gengoroh Tagame, specifically covering Parts 4–7 and 9 (noting the absence of Part 8 in many online collections). Navigating the Depths: A Reader’s Guide to Gengoroh Tagame’s Desert Dungeon (Parts 4–7 & 9)
Surprisingly, Part 6 sees a subtle reversal. The protagonist begins anticipating commands, and the dungeon master shows rare vulnerability (a cracked mask panel). Tagame plays with the idea of mutual dependency. This is where readers often either quit (too dark) or get hooked (complex psychology). The final page has a single tear—controversial among fans.